Irish Guards

Among this group are two Mafeking heroes. Colonel Godley and Major Fitzclarence, VC.  Reading from left to right the names are: At back: Lt J D Faskally. Second row: Lt Sir M. Crofton. l.t. Hon C. Brabazon, Lt the Earl of Kingstron, Lt Hon L Butler, Lt Hon H F Trefusis, Lt H R Vesey, and Lt L S Coke. Third row: Lt C A Tidale, Lt R C A McCalmont, Capt Lord Oxmanstown, Lt G Brooke, Capt G Madden, Lt and QMS J Fowles, Capt R P Chichester, Lt Lord J Hamilton, Lt Sir H Chid, Bart MVO, and Lt Hon M R Wingfield MVO. Front row: Capt Lord Settrington DSO, Capt Earl of Kerry DSO, Lt Col A J Godley, Major G Nugent, Col C Vesey Dawson CVO, Lt Col R J Cooper MVO, Major D J Hamilton, Maj L A Stopford, Major Fitzclarence VC, and Lt and Adjutant A Stepney.

The Irish Guards were raised as a Regiment in the year 1900 by order of Queen Victoria, in honour of the bravery of the Irish who fought in the Boer War.  The creation of The Irish Guards was ordered by Her Majesty following a suggestion from Lord Wolseley that the Irish Regiments of the British Army should wear the shamrock in their headdress on 17th March (St. Patrick's Day) each year as a mark of the Crown's appreciation of their gallantry in the relief of Ladysmith.  The Irishmen of the Inniskilling Fusiliers, Royal Dublin Fusiliers and The Connaught Rangers had particularly distinguished themselves during the relief.  An Irish MP then suggested in Parliament that, as there were already regiments of Scots and English  Guards, a regiment of Irish Guards should be created.

The holder of the regimental serial number 1 was Colour Sergeant Conroy who was transferred from The Royal Munster Fusiliers.  On 21st April 1900, the first recruit, James O’Brien of Limerick, was enlisted and many followed as a free transfer was offered to all Irishmen serving not only in the Guards Brigade but also from the line Regiments.

Medal roll for the QSA to the Irish Guards (76KB).