War 2 it changed to 'Faugh-A-Ballagh' ('Clear the way'), which has remained to the present time. The motto echoes the history of the Royal Irish Fusiliers the First Battalion of which was known as the 'Faugh-a-Ballaghs', an honorary title conferred upon them during the Peninsular War (1809-1812). Freedom of Entry The unit exercised its freedom of entry into Johannesburg on 9 November 2013 as part of the centenary celebrations of the City of Johannesburg with bayonets fixed, colours flying and drums beating. Regimental Symbols A green hackle is worn by this regiment. The regiment wear black boots (as opposed to brown) in recognition of the near-destruction of the regiment in World War II. The original (1914) motto of the regiment was "Quis separabit?" ("Who will separate us?"), but during World War II it changed to "Faugh-a-Ballagh" ("Clear the way"), which it has remained to the present day. The regimental cap badge consists of the Irish harp and the regimental motto. The regimental march was "The County Down Militia" but was later changed to "Killaloe". When the regiment was re-formed in 1939 a Pipe Band was raised, which remained with the it until 1949, after which it became the South African Irish Regimental Association Pipe Band. This regiment was affiliated with the London Irish Rifles in 1949. The Freedom of the City has been conferred upon the Regiment by both the Johannesburg and Barberton Municipalities. Dress Insignia Alliances – The Royal Irish Regiment (27th (Inniskilling) 83rd, 87th and Ulster Defence Regiment) Battle honours The following Battle Honours have been awarded to the regiment: South West Africa 1914 – 1915 East Africa 1940 – 1941 Mega Western Desert 1941 – 1943 Sidi Rezegh Note: As the regiment was virtually wiped out during the fighting at Sidi Rezegh in November 1941, no further World War II Battle Honours were awarded. Leadership Honorary Colonel: Colonel B. Molefe Officer Commanding: Lieutenant Colonel M. P. Mkhize Second-in-Command: Major J.A. van Straaten Adjutant: Lieutenant D.W. Chambers Regimental Sergeant-Major: Master Warrant Officer G.S. Moseki Notes References External links Regimental Website Infantry regiments of South Africa Irish regiments Military units and formations in Johannesburg Military units and formations established in 1914 Military units and formations of South Africa in World War I Military units and formations of South Africa in World War II Military units and formations of South Africa in the Border War Pages with Battle Honours