Irish United Nation Contingents
 

Having watched the Siege of Jadotville last night I was inspired to dig about and find these items. Having been put away many years ago with a note pertaining to use in the Congo.

The Brassard was shown plainly in differing formats. The nationality shield and the scroll possibly worn. Elements of the Cavalry Corps did serve in the Congo. Not sure if this scroll would have been worn while part of that mission or if unit specific badges were not allowed.

Thanks
Jack

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/a...psmycl2c8d.jpg

Jack

the brassard is indeed of the type used by units deployed to the Congo as part of of the UN force "ONUC"

The 2nd Armd Car Sqn. under the command of Condt. J. Foley was a composite group formed at Plunkett Bcks. Dublin from home units specifically for service in the Congo, it consisted of 9 officers, 21 NCOs and 66 troopers for a total strength of 96. The unit left Ireland on 24 Oct 1962. The unit was equipped with Ferret Mk II scout cars. It existed from Oct 1962 to Apr. 1963 only. The shoulder title was worn on active service.

The national flash , Shamrock on red shield was used from 1964 - 1987.

Note that some of the Irish ONUC and UNFICYP unit insignia are reproduced and sold by Andrew Butler (a member of the forum)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IRISH-EIRE-C...cAAMXQlgtS-fFF


James Perkins' web site is falling into disrepair but the following is still active and shows some of the overseas unit insignia...

Note that Ireland typically forms composite units for overseas service rather than shipping out home units

http://www.irishmilitaryinsignia.com...ash_index.html




John

Thank you John. The information on the Armored scroll is very helpful. These 3 pieces came together in a small collection of Irish cloth and metal badges.

Best
Jack

And just because I've now confirmed it's link to Jadotville and see an opportunity to show it - an ONUC Medal with the original blue and white ribbon issued with a number of UN Mission medals including ONUC prior it's replacement by Mission specific coloured ribbons in 1963.

The ONUC Medal should be a small metal bar "CONGO" affixed to the ribbon with wire prongs, it's possibly had one set at the top of the ribbon.
I've been told by a long serving ex-IDF member that it was the norm not to wear the CONGO bar, for whatever reason.

This particular medal has provenance to a member of "A" Company, 35th Battalion who fought at Jadotville during the siege.

Wonderful item.. particularly with an attachment to the A/35th Bn.
Thanks for posting

Great medal and interesting history.

.

Took me 20-odd years to find it out - you did it in a few flicks on a key pad, thanks.

I simply found one piece of an interesting puzzle.

That is why I enjoy this forum , the information/knowledge shared can be of benefit to others.


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I have some additional Irish UN items. Some are Congo era and some from the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon. I will post these in the next day or so.

I am wondering if a Moderator could change the thread name to something like Irish UN Contingents... or something of the sort. My initial post was a bit generic in its name.... Would like to pull it all into one thread as well to see what others items may be out there related to their missions.
Jack

A few more UN Pieces. A Brassard. As well both the 1st and 2nd versions of the UN Congo service medal. First version medal having the Congo bar attached. The 2nd version of this medal did not use the Congo bar. The brassard has shadow lines of insignia removed prior to the ONU patch being used. Cannot tell what they were.

Lastly a picture from the period of Katanga secession. Conor Cruise O'Brien U.N. Chief in Katanga talking with an Irish officer during the battle for Elisabethville. In back of him is another Irish soldier and next to him a Swedish soldier. This is a wire service photo from 1961. It appears some attempt was made to obscure insignia. The beret badge worn by the Irish officer as well the brassards on both men appear to have been censored.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7a38337f_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7736c670_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...46ddd841_b.jpg

Irish Contingent items from Lebanon UNIFIL. 43rd, 52, and 76th Irish Bn pocket badges. As well an Irish Contingent UN helmet cover.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e151a6fc_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5f3df50a_b.jpg

I like the two UN medals - it's good to see early ones with genuine looking ribbons, makes a change from the plethora of newly minted discs with bright, shiny nylon ribbons that are offered on eBay and the like.

Is the helmet cover designed to fit the American M1 and it's euroclones?
I've read that Irish 35th Battalion UN troops were issued just the helmet liners without the shells which fits with photos that I've seen.

The helmet cover was on an American liner when I got it but the fit was poor. Need to do a bit more investigation.

These recent UN items posted came from a collector living not far from me. He had passed away and the items were sold off by the family.

Found this photo for another thread but thought it appropriate for this one.

Commandant Pat Quinlan (35th Battalion)

The beret badges worn by the Irish contingents are interesting.
The man on the left looks like he's wearing the white embroidered globe and laurels but with dark lettering above?