Boers declare war on the British.

Event

Wed, 10/11/1899

Regimental Colour emblazoned with the Battle Honour SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902

On 11 October 1899, the Boer Republics declared war on the British. Battalions of The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, The Royal Irish Rifles and The Royal Irish Fusiliers were to fight in the campaign and gain great praise for their loyalty and courage*. After the war Queen Victoria referred to the Irish Regiments as 'my brave Irish'. Later, in further recognition of the exploits of Irishmen, Queen Victoria gave permission for the raising of a new Regiment of Foot Guards, The Irish Guards.

*
Click either on an event in the 'Related Content' column (look left) or, go to our Timeline and explore all our listed Boer War events by clicking on Timeline. You will have to scroll down to 11 October 1899.

Welcome to the Virtual Military Gallery

'I turned over one poor chap on a rocky, bloody crag on Tanngoucha. He was facing the right way, the last round of a clip in the breech and three dead Germans in front of him. His name was Duff. After all is over - and the remainder of the Empire is understandably irritated with Ireland - I hope these countless Duffs, from both the North and the South, and in all three services, will be remembered.
(Brigadier Nelson Russell, Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade, 1942-44)

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- Inniskillings Museum
- Royal Ulster Rifles Museum
- Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum
- Royal Irish Regiment Museum

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