Recollection Of The Congo – The Cobh link they never knew

Frank O'Brien and Imelda Doody

The Irish Government & Defence forces held ceremonies recently to commemorate Irish Soldiers who served in the Congo 50 year ago with the United Nations. The Congo at the time was a volatile war zone and it represented a new departure for the Defence Force. It entailed heavy fighting with regular injuries and some fatalities.

The Niemba ambush brought its heaviest loss in one situation, along with Jadoville and Elizabethville.  Frank O’Brien of Cobh and Killmallock recalling his time in the Congo where he served for six months with the 36th Battalion in the Congo, said on their arrival at the airport both he and his comrades fought their way towards the tunnel in Elizabethville, they could only get past one particular area and had to call in air strikes for support. During this battle, two Irish soldiers were killed, Patrick Riordan and Andrew Wickham. The 50th anniversary ceremonies held recently in both Baldonnell and Collins Barracks paid respects to all 26 soldiers that died in the Congo. A wreath was laid and 26 candles were lit in their honour.

Andrew Wickham picture before 1961

Present at the ceremonies from Cobh where Frank O’Brien and Imelda Doody pictured below. Imelda Doody is Daughter of the late Andrew Wickham who’s untimely death came along side Frank in the Congo. Both Frank and Imelda were unaware of the link between them until they met at the recent ceremony.