The Connaught Street and Environs Community Group will host a special Heritage Week lecture, Jadotville Revisited – The Untold Story, at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone on Wednesday, August 19th, at 7.30 pm.
The presentation will be delivered by retired Commandant Leo Quinlan, son of the late Commandant Pat Quinlan, who led the Irish troops involved in the Siege of Jadotville during the Congo Crisis of 1961.
The event will offer members of the public an opportunity to learn more about one of the most remarkable episodes in Irish military history, examining the leadership, tactical planning and enduring legacy of Commandant Quinlan and the soldiers of ‘A’ Company, 35th Infantry Battalion.
Following the lecture, a new book by Lieutenant Colonel Dan Harvey, Jadotville: Benchmark for Bravery, will be launched.
The story of Pat Quinlan and his men
Commandant Pat Quinlan, who lived at Beech Park in Athlone, was the commanding officer of ‘A’
Company during the Siege of Jadotville in September 1961.
The Irish United Nations peacekeepers, many of whom were based at Custume Barracks in Athlone, found themselves isolated and surrounded while facing repeated attacks from a much larger Katangese force supported by experienced European and South African mercenaries.
The Irish soldiers had no artillery support or air cover and faced rapidly diminishing supplies of food, water and ammunition.
Before the first attack, Quinlan recognised the vulnerability of the company’s position and ordered the construction of a carefully planned defensive perimeter. Trenches, interlocking fields of fire and disciplined defensive positions transformed the exposed base into a formidable stronghold.
For five days, the Irish soldiers resisted repeated assaults by forces numbering several thousand. Despite the overwhelming odds, no Irish soldier was killed during the fighting, although several were wounded.
When ammunition and water were exhausted and no relief arrived, Quinlan made the decision to surrender in order to protect the lives of his men.
His leadership ensured that every member of the company ultimately returned home alive.
International recognition
Commandant Quinlan’s strategic planning and battlefield leadership are now widely recognised as outstanding examples of defensive military operations.
The Battle of Jadotville has been studied as an example of perimeter defence, tactical leadership, discipline and command under extreme pressure.
However, recognition of Quinlan and his men was slow to come in Ireland. For many years, the soldiers felt that the circumstances surrounding the operation had not been fully acknowledged.
Subsequent reviews and historical assessments have vindicated the actions of ‘A’ Company and recognised the courage, professionalism and leadership demonstrated during the siege.
The events at Jadotville also remain an important part of the history of United Nations peacekeeping during a turbulent period in post-colonial Africa.
Campaign for medals continues
The question of military honours for members of ‘A’ Company will also form part of Leo Quinlan’s presentation.
Six soldiers were recommended for the Military Medal for Gallantry, the Defence Forces’ highest award for gallantry, while a further 28 were recommended for Distinguished Service Medals.
However, the recommended medals have not been awarded.
The Quinlan family has maintained that it will not accept any individual honour for Commandant Pat Quinlan unless the soldiers he recommended also receive the recognition proposed for them.
The continued campaign for the medals forms part of what organisers describe as the unfinished story of Jadotville.
“The men of Jadotville never failed Ireland and they never failed in the duties entrusted to them by the United Nations,” the Connaught Street and Environs Community Group said.
“They carried out their duties with extraordinary courage, professionalism and determination against overwhelming odds.
“Through exceptional leadership and unwavering moral courage, Commandant Pat Quinlan ensured that every one of his soldiers returned home alive.”
The group said the respect and admiration for Commandant Quinlan remained deeply felt in Athlone 65 years after the siege.
The Heritage Week lecture will provide a rare opportunity to hear the story of Jadotville from his son and to reflect on a chapter of Irish history whose lessons remain relevant today.
Members of the public are invited to attend Jadotville Revisited – The Untold Story at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel on Wednesday, August 19th, at 7.30 pm.
