South Afrcan Irish Regiment

Prompted by the outbreak of the First World War. A meeting was held on August 9th 1914, to discuss the formation of an Irish regiment for service in German South West Africa. Authority was received on September 29th to form the Irish Regiment, under Major F. H. Brennan. The original name was to have been the Imperial Irish Horse, and the new regiment was to be six companies strong. Recruitment started in Johannesburg on October 7th, and by midday on October 17th the regiment was up to strength. And were gazetted December 1st 1914. Following garrison duty in Pretoria during a Boer Rebellion, the South African Irish Regiment sailed from Cape Town, as part of the 4th Infantry Brigade. And made an unopposed landing at Walvis Bay, in South West Africa on Christmas day 1914. The regiment had an uneventful campaign, even finding time to celebrate St. Patricks Day 1915, with an open air concert in Swakopmund. The campaign came to an end in May 1915. They embarked at Walvis Bay on July 14th 1915, and arrived in Cape Town July 19th. Demobilization took place on July 23rd 1915, they were officially disbanded on December 31st 1920. After demobilization, some of the men re-enlisted in an Irish company being formed for service in German East Africa. Which became "D" Company of the 5th South African Infantry Regiment, and served in that campaign. The regiment was reformed on November 1st 1939, after the outbreak of the Second World War. As the 1st South African Irish Regiment (a 2nd Irish Regiment was proposed but never formed). Recruitment had begun on October 25th, “A” “HQ” and “Support” Companies were formed in central Johannesburg, “B” Company in the East Rand, and “C” Company in the West Rand. Lt. Col. J. A. Moreland was to be the first commanding officer. They were attached to the 5th Brigade, of the 1st South African Infantry Division in October 1940. And embarked at Durban on November 21st 1940 for Mombasa. Crossing into Abyssinia on January 31st 1941. The regiment took part in the fighting at El Gumu on February 1st, Hobok on February 2nd, and Banno on February 9th. The campaign culminated in the capture of the fortress at Mega, on February 18th. They returned to Kenya, and left Mombasa on April 21st 1941. Arriving at Suez May 1st, disembarking on May 3rd, and crossed into Libya on November 18th. To take part in Operation Crusader, which was to end German control in the region and relief Tobruk. On November 23rd the South African Irish, and the rest of 5th Brigade were destroyed by the Afrika Korps. at the battle of Sidi Rezegh. The regiment suffered over 450 casualties, killed reported missing or taken prisoner (on their arrival in England after the war, the POWs were each presented with a caubeen by the London Irish Rifles). After being reinforced in January 1942, a battery of artillery was formed. And designated 21 Field Battery South African Irish. Men were also drafted to 11 Battery 4 Field Regiment. And in mid April 2nd Regiment Botha was brought up to strength. By a draft of 130 all ranks, most of which went to “B” Company under command of Major R. V. Gold, who was also part of the draft. After the war the 1st South African Irish Regiment, were established as 22 Field Regiment South African Artillery (South African Irish). They were gazetted on April 18th 1946, with effect from January 1st 1946. The regiment became formally affiliated with Royal Ulster rifles in 1948, and the London Irish Rifles in 1949. Re-designated 22 Field Regiment (South Africa Irish) (South African Artillery) on January 22th 1954. The regiment continued in this roll until converted back to an infantry regiment on January 1st 1960. And re-designated the South African Irish Regiment. Freedom of the city of Johannesburg was granted on November 19th 1966. The regiment received its colours at a ceremony held on November 23rd 1968. They bore the Battle Honours SOUTH WEST AFRICA 1914-15; MEGA; EAST AFRICA 1940-41; WESTERN DESERT 1941-43 and SIDI REZEGH. They were not awarded earlier, as artillery units did not bear colours. 

WWI all brass cap badge, worn with a green cloth backing. A white metal version exists, but no further information is available.

WWII officer's cap badges. Top row left un-marked silver, right chromed (probably post war). Bottom row, die cast brass (central badge has been relugged, and may have originally had a slider).

WWII cap badges worn by all ranks. Top row left and middle in die struck WM. Top right is cast lead. Bottom left is cast brass, bottom cast with a chrome finish.

WWII cap badges, without scroll. These were also worn by all ranks. Top row left and middle, die struck WM. Top right cast brass. Bottom row left and middle cast lead, bottom right cast brass.

A photo taken in 1940, before the regiment left South Africa. The badge is similar to an 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars NCO's arm badge. Can't tell if the badge in the photo is cast or die struck, or made from which metal. But two cast badges (one brass, other white metal), are shown, both picked up in South Africa. Cast metal badges were not uncommon for South African regiments during WWII.

Photo taken in Cairo in October 1941. Shows a badge similar in design to that of the Royal Ulster Rifles, but with South African Irish motto Faugh-A-Ballagh, (during WWI the motto had been Quis Separabit). (Photo O'Kelly collection). These badges were die cast brass, some being silver plated. The badge shown first right, has a screw post fitting.  

Die cast KC WM. London Irish Rifles officer's/WO's  type cap badge.  And a photo of Fr. Nolan, taken in November 1940. Wearing this type of badge, (Photo courtesy of the regimental history).

Two variants of the badges shown above.  The badge on the left is cast Iron, and has a gold wash finish. The cast badge on the right has a pale gold wash or plated finish.

Officer's service dress bronze South African Artillery cap badge (bronze artillery collar badges were also worn). And nickel plated South African Artillery cap badge. Worn when the regiment was converted to artillery 1946-60.

In May 1968 Col. Van Kerckhoven of the South African Irish, initiated a programme of superior training in such things as counterinsurgency. This became known as the Hunter Group, and training became open to members of other units. This training was so successful that it soon outgrew the South African Irish, and the Hunter Group became an independent unit.  

A few other programmes were devised by the Irish. COVE/Centres of Vocational Excellence. Was established in 1999, for the recruitment and non continuous training of new soldiers to rebuild units. This was run by the Irish, and copied by the army for the rest of the reserves. Replaced in 2005 by MSDS/Military Skills Development Systems. Which looked to simulate the old national service system. With a two year regular contract, followed by a five years in the reserve. This has not been a success, and the old COVE concept may be resurrected. 

URTU/University Reserve Training Unit. For university undergraduates who would under go a three year commissioning course, to coincide with their graduation. Was conceived by the Irish in 2003, and run by the army. Replaced in 2010 by the defence force wide URTP/University Reserve Training Programme. The programme has now been closed.

White metal, nickel (non voided) and chromed last pattern cap badges. First adopted early 1960's. In 2001 any WM badges remaining in the stores were issued to officers. All types come with lugs or screw post fittings. The WM badge was the early type.

The South  African Infantry beret badge is worn by the Andrew Mlangeni Regiment. This badge has also been worn by the South African Irish, when deployed as the reserve component of a regular army battalion.  When on external deployment with African Nation peacekeepers, (when deployed with United Nations, the UN badge was worn).  When deployed internally bush hats were worn, with no badges. Although SAIR officers would wear berets badges and hackles, in base and to command conferences. The badge is approximately 61mm, and has screw post or spike fittings. Often referred to as the "coaster", it comes with a stiff detachable backing.

On August 1st 1974 the South African Irish became part of the newly formed 72 Motorized Brigade. The regiment saw service in Angola during March 1976, and again in June 1979. They also served in South West Africa, being deployed for border duty in July 1981. And returned to Angola in August 1981. Further service in South West Africa was seen in July-August 1983, and October 1985-January 1986. They were deployed in a policing role for duty in the townships of Cape Town in March 1986. And in Soweto from November-December 1986, and again from April-May 1987. In April 1986 they became a mechanized infantry regiment, and in 1988 were attached to 81 Armoured Brigade. Freedom to the city of Barberton, (where the regiment had trained during WWII), was awarded on March 17th 1989. Making this the second city to award the regiment such an honour. In 1991 81 Brigade was disbanded, and the South African Irish were transferred to the North West Cape Command, as motorized infantry. And later became part of Gauteng Command. The regiment was at risk of being disbanded in 1994, due to falling recruiting levels. And the suspension of conscription. This was reversed and the regiment has been at full strength for some time now. This has been aided with black officers and men first joining the regiment in 1999. The South African Irish were part of the first reserve soldiers to be used externally. Being deployed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with 7th South African Infantry Battalion in 2005. This was for six months peacekeeping duties with the United Nations. Since then they have been deployed with the UN and African Union peacekeepers, to Burundi, Sudan, and twice more to the DRC. And again to Sudan in August 2014, as part of the 4th South African Infantry Battalion, being designated Delta Company. In September 2015, Alpha Company were attached to the Durban Light Infantry as Bravo Company, and took part in Operation Corona. This consisted of border duties in north east Kwazulu Natal. And concluded in March 2016.  The Regiment was renamed Andrew Mlangeni Regiment. As per the army name review process on 7th August 2019. Mlangeni was an ANC activist, and served as a member of parliament for the ANC. A name for the new South Africa. South African Irish Regiment badges and insignia are no longer worn. Battle honours for the Border War, including Angola, were applied for, but were withheld/declined.

Buttons top row left to right. Universal pattern button, South African Artillery and general issue springbok button. Regimental buttons (bottom row). Small chromed artillery button (bottom left), worn on left cuff, to commemorate their time as an artillery unit.

Green on khaki WWII shoulder titles (top two). White on blue titles for undress blues, green on yellow for khaki jacket. Officer's green slip on epaulettes, worn on the shirt and undress blue uniform.

Arm flashes, darker yellow and bright yellow types. There was some slight colour variation in the arm flashes from batch to batch. Pocket fob badge (centre), worn by senior leader group. Mess dress collar worn as commandants commendation on khaki uniform, and cloth version of the commendation worn on camouflaged uniform. These were awarded for excellence of duty, and could be awarded to members of other units.

Officer's khaki jacket. With commandants commendation, five year service badge and name tab. Only three badges were permitted to be worn on the breast (one of which is the name tab), even if entitled to more. The green lanyard has a knot tied in it, in remembrance of the battle of Sidi Rezegh.

Name tabs worn by regiment green on gold (top) adopted c2003 (rest of army wore red on gold). And older type white on green, adopted in 1980s, worn by regiment and band. In 2010 the band adopted a green on gold tab with South African flag on left side. Engraved brass or chrome name tabs were worn on the blue undress uniform. These were private purchase, so metal was down to availability and supplier. Officer candidate collars (bottom), these are hand painted balkies. And were worn 2000-2004, being replaced by the South African Army black square cloth badge.  White satin ribbons with a green central strip, were once worn on the epaulette by officer candidates.

Some white metal and nickel shamrock collar badges, worn by the regiment and band. Mess dress collars, bottom. The WWI cap badge was worn as a collar, and cloth shamrocks were also worn on the shirt collars during WWI.

South African infantry green beret.  Worn by the regiment, and referred to as a caubeen in dress regulations. The green hackle was sourced from various manufacturers, and varied in quality. One was almost three inches too long, and were issued due to shortage. But were soon give to the band, who cut them down to normal size. The green dye would often run when rained on, leaving a faded washed out looking hackle. Better quality hackles were sourced from the Royal Irish Regiment supplier in Pakistan c2003. Some hackles were handmade from dyed duck feathers, and were produced from the 1980s up to 2001.

A regimental pipe band was first formed in 1939 under Pipe Major Symons, but was disbanded in 1942. The band was reformed again in 1976, with Staff Sergeant Cope as acting pipe major; Pipe Major Mulinder took over in 1977. After the war in 1946 the regimental association formed a band which survived on a self financing basis. At one time the association band had a corporate sponsor, playing as the Coin International Security Pipe Band, and wore shirts berets and insignia of this company. The CEO of Coin was John E. Bishop 2IC of the SAIR. And was instrumental in the reformation of the pipes and drums in 1976. The regiment and association bands were in reality the same band, with some variation in uniform, but play as association band at paid engagements, and receive soldiers pay when playing as the regimental band. Pipe Major Herwill is currently running the band, having taken over from Pipe Major Mulinder in January 1989.

King's crown and Queen's crown, die struck and die cast bandsman's caubeen badges. The cast QC version was made by band member Laurence Card in the mid 1970s. A photo dated Egypt 1941. Shows the KC badge being worn by officers on their caubeens.

Regimental stable belt with green backing worn by NCOs, the RSM wore a red backing. Officer's belts had leather buckles, this belt was not normally worn by ORs.

Belt buckles worn by band, And regimental green stable belt. The green shamrock was often removed from top left buckle, when it became too worn or scratched. There was some variation in size to the belt plate and badge type (bottom right).

Black glengarry with green tourie. This would have been worn with a green hackle. Note there is only one piece of saffron badge backing, showing four corners. There should be two pieces, worn so that eight corners showing.

Bandsman's green glengarry, and blue hackle with green tip, adopted around 1980. Finding replacments for the green glengarry was a problem. As they were not always available, and shade of green differed, so were replaced by the black glengarry c1990.

Kilt brooches. A number of types have been worn, often purchased by the wearer, and are no longer in use.

Wings worn on the green jacket. Silver bullion stripes are slanted left and right to form a pair.

Various shawl brooches, bottom left is an unfinished blank for top right. Which is hand engraved, and has South African Irish Regiment, and South African Infantry collar badges mounted on.

Current kilt brooches and backings, (with older kilt shamrocks, left and right).  And a rear view, showing cast manufacture, note thick cast in place lugs. The Royal Irish Regiment type badge (bottom),  had extra large lugs which needed filing down, before wear.

King's crown bandsman's badge and green caubeen. Worn by band before glengarry was adopted by association band, and the beret by regimental band.

Variations of saffron hose top flashes, which have worn over the years. The green flash was worn by the association band.

Pin backed badge worn on a vinyl drum cover, first half of the 1980's. The green vinyl backing is glued to the back of the badge.

Silver lace on green rank chevrons, older type with shamrocks in weave (left). The right badge was originally a corporal's. But has had an extra stripe added to make it up to sergeant.

Top row piper's glengarry badges, (which are based on a Wexford militia glengarry badge) worn c1979 to mid/late 80s , gilt type may have been worn by drummers on a caubeen. Top row second from left was made from dental plastic, in the early 1980s. By Donald Fink, who was a bandsman and dental technician, probably less then 30 made. Top row right is the badge and backing worn on the black glengarry. Middle row piper's arm badges. Bottom row cloak collar chain, cloak was green with a blue lining. But proved to hot for South African climatic conditions.

 White metal and chrome plain buttons, worn on the bandsman's green jacket.

Bandsman's green jacket, AKA "lion tamer's jacket".

Current issue bandsman's belt buckle and shawl brooch, adopted 2010. Both of which are made in Cape Town. (Photos SAIR P&D).

Value Logistics sponsored the Ou Voetpad (Old Footpath) 10 mile run, celebrating the centenary of the formation of the SAIR. The Old Footpath was a communication path, that linked a chain of Boer War blockhouses. And had been manned by the 2nd Battalion The Leinster Regiment. The medal was issued to all finishers of the run.

Sweetheart brooches etc. All are of good quality, and are marked SILVER on the back.

Regimental Association cuff links and tie pin.

Regimental cravat, worn by officers, warrant officers, staff sergeants and sergeants with number 3B dress shirt sleeve order.

Pipe major's and drum major's badges, which are currently in wear. The pipe major's badge is hand embroidered. (SAIR P&D).