Text and Photo: LtCdr Klaus Randrup

Armed British LYNX helicopters hovered over the evacuation centre that had been established for the occasion. The Army was positioned in the surrounding terrain, securing the proximity of the centre. At the same time they were busy on the rest of the island as well. Local terrorists and rebels were roaming the area, trying to obstruct the evacuation.

The Army has been in action on Bonnie Island, also known as Bornholm, since Monday. Their task has been to get an overview of the situation, establish an updated picture of the different warring fractions and prepare the evacuation of the 300 civilians.

The army was present in force!

– It is a very complex task where the 400 soldiers we are using is an absolute minimum, says Captain Walther, who is the operations officer of the deployed force.

– When we arrived on Monday we first had to establish an updated intelligence picture. Only then, we could begin to plan the evacuation Wednesday, Captain Walther continues.

– The co-operation with the Navy is a very rewarding experience, where the major challenge is communication. Because of this we have a liaison officer on board THETIS, the Captain ends.