The Brigade was involved with many major events in Irish history, including treating casualties from the clashes during the General Strike of 1913 (sometimes referred to as the Dublin Lockout). However, the Brigade became prominent in Dublin during the Easter Rising of 1916 where it treated casualties on both sides and fed and cared for evacuees. During the fighting in the streets of Dublin, Lumsden became a familiar figure as he dashed out carrying a white flag and his medical kit to tend to the wounded on both sides. He was knighted by King George V for these acts and for the formation of the St. John Ambulance Society and became Sir John Lumsden KBE.