'For the Queen and old Ireland', 1900

Photogravure after Frank T Copnall (1890-1942), 1900. Published as a supplement to 'The Spear', 1900.

With the exception of the 4th (Royal Irish) Dragoon Guards, which was stationed in India between 1894 and 1906, all the Irish regiments of the Regular Army served in South Africa during the Boer War (1899-1902). In appreciation of the services rendered by Irish regiments in the defence of Ladysmith, Queen Victoria authorised the wearing of the shamrock by all Irish regiments on 17 March 1900 and on St Patrick's Day in all succeeding years.