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world from the Congo to East Timor, from Western
Sahara to Uganda, Lebanon, Somalia, Kosovo, Cambo-
dia, Afghanistan, Chad, Liberia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
and even the Arctic Circle with the EU Battlegroup.
Many members of the Defence Forces paid the ulti-
mate sacrifi ce 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 wreath-laying ceremony was held in tribute to the
fi ve members of the unit who gave their lives while on
peacekeeping duties overseas.
In addition to these sacrifi ces 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 stand-down 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, cour-
age, 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.
Last Shoot of 2 & 4 Fd Arty Regs
4 Fd Arty Reg at Ballinamuck
4 Inf Bn Colours
5 Inf Bn, In Remembrance
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FROM THE ARCHIVES
An Cosantóir Volume 73 Issue 01, February 2013
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