In 1854, Florence Nightingale and a team of 38 nurses arrived in the Crimea to set up a hospital for British troops at Scutari.

CNN: Wednesday,

In the south west of Rwanda the French troops set up a secure zone, code-named Turquoise.

BBC: Part Three - France and the World

As this transition in our mission takes place, our troops will focus on a more limited set of tasks, including counterterrorism operations and training, equipping, and supporting Iraqi forces.

CNN: Text of President Bush's speech

Unlike the war spending bill Bush vetoed May 1, the new measure does not set a date for the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops.

CNN: War-funding bill faces uncertain future in Senate

If Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba judges the area safe after team members report back, he will likely order the main body of around 600 ground troops to set off beginning in late January, according to a Reuters report.

CNN: Japan ground troops set to leave

Now, Ms Peace has set her sights on cheering up the troops over Christmas with a campaign in which friends, families and growing band of celebrities are photographed with a sign saying Smile Camp Bastion.

BBC: Zoey Peace's blog makes Camp Bastion troops smile