Jonas Wærn
Carl Jonas Wærn (23 July 1915 – 6 November 2003) was a Swedish Army officer best known for having commanded Swedish, Irish, and Indian peacekeeping troops during the Congo Crisis. He also commanded Swedish forces in Cyprus in 1964. Wærn is one of only two Swedish officers (the other being Brigadier General Jan-Gunnar Isberg) who have served as brigade commanders in combat under the auspices of the United Nations. Later, he served as aide-de-camp to King Gustaf VI Adolf and as cabinet chamberlain.
Jonas Wærn | |
|---|---|
Wærn circa 1964 | |
| Born | 23 July 1915 Spånga, Sweden |
| Died | 6 November 2003 (aged 88) Drottningholm, Sweden |
| Buried | Norra begravningsplatsen, Stockholm |
| Service/ | Swedish Army |
| Years of service | 1941–1969 |
| Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
| Commands held | ONUC (BDE/BN CO 1961–62) UNFICYP (BN CO 1964) |
| Battles/wars | Congo Crisis Cyprus dispute |
| Other work | Cabinet chamberlain Governor of Gripsholm Castle Governor of Strömsholm Palace |
Wærn embarked on a military career beginning in 1936, eventually becoming a captain in the Värmland Regiment by 1945. Throughout World War II, he served as a ranger platoon leader at the Norway–Sweden border. His military assignments ranged from deputy military attaché in Copenhagen to commanding battalions in the Congo during the early 1960s as part of the United Nations Operation. After his service in the Congo, he continued his career in various roles, including commander of the Swedish UN Battalion in Cyprus. Wærn's leadership style was noted for its emphasis on treating soldiers with care and respect. He chronicled his experiences in books such as Katanga and Cyprus, which contributed to his recognition as a significant military figure in Sweden.