Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 107: To ask the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that neither of the two survivors is satisfied with the outcome of the Behan Report into the Niemba ambush in the Congo 1960; if he has progressed his plans to give recognition to the two persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8877/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Niemba ambush occurred almost forty-six years ago. It was the first such action involving the horrific deaths of Defence Forces personnel on a scale which still remains unique. It has never been very far from public consciousness and I would like again to publicly acknowledge the sacrifice made by all the members of the patrol at that time and extend my deepest sympathies to the families of all those who died.

On the 8th of November, 1960, an eleven man patrol, commanded by Lt. Kevin Gleeson was attacked by a large number of Baluba tribesmen while on patrol from their base at Niemba and were quickly overwhelmed. There are two principal areas of continuing controversy in regard to the record of this ambush concerning Trooper Browne who was killed, and Private Kenny who survived. The first question is where exactly did Trooper Browne die. From the extensive research and interviews carried out by Col. Behan, both from military and civilian sources, his final conclusion is that Trooper Browne fired his weapon to distract the Baluba attackers from their task of beating Private Kenny to death. He further concludes, on the balance of probabilities, that Trooper Browne managed to then escape his pursuers, wounded or otherwise, making his way to the village of Tundula only to be killed by hostile Balubas two days later. Therefore, the previous supposition that he died at the ambush site and that Baluba tribesmen carried away his remains cannot be substantiated. Likewise, the conclusion outlined above that he died at Tundula cannot be definitively substantiated.

The second area of controversy in regard to the record of the Niemba ambush is what did Trooper Browne do to contribute to the survival of Private Kenny. The report clearly concludes that prior to his escape from the ambush site, Trooper Browne fired his weapon at the Balubas who were intent on beating Private Kenny to death, thereby distracting them and saving his life. The Medal Board convened in 1961 awarded Trooper Browne the Military Medal for Gallantry.

Despite Col. Behan's research of all the available reports, consultation, interviews and direct evidence, there is no absolute certainty achievable in regard to these two matters of controversy.

However, all the material assembled by Col. Behan, including the statements of the interviews with both Mr. Kenny and Mr. Fitzpatrick will be added to the Unit history and other associated papers held at the Military Archives thereby creating the fullest and clearest record possible of this tragic event.

Since the completion of the report, both Mr. Kenny and Mr. Fitzpatrick have asked me to hold an independent inquiry on the matter. However, I do not believe that any further inquiry or investigation will resolve the facts in this case. Rather than focusing further on the specific circumstances which are in dispute, I would prefer to focus on how best the contribution of Mr. Kenny and Mr. Fitzpatrick can be suitably recognised and honoured. However I would like to advise the House that I will be meeting with each of the men tomorrow. The Chief of Staff has proposed that appropriate public recognition of Mr. Kenny and Mr. Fitzpatrick be arranged on the day of an overseas parade where both could receive an appropriate presentation such as a plaque or scroll. The UNIFIL review of troops, which is scheduled for Cathal Brugha Barracks at the end of April would appear a suitable venue and occasion. A liaison officer has been appointed to keep Mr. Kenny and Mr. Fitzpatrick informed of developments with this proposal.

Once again I would like to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly recognise and acknowledge that both Mr. Kenny (particularly in view of the serious wounds and injuries he sustained), and Mr. Fitzpatrick survived a horrific encounter with hostile forces, displaying courage, fortitude and tenacity in order to survive until finally rescued. I commend them both for the selfless service they have given their country.