DSM for the men who fought at the Siege of Jadotville 1961

It is 55 years now since the men of A company Ireland, fought with great heroism at The Siege of Jadotville Congo 1961, under the command of Comdt Pat Quinlan. They were there, to assist and keep the peace, but that brief subsequently changed! It became apparent that they were not welcome by some! The Company numbered 158 men and sustained constant and horrendous attacks on their person from over 3,000 Katangese and mercenaries for 6 days and nights. These enemy soldiers loyal to the Katangese government sustained 300 casualties and over 1000 wounded.

It was the tactical genius of their Comdt who ordered his men to 'dig in' dig trenches that saved the lives of all his men. Only when support was unable to reach the besieged Irish troops and ammunition, food and water ran out, did Comdt Pat Quinlan broker a cease fire, the men were subsequently held in captivity for over a month!

These men showed incredible courage in the face of unbelievable adversity. They honoured their Commanding Officer, their Company, themselves, but above all they honoured their Country Ireland!