An Oireachtas briefing on the Siege of Jadotville and the long-running campaign to have those who fought in the historical event recognised with the medal of bravery was widely attended by members of almost all political party members and independent TD’s and senators.
The event (Wednesday 24 January) was organised by Independent TD for Laois Offaly Carol Nolan with the main presentation being delivered by former commandant Leo Quinlan who is the son of commandant Pat Quinlan, who led the heroic defence at the Siege of Jadotville in 1961.
The siege occurred during Ireland’s peacekeeping mission in the Congo in September 1961 when “A” Company, 35th Infantry Battalion who took responsibility for the UN post at Jadotville were surrounded by a large force of Katangese Gendarmerie on the morning of the 13th September.
From the 13th to the 17th September the men were under sustained attack with acts of outstanding military and personal courage being displayed by all members of the Irish mission.
However, despite a number of events marking the heroism of those who defended the Jadotville UN post, outstanding issues surrounding the awarding of Medals for Bravery in Action to the 34 soldiers who were individually and specifically recommended by their officers remain unresolved:
“I was delighted to see so many TD’s and Senators from almost all party’s and none attend what really was a highly emotional, outstanding and compelling presentation by Leo Quinlan,” said Deputy Nolan.
“Leo made it absolutely clear that the failure to grant the medals of bravery is an act of enduring and enormous injustice that has caused heartbreak and devastation not only among the men who took part in the siege but also among their families.”
“The evidence also made it clear that the Independent Review Group established by the Defence Forces Chief of Staff in 2021 was effectively a white-washing exercise that utterly failed to address the devastating failures of the army and indeed the UN.”
“Indeed, the apparent willingness of the state and the army to engage on this matter masks a desire to shield both from institutional and reputational damage.”
“The suggestion was put forward at the briefing that we organise on a cross-party and Independent basis to push for the awarding of these medals, posthumously to 27 of the soldiers and physically to the 7 soldiers still living.”
“That is something I will work on so that we can finally give these heroes and their families the respect they deserve,” said Deputy Nolan, adding that justice was long overdue.
Mr Eugene Doyle, Ceann Comhairle’s Office, Deputy Carol Nolan, Former Commandant Leo Quinlan.
Photo details (top): Former Commandant Leo Quinlan, Senator Tom Clonan, Deputy Carol Nolan, Mr Jimmy Shortt, Birr Historical Society.