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Who is Trooper Anthony Browne

Anthony Browne was a young man that hailed from Fatima Mansions Rialto. In 1960 at the tender age of 19 he was deployed to the Belgium Congo as a United Nations Peacekeeper with the 33rd Infantry Battalion of the Irish Defence Forces.

On the 8th of November 1960 he was a member of an 11 strong reconnaissance patrol commanded by Lt Kevin Gleeson a Carlow man. During this patrol they were ambushed by Baluba Tribesmen over 100 strong. Nine members of the patrol lost their lives in the ambush, two members miraculously survived, eight bodies were recovered from the ambush scene and the two survivors were removed for medical care. Trooper Browne's body was not recovered until two years later from an unmarked grave in the bush, on information received from locals.

One of the survivors in his subsequent report attributed his survival to the action taken by Anthony Browne, for his action Anthony was awarded posthumously, the Military Medal of Honour (With, Distinction) in recognition of his exceptional bravery during the Niemba Ambush. All nine were also awarded the Military Star posthumously. The two survivors from this horrific episode, Pte Fitzpatrick and Pte 57 Kenny only in recent years passed away. May their souls now Rest In Eternal Peace.

What is the Military Medal for Gallantry

The Military Medal for Gallantry is a military decoration awarded by the Government of Ireland. It is the highest award of the military award's and decorations of Ireland. It is the Equivalent of the Victoria Cross awarded to British Servicemen and women.

Trooper Anthony Browne (MMG)

Anthony was the first soldier in the Irish Defence Forces to receive this award since the foundation of the State.

Donations

Your donation will help us fund a bust, not only to his memory but also to all the other members of that ill-fated Congo Niemba Ambush patrol in 1960 which is still etched on the memory of all Military Personnel and the Thousands of mourners that lined O'Connell St. Dublin on the return home of their bodies for Internment.

Trooper Anthony Browne Memorial Bust

Created by Michael Buggy

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