Timor leisure centre was scene of conflict

By PAUL YANDALL

Hera has seen its share of death.

The small coastal hamlet, 10km east of Dili, was the scene of militia attacks during the withdrawal of Indonesian forces from East Timor.

At one stage about half of the town's 4000 inhabitants were missing, presumed either dead or held at refugee camps in West Timor.

It was at a military recreation centre in Hera that Private Boyd Reagan Henare Atkins was found dead on Wednesday night.

The athletic 19-year-old infantry soldier from Tolaga Bay, near Gisborne, described as a strong swimmer, is presumed to have drowned.

He was on a four-day leave with 13 other soldiers from the 3rd New Zealand Battalion Group.

The leisure centre, run by an Australian couple, caters for New Zealand and Australian soldiers. The 7500 sq m facility offers them a chance to unwind and enjoy swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing and boating.

It is described as "outstanding" by the New Zealand contingent's senior military officer, Brigadier Lou Gardiner.

Herald Online feature: Timor mission

UN Transitional Administration in E Timor