"1st Battalion Irish Guards in the Kacanik Defile"

Ref: DR086

by David Rowlands

Size 58 x 38 cm

In 1999, Kosovo was facing a grave humanitarian crisis, with forces from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) and the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) in daily engagement. Ethnic tensions were at their highest and the death toll had reached a historic high. Nearly one million people had fled Kosovo as refugees. Under a United Nations mandate, the Kosovo Force (KFOR), a NATO-led international peacekeeping force responsible for establishing a secure environment, entered Kosovo on 12th June 1999.

KFOR's route from Macedonia into Kosovo led through a long narrow gorge, with its bridges and tunnels reportedly well mined. After key points were secured by airborne forces, 4th Armoured Brigade crossed the border. Though the Kacanik Defile was perfect for ambush, the advance went smoothly, and the armoured vehicles of the Irish Guards Battle Group led the advance into the capital city of Pristina the following day.

This painting shows Warriors of 1st Battalion Irish Guards in the Kacanik Defile passing a Scimitar CVRT of the Reconnaissance Platoon. The 'Ever-Open Eye' (the badge of the Guards Armoured Division during the Second World War) adorns the Warrior of the best gunner in the Battalion. Major Ben Farrell IG, liaison officer, and his bodyguard, Colour Sergeant Andy Haines, stand beside their Land Rover. Ammunition boxes of the Yugoslav Army litter the road.

I was hosted by the Irish Guards in Kosovo, and shared a billet with the RQMS, WO2 Ray Collister. Ray drove a truck from Skopje through the Kacanik Defile, up to Pristina, with Guardsmen and myself in the back of the truck.

On 7th June 2000, this painting was exhibited at Regimental Headquarters Irish Guards on the day marking the regiment's Centenary. After a service of thanksgiving and commemoration in the Guards Chapel, a reception was held in the State Apartments of St James’ Palace, and I was presented to both Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and HM The Queen, Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment, by the Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion.