Guy Warnock
Photographer unknown. (2003). Guy Warnock meeting with Joshua’s (Timorese family) in 2003. RSL Queensland (Honouring INTERFET | Latest News | RSL Queensland (rslqld.org)
At 18 years old, Guy joined the Regular Army then spent the next 36 years in infantry. Over the course of his career, he served in an infantry battalion, the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), as a training instructor with the Special Forces, as a Commissioned Officer which saw him posted across Australia looking after the training and development of the infantry trade, and then deployments overseas as a Commando, before three years as a squadron commander in The Pilbara Regiment.
“In that time, I’ve also been deployed on several operations, including two to Timor-Leste with INTERFET and later the UN,” Guy says.
“The first time was for five months in late 1999, when I was in the SAS. We were part of General Cosgrove’s strategic reserve: RESPFOR, or the Response Force. Our role was to provide the immediate reconnaissance force for the peacemaking mission in Sector West along the northern part of the Indonesian border, which was the Australian area of operations.
“We also covered areas much further south, where other INTERFET units had yet to visit, to employ our specialist driving skills to bypass landslides and destroyed bridges.
“Basically, we were a ready force that was equipped with strategic long-range communications. We had extra medical training, special equipment and skills, like our own linguists, that allowed us to deploy in the field for long periods of time without the support of anyone else.”
His first deployment to Timor-Leste was one of the hardest postings Guy had ever experienced in his career. He arrived amidst tough, warlike conditions with the mission to prevent the militia from disrupting the peace process of the United Nations, which was supporting East Timor to become a sovereign nation.
“It was physically demanding and relentless in its execution. We’d be working days, weeks on end in the field in tough, mountainous terrain, and jungle conditions during the wet season,” Guy recalls.
“But the local people were still being terrorised and harassed by the militia. It was devastating to see whole villages destroyed or burnt. As there was limited UN police presence, they needed the additional support of our patrols observing the border to stop more militia crossing over.
“One of my most memorable moments was when I helped deliver a baby boy, Joshua. The situation was still dire, but I remember the father rushing to us looking for a doctor and assistance. We arrived just in time. In many ways it felt quite symbolic: new life being born into a new, liberated country. It was truly impactful.
“The locals were tough; sometimes they would be fighting off the militia themselves with bamboo poles. But they were always so happy and appreciative of our support. They were truly happy people despite all the atrocities they endured. It made me want to go back.”
Guy returned for six months in 2003 for a second mission to support the peacekeeping efforts of the United Nations Head Quarters. This time, the conditions were a lot more peaceful.
“Our duties that time included a lot of infrastructure repair and general support for the Timorese. I was truly impressed, once more, by the incredible people. It was so fascinating to see how they lived and how they had moved on,” Guy remembers.
“I was so inspired by the locals and their way of life that I wanted to go back to Timor-Leste again for a third time, but actually be posted there rather than deployed for a mission. So almost 20 years later, when I had the opportunity to do a Tetun language course and take a posting there as a military advisor, I took it.”
Guy was posted to Timor-Leste for three years as part of the Defence Corporation Program. That’s when he came across Veterans Care Associations’ Timor Awakening Program.
“We provided some logistic support to the program during my time there, but what I remember most was witnessing the amazing transformation of the people who participated in the program.
“To see these people – many who had mixed feelings about returning to the country due to the trauma they endured – come away from the experience visibly lifted, made me realise how impactful Timor Awakening’s peer-led support is and made me reflect on how we deliver support to veterans in general.
“To see this program get people up and about in a positive, supportive environment made me reflect on what is truly effective to someone who may not be in a good space.”
When Guy returned home from Timor-Leste, he was invited to participate in Timor Awakening’s Gold Coast program.
“At the time I didn’t think I needed any support, but I realise now that I, like many others, was operating at such a level of stress that it had become my norm and was in fact impacting my life.
“The program showed me that there are some simple strategies you can implement to improve your general health, mental health and relationships. For me these were life changing – but for many, these were live saving.
“I especially liked how the program was peer-led and not run by scientists or doctors; it was a supportive group of people who all shared similar lived experiences.”
Guy says it was encouraging and validating to listen to other members’ experiences and witness them overcome their troubles.“A particular part that stood out for me was hearing some of the veterans – who were initially diminishing their service because they had not deployed – overcome their self-doubt and realise that their service was just as valuable as that of those who had deployed.
“It was wonderful to learn about the many simple strategies you can use to make you more aware of your wellbeing. In the military you tend to focus on the organisation – like the platoon or your particular ship’s department – rather than you as the individual; this experience allowed me to focus on myself and become an active participant in my own recovery.
“I definitely left the program feeling more energised and connected with myself, my family and my communities.
“The program also gave me an insight into what I need to put in place before I transition out of the Defence Force, whenever that may be. Timor Awakening has prepared me for this eventuality, and it is no longer daunting.”
Later this year, Guy will be returning to Timor-Leste to commemorate the 25th anniversary of INTERFET’s deployment, and hopes to reconnect with the now 24-year-old Joshua.
Source: RSL Queensland, 4 September 2024.