Lt Col the Rev Tom Hiney, who has died aged 84, won an MC in 1961 while serving on UN operations in the Congo. The previous year, while the Belgian government was gradually extending the political emancipation of the Congolese people, a demonstration in Leopoldville got out of hand and there was widespread rioting and many deaths. Some regions were close to anarchy and in May 1960 a general election was held leading to full independence in June. Within a few days, the Force Publique rebelled against its officers, there were violent disturbances throughout the country and a UN intervention force evacuated the majority of Belgians.