Irish in the British Armed Forces Irish in the British Armed Forces The Irish in the British Armed Forces refers to the history of Irish people serving in the British Armed Forces (including the British Army, the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and other elements). Ireland was then as part of the United Kingdom from 1800-1922 and during this time in particular many Irishmen fought in the British Army. Different social classes joined the military for various reasons, including the Anglo-Irish officers who thoroughly identified with the British Empire, while others, typically poorer Irish Catholics did so to feed their families or seeking adventure. Many
Commander-in-chief of the British Armed Forces Commander-in-chief of the British Armed Forces The Commander-in-chief of the British Armed Forces, also referred to as commander in chief of the armed forces of the Crown, is a position vested in the British monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II, who as sovereign and head of state is the "Head of the Armed Forces". Long-standing constitutional convention, however, has vested "de facto" executive authority, by the exercise of Royal Prerogative powers, in the prime minister and the Secretary of State for Defence. The Prime Minister (acting with the support of the Cabinet) makes the key decisions on the use of the