The South African Irish

Grahamstown Irish Volunteers                                                                   

On September 11th 1876, a meeting of men interested in the formation of an Irish Corps was held at Grahamstown Magistrates Court. The meeting was open to all, and not just Irishmen. Some of the proposed names for the corps were. First City Irish, City of Grahamstown Irish Volunteer Rifles and Grahamstown Royal Irish. But the title chosen was the Grahamstown Irish Volunteer Rifle Corps. Dress was briefly discussed, and a green uniform with red facings was suggested. Forty-three names had already been given as willing to join the corps, and a further five at the meeting. The name might suggest otherwise. But the Irish Corps was not intended to be a national corps, and enrolment was open to all. However the Governor objected to the corps calling itself the “Irish” Volunteer Corps. And might accept them if they choose a name not calculated to give them a national character. On October 30th a further meeting was held. And it was decided that the Irish Corps would re-name themselves, the Grahamstown Volunteer Rifles. Now with a strength of almost one hundred men, two thirds of which were Irish, the corps lost its Irish title.

Upington's Volunteers

A few years later in January 1878, Sir Thomas Upington formed an Irish Corps in Cape Town. The unit was raised for service in the 9th Frontier War. Which was being fought in the Eastern Cape, against the Xhosa people. A meeting held on January 5th, called on “Irishmen desirous of forming a national corps”. Twenty-five men enlisted that night in Upington’s Volunteers. On January 24th the Irish Brigade of some thirty men, embarked onboard the Florence for the East Cape. The Cape Times reported “most were dressed in dark corduroy suits and light sun helmets”. The Frontier War ended in July 1878. Upington was later to become Prime Minister of the Cape Colony.

Prince Alfred's Guard Irish Companies

The Port Elizabeth based Prince Alfred’s Volunteer Guard. Formed an Irish company after a meeting held on March 8th 1878. At the meeting it was resolved to form a company under the title No. 5 or Irish Company. Ninety men gave their names as willing to join. On April 10th 1878, the government accepted the services of No. 5 Irish Company. And limited it to one hundred men. Mr. A. Wilmot was elected Captain. A photo of the company shows an elongated harp badge, surmounted by a QVC, being worn on a pillbox hat, (the badge resembles that worn on the sabretache by the London Irish Rifles).

In late 1939 “C” (Irish) Company of PAG was formed. Men of this unit were originally recruited in the Cape, for a proposed 2nd South African Irish Regiment, which never got off the ground. (The 1st South African Irish Regiment had been formed in November 1939, with its headquarters in Johannesburg). On February 9th 1943, the regiment was informed it would convert from infantry to an armoured regiment. The companies were re-organized into squadrons, and became part of the 11th South African Armoured Brigade, of 6th South African Armoured Division. 

A WWII photo shows caubeen, brass PAG cap badge and black over red hackle, being worn. And an original example, (thanks to J. Scott for images).

Detailed images of the brass cap badge. The badge had previously been worn on the helmet by the regiment. 

Cape Town Irish Volunteer Rifles WM  waist belt buckle. (Photo Bamford).

Regimental WM helmet plate, there are three lug fitting to the rear. A badge consisting of the helmet plate centre, including the shamrock wreath. May have been worn on the glengarry. (Photo BoB).

Possibly a Cape Town Irish WM cap badge. A photo held at the Cape Town library, shows a group of seven members of the regiment. All are wearing pill box hats, with what looks to be this badge. Approximate size 38mm x 35mm. A version with non voided strings also exists. Harp collar badges, are also being worn in the picture.

Cape Town Irish Volunteer Rifles WM button. 20.5mm, marked GARDINER & CO LONDON. (Photo eBay).

Driscoll's Scouts

A unit called Driscoll’s Scouts was formed in March 1900, to take part in the Boer War. Although not formed as an Irish regiment, the Scouts are included here as they are often seen in lists of South African Irish units. And there is an Irish connection through Captain D. P. Driscoll, who was of Irish descent and was very proud of his Irish heritage. Also one of the cap badges worn by the unit was distinctly Irish in appearance. Driscoll formed his scouts in the Eastern Cape, from members of the Frontier Mounted Rifles. Originally sixty strong they grew to a strength of almost five hundred. Recruiting adverts were still appearing in the Cape Times the day the war ended. They saw action against the Boers in the Orange Free State, crossing the frontier on St. Patrick’s Day 1900. And also in the East Cape, as part of the Colonial Division. They were disbanded in July 1902.

Driscoll's Scouts hat badge in brass. it has a distinctly Irish look, which may have led collectors to assume it was an Irish unit.

Proposed Rand Irish Volunteers

A meeting of leading Irishmen took place in the board room of the Germiston Municipal Health Board. On Monday evening February 16th 1903. This was to discuss the formation of a volunteer Irish regiment. The regiment was not only to recruit in Germiston and district, but the whole Rand. However it would be another eleven years before an Irish regiment was formed on the Rand. When the South African Irish Regiment was formed in 1914. 

5th South African Infantry Regiment "D" Irish Company

An Irish company was established in 1915 as part of the 5th South African Infantry Regiment. Which was being formed for service in German East Africa. And in November-December became the first regiment of the 1st South African Infantry Brigade. The Irish Club of Johannesburg took a keen interest in the formation of the regiment, and helped form “D” Company which was composed entirely of Irishmen. A number of these were from the South African Irish Regiment. Which had been demobilized in July, after the campaign in German South West Africa came to an end.

General issue cap badge worn by 5th SAI. A diamond shaped flash, half green and white. Was worn on both sides of the helmet.