William Britain 31403 American Civil War Union Irish Brigade Flag No. 3

  

Union Irish Brigade Flag No. The formation of the Irish Brigade was authorized by the Secretary of War, Simon Cameron, in September 1861. The brigade originally consisted of the 63rd New York Infantry, the 69th New York Infantry, and the 88th New York Infantry. The three New York regiments were soon joined by a regiment from Massachusetts, the 29th. This Union NCO carries the Irish Brigade flag of the 69th New York Infantry Regiment, affectionately referred to as the Fighting 69th.

" The Irish Brigade was known in part for its famous war cry Faugh A Ballagh, which is an Irish phrase meaning "Clear The Way. The Irish Brigade participated in almost all the engagements of the Army of the Potomac during the civil war suffering horrific casualties.