Royal Ulster Rifles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Royal Irish RiflesRoyal Ulster Rifles |
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Regimental Crest
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| Active | 1793–1968 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Rifles |
| Role | Light infantry |
| Size | 1-2 Regular battalions 3 Militia and Special Reserve battalions Up to 16 Hostilities-only battalions |
| Garrison/HQ | RHQ – Victoria Barracks, Belfast (1881-1937) St Patrick's Barracks, Ballymena (1937-1968) |
| Nickname(s) | The Stickies, The Rifles |
| Motto(s) | Quis Separabit (Who shall separate us [from the love of Christ]) (Latin) |
| Colours | None as a rifle regiment |
| March | Quick: "The Ulster Rifles march 'Off, Off, Said the Stranger'" Pipes and Drums: "South Down Militia" |
| Anniversaries | Somme Day, 1 July |
| Engagements | Badajoz, Jhansi, Somme, Normandy Landings, Rhine Crossing, Korea |
| Insignia | |
| Abbreviation | RUR (RIR) |
The Royal Irish Rifles was a famous infantry (foot soldier) regiment of the British Army. It was first formed in 1881. This happened when two older regiments, the 83rd and 86th Regiments of Foot, joined together.
On January 1, 1921, the regiment changed its name to the Royal Ulster Rifles. This unit fought in many important conflicts. These included the Second Boer War, the First World War, the Second World War, and the Korean War. In 1968, the Royal Ulster Rifles joined with two other regiments. They formed a new unit called the Royal Irish Rangers.
Contents
History of the Royal Irish Rifles
How the Regiment Started
The story of this regiment began a long time ago, in 1793. This was during the time of King George III. The British Army needed more soldiers for a war against France. So, they created two new regiments: the 83rd and the 86th.
In 1881, these two regiments combined. They became one unit called the Royal Irish Rifles. This was part of a big army change called the Childers Reforms. The Royal Irish Rifles was one of eight infantry regiments based in Ireland. Its main base was at Victoria Barracks, Belfast.
Fighting in the Second Boer War
The regiment faced tough times in the Second Boer War. They suffered many losses in December 1899 at the Battle of Stormberg. In October 1905, a special memorial was built. It stands at Belfast City Hall to remember the 132 soldiers who died.
Around 1908, the army changed how it organized its reserve forces. The regiment now had three reserve battalions. These were groups of soldiers who could be called upon when needed.
The First World War (1914-1918)
Regular Army Battalions
The 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles arrived in France in November 1914. They fought on the Western Front. They took part in battles like Neuve Chapelle in 1915. They also fought in the Battle of Fromelles and the Battle of Loos. Later, they were part of the huge Battle of the Somme in September 1916.
The 2nd Battalion arrived in France in August 1914. They fought in many early battles. These included the Battle of Mons and the Battle of Le Cateau. They also saw action at the First Battle of the Marne and the First Battle of the Aisne. By September 1914, only a small number of their original 1,100 men were still fighting. By the end of 1914, most of the battalion had been killed, injured, or captured.
New Army Battalions
Many new battalions were formed for the war. The 6th (Service) Battalion went to ANZAC Cove in August 1915. They later moved to Greece and then to Palestine. The 7th (Service) Battalion fought on the Western Front from December 1915.
Several other battalions, like the 8th, 9th, and 10th (Service) Battalions, arrived in France in October 1915. They were part of the 36th (Ulster) Division. The 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th (Service) Battalions also joined the fighting on the Western Front. The 16th Battalion was a "Pioneer" unit, meaning they helped build and repair things.
About 7,010 soldiers from the regiment died during the First World War.
Between the World Wars
After the First World War, the army decided to rename the Royal Irish Rifles. This was to make sure Ulster had its own regiment. So, from January 1, 1921, the regiment became the Royal Ulster Rifles. In 1937, the regiment moved its main base to St Patrick's Barracks. They also became more closely linked with the London Irish Rifles.
The Second World War (1939-1945)
Regular Army Battalions
When the Second World War started, the 1st Battalion was in India. They were trained for mountain warfare. Later, they became a special "glider-borne" unit. This meant they would fly into battle using gliders. They were part of the 6th Airborne Division.
On June 6, 1944, known as D-Day, the battalion took part in Operation Mallard. This was a glider landing in Normandy, France. They fought as regular infantry during the Battle of Normandy. They returned to England but were called back to Belgium in December 1944. This was during the Battle of the Bulge. Their final airborne mission was Operation Varsity in March 1945. They crossed the Rhine River into Germany.
The 2nd Battalion was part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in France from 1939-1940. Their division was led by Major General Bernard Montgomery. This division earned the nickname "Monty's Ironsides." They were part of the evacuation from Dunkirk in 1940.
The battalion returned to Europe for the D-Day landings in June 1944. They fought in the Battle of Normandy. They were the first British troops to enter the city of Caen.
Home Defence Battalions
Other battalions were formed for "Home Defence." These included the 6th and 7th (Home Defence) Battalions. They were made up of older men or those not fit for active fighting. They helped guard important places.
The 8th Battalion was later changed into an anti-aircraft unit. They fought in North Africa and Italy. Many of these soldiers later became infantrymen again. This was because there was a great need for foot soldiers.
The 70th (Young Soldiers) Battalion was formed for younger soldiers. They were usually 18 or 19 years old. They spent most of their time guarding airfields.
After the Second World War
In 1947, the Royal Ulster Rifles joined with two other Irish regiments. They formed the North Irish Brigade. In 1948, the 1st and 2nd Battalions combined. They became the 1st Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles.
Fighting in the Korean War
In November 1950, the 1st Battalion arrived in Pusan, Korea. They were part of the 29th Independent Infantry Brigade Group. They fought against guerrilla forces. By December 1950, they were helping to defend Seoul, the capital of South Korea.
In January 1951, Chinese forces attacked. The Royal Ulster Rifles, fighting with other units, held their ground. They stopped the enemy's advance, at least for a while.
The Battle of the Imjin River began on April 22, 1951. The goal was to capture Seoul. The Royal Ulster Rifles fought bravely, even though they were greatly outnumbered. They held their position, stopping the Chinese army. This saved Seoul from being captured.
For their bravery at Imjin River, soldiers received many awards. These included the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross. A memorial was built for the 208 men killed or missing. This memorial was later moved to Belfast City Hall.
The regiment continued to recruit soldiers from all over Ireland. In July 1968, the Royal Ulster Rifles joined with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the Royal Irish Fusiliers. They formed the Royal Irish Rangers.
Royal Ulster Rifles Museum
The Royal Ulster Rifles Museum is located in Cathedral Quarter, Belfast. It displays many interesting items. These include old uniforms, badges, medals, and photographs. You can also see trophies and paintings related to the regiment's history.
Victoria Cross Heroes
The Victoria Cross is the highest award for bravery in the British military. These brave soldiers from the regiment received it:
- Lieutenant H. S. Cochrane, 86th Regiment of Foot, India, April 1858
- Lieutenant H. E. Jerome, 86th Regiment of Foot, India, April 1858
- Private James Byrne, 86th Regiment of Foot, India, April 1858
- Private James Pearson, 86th Regiment of Foot, India, April 1858
- Rifleman William McFadzean, 14th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. 1916, Thiepval.
- Rifleman Robert Quigg, 12th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. 1916, Hamel, Somme.
- Second Lieutenant Edmund De Wind, 15th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. 1918, Grugies, France.
War Memorials
You can find memorials to the regiment in different places:
- Ulster Tower Memorial in Thiepval, France.
- Irish National War Memorial Gardens in Dublin, Ireland.
- Island of Ireland Peace Park in Messines, Belgium.
- Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium.
- War Memorial of Korea in Seoul, South Korea.
Battle Honours
Battle honours are special awards given to regiments for their bravery in battles. Here are some of the Royal Irish Rifles' honours:
- Early wars: South Africa 1899-1902
- The Great War: Mons, Le Cateau, Marne 1914, Aisne 1914, Messines 1914 '17 '18, Ypres 1914 '15 '17 '18, Neuve Chapelle, Somme 1916 '18, Gallipoli 1915, Palestine 1917-18
- The Second World War: Dunkirk 1940, Normandy Landing, Caen, Rhine, North-West Europe 1940 '44-45
- Later wars: Seoul, Imjin, Korea 1950-51
