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Siege at Jadotville

The Irish Army’s Forgotten Battle

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Siege at Jadotville

By: Declan Power
Narrated by: Gerard Doyle
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About this listen

The Irish soldier has never been a stranger to fighting the enemy with the odds stacked against him. The notion of charging into adversity has been a cherished part of Ireland's military history. In September 1961, another chapter should have been written into the annals, but it is a tale that lay shrouded in dust for years. The men of A Company, 35th Irish Infantry Battalion, arrived in the Congo as a United Nations contingent to help keep the peace. For many it would be their first trip outside their native shores. Some of the troops were teenage boys, their army-issue hobnailed boots still unbroken. They had never heard a shot fired in anger. Others were experienced professional soldiers but were still not prepared for the action that was to take place.

Led by Commandant Pat Quinlan, A Company found themselves tasked with protecting the European population at Jadotville, a small mining town in the southern Congolese province of Katanga. It fell to A Company to protect those who would later turn against them. On September 13th, 1961, the bright morning air of Jadotville was shattered by the sound of automatic gunfire. The men of A Company found their morning mass parade interrupted, and within minutes they went from holding rosaries to rifles as they entered the world of combat. This was to be no Srebrenica; though cut off and surrounded, the men of Jadotville held their ground and fought. This is their story.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2016 Declan Power (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
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What listeners say about Siege at Jadotville

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Excellent book, poor writer

This is an interesting piece of history that’s worth examining. Sadly, Powers is just not that good a writer, with an uneven timeline possibly with an aim at drama, that only ends up being confusing. There are also many redundancies and repetitions, and his own political views are hardly hidden. However, his analysis of the facts of this sadly overlooked chapter of history mostly makes up for this, and I do recommend it.

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well presented

I have read this book multiple times, decided to listen to it for a change. the story is bitter sweet to hear as with any other outcome I wouldn't be here to write this. my grandfather served in A comp and it is hard to hear what they had to endure from both friend and foe, on every occasion he can, he will mention how Comdt Quinlan saved their lives with his approach to digging in, how they defended themselves and deciding to hold off and not leave position to follow enemy. Great book and I'm sure I will read and listen many more times throughout my life.

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History rewritten and a cover up revealed!

Having recently viewed the Netflix release of this story I was propelled to discover more of this story. Being Irish I was curious as to the reasons behind the cover up of information regarding this event in history. This story is well written, not too complex or confusing in language. It is also clearly narrated. This audiobook is truly worth giving your time to listen and reflect upon its contents.

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well done.

This lays bare the incompetence of the UN and the never diminishing ability of those in command to find a lower rank to blame.

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news to me, shocking as an Irish man.

it should be thought as Irish history. very good listen. enjoyed the film too. 5 thumbs up.

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Excellent

Great telling of the men of A coy and cmdt Quinlan. And the Congo in that period.

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Siege at Jadoville

A thorough analysis of the issues concerning this action involving the Irish armies involvement in the UN’s Congo mission in 1961. The phrase ‘lions led by donkeys’ comes to mind.

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Unknown Siege

I thought this was jolly good. The only books I'd previously read about the Katanga crisis were by mercenaries or journalists who were there.

These were always one-sided, trying to justify their actions or beliefs.

While this book doesn't cover the whole conflict, it doesn't attempt to gloss over acts or omissions.

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Unknown Hero's!

Great Book! Really enjoyed it. Great insight into a small bit of history that was covered up.

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Fantastic Read

Really enjoyed the book as it gave a more in depth information of what happened which the film could not give not taking anything away from the film which was brilliant.

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