By Ricky Balona
"As a Veteran I feel that some of our experiences were life changing. Writing helps me put that part of my life into perspective and appreciate the present and excited about the future."
Our kit on the runway before leaving Djibouti airport.
About to arrive at the airstrip in Mogadishu, me in the centre.
The Las Vegas “Hotel” used as an H.Q by another section of our guys.
At Mogadishoe airstrip.
Things getting hot in town!
One of my mate’s found this photo years later on Getty images of me in the front left alongside another Corporal of the Marines on patrol with our sections.
My mates Micky, Gunther and Doc Leboisne with Marine.
My friend Ivanhov, Ukrainian Legionnaire.
Choppers landing somewhere in the desert.
Legionnaires and Marines side by side as brothers in arms.
Our Section by nationalities. Bellarus, German, South African, French, Polish, Canadian, Polish, Romainian, Polish. Everyone spoke Legion French, a mixture of European languages unique to the Legion as the Knights Templars of old spoke a Lingua Franca in Europe when different nationalities went on Crusades in order to communicate.
Attempting to get Radio Comms with base out in the sticks.
Legion column on the road.
Our good mate Ray Trembath, sadly passed away last year. R.I.P dear friend.
Me left and my mate Ossie Orbon right, Ethiopian border.
