On Loos Sunday, in September, The London Irish Rifles remember the service their Regiment gave in the Great War. The Rifles showed their character and determination at the costly Battle of Loos. Whilst advancing under fire across open ground in gas masks, the London Irish Rifles famously kicked a football between them all the way to the enemy trenches.
Contemporary cartoon by a member of the Regiment depicting the advance at the Battle of Loos
This year had an extra special element given it is the 150 anniversary of the London Irish Rifles.
Guests visit the London Rifles museum
As ever we were made extremely welcome and were able to hear first hand about many of the challenges faced by soldiers in both Afghanistan and Iraq. We were also able to hear about some really positive outcomes as they had experienced improvements for local people during their tour of duty.
- The original football from the Battle of the Loos
During the dinner names of those who were present who will be going next April to serve in Afghanistan. After meeting some of these soldiers it really brings it home the commitment and sense of duty they have. It is one thing to discus the right and wrongs of British soldiers being sent to these regions – it is clearly something very different to go and serve our country in extremely difficult circumstances.
