Former Soldier Posthumously Awarded Gold Medal for Bravery

The Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, presented 26 National Bravery Awards yesterday to individuals from across Ireland who risked their own lives to aid others in peril.

The ceremony at Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, brought recipients together to receive twenty six certificates, six Bronze Medals and thirteen Silver Medals. Brownstown, Curragh, Co. Kildare native and former member of the Irish Defence Forces, James Nicholl, received a posthumous Gold medal award for Bravery when he selflessly tried to save a man drowning in the River Liffey in April.

His Citation reads:

Citation ends.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Ceann Comhairle said:

“Today the Irish State recognises and celebrates the noblest impulse in a human being, the impulse to risk our lives in order to save someone else’s. But just as importantly, what these awards also do is mark the importance of the lives that were saved and also those that were lost.

I say this because in several instances, we are making awards where, in spite of brave actions and valiant efforts, lives were tragically lost. Those involved in these attempts know how hard they struggled, the families of those lost appreciate their efforts as do we, the Irish nation.”

The annual honours are awarded by Comhairle na Míre Gaile – the Deeds of Bravery Council – which was founded 76 years ago in 1947 to enable State recognition of exceptional Acts of Bravery. The Council is chaired by the Ceann Comhairle and includes the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, the Lord Mayors of Dublin and Cork, the Garda Commissioner, the President of the Association of City & County Councils, and the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross.

James Nicholl was the sole recipient of the highest award, the Gold Medal for Bravery. His parents Noreen and Jimmy accepted the award on behalf of their son.

Jimmy was homeless and suffered from drug addiction. He tells his story on Kold Turkey.

If you are or know of a veteran in need, support is available.

Irish United Nations Veterans Association

Arbor House,

Temple Hill Road,

Arbor Hill,

Na Cloch Road,

Dublin 7

Email: info@ iunva.ie or iunvahqd7@gmail.com

Phone: +353(0)1-6791262 or +353(0)85-1416459

International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2021 – Leveraging the Power of Youth for Peace and Security

#YOUTHPEACESECURITY

We take the time today to think of all United Nations peacekeepers in the service of peace around the world. The day coincides with the first UN peacekeeping mission which was established on 29 May 1948, when the Security Council authorised the deployment of a small number of UN military observers to the Middle East to form the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours. Since then, hundreds of thousands of peacekeepers have served in over 72 missions.  Today there are currently 89,000 military, police and civilian personnel in 12 operations. We also remember today the more than 4,000 who have lost their lives while serving under the blue flag since 1948.

Earlier this week on 27 May in a virtual ceremony, the UN Secretary General António Guterres, laid a wreath at the Peacekeepers Memorial on the North Lawn, UN Headquarters, New York. He presided over a ceremony in which the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal was awarded posthumously to the 129 military, police and civilian peacekeepers from 44 countries, who lost their lives serving in 2020 and in the first month of 2021. The head of the UN gave his condolences to the families: “We are forever in their debt… Their ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten, and they will always be in our hearts.”

The UN Secretary General paid tribute to peacekeepers around the world: “The challenges and threats faced by our peacekeepers are immense”, he said. “They work hard every day to protect some of the world’s most vulnerable, while facing the dual threats of violence and a global pandemic”.  

The theme for this year is “The road to a lasting peace: Leveraging the power of youth for peace and security.” Tens of thousands of young peacekeepers (between the ages of 18 and 29 years) are currently deployed around the world and play a major role in helping the missions implement their mandated activities including the protection of civilians. 

Ireland currently has 561 peacekeepers from the Defence Forces serving around the world. Irish troops were first deployed on UN peacekeeping operations in 1958 and since then, holds a unique record were not a single day has passed without Irish participation in UN peace support operations. Since Ireland’s first deployment, 87 members of the Defence Forces and a member of An Garda Síochána have lost their lives in the service of peace overseas.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Mr Simon Coveney paid tribute to Irish Peacekeepers stating: “Each year, the 29th of May, offers a chance to pay tribute to the contributions of uniformed and civilian personnel from around the world, who have served and continue to serve in UN peacekeeping missions. We remember and honour also those brave peacekeepers, including 88 Irish peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the service of peace. This year we acknowledge in particular that young people can be a positive force for peace and development when provided with the knowledge and opportunities they need to thrive. From climate action to peacebuilding, youth around the world have been demonstrating their commitment to a better future for all.”

Earlier this week Ireland promoted the first women to the rank of Major General. Maureen O’Brien, will take up the appointment of Deputy Military Advisor to Under Secretary General for Peace Operations United Nations Headquarters, New York.

In compliance with Covid guidelines a small wreath laying ceremony will take place today at the Irish United Nations Veterans Association Headquarters, Arbor Hill, Dublin.

Photographs: Defence Forces Press Office

On 27 July 1960, Ireland deployed the 32nd Infantry Battalion to support peacekeeping operations with the United Nations Operation in the Congo (Opération des Nations Unies au Congo, ONUC). The 33rd Infantry Battalion soon followed boarding U.S. Air Force Globemasters in Casement Aerodrome on 18 August.

Niemba is a small town in Katanga, a province in south-east Congo. Following secession its local population of Luba, or Baluba people, did not support the secessionists. In October the area was attacked by Katangese gendarmes and European mercenaries who mascaraed many of the local Baluba people. Irish troops were sent to secure and stablise the area. Many of the villages were deserted. A search of the area identified a damaged bridge over the Luweyeye River. On 8 November an eleven man patrol from the 33rd Infantry Battalion ONUC, under Lt Kevin Gleason, was sent to secure the bridge. The patrol was stopped by a road. Dismounting they were approached by some 100 Lubas. Lt Gleason and Sgt Hugh Gaynor attempted to talk to the group peacefully, but were attacked. The patrol was forced to take cover. However, due to sheer numbers the Irish peacekeepers were overrun.

The fallen peacekeepers:
Lt Kevin Gleeson (30)
Sgt Hugh Gaynor (29)
Cpl Peter Kelly (25)
Cpl Liam Dougan (34)
Pte Matthew Farrell (22)
Tpr Thomas Fennell (18)
Tpr Anthony Browne MMG (20)
Pte Michael McGuinn (21)
Pte Gerard Killeen (27)

The Defence Forces, along with veterans, paid their respects to the their fallen comrades at a commemoration yesterday at the memorial garden in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines.

Wreaths were laid by:
CQMS (Retd) Michael Colton (President Post 1, IUNVA), a member of the 33rd Infantry Battalion and part of the escort party who brought their fallen comrades home to Ireland.

Brig Gen (Retd) Colm Campbell (Chairman of the Board of Directors, ONE)
General Officer Commanding 2nd Brigade, Brig Gen Tony Cudmore

To mark the anniversary the Irish Defence Forces Military Archives have created an online exhibition here.

Well done to everyone involved in another brilliant weekend of military history at the 13th Annual Irish Military Vehicle Group Show at Naas Racecourse County Kildare on Saturday and Sunday.
One of the highlights of this year’s show was the Veteran’s Parade hosted by Irish United Nations Veterans Association.

For millions in conflict-affected situations around the world, peacekeeping is a necessity and a hope. Let us work together to make peacekeeping more effective in protecting people and advancing peace

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 57/129, designated 29 May as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. This is the date when in 1948 the first UN peacekeeping mission named the “United Nations Truce Supervision Organization”, or UNTSO, began operations in the Middle East. This first mission was a deployment of a small number of UN military observers to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Since then, more than 1 million men and women have served in 72 UN peacekeeping operations, directly impacting the lives of millions of people, protecting the world’s most vulnerable and saving countless lives. From Cambodia to El Salvador, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Timor Leste, and elsewhere, UN peacekeeping has helped countries move from war to peace.

Today, in 14 peacekeeping operations on four continents, it deploys more than 88,000 military and police personnel — from 124 Member States — nearly 13,000 civilian personnel, and 1,300 UN Volunteers. Despite the size and breadth of its operations, peacekeeping’s budget is less than one half of one percent of global military spending. Peacekeeping has clearly proven to be a solid investment in global peace, security and prosperity.

On this day, we pay tribute to the professionalism, dedication and courage of all the men and women serving in UN peacekeeping operations, and honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. This year’s peacekeepers’ day was marked by the UN on Friday 24 May at UN Headquarters in New York. Secretary-General António Guterres laid a wreath to honour all fallen peacekeepers and presided over a ceremony for the posthumous award of the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to 119 military, police and civilian personnel who paid the ultimate price while serving in peacekeeping operations in 2018 and early 2019.

Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces have been continuously deployed on UN peacekeeping operations since 1958. Ireland is the only nation to have a continuous presence on UN and UN-mandated peace support operations since 1958, with Irish peacekeepers highly respected internationally.

Today we remember all those who lost their lives in the service of peace.

Cover image: A view of Observation Post Red, April 22, 1973, located East Side of the Suez Canal in Israeli-occupied Sinai. The U.N. vehicle in the foreground was destroyed during the 1969 shelling. (UN Photo/Yutaka Nagata)

First published in Winter 2014 issue.

Following the Israeli victory in the Six-Day War in June 1967 – the entire Egyptian Sinai Peninsula up to the eastern bank of the Suez Canal was left in Israeli hands. Egypt was determined to regain its lost territory. Rebuilding its military Egyptian President, Gama Abdel Nasser, launched the War of Attrition along the Bar Lev Line (a chain of fortified Israeli positions on the Eastern bank of the Suez Canal) on 8 March 1970. Back in Ireland, then Captain Vincent Savino was stationed in Defence Forces Headquarters and dealing with the emerging Troubles in Northern Ireland.

“1969 saw the Defence Forces mobilising due to the situation in the North. I was located in the Quartermaster General’s office and believe me when I tell you it was mayhem. In the middle of all this, officers were being sought for a one-year tour of duty with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO). I’d been in the Middle East before while serving in Cyprus some years previously and it caught my attention. We had had people wounded in the region and people were reluctant to go. Along with two others I volunteered in December of that year”.

UNTSO is the UN’s oldest mission. It was founded on 29 May 1948, to monitor the ceasefire agreements following the Arab-Israeli War. Since then, UNTSO has expanded to supervise the General Armistice Agreements of 1949 and the observation of the ceasefire in the Suez Canal area and the Golan Heights following the Six-Day War of June 1967. To carry out its mission UNTSO deploys unarmed Military Observers. Following the Six-Day War, 90 such observers were deployed in the Suez Canal Sector.

Selling his car and packing up his wife and six children Captain Savino headed off to Israel.

“In those days there weren’t the allowances that there are now. Hence why I had to sell my car. We were given a $1½ extra a day.  I settled my family just outside Jerusalem in the Jordanian administered sector.” In Jerusalem, the observers were given a week to acclimatise at UNTSO HQ. They met up with other new observers and were briefed on the mission. The other new observers came from all over the world including Argentina, Austria, Chile, Finland, France and Sweden. “We met UNTSO Chief of Staff Lt Gen Odd Bull from Norway who went through the current situation. “I often think back to that week. Nothing could have prepared us for what we were about to go through.”

At the end of the week the new observers left Jerusalem for duty along the Canal at 5am driving south to the UNTSO Control Centre at Kantara, which was some 40km from the line of Observation Posts (OPs). This leg of the journey took four hours. The Control Centre was responsible for all OP’s along the East Suez; of which there were seven at the time. Each OP was designated by a colour; Blue, Copper, Pink, Green, Silver, Orange, and Violet, On the West Suez in Egypt UNTSO OP’s were designated by the phonetic alphabet such as OP Echo and OP Foxtrot.  In theory, observers were meant to rotate between the OPs and the Control Centre every five days. They would soon learn this was not always to be the case.  “We received a briefing ‘you are going to OP Pink’. Myself and an Austrian officer were paired up. An armed Israeli Lieutenant was assigned to us as our liaison. Grabbing our kit bags and rations we were off again. Our convoy consisted of four jeeps. It was another two-hour drive to OP Pink. We were coming up close to our destination when over the radio, ‘Patrol Pink stop your vehicles firing ahead’. Stopping our vehicles we got out, put on our flak jackets and got in behind a sand wall. From the other side all we could hear was sounds of mortar fire and machine gun fire. I thought what the…. there’s a war going on. What am I doing here?”

The Suez Canal links the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea. It is 193.30km (120.11miles) long, 24m (79ft) deep and 205m (673ft) wide. Its length and width have proven formidable obstacles during the conflicts between Israel and Egypt. “In parts you actually look up at the Canal. Because of the war the Canal was closed and several ships were trapped. In the desert you were looking up at a ship. It was bizarre.”

With the Egyptians poised on the West Bank and the Israelis poised on the East Bank both militaries positioned themselves near to UN OPs in the hope that the opposing side wouldn’t fire on an area where the UN were located.

OP Pink was only a few hundred yards from the edge of the Canal located on the Eastern shore of Little Bitter Lake. It consisted of no more than a rundown caravan with a radio mast and a sandbagged bomb shelter. This was home for Captain Savino’s first week along the Suez. “There we were in the middle of a war radioing back to Kantara reporting on the shelling and airstrikes. Our first tour of duty lasted only seven days due to the constant shelling. We spent most of our time in the shelter which was an iron beehive construction with sandbags all around it. Crouched inside with the Austrian and the Israeli officer you had to sit there and listen to the shells landing all around. During long periods of shelling you were left with only army rations to eat. It was stressful at times”.

OP Pink was eventually relieved after seven days and the observers rotated back to Kantara. Six days in Kantara and then back to the Canal. Daily routine in the OP’s began at 07:00. At this time Kantara transmitted the music of Lillibullero across the airwaves to wake everyone up. The OP’s responded by sending in their situation reports which gave the number of observed air attacks, tank and artillery shellings and small arms fire. “While on OP Copper I concluded my report by saying, ‘this is the 100th air attack reported by this OP.’ That was just over a six-day period.” To constitute an air attack the attack had to last 15 minutes, otherwise it was just a bombing.

The Egyptians primarily used Soviet made equipment, while the Israelis primarily used Western made equipment. In the air the observers witnessed Egyptian flown Russian made Mig’s and Sukoi’s up against Israeli flown Fouga Magisters, Mirages and Skyhawk’s. “We would watch as the Egyptians tried to build surface to air missile emplacements. The Israelis would fly in and take them out. One time we were sent to a crash site of an Israeli spy plane which had been shot down. When we got there parts of the plane and bodies were all over the place. We found parts of a Russian made missile with Cyrillic writing which had clearly shot down the plane”.

“We saw it all. Heavy artillery fire, raids across the canal, aircraft coming in and dropping napalm, tank and artillery duels. All we could do was report each incident. When the firing started hitting close to us we would radio our fellow UNTSO observers on the Egyptian side and try and get them to tell the Egyptians to stop firing at us. I was lucky I never got hit bar a few scratches. During my time there we suffered five casualties. A Swedish officer and Argentinean officer were killed and three others badly wounded. We had several other minor injuries.”

With the Israeli positioning themselves close to UN positions damage from Egyptian aircraft, artillery and tanks was inevitable. Kantara was so badly damaged that it had to be abandoned and a new Control Centre was established at an old railway station in Raba. At Raba, the observers had to work under canvass. Across from them was a Bedouin village. Two OPs were also withdrawn leaving five in operation.

“The Israeli tank commanders would roll up on ramps behind the sand wall along the Canal. The minute their turret cleared the wall they’d fire and roll back down. This would go on and on. Once I saw this young tank commander in his turret with his head up. His tank rolled up the sandwall; he took out a can of coke, drank it and fired. They were doing this to provoke the Egyptians to return fire and give away their positions. During my time the Israelis were losing at least one soldier killed every day.”

In the middle of rotating from OP to OP Vincent was able to take leave to Jerusalem to visit his family. “Having the family there was wonderful and a great relief. Once we got accommodation and schools sorted, they all had a lifetime experience. When I got leave we used to travel all over Israel, up into Damascus, Lebanon and over to Cairo in Egypt. I am delighted to say that the travelling bug has not left any of my children since”.

The War of Attrition continued until August 1970 and ended with a ceasefire. The ceasefire lines remained the same as when the war began and with no real commitment to serious peace negotiations. With the end of the war the Suez became much calmer. Tensions however remained high between Israel and Egypt and sporadic firing across the Canal still took place. The UNTSO observers found themselves having to rebuild their bombed OPs and getting on with their mission. At the end of year one, now Commandant Savino was a Special Duties Officer responsible for looking after and improving the OP’s. “I was given the task of trying to improve the OPs. We were mixing cement, sometimes under fire, trying to make the shelters and living conditions that little bit better. This is all with a backdrop of the Canal, heat, sun and sand. Back then there was no internet or satellite TV. The people at home had no idea what was happening. It was some experience. One which I’ll never forget”.

Commandant Savino then volunteered for an extension of another year. During that time he became an Assistant Operations Officer in the Control Centre and in the last few months an Operations Officer in charge of the area. In 1973 the region was torn apart again during the Yom Kippur War. Today UNTSO observers are still carrying out their mission in the Middle East. Over the years 18 observers have lost their lives in the service of peace, two of whom were Irish. Commandant Thomas Wickham was shot dead in Syria in June 1967 and Commandant Michael Nestor was killed by a roadside mine in September 1982 in Lebanon.

Vincent Savino went on to serve until 1989 retiring at the rank of Major General. He is currently President of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association.

“Peacekeeping is not a job for soldiers, but only soldiers can do it.”

Kofi Annan, UN General Secretary 1997-2006