Regimental History |
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  Formation of the Irish Guards
The Irish Guards were formed on 1st April 1900 by order of HM Queen Victoria to commemorate the bravery of the Irish people who fought in the Boer war.
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. |
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Victoria Crosses
The Irish Guards played a major part in both World Wars, winning a total of six Victoria Crosses including the last to be presented in the Second World War and have seen armed conflict in many parts of the world since 1945. |
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St Patrick's Day - HRH the Princess Royal Distributing shamrock |
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St Patrick's Day
The Irish Guards are presented with shamrock, the emblem of St Patrick and Ireland, on every St Patrick's day (17th March) by a member of the Royal Family. This dates back to 1901 when HRH Princess Alexandra presented the Battalion with it for the first time. Until recent years this duty has been carried out by HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother but since her death the honour has been taken up by HRH The Princess Royal. |
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Origin of the Nickname
The Irish Guards, originally nicknamed "Bob's Own" after Lord Roberts, the First Colonel of the Regiment, are affectionately and widely known as "The Micks". No other Regiment of Foot Guards has such a widely accepted nickname. |
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History of the Mascot
The Regimental Mascot is an Irish Wolfhound.
With its remarkable combination of power, swiftness and keen sight the breed has enjoyed a close association with the Irish Guards for more than a century.
Since Brian Boru, the very first regimental canine, thirteen Irish Wolfhounds have served with the Irish Guards during the past 102 years leading the Regiment on all parades. |
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More...
For more information on the regiment's history please choose from the navigation menu on the left.
The Irish Guards during World War 1
The Irish Guards during World War 2
The Irish Guards to the present day |
