The Canadian Contingent United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL)

Much thanks to LCol RP Bonner (retd) for providing the article text and photos.

At a lowering of the flag ceremony, which marked the withdrawal of the Canadian Contingent In Lebanon on 1 Oct 78, Major-General EA Erskine (Ghana), Force Commander UNIFIL, made these comments: ".....Officers and men of CANSIGS: To command and control any meaningful force, one needs efficient, effective and reliable communications systems. In our Area of Operations, where hostile activities prejudicial to peace and security do erupt both day and night, it becomes even more Important for UNlFIL to count on such efficient communications. This requirement underscores the rather vital and unique role that the Canadian Contingent Is performing with the UNlFIL here In southern Lebanon. I therefore wish to take this opportunity to pay the highest tribute to all officers and men of CANSIGS. I wish to register my deep appreciation to the Chief Signal Officer, LCol George Lackonick; the Commanding Officer, Maj Roger Bonner; and all officers and men of CANSIGS for the honourable role they have played and continue to play to give us the means to ensure the good command and control UNIFIL deserves. CANSIGS has not limited itself to providing pure communications but has extended its radio repair and maintenance capability to other units, since these services in the force are limited. I would like to record our appreciation especially to the Signal Despatch Service Detachment, Line Detachment, Radio Troop, Support Troop, and the Supply and Maintenance Detachment, for the risks they have taken to ensure efficient services for UNlFIL. Rather unfortunately, and painfully for that matter, CANSIGS will not see UNIFIL through its second mandate. It is important to stress that the decision to curtail its participation with UNIFIL was taken at the time that the Canadian Government offered to participate. I would like to dispel all speculation that this decision is recent and based on the general situation in Lebanon...."

INTRODUCTION

The above diary entry of 3 May 78 made by the CANSIGS Detachment Commander MCpl Mike Forbes located with the Nepalese Battalion in Southern Lebanon portrayed the troubled Lebanese situation which led to Canada's latest contribution to yet another United Nations Peacekeeping effort. During their tour of duty this detachment, located initially at Ebel Es Saqi then Blate, was regularly subjected to indirect and occasional direct exchanges of RPG (Rocket propelled Grenade), MG (Machine Gun), Mortar, and Artillery fire between PLO elements located at Chateau du Beaufort and Christian de facto Forces in the Marjayoun area.

The experience of the Canadian Contingent in Lebanon during the first six-month UN Mandate was viewed by all participants as an effective achievement. Unfortunately, by the time of their withdrawal in early Oct 78, Canadian troops felt a sense of disappointment, as it appeared that there was no clear political solution to Lebanon's complex struggle.

To set the stage for the reader, the first part of this article provides a general overview of the events which precipitated the call for United Nations assistance by the Government of Lebanon and describes the UN deployment during the first mandate. This is followed by the CANSIGS story and is concluded with some observations on this most recent and unique UN operation.

UNIFIL Background

THE CANSIGS STORY