Saw this film some years ago. It is a true story about an Irish unit sent to the Congo in the early 60's who were hung out to dry not only by their fellow country men, but also the UN. Watched it again last night, brilliant movie for those that like nostalgic weapos like the 4T/Bren and Auto SLR!
The detail in weaponry and the handling of such varied weapons is outstanding.
Highly recommended, when you consider it took over 50 years before these lads were honoured with medals the bravery was outstanding against overwhelming odds.
Highly recommended viewing guys. This link is when they were old men and given their rightful medal tally:
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'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA
Such brave lads, under so so much pressure from all angles to placate Politicians. A lot went on in the Congo in the 60's, with the assasination of the UN Secretary General and his plane to 2000 attacking this far flung outpost for what??
Badly treated by their own General, and like so many British Army conflicts and contacts like Mirbat, the lads were NEVER there........what a load of crap!!
Those lads should have been accreditted with what they did whilst at Jodotville.........very brave actions, should have been rewarded with the right medals IMHO!
True story with the actual place and some of the soldiers that fought there as Military advisors!
Last edited by Gil Boyd; 09-01-2021 at 06:57 AM.
'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA
Thanks for posting the clip Gil. Pleased to see that the lads got some recognition finally!
I've seen the movie a couple of times; it is a great movie. A realistic version of events.
The only thing that was a little off was the Sniper T with only a post reticule and the S/A shot by the bren gunner of the man in the white suit everything apart from those 2 minor things made a thoroughly good movie along side We were Soldiers and Danger Close all good flicks.
The Bren single shot incident was true, as was the Huey crash after being shot down, it was simply one hell of an engagement, and not to lose anybody was unbelievable with the amount of lead poured down on them by 2,000 shooters and mortars and heavy MMG'S!!! The Bren used because of the actual distance, when one has to remember that the 4T was only ever intended for a kill ratio of 400 yards, the bren took the shot at over 800 metres, lucky strike but it took the money man of those mercenaries out!
'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA
My Father was in the Irish Army during the 1950's; he loved shooting the Bren on the 600 yard range at the Curragh.
I had wondered about that scene; where the sniper swaps the T for the Bren. I thought it was a "movie moment" . It's good to hear that it's actually part of the history.
I was pleased to have the opportunity to shoot a Bren earlier this year; although it had been reduced to single shot function. (manually operate the bolt to load from the magazine)
PM
