Report Recommends Just One Jadotville Officer Should Receive Medal Of Gallantry

Colonel Pat Quinlan

Soldiers from the midlands were among those who managed to hold off attack by thousands of mercenaries back in 1961.

Just one Irish Army officer who was involved in the Siege of Jadotville in the Congo 60 years ago has been recommended for a medal of gallantry.

An independent review group has concluded commanding officer of 35th Batallion A Company, Colonel Pat Quinlan, should receive the award.

The 158 men from A Company - including a number of soldiers from the midlands - managed to hold off an attack by thousands of mercenaries in 1961 on a UN peacekeeping mission.

They suffered no fatalities and inflicted a large number of casualties on the enemy before being forced to surrender.

The report notes the lack of support and recognition for their bravery when the men returned to Ireland.

The full report can be accessed here.

The Minister for Defence has apologised for the lack of support and recognition given to Irish solider involved in the Siege of Jadotville.

Speaking in the Seanad this evening, Simon Coveney apologised for the lack of acknowledgement of their heroics when they returned to Ireland:

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