4th Battalion Closing

[trellheim]

Did you get yours yet ?

[apod]

Check PM's

[Fridge Magnet]

Their "green flu" stunt during the recent GOC's inspection wasn't very classy. Of course any Corkman who thinks he might have to move an inch away from Cork would consider mutiny a minor matter.

What's this all about?

[Truck Driver]

What's this all about?

Obviously not for general www broadcast, I'd have thought...

[Rhodes]

After 88 years 4 Inf Bn is gone. A very very sad day. They where one of the establishing units of the army.
1st October 1924 - 23rd November 2012

[Rhodes]

4th Infantry Battalion marches into history

ONE of Ireland's oldest military units proudly marched into history as it disbanded under a controversial Defence Forces rationalisation programme.

The 4th Infantry Battalion, which was founded over 80 years ago, formally stood down yesterday after a special ceremony for its remaining 450 members at Collins Barracks in Cork.

The battalion disbanded under a programme that will also see the Western Brigade merge with another command. The 4th Infantry Battalion's remaining members will now be used to top-up under-strength units in Cork, Limerick, Dublin and Kilkenny. A significant number of members will also retire.

Cork's Lord Mayor, Councillor John Buttimer (FG), said the unit had made "a magnificent contribution to Cork and Irish life as well as the cause of world peace".

The unit has contributed soldiers to every Irish UN peacekeeping mission since 1960. The battalion was also deployed for emergencies such as the 2009 Cork floods and the severe winters of 2009/2010. Members were also deployed in support of the Whiddy Island (1979) and Air India (1985) tragedies.

It provided security for the visits of US presidents John F Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, the Cork tour by Queen Elizabeth II, as well as undertaking almost four decades of border security operations.

Personnel

The unit's flag was ceremonially furled under the supervision of Cmdt Bob Hurley. All the unit's flags and awards will now go to a Defence Forces museum.

The Southern Brigade's Officer Commanding is Brig General Derry Fitzgerald, a brother of former Irish rugby captain Ciaran Fitzgerald.

Under the rationalisation programme, Ireland will see its total number of army battalions drop from nine to seven though the Government has vowed to maintain personnel at a level of 9,500.

http://www.independent.ie/national-n...y-3304465.html

[Goldie fish]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dfmagaz...57632084600359


4th Battalion Stand Down by Irish Defence Forces, on Flickr


4th Battalion Stand Down by Irish Defence Forces, on Flickr


4th Battalion Stand Down by Irish Defence Forces, on Flickr

[Goldie fish]

http://www.irishexaminer.com/archive...wn-214926.html

[GoneToTheCanner]

At least 6 of my extended family served in the 4th battalion. One from it's foundation, one served in the Congo, one served in Cyprus. Me and one other threw wild cards and "did" the Don and NS. Well done, 4 Bn.

regards
GttC

[Rhodes]

Another video.

[Sluggie]

Great music in that one.