Operation Palliser - Definition

British Armed forces operations in Sierra Leone in 2000 under the command of Brigadier David Richards.

• rescue of captured soldiers by SAS/Paras from the West Side Boys. "Operation Barras" in Sierra Leone, 2000.
• stabilisation of Sierra Leone.

7th May 2000, out go the 1st Battalion, The Parachute Regiment,

There to evacuate British nationals, EU and Commonwealth citizens in case Rebel forces managed to capture Freetown.

• aims: evacuation, hold the airport and patrol Freetown, to allow UN supplies to be landed and flown in safely.

Revolutionary United Front (RUF) - rebel forces trying to overthrow the government.

Ships were deployed: HMS Ocean, HMS Illustrious, HMS Argyll, HMS Chatham, RFA Fort Austin and two RFA LSLs.

• 17th May 2000, the Rebel leader Foday Sankoh was captured by Government forces and transported to a secure location by helicopter.
• Operation Palliser ended on 15 June 2000.

see: http://britains-smallwars.com/Sierraleone/Operation-Palliser.html