Key Facts
- Irish soldiers besieged
- 156
- Duration of siege
- 5 days
- Irish fatalities
- 0
- Estimated Katangese casualties
- Several hundred
- Prisoners held (approx.)
- ~1 month
- Relief column strength
- ~500 Indian, Irish, and Swedish UN troops
Strategic Narrative Overview
Beginning on 13 September 1961, Katangese troops loyal to the secessionist state besieged the Irish UN position. For five days, the 156 Irish soldiers repelled repeated assaults by a numerically superior force, inflicting several hundred casualties while suffering none themselves. A relief column of approximately 500 Indian, Irish, and Swedish UN troops attempted to break the siege but failed, suffering casualties including at least five killed. Cut off and exhausted, the Irish company eventually ran out of ammunition and water.
01 / The Origins
During the Congo Crisis, the secessionist State of Katanga broke away from the newly independent Democratic Republic of the Congo. The United Nations deployed ONUC forces to restore order and end Katangese secession. In September 1961, UN forces launched Operation Morthor to neutralize Katangese leadership. Irish 'A' Company of the 35th Battalion was stationed near the mining town of Jadotville, placing them in a vulnerable position as Katangese forces mobilized against them.
03 / The Outcome
With supplies fully depleted, 'A' Company surrendered to Katangese forces on 17 September 1961. The 156 Irish soldiers were held as prisoners of war for approximately one month. They were released on 15 October 1961 as part of a prisoner exchange. The company returned without formal recognition for decades; it was not until 2017 that Ireland officially awarded the unit a formal citation acknowledging their defense.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Commandant Pat Quinlan.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.