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world from the Congo to East
Timor, from Western Sahara to
Uganda, Lebanon, Somalia, Kosovo, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Chad,
Liberia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
and even the Arctic Circle with the
EU Battlegroup.
Many members of the Defence
Forces paid the ultimate sacrifice
while serving on peacekeeping
missions overseas came from
these units. At the stand down
parade held to mark the disestablishment of 5 Inf Bn a wreathlaying ceremony was held in
tribute to the five members of the
unit who gave their lives while on
peacekeeping duties overseas.
In addition to these sacrifices
the men and women of these
units often also displayed exemplary bravery on these often
dangerous missions. Indeed, 4 Fd
Arty Reg has the honour of being
a highly decorated unit in the Defence Forces. During their standdown ceremony on December 4th
(St Barbara's Day) at Ballinamuck,
Co Longford, the regiment paid
tribute to three of these men,
the late Capt Tom Boyle, Sgt John
Quirk and Cpl Bill Allen (who was
the guest of honour on the day),
all of whom were awarded DSMs
for their leadership, courage, and
devotion to duty while serving
with ONUC in Katanga, Congo, in
December 1962/January 1963.
While the units may be disestablished and their colours may
be laid up, these units will live on
in their histories. We can also be
sure that, steeped as they are in
the traditions and ethos of the
Defence Forces, the members
of these units will carry on their
proud and honourable service in
their new postings.
An Cosantóir Feb 2013 www.dfmagazine.ie
4 Fd Arty Reg at Ballinamuck
The 5 Inf Bn Assoc. led by former COS Lt Gen G McMahon (Retd)
& marched on parade by Sgt Maj Mick Peirce (Retd)
Combined Pipe Band
