An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.
Issue link: https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/63519
18 | LEBANON DIARY BY CAPT PAUL HOLOHAN (105 INF BN, UNIFIL) Pte Joe d'Alton and Pte David Hanrahan delivering water While others celebrated the New Year, the troops of Irishbatt were called upon to aid the people of Bint Jubayl when the hospital's local water supply ran extremely low. To ensure the hospital received sufficient water, A Coy, 105 Inf Bn and the battalion's Transport Platoon organised a daily convoy that diverted much of Irishbatt's own water supply to the beleaguered hospital. Each convoy delivered up to 20,000 litres of water per day and the operation lasted over three weeks. This meant strict water rationing at Post 6-5, HQ of the Irish battalion. Brig Gen Pakenham receiving brief at UN Post 6-50 On January 4th Brig Gen Paul Pakenham (GOC 1 S Bde), accompanied by Mons Eoin Thynne (HCF) and Lt Col Burke, arrived in Lebanon to meet the troops of 105 Inf Bn, most of whom are drawn from the 1 S Bde area. Brig Gen Pakenham visited the three Irish posts and several locations through- out the Irish battalion's area of operations (AO). He also visited the UNIFIL Force Commander, Major General Paola Serra, in Naqoura and the Sector West Commander in Shama. Pte Kane briefing the FC Major Gen Paola Serra On January 31st 105 Inf Bn received an official visit from the new UNIFIL Force Com- mander, Major General Paola Serra (Italy). Maj Gen Serra was warmly welcomed to Post 6-5 by OC 105 Inf Bn, Lt Col Philip Brennan. The Force Command- er received a full operational brief in the TOC, followed by a visit to the Blue Line. Lt Col Brennan delivering Irish cultural brief On February 2nd 105 Inf Bn hosted the Commander Update Brief (CUB) in UN Post 6-5. Sector West Com- mander, Brig Gen Lamanna Carlo, was in attendance along with the various battalion and group com- manders. Along with the usual business of the CUB, Lt Col Philip Brennan briefed the visiting commanders on Irish culture and traditions. The visiting command- ers were introduced to some traditional Irish culinary delights, including a Guinness beef stew prepared and served by Irishbatt's chefs. An Cosantóir May 2012 www.dfmagazine.ie