Update - 6 August 01

Hello all, from The 3 RCR Battle Group, Bosnia–Hercegovina!

Well here we are with the 06 Aug 01 "Sitrep" (Situation Report).

Since the last update things have not really changed a lot. People are carrying on with their assigned duties, such as patrolling, and are starting to look forward to the end. Only 2 more months and we will all be safely back in Canada for the hockey season.

The weather here lately can be summed up in one word - HOT. Temperatures range from the high 30's to the low 50's and we've hit 53 here, or should I say it hit us!

Warrant Officer Petr Mrázek, Staff Sargent Michael Jezek
& Warrant Officer Kevin Donovan getting their bearings

Some of the others & I have been busy with patrolling with the Czech Army. We have been going on "familiarization" patrols of their AOR (Area of Responsibility) with them, as the Canadian Battle Group will be assuming command of some of their areas in the near future.

The area that I have been working in is a predominantly Muslim area, bordering with Croatia on the north & the International Boundary between Bosnia and Srpska on the east. It too is a very quiet area, with jobs, schools, and money being their major concerns... very similar to home.

While there we worked with Petr Mrázek, a Czech Warrant Officer who is a Patrol Commander, and Michael Jezek, a Czech Staff Sargent. The hospitality from both was incredible, and Petr had very excellent knowledge of the people and the history of the area. Michael's main task was as "host" and he was our translator, from English to Czech. His English was excellent, which he learned while he lived in Cambridge Ontario, prior to joining the Army. It really is a small world.

An old Ukrainian UNPROFOR Observation Post
near the Croatian/Bosnian Border. Some of the remnants of the war.

An old Serbian T-54/55 tank near the Croatian/Bosnian Border.
More remnants of the war. Checking out the tank is (from left) MCpl Blake Gamble,
Warrant Officer Petr Mrázek & Staff Sargent Michael Jezek.

This area is quiet now, but saw a fair amount of fighting as it is nestled in a "meeting" area between Croat, Serb and Muslim communities. The major towns here are Buzim, and Otoka. Otoka saw the worst, and there is still evidence of the fighting, although most is returning to normal.

An old Russian built T-34 Tank (Cira WWII !!) on a position above Otoka.

This is the view into Otoka from the T-34 Tank.

This tank was dragged up to this site by a team of horses and was used to shoot down the mountain into the town. Pictured are (from left) Warrant Officer Petr Mrázek, Staff Sargent Michael Jezek (Czech Army hosts) & MCpl Blake Gamble.

All in all it was an excellent way to see how another Army works within the guidelines of SFOR, and a great way to discuss problems & solutions with another military force. Also with the knowledge of the AOR possessed and passed on to us by our Czech friends it will be easier for us to prepare and assume responsibility for this AOR.

Well that about sums up this week's Roto 8 Update. If you would like to see certain topics covered or would like to have any specific questions answered, feel free to email me, MCpl Blake Gamble, by clicking here. I'll try to answer all as soon as I am able.

For other information on Bosnia, other Operations or the RHLI in general you can contact the Public Affairs Officer.
See you all soon!
Pro Patria! Semper Paratus!