New Zealand peacekeeper receives bravery award

A New Zealand soldier who risked injury stopping a riot in East Timor has received a commendation for bravery from the commander of the United Nations peacekeeping force there.

Captain Karl Maddaford's actions in mid-July were recognised this week by the UN force commander in East Timor, Lieutenant General Winai Phattiuyakul, in a formal commendation.

It said Captain Maddaford had voluntarily put himself at the gates of the police station when it became clear a mob was forming, and had received death threats and risked injury supporting the police.

Captain Maddaford had displayed bravery in protecting two officers whose lives were endangered by a vehicle trying to ram the police compound's gates.

The commendation said Captain Maddaford's actions were a credit to him and the New Zealand 6th Battalion which is on peacekeeping duties in East Timor until late this year.


Feature: Indonesia and East Timor

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