Irish Regiments and Soldiers in the Crimean War – their contribution and legacy

Abstract

During the Crimean War (1853-6), five Irish regiments served with the British expeditionary force, while thousands of Irish soldiers served across the British Army in non-Irish regiments. These Irish troops made a significant contribution, and the war was followed with considerable interest in Ireland, encouraging civilians to volunteer to serve as doctors, nurses, and engineers. This article will outline the context of this Irish involvement in the Crimean War and the level of public interest, while also referring to the survival of an awareness of that war in Irish folk memory until well into the twentieth century.