The bravery of Irish soldiers who fought a battle in the Congo in 1961 has been formally commemorated by a memorial unveiled today by the Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea.
He told guests at Custume Barracks in Athlone today that "the story of Jadotville and the heroism displayed there by the soldiers of 'A' Company seemed to have been largely forgotten."
In September 1961, 150 troops Irish troops fought 4,000 Katanganese soldiers led by Belgian officers at Jadotville for four days. Irish troops inflicted 300 fatalities on their adversaries, sustaining seven casualties.
They withstood attack until their ammunition, food and water ran out, leading to their surrender.
The Minister said that "while there was no formal criticism, there has been the appearance of adverse comment in some quarters. The lack of formal recognition of the events at Jadotville served in some ways to reinforce this sense of grievance and criticism."
He said the memorial commemorates ordinary soldiers doing extraordinary things and would serve as a lasting reminder of their remarkable achievement.
The Jadotville memorial plaque honours the officers, NCOs and men of 'A' Company of the 35 Infantry Battalion of the UN force in the Congo.