Steve Donlon m.r.i.p.h. cert/dip f.a.a.p.t. c.f.m. m.c.i.f.a. m.b.a.h.i.d.

Environment Prizren: Collateral Conflict Damage was common place. Despite such damage properties were occupied.

Equipment & Machinery.

Onlookers & Helpers.

Mines Awareness (EOD) As a unit we were required to undertake mines awareness training prior to any work. This was given by the Swedish Military.

Norwegian Canine Support. Prior to any exhumation and often during such exhumations, the Norwegian Military were on hand with their search dogs for either EOD materials or Cadavers or their parts.

Grave types.

Multi Occupancy Graves. Initially it was thought this was a single occupancy grave, however 17 bodies were recovered. You may notice the difference in colouration on each photograph, clearly showing compacted and aerated soils.

Exhumed bodies and body parts. As can be seen no two graves produced bodies which were similar. Soil chemistry and composition, together with other factors determined the rate of decomposition. Having a resident anthropologist with each team was of great value.

Cremated remains and body parts. Not every package within the grave would hold a complete cadaver. Top photographs shows a blanket in which were the burnt remains of several bodies. Bottom photograph shows a grave which housed 28 bodies. The removal of such was a very delicate and time consuming exercise. Again, the on site anthropologist proved invaluable.

Pathology. Autopsies were conducted by medical staff from Australia, USA, Singapore and the UK. Each cadaver on arrival would be subjected to a fluoroscopy examination, Right

Weekly Laundry. One of the most unpleasant tasks was that of cleansing the deceased clothing. When completed an album of photographs was prepared and forwarded to the V.R.I.C. for a more formal identification process.

I.C.T.Y Tribunal. During the exhumation of cadavers from a local cemetery (Dragodan), the team was visited by Carla Del Ponte of the U.N. tribunal in The Hague. She acknowledged the work of the BFT, so much so that the above picture adorns her office wall.

Final Farewell

My past, their Future? A New Beginning

Thank you for your attention