Council backs Siege of Jadotville recognition

The siege of Jadotville occurred in September 1961 when a small contingent of 157 Irish troops, serving as part of the UN Operation in the Congo, were besieged in the mining town of Jadotville by approximately 3,000 Katangese forces loyal to the secessionist State of Katanga.

Although the Irish soldiers resisted Katangese attacks for five days they were eventually forced to surrender and were subsequently held as prisoners of war for a month. Only eight of the men recommended for medals are alive today.

Speaking to Full Council after tabling a motion, SDLP Councillor Steven Edwards, said: “What happened these brave soldiers after their release is reprehensible. Instead of being given a hero’s welcome and medals for their bravery, these men were called cowards and Jadotville Jacks. They were shamed and many faced psychological issues for decades after. It is only right that the Irish Government intervenes and gives them the full honour that they deserve. While a review body has been set up I do believe that this is a decision that could be taken up immediately.”

DUP Alderman Ryan McCready said: “Soldiers are too often let down and forgotten about by their governments and in particular when operations go horribly wrong or politically sensitive thereafter, through no fault of the soldiers and this is the case with the Siege of Jadotville. It is only right and proper that they are recognised for their outstanding gallantry and bravery and that the Taoiseach and his Minister of Defence posthumously award medals to those who have sadly died since and award medals to the remaining eight men.”

The Council will now write to the Taoiseach, Minister of Defence and the Irish President requesting they formally award the Military Medal of Gallantry to the veterans of the siege.

By Gillian Anderson

Local Democracy Reporter