Other ranks’ cap badge Irish Guards, c1900
NAM. 1970-12-164-3Introduction
The Irish Guards was set up in 1900, in response to acts of gallantry by Irish units during the Boer War, and presented with its first colours in May 1902 by King Edward VII. The unit was then stationed in the United Kingdom on ceremonial duties until the outbreak of the First World War. Its first battalion deployed to France eight days after the declaration of war.
One of its wartime officers was Jack Kipling, son of the poet Rudyard Kipling. Despite initially being rejected because of his poor eyesight, Jack was allowed to join up after his father pulled some strings. In September 1915 Jack was killed at the Battle of Loos and his body was never found, inspiring his devastated father to write the poem ‘My Boy Jack’.
Recruiting poster issued on the formation of the Irish Guards, 1900. NAM. 11961-11-216The unit was caught up in the inter-war troubles over the partition and independence of Ireland. Some of its personnel were accused of supplying weapons and equipment to Irish Republican forces.
On 21 April 1945, only 17 days before VE day, Irish Guardsman Edward Charlton died in actions which posthumously won him the Victoria Cross (VC). This was not only the last VC to be awarded to the regiment to date, but also the last VC for actions in the European theatre of the Second World War.
Since then the Irish Guards have served in many theatres including the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Key facts
Motto:
- 'Quis Separabit?' (meaning 'Who Shall Separate Us?')
Nickname:
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