The Siege of Jadotville

Outnumbered, outgunned, and abandoned—the incredible true story of 155 Irish peacekeepers who held out against an army of 3,000.
In the heart of the Congo in September 1961, a small company of Irish soldiers on a UN peacekeeping mission found themselves in an impossible situation. Deployed to the mining town of Jadotville, "A" Company, led by Commandant Pat Quinlan, was surrounded by a massive force of Katangese gendarmerie and battle-hardened mercenaries. What was meant to be a mission of peace erupted into a brutal, six-day siege.
In "The Siege of Jadotville," author Jerome Ellis provides a gripping, detailed account of one of the most remarkable and overlooked battles in modern military history. This book transports you to the dusty trenches of Jadotville, where a handful of young soldiers with little combat experience displayed extraordinary courage against overwhelming odds.
Drawing from historical archives and survivor testimonies, this narrative explores:

• The complex political backdrop of the Congo Crisis, fueled by Cold War tensions and the fight for control over the region's vast mineral wealth.
• The strategic decisions and catastrophic miscalculations that left "A" Company isolated and without support.
• The minute-by-minute account of the siege, detailing the innovative tactics Commandant Quinlan and his men used to repel wave after wave of attacks.
• The story of their controversial surrender and the political betrayal that led to their heroism being buried for decades.

"The Siege of Jadotville" is more than just a battle account; it's a profound story of bravery, leadership, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit. It is a long-overdue tribute to the Irish soldiers who fought with honor and were denied recognition for nearly half a century.