The Siege at Jadotville: The Irish Army's Forgotten Battle - Softcover

Declan Power

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0954870719 ISBN 13: 9780954870713

Publisher: Maverick House, 2005

Synopsis

The Irish soldier has never been a stranger to fighting the enemy with the odds stacked against him. The notion of charging into adversity has been a cherished part of Ireland’s military history.In September 1961 another chapter should have been written into the annals, but it is a tale that lay shrouded in dust for years.The men of A Company, 35th Irish Infantry Battalion, arrived in the Congo as a UN contingent to help keep the peace. For many it would be their first trip outside their native shores. Some of the troops were teenage boys, their army-issue hobnailed boots still unbroken. They had never heard a shot fired in anger. Others were experienced professional soldiers, but were still not prepared for the action that was to take place.Led by Commandant Pat Quinlan, A Company found themselves tasked with protecting the European population at Jadotville, a small mining town in the southern Congolese province of Katanga. It fell to A Company to try and protect people who later turned on them. On 13 September 1961 the bright morning air of Jadotville was shattered by the sound of automatic gunfire.The men of A Company found their morning Mass parade interrupted, and within minutes went from holding rosaries to rifles as they entered the world of combat. This was to be no Srebrenica; though cut off and surrounded, the men of Jadotville held their ground and fought …This is their story.

About this title

About the Author

Declan Power is a working journalist who specializes in security and defense reporting. He was a career soldier who served in the three combat arms of the Irish Army, attended military college, and served within the higher echelons of Defense Headquarters.

Review

''In telling the full story for the first time, former soldier Declan Power does the brave men of A Company a great service.'' --Irish Times (Dublin)

''Siege at Jadotville lifts the lid on one of the most controversial episodes in Ireland's UN service.'' --Sunday World (Dublin)

''A fine book, well-written and expertly researched. It offers a clear insight into a period of Irish history endangered of being forgotten.'' --Western People (Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland)

Edition details

• Publisher: Maverick House
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0954870719
• ISBN 13: 9780954870713
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 288