Congo
On 13th July 1960 Ireland was one of the countries requested to provide troops to the proposed ONUC (Organisation des Nations Unies au Congo) mission. ONUC was established in reaction to Belgium’s unilateral intervention to protect its citizens in the newly independent state and to assist in the secession of the mineral-rich Katangan province. The mission’s mandate was to facilitate the removal of Belgian troops, maintain law and order and help legitimise the post-colonial government. The first troops of the 32nd Infantry Battalion left Dublin on 27th July 1960 bound for the Congo. In total eight battalions, two infantry groups and two armoured car squadrons served in the Congo. Of the numerous operations undertaken, and the incidents that happened on these missions, the most well-known would be the Niemba Ambush, the Battle of Jadotville and the Battle of the Tunnel.
Niemba Ambush – Peter Feely
Category: Congo
Peter Feely
Interviewed for MAOHP - 24/06/2016
Location(s): Curragh Camp
Length: 4.29
The Sound of silence
Category: Congo
Sean Norton
Interviewed for MAOHP - 30/01/2017
Location(s): Cathal Brugha Barracks
Length: 0.29
‘It was just an adventure I suppose’
Category: Congo
Seamus McDermott
Interviewed for MAOHP - 13/10/2016
Location(s): Custume Barracks Congo
Length: 1.06
Preparations and Departure for Congo (1961)
Category: Congo
Seamus McDermott
Interviewed for MAOHP - 13/10/2016
Location(s): McKee Barracks
Length: 4.19
Volunteering for Congo
Category: Congo
Seamus McDermott
Interviewed for MAOHP - 13/10/2016
Location(s): Custume Barracks Congo
Length: 1.31
The Irish Army and the Congo
Category: Congo
Gerry McMahon
Interviewed for MAOHP - 21/12/2016
Location(s): Cathal Brugha Barracks
Length: 3.16
Leaving for Congo
Category: Congo
Joe Mallon
Interviewed for MAOHP - 15/12/2017
Location(s): Casement Aerodrome Congo
Length: 3.02