An Cosantóir

20 MULLINGAR TO MONROVIA – A SOLDIER'S MEMOIR By Linda Hickey, Archivist, Military Archives Photos by Military Archives JADOTVILLE – 60 YEARS ON The Congo, a former Belgian colony, became an independent Republic on 30 June 1960. Twelve days later, the Congolese government requested military assistance from the United Nations to maintain their territorial integrity. The United Nations Operation in the Congo (Opération des Nations Unies au Congo) known as ONUC was established by Security Council resolution 143 on 14 July 1960. Ireland was one of the countries requested by the UN to provide troops, they accepted and on 19 July 1960 the Irish Government passed the enabling legislation and activated the 32nd Infantry Battalion. This began a four-year commitment to service in the Congo. Between 1960 – 1964 over 6,000 Irish soldiers served, with twenty-six losing their lives. The 35th Infantry Battalion deployed to the Congo in June 1961 and served there until December. They were part of the Katanga Command and were based in Elisabethville. ONUC were continuously engaged with Katangese forces during this period. The 1st Infantry Group, another Irish contingent, was also serving in Katanga at this time and was based in Kamina. Prior to their moving to Jadotville, 35 Inf Bn had taken part in long range patrols and in 'Operation RUMPUNCH', ONUC's attempt to remove foreign mercenaries from Katanga. In late August 'Force Mide', which comprised of one Swedish Company and B Company, 35 Inf Bn, was stationed at Jadotville. Maj Mide of the Swedish Battalion soon learned that they were not welcome there and made the decision to withdraw his forces at the beginning of September. After some confusion between ONUC HQ, Lt Gen Seán MacEoin and UNHQ, - A Company was sent to Jadotville on 3 September. Commandant Pat Quinlan, OC A Company, reported that on arrival the company dug trenches for 'local protection as per COY SOP'. On 9 September Comdt Quinlan requested that a strong reinforcement be sent to Jadotville. Gendarmerie were regularly patrolling the area and their numbers were increasing. It was observed on 10 September that the Lufira Bridge was blocked by Gendarmerie. This would prove crucial in preventing reinforcements reaching A Company later on. On the morning of 13 September fighting broke out and A Company came under attack from a well organised and well- armed Gendarmerie force. They received response from HQ to 'defend yourself with max force'. Positions were manned and A Company returned fire. That same morning 'Operation MORTHOR' was launched, which aimed to end Katanga's secession. The 35 Inf Bn was not informed of the operation in advance. Throughout 13 September and the coming days, the Gendarmerie maintained their attacks. Plans were made for a relief force to go to Jadotville to reinforce A Company. Held up and under heavy attack at the now occupied Lufira Bridge, Force Kane was unable to reach Jadotville. On 14 September, Katangese forces began their air attack and A A Map of the Gendarmerie in the Katanga area from 1961, the map displays the unit strengths in the towns in which the Gendarmerie were stationed A detailed colour illustration of A Coy's Defensive positions from the siege of Jadotville THE BATTLE OF JADOTVILLE – BEFORE AND AFTER MA, OS-ONUC-35INFBN-02-05, Comdt Pat Quinlan to Lt Gen MacEoin, 30 October 1961. MA, ACC-2016-24, 'A' Coy radio log, 9 September 1961. MA, box, 'Jadotville Medals Queries', 35 Inf Bn radio log, entry for 0845, 13 September 1961. MA, OS-ONUC-35INFBN-07-02, Sweeney to Army Press Officer, 30 September 1961. 1 2 3 4

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