Worst loss of Irish personnel on UN duty remembered in commemorative mass – The Irish Times

9 members of the Irish Defence Forces who had been killed in the course of the Niemba ambush have been remembered at a mass and wreathlaying ceremony in Dublin.

The Niemba ambush, which occurred on November eighth, 1960, was the primary incident through which Irish troopers serving with the United Nations (UN) misplaced their lives in fight.

A platoon of 11 males from A Firm of the thirty third battalion had been ambushed by Luba tribesmen, often called Balubas, at a bridge close to the village of Niemba within the Congo.

The Irish troops had been within the nation following a request by the UN for peacekeepers. The resource-rich Katanga province had damaged away from the newly impartial Republic of the Congo. The Irish had been despatched over to guard civilians and authorities installations.

Eight of the lads had been killed on the spot, largely by arrows tipped with poison. Trooper Thomas Kenny and Personal Joe Fitzpatrick escaped the combat and made their method again to security.

One other man, Trooper Anthony Browne, was reported lacking, presumed lifeless. It was believed afterwards that the Irish troops had been killed in a case of mistaken id because the Balubas believed they had been hostile international mercenaries.

Defence Forces head chaplain Fr Paschal Hanrahan reminded the congregation that 60 years in the past President John F Kennedy had praised the function of Irish troopers within the United Nations.

The boys who died had been animated by service to the State and the need to holding peace on the earth, he believed.

“They performed their half in guaranteeing that Eire to take its place and play its half in world affairs. They had been exemplars of what these of us on this nation maintain expensive,” Fr Hanrahan stated. “This legacy lives on for future generations. Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Amongst those that laid wreaths on the altar had been the Minister of State with accountability for defence Jack Chambers; the secretary basic of the Defence Forces Jackie McCrum; representatives of veterans’ organisations; and representatives of the US and British navy.

The occasion was organised by ONE, the veterans’ charity which affords housing and assist to homeless veterans throughout the nation, with the final word purpose of serving to the ex-service personnel entry everlasting lodging, enhance their psychological well being and stop future homelessness.