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Post by johnnykelly on Aug 17, 2010 22:07:17 GMT
Re:CONGO (ONUC) Hi Elizabeth Nolan/Shortt I remember your Parents well and I looked up the following information in the forum under Curragh Camp Married Quarters 1920s --1980s. Your fathers Army Number was 805040 and lived inthe following houses in Pearse Quarters as follows,No 7 1960--1964, No 36 1964--1970, No 16 1970 --1973. as you can see it was the norm to change quarters frequently as the Family increased through the years, as far as I can remember Your Dad served all of his service in the Military College and was a keen Vollay ball player and also a keen Pitch/Putt player also, I hope that this is of some help in your search, go onto the Army Records Address ofr further information, all the best Johnny xNo6 Pearse
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Post by kathyo on Aug 20, 2010 18:58:19 GMT
hi johnny just back from barcelona thought of you when i seen the stadium, it was an awe-inspiring specatcle. every one had barcelona tops kathyo
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Post by johnnykelly on Aug 20, 2010 20:33:59 GMT
Re:CONGO(ONUC) Hi Kathyo thanks for the thought Barca being a lovely city and stadium I see the weather was nice and warm for your visit we seem to be bypassed when it comes to the sunshine but we have lovely green grass to compliment our weather, no rain no green green grass of home as the song went, bye for now Johnny
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Post by kathyo on Aug 21, 2010 9:28:56 GMT
hi johnny it was lovely and hot plenty good food lot's to drink had a really good time kathyo
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Post by Matt McNamara on Aug 28, 2010 0:23:45 GMT
Written by William Henry Wednesday, 18 August 2010
On 17 September 1961, the same day as the Jadotville ceasefire terms were agreed, Dag Hammarskjold, the United Nations Secretary General was killed under suspicious circumstances in an air disaster near Ndola in Zambia. Many believed that he was murdered and sabotage still has not been ruled out. He was in the process of trying to restore peace between UN and Katangans troops. Image
Dag Hammarskjold was replaced by U Thant of Burma. However, nothing changed and operations in Katanga proved as dangerous as ever with vicious inter-tribal warfare taking place between Balubas, Conekats and Pygmies. Various war parties were rampaging throughout the countryside, burning villages and attacking trains. In December 1961, the 36th Infantry Battalion arrived in the country and within two days they were involved in the Battle of the Tunnel, in Elizabethville.
'The Tunnel' was an actual railway tunnel, which was a vital artery for access to the Katangan capital and the link to Jadotville by rail. The Katangans occupied the tunnel, which was virtually bomb-proof and also the carriages stationed on the railway line above which provided cover from them. From this position, they also controlled the road to the Swedish and Irish Camps. Because of the tunnel's bomb 'defences' it would have to be an infantry assault and the 'honour' fell to the Irish to bear the brunt of the attack. One of the most dangerous men that the Irish troops faced in the Congo was 'Mad' Mike Hoare. He was leading the mercenary at the Tunnel. He was an ex-British army officer and was now taking a leading role in the rebel army.
Following a Mortar Barrage on the morning of Saturday 16 December, the Tunnel was stormed by Irish troops of A and C Companies of the 36th Infantry Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Mick Hogan. The Irish faced two companies of heavily-armed entrenched Katangans, and were well aware of the difficulty and danger of their objective. They had to cross open sodden ground in driving rain under fire from a merciless enemy. The Katangans took full advantage of their superior positions and kept up a continuous flow of mortar and machine-gun fire on the Irish Battalions sent to clear the tunnel. Against this storm of fire, the Irish pushed forward, risking all without question, simply following orders under this unforgiving African sky. The vast majority of these young soldiers had never seen action before, and this was to be their baptism of fire.
The leading platoon engaged the enemy, taking casualties as their Commander, Lieutenant Paddy Riordan fell mortally wounded. Nevertheless, nothing was going to stop the Irish at this stage and they pressed home their attack, dislodging the Katangans from the Tunnel and also driving them from the railway carriages above. However, the victory came with a price tag; they lost two more soldiers - Sergeant Paddy Mulcahy and Private Andrew Wickham - in the attack. A short time later, the Katangans re-grouped and launched an unsuccessful counter attack against the Irish, who stood firm on their hard-won ground.
The achievement of the 36th Battalion in capturing this vital communications link to the capital also meant that the Katangans had no hope of bringing in re-enforcement's from the north. It was a fierce encounter and a major success for the Irish troops, who won international acclaim. The exploits of the Irish troops in taking the Tunnel was recognised by the fact that 14 Distinguished Service medals were awarded.
The Battle of the Tunnel is another example of the courage of Irishmen and also of how easily their achievements were forgotten, remembered only by those who fought and bled on this harsh soil. One of the men involved in the action at the Tunnel was Private Liam Forde, now living in Renmore.
During the assault, Liam stumbled on the bodies of his comrades covered in their ground sheets, a sight he has never forgotten. All of these survivors are very unassuming; one could meet them and leave their company totally unaware of what they witnessed.
There were many Galwegians who served in the Congo, among them, father and son, Mairtin and Paddy O'Flaherty. Mairtin O'Flaherty served in the first tour of duty in 1960, while his son, Paddy served with the last unit in 1963.
Paddy, who is now living in the Claddagh, was only 15 years of age when he enlisted. A year later, he found himself in the Congo. He was still under-age for the army and, when this was discovered after six weeks, he was sent home. However, Paddy was not deterred and re-enlisted when he turned 17.
Coleman Naughton of Bohermore also served in the Congo and returned with some 'trophy' bow and arrows. Another man who served in the Congo was the late Alfie Hannon of Ceannt Avenue, Old Mervue. Lieutenant Jim Fives was the platoon commander of C Company 32nd Battalion and served in the Congo until January 1961. Jim was promoted to Captain during his tour of duty in Africa. Jim is also noted for his hurling skills, being one of Galway's greatest mid-fielders.
It is tribute to the calibre, discipline and professionalism of the Irish soldiers serving in the Congo that more of them weren't killed. Patrolling 'dirt roads' through hostile jungle always provided an opportunity for an ambush and Niemba had proved how dangerous this could be. A patrol usually consisted of an officer, two NCOs and six soldiers; sometime the manpower was less. Some patrols were away from their base for many days, camping in unfamiliar, uncomfortable and hostile surroundings.
Johnny Gavin from Renmore recorded his experiences in a note book, 'On 12 August 1960, we were up early and travelled all day through very dusty high country until we reached a Congolese village called Wallinkawlly.' They were immediately surrounded and not allowed to leave the village and ordered to hand over their arms. Their commander, Lieutenant Jack Kissane, refused. It was a long night and the men were unable to make contact with headquarters. However, early the following morning, they managed to leave the village and return to base. The nights brought the unnerving sound of the tom-tom drums beating out a hum that kept soldiers alert. Given that the Irish troops received no formal training in jungle survival techniques and combat, the level of dedication to duty and endurance is nothing short of remarkable. They were also sensitive to the suffering of the people of the Congo and provided whatever help they could from their own rations and supplies. In some areas, the Irish even played soccer matches against the locals. Johnny Gavin recorded going to a match on 14 August 1960, in which the Irish defeated the 'Natives' 7 – 4.
By 1964, the main objective of the UN mission had been achieved and, with the danger from a military viewpoint over, it was time to go home. By the time Operation Sarsfield ended in May 1964, the Irish troops had proved that they were an effective military force, and had played a significant role in ensuring that the Congo remained united. They were acclaimed by United Nation leadership and established themselves of the world stage as reliable and confident troops.
The Congolese National Army under Joseph Mobutu suppressed a rising by Moise Tshombe. Mobutu seized power in 1965 and was later elected president. In 1971, the country was renamed Zaire. Mobutu turned out to be as ruthless a dictator as King Leopold almost 100 years earlier. Regardless of his outrages, he still received support from 'Western' countries. He was overthrown in 1997. Eventually, in 1988, the UN troops were awarded the Nobel 1 Peace Prize for their humanitarian mission. © William Henry.
Sincere thanks to the following Congo Veterans for their support and help with this series of articles: Johnny Gavin; Pat O'Flaherty; Walter Hegarty; John Bartley, Liam Forde, Walter Raftery, Paddy O'Flaherty and Jim Fives. Thanks also to the members of IUNVA who were extremely supportive of these articles.
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Post by charlie004 on Sept 6, 2010 14:17:53 GMT
Hi Matt, firstly welcome home safe & sound (I hope you are enjoying the weather) and also for a great site which I enjoy even if not a Shadower. As regards the Congo,I came across a document which I down loaded on adobe reader called " Army's Congo mission casts a long shadow" which I found a good read and wondered if you or other members have seen it.There is a good quote from P.D.Hogan at the end of his story. He was my old C.O. in the 2nd. Batt. in another life, and I beleive C.O. of The Curragh in the 70's. Anyhow Matt,Best regards to you & yours. Charlie.
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Post by kathyo on Sept 6, 2010 14:28:45 GMT
welcome home matt thank god youre home safe and sound all the best matt to you and youre famliy kathyo
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Post by johnnykelly on Sept 6, 2010 21:30:34 GMT
Re:CONGO (ONUC) Hi Matt welcome home hope to meet you soon probably at the next Shadowers meeting, ps did you bring home this rain in your kitbag? bye for now Johnny
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Post by rose5mcdonaghtce on Sept 7, 2010 8:36:24 GMT
Hi Matt,
Welcome home.
Was just looking at the snap of the lads abroad with Dan O'Driscoll etc., think that may have been Cyprus and not the Congo, as my Dad appears to be in the snap, he transferred to the 3rd from the Depot in '66 when he was promoted to C/S, his only trip abroad with the Bloods was Cyprus in 67.
Rose.
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Post by joemurray on Oct 15, 2010 20:19:49 GMT
Just finished reading "Missing In Action"by Ralph Riegel and John O'Mahony.The book covers the short life of Trooper Patrick Mullians he is one of two Irish soldiers who's bodies have never been recoverd.Pat Mullins is missing since an ambush and follow up fire fight with Katangan gendarmes.The writers give lots of detail on the Ireland of the time.The soldiers who had never been outside the country described arriving in The Congo like landing on Mars it was so alian to them.Lots of colour photos in this well reserched and written book.
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Post by padtroy on Oct 15, 2010 20:35:48 GMT
hi kathy. thanks for that and hope we do meet up some day please god and andy you are right joey is a bundle of information but i dont know anything about any querys?.
paddy.
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Post by Matt McNamara on Oct 25, 2010 14:40:59 GMT
Hi All The following link displays photographs of the Congo in 1960 and were supplied to the forum by Congo Veteran Sgt. Edward (Teddy) Whiteley from Newbridge and former Cavalry man from Plunkett Barracks. Teddy supplied the photographs through his Son In-Law Dan Whelan who is also a regular contributor to the forum. Photos Link: www.curragh.info/New_Folder/whitelycongo.htmMatt
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Post by maryfarrell6 on Oct 25, 2010 17:30:34 GMT
Hi Matt and Dan, What a truely amazing piece of history, the photos are just fantastic and so lovely to see the young faces of the first of our soldiers to head of overseas. So a huge thanks to Cqms Whiteley for sharing them with all of us on the forum and thank you also to Dan and Matt. They're just great Keep them coming MaryF
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Post by danwhelan438 on Oct 25, 2010 19:19:33 GMT
hi matt
teddy is delighted with the photographs been displayed he was only 17 years old when he served there with c coy 33bn and got maleria as a present to bring home . some info to correct teddy finished up a cqms and the spelling is whiteley.you have made an old vet very happy thanks will over a period try to fill in the names . the football team were all he thinks from the curragh wally barnes from 3bn is in the picture.
thanks again dan
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Post by johnnykelly on Oct 25, 2010 19:50:14 GMT
Re:CONGO ONUC Hi all Just browsing through the congo photo gallery and i spot in the soccer photo wally barnes hooker regan, also what seems like the tug of war photo(all in white) tom sweeney xMcdonagh(dunky) plenty of teddy whitely and faces from the past and hope to put more names to faces as the fog clears bye for now Johnny
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