UNEF II UNITED NATIONS EMERGENCY FORCE II In Nov 1973 I served with 73 Canadian Signals Squadron in Camp Shams, Cairo, Egypt and Rabah in the Sinai peninsula. The United Nations went back in just after the end of the "Six Day War", and the Peace Talks were held at "Kilometer 101".  Almost seven months were spent living in tents and sleeping bags and was not considered a "hardship tour" while later tours in buildings and rooms with beds and sheets were - "bureaucratic logic??".  In 1977 I returned for my second tour with 73 Canadian Signals Squadron at the Swedish contingent at Swedbatt, Baluza in the Sinai peninsula and  then with the Canadian Contingent stationed at Ismailia, Egypt. Many Peacekeepers have several tours at the same locations, so it came out that a silver numeral on the centre of the ribbon would indicate the number of tours. Click here or on the medal to see information the medal's description and the establishment of UNEF II.

UNDOF UNITED NATIONS DISENGAGEMENT OBSERVER FORCE My third tour was in 1978 with UNDOF Signals Troop with the Austrian contingent at Ausbatt and then with the Canadian contingent. Click here or on the medal to see information the medal's description and the establishment of UNDOF.

UNFICYP UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN CYPRUS Finally I served in Cyprus in 1984 with at the Mount Troodos detachment and at the Blue Beret Camp in Nicosia, attached for the full tour to 256 Royal Signals. Click here or on the medal to see information the medal's description and the establishment of UNFICYP.

In 1988 all those who served as United Nations Peacekeepers won the Nobel Peace prize, although we did not receive a "Nobel" medal or participate in the Nobel grant..

My father "Chappy" also served four tours with the United Nations in Egypt and Cyprus.  He was presented his Canadian Citizenship papers on parade while serving with the UN in Egypt.

In 1992 the Peacekeeping Monument "Reconciliation" was unveiled and dedicated in Ottawa with a parade of former Canadian Peacekeepers. I think this was the first time where all ranks from Generals to Privates marched side by side in the ranks. For some of us it was difficult to choose which contingent we would march with.

On the wall underneath the three Peacekeepers is the quote:

"We need action not only to end the fighting but to make the peace... My own government would be glad to recommend Canadian participation in such a United Nations force, a truly international peace and police force."
Lester B. Pearson
November 2, 1956.

«Nous devons agir non seulement afin de mettre fin ŕ la guerre mais aussi pour rétablir la paix... Mon gouvernement serait heureux de recommander la participation canadienne ŕ force internationale des Nations Unies.»
Lester B. Pearson
 Le 2 novembre 1956

The short wall is engraved with the UN missions that Canada has participated in.

For those with GPS, the coordinates, within a couple of meters, for the base of the monument at Lester B. Pearson's quote are:
Datum: WGS-84
N 45.42872^o W 75.69672^o
N 45^o25'43.4" W 75^o41'48.2"
N 45^o25.723' W 75^o41.803'
(Base of the monument at Lester B Pearson's quote)

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Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (CPSM) Canadian Peacekeepers will be receiving Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (CPSM) medal from the Canadian Government.  (You must apply for this medal!) Click here or on the medals for background and updated information on the CPSM The three Peacekeepers on the back are representations of the ones at the Peacekeeping Monument in Ottawa. Click here to go to the see information  Canadian Heroes and the Honours and Awards.  Once there, click on the 'Honours and Awards' button, then click on 'The Administration of Canadian Honours'.  On this page click on 'on-line application process'.  Click here to go directly to the on-line application form.

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