69th Regiment Irish Brigade “Fighting 69th” 3×5 Printed Polyester Flag

The 69th New York Infantry Regiment was one of many Irish Catholic regiments to serve in the US Army during the Civil War. The unit traces its lineage back to 1849 when it was established as part of the New York State Militia. They were later known as the “Fighting 69th” because of the nickname that Robert E. Lee gave them after witnessing the heroic yet hopeless assaults on Confederate lines at Marye’s Heights during the battle of Fredericksburg. So impressive was the bravery of the 69th, the Confederate officers and men offered hearty cheers and applause at the gallantry and fearlessness of the fighting men. The name stuck with the 69th Irish Brigade well beyond the Civil War as the unit was engaged in combat during 5 wars. The Civil War, WWI, WWII, as well as the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

History of the 69th Fighting Irish Brigade Flag

The flag carried by the 69th during the Civil War consisted of a traditional Irish green background with a bank of clouds and rays of sunlight shining through while an iconic harp and a field of shamrocks appears below the cloud. “69th Regiment Irish Brigade” and “Riamh Nar Dhruid O Spairn Iann” which is an old Irish expression written in a very old Irish tongue which means “Who Never Retreated from the Clash of Spears” are both inscribed in gold letters on bright red scrolls above and below the harp, clouds, and shamrocks design. After the battle of Antietam, the 69th’s banner was so badly shot up and bloodstained that it was not suitable to use. As a result, the “Fighting 69th” did not have a flag to carry into battle at Fredericksburg, so the men attached sprigs of green boxwood to their hats. After Fredericksburg, the men of the 69th were issued a new green flag much like the one previously carried.

This flag is a reproduction that closely resembles the one carried by the 69th New York Irish Brigade during the Civil War. The exact size and materials are not the same as the original flag. All of the artwork is visible on both sides of the flag and the lettering reads correctly from one side only.

Made of printed polyester which is a very lightweight material that will fly nicely in the slightest breeze.