881 Signal Squadron - Chowl Zari Team photo (1)

(88 Signal Regiment related photo): Chowl Zari, Iran - Ali and Hussein who looked after some of the UNMOs comforts, preparing food that came off the truck, etc. We, the four Canadian signallers were self-sufficient and were housed in a bunker as seen in the distance. An unfortunate accident occurred in Nov 1988 timeframe; an Iranian soldier who assisted these two lads was re-fuelling the hot water fuel tank (it was still lit and located in the structure seen in this photo) and an explosion took place. I was positioned underneath the vehicle with a vehicle technician at the time that is seen in the distance. As I moved my head out to observe, the French LCol D’Aris who was having a shower at the time, came darting across the road way into his bunker {he was under the impression Artillery was incoming}. Within seconds, the Iranian soldier appeared and on fire. Two of the Iranian guards patrolling the area, swiftly got him to the ground and with a blanket put out the fire. The injured soldier was quickly put into a vehicle and transported to a nearby clinic. As the Turkish UNMO and I assessed the area, the only remaining item on the roadway was the soldiers burnt flip flop. In discussion with the Iranian camp LO, the soldier suffered a great deal of third degree burns and was receiving the medical care that he needed.

Credit: Paul Cormier