Imagine standing here in Lille before the To the 2 Bn Royal Irish Regiment 1914 Stele. This stele stands as a solemn tribute to the brave men of the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Regiment. It commemorates their sacrifices during the tumultuous early days of World War I.
The story of the 2nd Battalion is one of courage and tragedy. In August 1914, they landed in France as part of the 8th Brigade, 3rd Division. Optimism was high but devastation soon followed. The battalion faced the brutal realities of war at the Battle of La Bassée.
The Battle of La Bassée virtually destroyed the battalion. In October 1914, they were transferred to Army reserve. But their story did not end there.
In March 1915, the 2nd Battalion joined the 12th Brigade, 4th Division. They later moved to the 11th Brigade. Further transfers led them to the 22nd Brigade, 7th Division, in May 1916. Finally, in October 1916, they became part of the 49th Brigade, 16th Irish Division. Their journey culminated in April 1918. They then joined the 188th Brigade, 63rd Royal Naval Division.
One tragic event defines the battalion’s early experience. On October 20, 1914, at Le Pilly, the 2nd Battalion was overwhelmed. They were surrounded during fighting around La Bassée. All but 135 men and one officer were casualties. They were either killed, wounded, or taken prisoner. Over a thousand members of the battalion had become casualties since landing in France.
The swift destruction of the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Regiment was particularly poignant. Many had served together for years. Some had fought in the Boer War. Others shared experiences in India. Their camaraderie made the loss even more profound. It was more than just statistics. Friendships and long-standing associations were torn apart.
Among the stories of bravery, Frederick Room stands out. He served with the 2nd Battalion. He earned the Victoria Cross on August 16, 1917, at Frezenburg, Belgium.
The To the 2 Bn Royal Irish Regiment 1914 Stele serves as a stark reminder. It reminds us of the heavy price of war and the enduring spirit of those who served. It also reminds us that 2,766 men from the Royal Irish Regiment died during World War I. Their names may not all be known. However, their sacrifice is forever etched in history. Let us remember them.