Our Irish Regiments in the First World War

Recruting map of Ireland in the First World War.

When the Great War started in August 1914 The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, The Royal Irish Rifles and The Royal Irish Fusiliers were in the British Expeditionary Force that went to France and fought in the first battles that developed into the stalemate of trench warfare.

At home in Ireland men volunteered in their thousands and all three regiments soon formed new battalions. Irish men of all denominations fought side by side in the 10th (Irish), 16th (Irish) and 36th (Ulster) Division, and were decorated for their gallantry and bravery throughout the war.

The 10th (Irish) Division fought in the campaigns of Gallipoli or Dardanelles, then Salonika and finally with General Allenby in Palestine.

The 16th (Irish) Division arrived in France in April 1916 and fought in France and Flanders, in the Battles of Loos, Somme, Messines, Passchendaele, Cambrai and Kaiserschlacht when the entire division was reduced to cadre strength.

The 36th (Ulster) Division arrived in France in October 1915 and fought in France and Flanders, in the Battles of Somme, Messines, Passchendaele, Cambrai, Kaiserschlacht and the final 100 days of war that led to victory.

During the First World War officers and men of The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were awarded eight Victoria Crosses, The Royal Irish Rifles three and The Royal Irish Fusiliers two. Uniquely, The Royal Irish Rifles were awarded two on the same day - 1 July 1916.