Imelda Conway Duffy
Interviewed for MAOHP - 24/08/2016
Reference Code: IE_MA_MAC_006_MAOHP_019_D
Location(s): Congo
Length:
In this clip, Imelda remembers hearing about the Niemba Ambush in November 1960 and describes the sense of sadness in the area when the news came back. The Niemba Ambush occurred on 8 November 1960 when an Irish Army platoon was ambushed in the Congo by Baluba tribesmen. Nine Irish soldiers were killed in the ambush which was the first time the Irish Army was involved in a battle on foreign soil. The army were in the Congo on a peacekeeping mission, as part of the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC). The nine Irish soldiers who died at Niemba were as follows: Lieutenant Kevin Gleeson of Carlow, Sergeant Hugh Gaynor of Leixlip, Corporal Peter Kelly of Templeogue, Corporal Liam Dougan of Cabra, Private Matthew Farrell of Jamestown, Dublin, Trooper Thomas Fennell of Donnycarney, Trooper Anthony Browne of Rialto, Private Michael McGuinn of Carlow, and Private Gerard Killeen of Rathmines. Some 25 Baluba tribesmen were also killed.
