The history of the Association - Post WW2
Fortunately, the British Army, which served the free world with unsurpassed distinction throughout the second World War, had some superb Northern Irish Regiments whose contribution to ultimate victory is legendary. These Regiments, both cavalry and infantry, provided a rallying point for all Irishmen from both the North and the South to perform traditional selfless service to King and Country in their resolute determination to secure the freedom that we now enjoy. Sadly, once again, after the War swingeing reductions and amalgamations have taken place culminating in the present day Royal Irish Regiment (27th Inniskilling, 83rd and 87th and the Ulster Defence Regiment) being the last remaining Irish infantry Regiment of the Line in the British Army.
Sadly, in 1972, on the 50th Anniversary of the year of disbandment, with many of the surviving members, now elderly and in some cases rather feeble, it was decided to “call it a day” and “fade away” whilst still hale and hearty (as one stalwart declared). It was decided, therefore, to have a final parade. To mark the significance of the occasion, another famous Ulsterman, Field Marshal Sir Gerald Templer, took the salute. Sir Gerald went out of his way to greet and and spend time with the old soldiers, as indeed, did his gracious wife, Lady Templer. Although this was supposed to be the “Final Parade” a few of the surviving members of the original Disbanded Regiments with the active support of sons, nephews and grandsons, not forgetting wives and daughters conspired to retain the parade. Although numerically small they lacked nothing in commitment, spirit and dignity. During this period, and in fact from 1957, the legendary Paddy Boyce (formerly 18thRoyal Irish and subsequently Royal Ulster Rifles) was the motivating and driving force in the Association.
By 1982 the membership of many of the original Regimental Associations were in terminal decline and, in fact, some had ceased to exist. At this stage our present Vice-President, Jim Scott, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, together with his friend Joe Curran, Royal Ulster Rifles, set about a re-birth of the Association which was now to include soldiers from all Irish Regiments past and present. Contacts were established with other Regimental Associations such as The North Irish Horse, The Royal lnniskilling Dragoon Guards, The Royal Irish Hussars in addition to The Royal Ulster Rifles, The Royal Irish Fusiliers and the London Irish Rifles. The results of the indomitable Jim Scott’s initiative and the active support of his members are clearly evident on these splendid occasions.
The
Royal Irish Regiment (18th Foot) 
