Siege Of Jadotville
As part of the larger Congo Crisis (1960–1964), the siege of Jadotville began on 13 September 1961, lasting for five days. While serving under the United Nations Operation in the Congo or the ONU, a small contingent of the Irish Army’s 35th Battalion, designated "A" Company, were besieged at the UN base near the mining town of Jadotville by Katangese forces loyal to the secessionist State of Katanga. The siege took place during the seven-day escalation of hostilities between ONUC and Katangese forces during Operation Morthor. Although the contingent of 156 Irish soldiers repelled attacks by a 3,000-strong Katangese force, they were eventually forced to surrender after running out of ammunition and water. "A" Company was subsequently held as prisoners of war for approximately one month, before being released on 15 October as part of a prisoner exchange. The Irish forces inflicted approximately 1,300 casualties (including up to 300 killed) on the Katangan force, with no deaths amongst "A" Company.
