OUR AFFILIATIONS
THE IRISH GUARDS’ ASSOCIATION
The Irish Guards’ Old Comrades Association was formed after the First World War to enable former comrades to keep in touch and to help members of the Regiment find suitable employment. Welfare support soon became an important part of its work, particularly for wounded veterans.
Now known as the Irish Guards’ Association, it continues to fulfil a similar role. The Association has five branches: London, by far the largest; the West Midlands; the North of England; Ulster; and the Republic of Ireland.
The Association is governed by the Regimental Council and the Association Headquarters Committee. Each branch is managed by a Chairman and Deputy Chairman, both former Irish Guardsmen, supported by a committee that includes an Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and Welfare Officer.
Branches organise social events throughout the year, while members come together to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and attend the annual march to the Guards’ Memorial.
The Irish Guards
The Irish Guards was formed on 1 April 1900 by Queen Victoria, in recognition of the courage of Irish regiments during the Second Boer War. Known affectionately throughout the British Army as ‘The Micks’, the Regiment has a distinguished history of service.
The Irish Guards is part of the Guards Division, alongside the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots and Welsh Guards. The Household Division also includes the two mounted regiments, the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals.
The Irish Guards is distinguished by its regimental mascot, an Irish Wolfhound. It is the only Guards regiment permitted to have a mascot lead the battalion on major parades. The Regiment’s administrative headquarters and Regimental Band are based at Wellington Barracks in London, while the 1st Battalion is based at Mons Barracks, Aldershot. The Regiment is affiliated to the Worshipful Company of Girdlers.
Colonel-in-Chief: His Majesty The King
Colonel of the Regiment: Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, GCVO
The Irish Guards’ principal military role is infantry, with expertise in infantry combat, reconnaissance and the use of a range of weapons. It also undertakes ceremonial duties, including guarding the Sovereign and the Royal Palaces.
THE LONDON IRISH RIFLES AND NO. 15 (LOOS) COMPANY
The London Irish Rifles has a distinguished history dating back to 1859, when it was formed during the Victorian Volunteer Movement as the 28th Middlesex (London Irish) Rifle Volunteer Corps. In 1880, it became the 16th Middlesex Rifle Volunteers.
During the Second Boer War, the battalion sent eight officers and 208 soldiers on active service. In recognition of their contribution, it received its first battle honour: South Africa, 1900–1902. In 1908, the London Irish Rifles joined the Territorial Force and became the 18th (County of London) Battalion, the London Regiment (London Irish Rifles).
In 2000, the regiment moved from its historic home at Duke of York’s Headquarters, Chelsea, to Flodden Road, Camberwell.
Since 1993, when the London Irish Rifles became a company of the London Regiment, its soldiers have served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan and Cyprus. During Operation Telic in Iraq, the company contributed soldiers to Cambrai Company (Operation Telic 3) and Messines Company (Operation Telic 4), both commanded by officers of the London Irish Rifles. Further deployments to Afghanistan followed, with Somme Company in 2007 (Operation Herrick 7), Amiens Company in 2010 (Operation Herrick 12) and Arras Company in 2011 (Operation Herrick 13).
In 2021, the Army announced a restructuring under its Future Soldier programme. In May 2022, the London Regiment was redesignated the 1st Battalion London Guards. At the same time, D Company (London Irish Rifles) became No. 15 (Loos) Company, affiliated with the Irish Guards as an Army Reserve company.
Based at Camberwell, No. 15 (Loos) Company continues to train reservists, including alongside regular Irish Guards soldiers. Its personnel wear Irish Guards uniforms and cap badges and can deploy on operations with their regular counterparts.
The 1st Battalion London Guards forms part of the Army Reserve supporting the Guards Division. It provides trained infantry soldiers to reinforce the five regiments of the Foot Guards on operations around the world.
We are always proud to welcome representatives of the Irish Guards’ Association and No. 15 (Loos) Company, London Guards, to our Livery dinners and functions.
THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT
We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant in October 2025.
WHAT IS THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT?
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, will be treated fairly.
It is a pledge that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.
The Covenant supports serving personnel, service leavers, veterans, and their families, and is fulfilled by the different groups that have committed to making a difference.
Find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant.