Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, many of its satellite states also broke up in its aftermath. This included Yugoslavia in 1991. A civil war then ensued in the new republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina. The country was made up of many different ethnicities and the Bosnian Serbs wanted to cleanse their land of non-Serbs. During the course of the war, over 2 million people were driven from their homes.
The UN sent in troops in 1992 to protect aid convoys in the region which were there to support refugees. During Operation Grapple, over 2,400 British troops were deployed to the region. The British found themselves not only with responsibilities to protect convoys but also keep the peace between the Croats and Muslims who had also turned on one another.
The conflict ended in 1994 but hostilities between the different ethnic communities continued. The only way to bring the Serbians to the negotiating table was through NATO bombing campaigns and a major offensive by the Croatian Army.
Andrew attended Oakham School between 1979 and 1984. He was a member of Johnsons and School House.
Andrew studied Engineering at Imperial College London, and also studied at RNC Dartmouth. He was a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy serving on HMS York during Operations Lodestar, Palatine, and Oculus in the Bosnia-Herzegovina conflict.
Benjamin attended Oakham School between 1980 and 1987. He was a member of Sargants, Johnsons and School House.
Oakham School Rugby 1st XV, 1985 - Ben is standing on the far left.
Oakham School Rugby 1st XV, 1986 - Ben is sat fourth from the right.
Oakham School Hockey 1st XI, 1987 - Ben is sat on the far left.
Winter/Spring 1981/1982 Rugby Review: “Indeed, Ben scored in all but one game and his personal skills are developing due to his own hard work”.
Benjamin studied Land Management BSc at Reading University. He was a Captain in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment during the Bosnia and Herzegovina conflict, UNHCR operation.
The badge of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment.
