As you are probably aware, there is a severe problem in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Landmines and civil unrest between the three ethnic cultures. My Regiment is currently based in Gornji Vakuf in Bosnia and I have a special responsibility for mines training across the British Divisional area. At present there are approximately one million mines plus in this country. Most have been placed in and around towns and villages; few if any are cordoned off. De-mining work is at present being carried out by the Entity Armies, however at the current rate it is likely to take at least 50 years to clear all the mines.

There are three thrusts to our work. Firstly, the continued mines awareness training for the complete Division, in order to re-emphasise the dangers that mines pose throughout the area. Secondly the detailed training for British and other SFOR nations, Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers in the Monitoring of the Entity Army de-mining teams. Monitors are responsible for ensuring that the de-mining teams DO actually clear the mines in accordance with the Dayton Peace Accord.

Our third and probably most important task is the teaching of children of all ages. The messages we try to get across are the dangers mines pose, how to avoid them and what to do if they find themselves in a minefield. The schools here in Bosnia are very poorly equipped. Many have been damaged by the civil war. In some cases mines surround the schools. In an attempt to drive home our message, particularly to small children, we give out small toys, crayons, colouring books and sweets. We also like to present the school with a small amount of stationery. All the things we give out have come from companies in the UK and from the soldiers themselves.

This supply has all but dried up. I would like to ask you if you could give a little publicity to our work. It would be extremely beneficial for the children if schools, teachers, parents, children and any companies who visit your web site could please help by sending a few of the items? It would be gratefully received and could help to save a child's life.

The work we do has helped to prevent the situation which exists in Angola and Mozambique, where many adults and children have been killed and maimed by mines. I am sure that you will agree that this is a worthwhile and sincere cause, which needs all the support it can get to succeed. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I do look forward to hearing from you soon.

I R SMITH
Warrant Officer Class 2, Divisional Mines Awareness Trainer

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