The first known Irish people who resided in Russia were part of a company that, during the Polish–Russian War (1605–18), was part of a regiment under the command of Wilim Grim. Later, captain-Rittmeister Jacob Shaw switched sides. In 1614 they left the fortress of Bely to join Russian forces. The regiment participated in several Russo-Crimean Wars against the Crimean–Nogai raids. In 1626, all foreign mercenaries received Russian names, and after converting to Orthodox Christianity they received material benefits (typically lands with serfs or rubles and clothes).