MANCHESTER IRISH ( Rifle Volunteers )

[Peter Brydon]

I was very pleased to win this item to the Manchester Irish Rifle Volunteers, a unit I must confess I know very little about.

This is a shooting medal and is inscribed as follows " Capt. Porteuss Prize Medal to the 1st Manchester Irish Rifle Volunteers won by Sergt. Bradshaw "

I had heard of a Manchester Scottish unit before ( KK 1543 ) but never of a Manchester Irish unit.

Dennis Reeves, Curator of the Liverpool Scottish Museum has carried out research on the Lancashire Rifle Volunteers for many years and he has provided the following ( for which I am most grateful )

In my notes on Manchester Vols. I found that the Irish in their early days were associated with the 2nd Manchester Volunteer Regt. (Manchester, unlike Liverpool raised regiments from the beginning, not just little Corps that were eventually to be forced into Administrative, or Consolidated Bn.s)
The first note I have is:- An advertisement Nov.1859.

1st Company Loyal Irish Volunteers.
Persons willing to aid in forming the above, are requested to
communicate with Mr. E. Fuller (Self constituted Secretary, pro temp.)
at 157, Bury New Road.
Lord Elcho's style of uniform is proposed, at about £2 per suit.
At least 8 companies were formed and accepted. The Irish seem hesitant at coming forwards!
Then another notice appeared.

Preliminary meeting at the Mosley Arms, to discuss the raising of an
Irish Company. Mr. John Porteus in the chair. Mr. John Williamson &
Mr. Henry Grey appointed as Hon.Secretaries.

17/12/59 The Irish company attested at 55, King St,. The Company parade at 37 Corporation St., where their rifles were kept. For Shooting practice the Company acquired a private ground at Bleakley.

Press Notice. Irish Rifle Volunteer Corps
Drill to be held at Livesley St. Police Station.

Election of officers for the Irish Company. To be Capt. John Porteus.
Lieut. Henry Grey.
Ensign George Beattie.

The Irish Coy, after some re-organisation became the 9th Coy. of the 2nd Manchester Volunteer Regt. Which was accepted by the War office, as the 28th Lancashire Rifle Volunteer Corps 28th Jan 1860,
23/03/60 Presentation of a silver bugle to the Irish Coy... A 2nd Irish Coy now being recruited!

30/05/60 The 1st and 2nd Irish (Not yet on establishment) had an excursion to Ireland. Passing through Liverpool they were made welcome by Lt-Col Bousfield (1st Lancs.V.C.)
The 2nd Irish Coy was later added as the 10th Coy. 28th LRV.

Presumably they continued to serve until the 28th Corps was incorporated into the 33 (Ardwick ) Vol Regt. The names of John Porteus (Major) and George Beatty (Capt.) are still on the 33rd's list in 1869.

An interesting and rare piece of military history.

P.B.

[Jeff Mc William]

A very unusual and interesting item Peter. Congratulations on acquiring it. Jeff

[Roy]

Hi Peter,

These personal items are always great, well done, what a lovely addition to your collection.

Thanks for sharing, Roy.

[manchesters]

Peter,

Nice medal, but cant see a Liverpool connection?
Did you know I collected to Manchester units

regards

[Peter Brydon]

Simon,

Would always consider exchanging it for something similar to one of the Lancashire Rifle Volunteer units with a Liverpool connection.

Peter

[Toby Purcell]

Very interesting Peter, thank you for posting. I shall print that detail off and paste it into the fly of my copy of 'Tracing the Rifle Volunteers' by Ray Westlake.

[mule-73k]

Peter,
Great piece of history there. I had always thought it strange that I never hear of an Irish unit in Manchester! Mystery solved, thanks for the information.

Anyone got a photo of what their badges would of been?

Dave

[manchesters]

They didnt have any specific badges and wore those of their parent RVC.

The Manchester Scottish did have their own insignia, but thats a whole different story.

regards

[mule-73k]

Thanks Simon for that. I was thinking that that might have been the case. Do you have a pic of the parent unit?

Dave

[manchesters]

No, nothing that early for the 28th LRVC.

regards