Page 20 - Defence Forces Pictorial History

1960/1969
The Sixties
Óglaigh na hÉireann
The Defence Forces

he United Nations mission in the Congo, which lasted
from July 1960 to May 1964, opened up new horizons for
Tthe Defence Forces. Overseas service highlighted many
shortcomings. As a result pay and conditions improved and
equipment was modernised. The 7.62mm FN rife replaced the
.303 Lee-Enfeld, Panhard armoured cars replaced the Swedish
Landverks and Irish-built Fords. Overseas service also came at
a price at places such as Niemba where nine soldiers died on 11
November 1960.

Cyprus was the next area of operations. In April 1964 the frst
Irish unit was sent there to keep the peace between the Turkish
and Greek communities. It turned out to be our longest overseas
mission by far and participation lasted until May 2005.

In June 1963 the President of the United States, John Fitzgerald
Kennedy, visited Ireland. During his visit he laid a wreath on the
graves of the 1916 leaders at Arbour Hill. He declared afterwards
that this had been one of the most impressive experiences of his
life. Before the year was out our Cadets rendered military honours
at his graveside in Arlington following his assassination.

In 1966 the fftieth anniversary of the Rising was commemorated
in military ceremonies involving all elements of the Defence
Forces.

A Pictorial History of Óglaigh na hÉireann, the Defence Forces of Ireland