The Siege at Jadotville: The Irish Army’s Forgotten Battle

[Bill Moore]

Just watched a good film, a movie on Netflix, about the Siege of Jadotville, where an Irish Company of UN Peace Keepers held out against improbable odds for six days in 1961against a large adversary force of French Mercs and African troops in the Congo. Once they ran out of ammo, they surrendered, and were held captive for a month before being released. Based on a true story, what little I can find of the history the movie follows the historical narrative.

Also a sad story on UN politics and bureaucracy, but there won't be any surprises there.

[davidbfpo]

Bill,

Just watched the film, excellent and sad those who served waited till 2005 to be properly honoured by their own, Irish government. Perhaps the passing of Dr Conor Cruise O'Brien enabled this? No, he died in 2008.

A new Irish newspaper account ends with:

If there is a lesson for today in the UN mission of 1960-1964 in the Congo, it is that force should only be applied for well thought out political objectives.

Link:http://www.theirishstory.com/2016/10...and-the-congo/

I will merge this thread into the one started last week.

[Bill Moore]

David,

Thanks for finding a proper home for my post. The conflict in the Congo is probably the world's longest running World War (at 7 different countries involved, more at other times). I recall in hindsight the SecGen of the UN dying in aircraft crash from my history readings, but I didn't know anything about the UN peacekeeping/enforcement role. Fascinating story, very sad the company commander didn't get due recognition before he died, but ultimately he received the ultimate award, the respect of his soldiers.

[davidbfpo]

An update on Commandant Quinlan, the CO @ Jadotville:

A brave army commander whose lightly armed force held out for six days in a siege made famous on film has finally been honored with a memorial in his home county, Kerry, 56 years after the battle. Former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny, officiating at the memorial, said Quinlan was an extraordinary leader and a true hero to his men following a furious battle with Katangese forces in the Congo in September of 1961.
He said Ireland should be proud of its Defence Forces and their peace keeping work with the United Nations from their first mission in the Congo to the present day.

Link:https://www.irishcentral.com/news/ir...inally-honored