Royal Irish Rangers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Royal Irish Rangers (27th (Inniskilling) 83rd & 87th) |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1 July 1968 – 1992 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Line infantry |
| Size | On disbandment, 2 Regular battalions & 1 TA Battalion |
| Garrison/HQ | St Patrick's Barracks, Ballymena |
| Nickname(s) | "Rangers" |
| Motto(s) | Faugh A Ballagh (Irish) (Clear the Way) |
| Colours | Green From Royal Irish Fusiliers |
| March | Quick: Killaloe Slow: Eileen Alannagh |
| Mascot(s) | Irish Wolfhound Brian Boru |
| Anniversaries | Barrosa Day, 5 March; Somme Day, Waterloo Day, Rangers Day 1 July |
| Engagements | Barrosa Waterloo Somme |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel in Chief | First: Field Marshal Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, Earl of Ulster Last: The Duchess of Gloucester (1989 - until amalgamation) |
| Honorary Colonel | First - Lieutenant General Sir Ian Harris. Last - Lt. Col. The 3rd Viscount Brookeborough |
| Notable commanders |
General Sir Roger Wheeler, GCB, CBE. Former CGS<4>Brigadier MCV McCord MC The O'Morochoe |
| Insignia | |
| Abbreviation | R.IRISH |
The Royal Irish Rangers was a special army group in the British Army. It was an infantry regiment, meaning its soldiers fought on foot. The Rangers were formed in 1968 and served for a short time. In 1992, they joined with another group, the Ulster Defence Regiment, to become the Royal Irish Regiment.
Contents
About the Royal Irish Rangers
How the Rangers Started
The Royal Irish Rangers began on July 1, 1968. Three older army groups joined together to form it. These were the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, the Royal Ulster Rifles, and the Royal Irish Fusiliers. This day was called "Rangers Day." It showed that the traditions of the old groups would live on in the new, bigger regiment.
Soon after, in December 1968, one part of the Rangers was closed down. This was because the army was getting smaller. The three original groups had different traditions. To make sure no one group was favored, they chose the new name "Rangers." This name had not been used in the British Army since 1922. The Royal Irish Rangers became part of the King's Division, which included other regiments from northern England.
Where the Rangers Served
The 1st Battalion of the Rangers moved to Germany in September 1970. From there, they went to Cyprus in November 1971 to help keep the peace. They returned home in July 1974. Later, they moved to Berlin in May 1979. After coming home in April 1981, they moved to Germany again in January 1985. The battalion also served in Northern Ireland during a difficult time called the Troubles in September 1988.
The 2nd Battalion started in Gibraltar and came home in October 1969. They moved to Germany in July 1974 and then to Cyprus in January 1975. After returning home in March 1979, they moved to Berlin in October 1981. They also served in Cyprus in May 1985 and in the Falkland Islands in March 1987.
Becoming the Royal Irish Regiment
In 1992, the Royal Irish Rangers joined with the Ulster Defence Regiment. This was part of a big army change. Together, they formed a new group called the Royal Irish Regiment.
Ranger Uniform and Look
The Rangers' uniform combined parts from the three older groups. This helped keep everyone's traditions alive.
- The caubeen (a type of hat) was chosen because all the old groups wore it.
- The green hackle (a feather plume) came from the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
- The Castle collar badges were worn by the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
- The black buttons came from the Royal Ulster Rifles.
- The brown cross belt was a mix of the brown belts and black belts from the older groups.
All soldiers in the new regiment also wore "piper green" trousers.
Part-Time Soldiers
The Royal Irish Rangers also had part-time groups, called Territorial battalions. These were the 4th Battalion Royal Irish Rangers and the 5th Battalion Royal Irish Rangers. They trained as separate groups until 1993. Then, they joined together to form the 4th/5th Battalion Royal Irish Rangers (Volunteers).
Music of the Regiment
The main quick march of the regiment is called "Killaloe." An Irish composer named Robert Martin wrote it around 1887. The song is about a French teacher trying to teach a class in Killaloe.
Soldiers of the Royal Irish Rangers would give a special "Ranger yell" during parades. This tradition continues today with the Royal Irish Regiment.
"Killaloe" became very popular among Irish army groups. It was even recorded by the BBC during World War II. The Royal Irish Rangers officially adopted "Killaloe" when they formed. The Royal Irish Regiment also uses it today.
See also
- Army Ranger Wing
