This volume contains previously unpublished accounts of the operations
of the FATAC provided by the veterans of the unit.
Although Belgium officially withdrew its military forces from the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in July 1960, unofficially the
former colonial ruler of this central African country maintained a
political, economic, and military presence throughout the period known
as the Congo Crisis, 1960-1967. Belgium's military presence is seen
mainly through its relations with the secessionist state of Katanga from
1960 to 1963 and through what was termed "technical assistance".
By April 1964, the DRC was, once again, threatened by internal conflict
that threatened its national integrity. The Armée Nationale Congolaise
(ANC) being ill-equipped to deal with two separate rebellions that broke
out in the Kwilu and Kivu provinces that year, had, nonetheless, the
support of a CIA-sponsored air force composed principally of anti-Castro
Cuban exiles. This air force receiving reinforcements in the shape of
Harvard T-28s at the beginning of 1964, with other aircraft delivered by
the CIA including Douglas C-47s, and Vertol-Piasecki H21s, the US
government sought reassurances that these aircraft would be correctly
maintained. After discussions were held between the US and Belgium, it
was agreed that Belgium would provide further technical assistance in
the DRC.
Set up at the end of May 1964, the Force Aérienne Tactique Congolaise
(FATAC), or the Belgian Tactical Air Force, would remain in the Congo
until 1967 where its role was to assist the different armed forces of
the DRC to put down the so-called 'Simba Rebellion'. These forces,
including the aforementioned CIA air force, also included a mercenary
army employed to re-establish order to the Congo.
In this second volume dealing with Belgian military forces in the Congo,
the history of the FATAC is told using eyewitness accounts from veterans
of the unit plus an array of documents relating to the period in
question. This volume is a valuable addition to anyone wishing to
supplement their knowledge of the Congo Crisis.
