The Regimental Chapel in Armagh
The Royal Irish Fusiliers Chapel was dedicated on St Patrick’s Day 1950, in memory of all ranks of the Regiment and of the affiliated Militia Regiments of the Counties of Armagh, Cavan and Monaghan who were killed in two world wars.
The Royal Irish Fusiliers
The 87th and 89th Regiments of Foot were raised in 1793 for duty overseas at a time of great national danger. They rendered distinguished service in many parts of the world throughout their long history, both in peace and war. Three further Regiments were also raised in 1793. They were the Militia Regiments of Armagh, Cavan and Monaghan, raised for home service defence and all rendered valuable service.
For the first ninety years of their existence, these five Regiments were separate entities. In 1881 they were linked together to form The Royal Irish Fusiliers with the Regimental Depot in Armagh.
Since that date, the Regiment has served in many wars and campaigns. In war, it had as many as fourteen battalions; in peace, it was reduced to one. Whatever its strength, its spirit remained the same; its devotion to duty unalterable.
The Colours
The flags in this Chapel are known as ‘Colours’. ‘The Sovereign’s Colour’ is the Union Flag and is the embodiment of the king or queen and represents the duty owed by the regiment to the monarch that it served.
‘The Regimental Colour’ bears the insignia and battle honours of the regiment and is the visible symbol of its honours and traditions. It recalls the sacrifice and willingness of each soldier to uphold the honour of the Royal Irish Fusiliers. ‘The Regimental Colour’ therefore links together the past, present and future members of the regimental family.
Colours are highly revered and are presented to a regiment in a religious ceremony. When a sovereign presents new colours to a regiment, the old colours must be laid up in a consecrated church. The first colours of the Royal Irish Fusiliers were laid up in St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral in 1889. The Royal Irish Regiment, the successors of The Royal Irish Fusiliers, continues that tradition and their colours are to be seen at the entrance to the Chapel.
Book of Remembrance
The illuminated ‘Roll of Honour’ in the marble casket contains the names of all ranks of the Royal Irish Fusiliers killed in both wars. In 2008 the names were added of the two Royal Irish Fusiliers who were executed for desertion in the First World War and pardoned by Act of Parliament in 2006. Around the outside of the casket are inscribed the battle honours of the Regiment.
Other Items
These include a set of hymn books which are inscribed in memory of Royal Irish Fusilier officers killed in both world wars. Engraved into the outside of the pews are the names of other officers of the Royal Irish Fusiliers killed in the Second World War. The wooden cross is the original cross placed on the grave of Lt Col Lenox-Cunnyngham, Commanding Officer of the 6th Battalion Connaught Rangers.
Panoramics (Drag image left, right, up and down to view.)
