Canadian
Peacekeepers
Since the end of the Cold War, peacekeeping has changed
significantly and Canada has needed to adapt to the new climate.
The UN Security Council has established broader and more complex
peacekeeping missions to deal with intra-state conflicts. Along
with traditional military peacekeeping roles, peacekeeping has
expanded to include nation-building elements. To meet this new
mandate, police units and non-governmental organizations have taken
on this responsibility.
Behind all peacekeeping missions there are many stories of
distinction. In 1984, while on mission in the Golan Heights,
Colonel (ret’d) Donald Ethel, under tense circumstances arranged a
significant prisoner of war and soldier remains exchange between
Israel and Syria. Similarly in 1992, Major General (ret’d) Lewis
Mackenzie displayed resolve to secure humanitarian aid to a war
ravaged Bosnian civilian population during the conflict in the
Balkans.
Tragically, some peacekeeping campaigns have led to the ultimate
sacrifice. One hundred and twenty Canadians have loss their lives
while serving on peacekeeping or peacemaking missions. On mission
in Croatia in 1994, MCpl. Mark R. Isfeld lost his life to a
landmine. In 1974, Canada suffered the single highest lost of life
during a peacekeeping mission, when nine airmen were killed after
their Buffalo aircraft was shot down over Syria.
Honouring the Buffalo
Nine
The photograph in the background of this cache is of Buffalo 461
taken approximately two weeks before the aircraft was shot down on
09 August 1974 killing Capt G.G. Foster, 116 ATU; Cpl M.H.T.
Kennington, Cdn Contingent Admin Unit; A/MWO C.B. Korejwo, 1 RCR;
MWO G. Landry, 3 R22eR; Capt K.B. Mirau, 116 ATU; Cpl M.W. Simpson,
116 ATU; MCpl R.C. Spencer, 116 ATU; Cpl B.K. Stringer, 116 ATU;
Capt R.B. Wicks, 116 ATU.
In late 1973 the Canadian Forces commenced another United
Nations operation in the Middle East (UNITED NATIONS EMERGENCY
FORCE II). Included in Canada's commitment to the mission was the
tasking of two Canadian Forces' Buffalo aircraft and crews, whose
home station was Trenton, Ontario. In the Middle East, the unit was
stationed in Ismailia, Egypt, a small city next to the Suez
Canal.
Upon arrival in Egypt, the Buffalo aircraft and their crews
immediately commenced operations, flying on a basis of 150 hours
monthly. The flying was very demanding, not only due to the
ever-changing weather but the danger of flying in a war zone.
This latter aspect was brought home tragically on the 9th of
August 1974 when Buffalo aircraft number 115461 while on a routine
United Nations flight to Damascus, Syria, from Beirut, Lebanon
climbed eastward over the Lebanese highlands, and was shot down by
the Syrian Armed Forces. Apparently the Buffalo was 'painted' by
Syrian radar, and subsequently destroyed by Syrian surface-to-air
missiles.
The Syrians claim it was an accident in that the Buffalo had
shown up on their radar as an Israeli enemy aircraft in an 'attack
profile' heading towards Damascus. The Buffalo crashed near the
village of Diemas, Lebanon. Aircraft Captain Gary Foster of
Calgary, and his crew and passengers totalling nine Peacekeepers
were killed in the crash of the Buffalo aircraft.
In the 60 years of service on International Peacekeeping duties
throughout the world, the incident of the 9th of August 1974 was
the worst loss of Canadian Peacekeepers during any one
incident.
Peacekeepers
Day
On August 9th, citizens across the country have an opportunity
to learn these stories and honour the contributions of Canadian
peacekeepers by observing Peacekeepers Day. Peacekeepers Day,
created by the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations
Peacekeeping (CAVUNP) in partnership with the Canadian Landmine
Foundation (CLF), allows Canadians to recognize this great source
of our national pride. Canadian peacekeepers have answered the
call. The world owes our peacekeepers a debt of gratitude. It is
time for Canadians to honour their service.