News & Updates

Launch of the book "Badges and Insignia of the Irish Defence Forces"

This afternoon the Military Archives proudly hosted the launch of ‘Badges and Insignia of the Irish Defence Forces’ by Flight Sergeant James G. Perkins (Retired). The book was launched in the Commandant Peter Young Reading Room by Brigadier General Rory O’Connor, General Officer Commanding the Air Corps.

This publication is the result of 5 years of meticulous research conducted at the Military Archives and constitutes the first ever comprehensive guide to the badges and insignia - both official and unofficial - of the Irish Defence Forces. The book covers all three services (Army, Naval Service, Air Corps), spans the establishment of the Irish Volunteers in 1913 to the present, and features badges and insignia related to both home and overseas service. In this book, James has produced something that will be of interest and value to collectors, historians, re-enactors, serving and veteran soldiers alike.　

As well as an avid uniform enthusiast and collector, James is an invaluable member of our team. As a volunteer at the Military Archives he applies his expertise and passion to the preservation and cataloguing of our own collection of over 300 uniforms and accessories, which range from the Irish Volunteers to present patterns. This book will serve to further the Military Archives mission to make Ireland’s military heritage available and accessible to all and is something we are delighted to have been able to support.　

Copies of the book may be purchased from James Perkins directly, contactable by email at:

jamesperkinsbadgebook@gmail.com