merrion street

On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Siege of Jadotville, the Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe, T.D. today hosted an event in Custume Barracks, Athlone marking the collective actions of the men of "A" Company, 35th Infantry Battalion and its attachments at the Siege.  The Minister presented a Unit Citation to the Company in recognition of their bravery and heroism.  A copy of the Citation was presented to each member or next-of-kin of the Unit.  This is the first time a Unit Citation has been awarded within the Defence Forces.  In marking this unique occasion, Minister Kehoe has also commissioned an insignia recognising the professional performance of the men of "A" company.

Speaking at the event the Minister said "I am very pleased to present this Unit Citation which recognises the bravery and courage of "A" Company during the Siege of Jadotville whilst cut-off from support and reinforcements."
The Minister also said  "The United Nations Operation in Congo was the first peacekeeping mission in which significant numbers of Irish soldiers took part.  A total of 6,000 Irish soldiers served in the Congo from 1960 until 1964 and I want to take the opportunity to recall the contribution of all who served in the various Irish contingents over the course of this long Mission"

The Minister concluded by saying "Ireland can be justifiably proud of all our brave men and women who have contributed to the cause of peace and security.  Our continued participation in United Nations missions illustrates the very positive and practical difference that small countries, like Ireland, can make in the world's trouble spots"

Note for the Editors:
Jadotville was an event that occurred during Ireland's peacekeeping mission in the Congo in September 1961.  'A' Company of the 35th Infantry Battalion took responsibility for the UN post at Jadotville on the 3rd of September.  On the 9th of September they were surrounded by a large force supporting the breakaway province of Katanga.  Early on the morning of the 13th September the Company came under attack from this force.  Over the coming days until 17th September they endured almost continuous attacks from ground and air.

Despite their courageous resistance and the sustained efforts of 35 Infantry Battalion HQ to provide assistance, 'A' Company was taken into captivity on 17th September.   By this time 'A' Company had no water and several men had been wounded.  'A' Company remained in captivity until finally released on 25th October 1961.
The men of 'A' Company were drawn mostly from Custume Barracks, Athlone and what was the Western Command.

The Citation reads:
UNIT CITATION
AWARDED TO
"A" COMPANY, 35TH INFANTRY BATTALION

"This Citation recognises the leadership, courage, bravery and professional performance of "A" Company 35th Infantry Battalion and its attachments who, under challenging circumstances at Jadotville, while besieged by overwhelming numbers of Katanganese Gendarmerie and cut-off from support and reinforcements, did valiantly defend their position from the 13th September 1961 to 17th September 1961."