The heroes of 35th Battalion in Congo

Sir — I was interested in the very different opinions that people seem to have concerning the soldiers who served with the 35th Irish Battalion in the Congo in 1961 (Letters, Sunday Independent, October 9).

I served the UN with the 34th-36th and 39th Battalions during 1961, 1962 and 1963.

In 1961, the 35th Battalion relieved us in Elizabethville. The Congo during this time was quite peaceful, and I was in B. Coy. from Cork’s Collins Barracks.

It was the first time I had ever seen a black man and in the canteen at the US airbase in Tripoli, we asked the staff to show us their legs, etc. to see if they were black all over.

I was so amazed, as up to that time in Ireland we never, ever saw a black man.

As we took up duty in Kamina Airport we had to share guard duty with Katangan soldiers. Most were trained by Belgian mercenaries and were loyal to President Moise Tshombe.

Most of Tshombe’s soldiers were vastly superior to us in conflict. We had never experienced war of any kind. This army had white mercenaries from many countries and they were paid huge sums of money.

In one letter doubts were expressed about whether the 35th A Coy. had acted with dignity.

When you are in a section of a platoon your corporal tells you what to do on orders from his platoon sergeant.

On sworn oath you do what you are told, without question. The corporal answers to the platoon sergeant who in turn acts on orders from the platoon officer who has his orders from the company commander. The job of the company commander, with three platoons of men, is not an easy one.

Most of the men had never been involved in any live combat. Without food, water or ammunition I would be 100pc grateful that Comdt. Quinlan had made his decision, as would all the families of his men.

Comdt. Quinlan was a hero who made a decision to save his beloved men against such odds.

During the Battle of Elizabethville we also experienced white resentment towards us.

The people who did A. Coy 35th Battalion an injustice should hang their heads in shame. They were not there and didn’t experience what we went through.

I was in the 36th Btn. which relieved the 35th Btn under heavy fire and mortar attack on landing at Elizabethville Airport.

I met most of the 35th A Coy and they were exactly like me — and would obey orders of any kind given to them during conflict. They were all heroes, like their CO, and just as any other private UN soldier, given the chance I would be proud to serve with them. Patrick Hahy Dartford England

Cruiser’s qualities

Sir — At the time of the Jadotville activity I was fighting with the First Infantry Group in Kamina, then a small town with a large airport in Katanga.

During the ceasefire while negotiations were taking place Conor Cruise O’Brien visited our area of operations.

I had occasion to discuss with him possible reaction by us to certain eventualities, particularly the chance of having to reopen fire.

I was only a young captain but we talked as equals. He was neither arrogant nor egoistic.

There was no “humming or hawing”. He gave his opinion and directions where necessary, and his reasons and his answers were forthright and direct.

Maybe if Pat Reid, (Letters, Sunday Independent, October 9) had met him rather than read about him he might have a different view. JE Dawson South Circular Road Limerick

The gap in pay

Sir — One quote from the Eoghan Harris article “Tale of two Irelands won’t have a happy ending for FF” (Sunday Independent, October 9) really calls it as it is:

“The gap in pay and pensions between the public and private sector is the biggest, secret injustice in Irish politics.” Brian McDevitt Glenties Co. Donegal