On 17th March 1940, General Sir Charles Harrington presented the shamrock to a Battalion of the London Irish Rifles in a St. Patrick's Day ceremony.
'St. Patrick's Day'
The London Irish Rifles celebrate Ireland's Saint's Day with the traditional wearing of the green. Sprigs of shamrock are distributed to the troops by General Sir Charles Harrington. Everyone present wears the national emblem with pride.
Did I say, everyone? Oh, sorry old chap. For the information of those not versed in Irish history, St. Patrick according to legend, adopted the favoured little plant as the national emblem of Ireland when he went there to preach Christianity. The day’s proceedings close with General Sir Charles Harrington taking the salute at the march past.