“This mural is dedicated to the Ulster Volunteer Force 36th (Ulster) division. In 1912 Ulster was under the threat of home rule, Sir Edward Carson called upon the people of ulster to resist and almost half a million men and women signed a covenant to pledge their support; the U.V.f. was formed militarily trained and armed with thousands of guns that were smuggled into ports on board ships such as the SS. Clyde Valley; disciplined units of armed volunteers would soon be seen on the streets of ulster sending out a stark warning to those who would seek to force the bill throughout; 1914 saw the outbreak of WW1 and when Britain called put aside his differences and offered the services of his offer was accepted and 13 battalions were amalgamated with 3 existing based Irish regiments to form the on the 1st July the division played their part at the battle of the somme and although they achieved their objectives they had suffered over 5,000 casualties; as the war raged on fought nobly and bravely and on many occasions side by side with Irishmen who would once have been their bitter enemies but faced with battle they were brothers in arms; the Ulster Tower now stands beside Theipval Wood in France as a fitting monument in recognition of the sacrifice made by these brave Ulstermen. ‘Pass not this spot in sorrow but in pride that you may live as nobly as they died'” The gravestones shown are to 6322 Private J. Condon Royal Irish Regiment 24th May 1915 age 14 and 10/16015 Rifleman S. Thompson Royal Irish Rifles, 5th October 1918.

“I am not an Ulsterman but yesterday 1st July as I followed their amazing attack I felt that I would rather be an Ulsterman than anything else in the world” Captain Wilfred [Wilfrid] Spender – the Somme, 1916.”

“COSY [local bar] Somme Association, East Belfast.”

Carlingford Street, Belfast

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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