During the Peninsular War in 1808 the Connaught Rangers distinguished itself so much that later on the Duke of Wellington said it 'is the most astonishing infantry.' In the Peninsular War the Connaught Rangers served under general Picton who sent them in at the critical point of the battle to break their opponents spirit with ferocious hand-to-hand fighting. Because of this General Picton called them 'The Devil's Own.'

Three men of the 94th. regiment won the Victoria Cross for heroism during the campaigns in South Africa. Private Thomas Flawn and Private Francis Fitzpatrick were awarded the V.C. for on 28 November 1879 saving the life of a Lieutenant of the First Dragoon Guards under fire when their native troops and bearers ran away. Lance-Corporal James Murray of Cork City was awarded The Victoria Cross for saving a severely wounded Private at Elandsfontein on 16 January 1881, during which the brave man himself severely wounded.

The roll of Irish regiments who participated in the South African War is almost a complete embodiment of the Irish contribution to the British military establishment. The following Irish units served in this war:
1 Bn Connaught Rangers
1 and 2 Bns Royal Dublin Fusiliers
1 Bn Royal Irish Regiment
1 Bn Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
1 and 2 Bns Royal Irish Fusiliers
2 Bn Royal Irish Rifles
1 and 2 Bns Leinster Regiment
1 Bn Royal Munster Fusiliers
8th (Kings Royal Irish) Hussars
6th Inniskilling Dragoons
5th (Royal Irish) Lancers
45th (R Irish Hunt) Imperial Yeomanry
46th (Ulster) Imperial Yeomanry Corps support units (Artillery, Engineers, Medical

This picture is of a group of the rangers in World War 1.