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.