Postcard for INTERFET the International Force for East Timor
Date1999
Object number00036849
NamePostcard
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 105 x 145 mm
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis postcard depicts the island of Timor flanked on either side by 20 flags of the nations who contributed to INTERFET (International Force for East Timor). The reverse of the card reads 'Operation stablise east timor 1999/2000'. Produced by INTERFET, proceeds from the sale of the cards were donated to the people of East Timor.HistoryThe United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) was established in 1999 following political tension and bloodshed in East Timor during its attempt to gain independence from Indonesia. The International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) was the multinational operation sent to provide aid and ensure a peaceful transition for East Timorese self governance.
Australia made the greatest contribution to this operation and acted as commander of the mission. A number of Royal Australian Navy ships were involved in the campaign including HMAS TOBRUK, a heavy landing ship capable of providing facilities for helicopters and other landing craft such as transport tanks and other vehicles. TOBRUK was commissioned on 23 April 1981.
The INTERFET operation consisted mainly of Australian, New Zealand and United States forces but also received support from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, Norway, Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand and the United Kingdom. The peace and humanitarian operations reached a conclusion on 28 February 2000.
In the early stages of the INTERFET mission Canada contributed some 600 military personnel to East Timor in 1999 consisting of crew from HMCS PROTECTEUR, an infantry company, Sea King helicopters and transport planes. As a replenishment ship PROTECTEUR helped to transport around one million kilograms of cargo and some 2,000 passengers to East Timor. Commissioned on 30 August 1969 PROTECTEUR functions as an operational support ship for the Canadian Navy.SignificanceThis postcard is associated with and produced during Australia's involvement in the East Timor Peacekeeping mission as part of INTERFET between 1999 and 2000. Commanded by Australian Major General Peter Cosgrove, this postcard highlights the important role Australian troops played in the mission.
