'The Disbandment of the Southern Irish Regiments - 1922'

The disbandment of the Southern Irish Regiments of the British army occurred in

July 1922 due to the creation of the Irish Free State and the effects of the so-called

‘Geddes Axe’ on the British army. Special arrangements meant that officers and

men who wished to continue their service in the British army were able to transfer

to other regiments and there were very few compulsory redundancies. This saw

limited public concern about these regiments. The preservation of those regiments

associated with Northern Ireland was, however, the subject of extensive lobbying

and James Craig, the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, showed considerable

ability in negotiations which ensured the survival of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

and Royal Irish Fusiliers.