A memorial garden featuring the Victoria Cross winners from the 36th (Ulster) Division is created at the bottom of St Leonard’s Crescent, along the Newtownards Road, Belfast.
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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William Frederick McFadzean of the 14th (Young Citizens) battalion Royal Irish Rifles was awarded the Victoria Cross for throwing himself on a box of grenades that had fallen into the trench during the Battle Of The Somme, July 1st, 1916. The figure on the left is Edward Carson. The plaque reads “Sydenham roll of honour to those who gave their lives in the Great War and to those who haven’t been traced but are known unto God.”
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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Crimson Star flute band mural in east Belfast, with orange lilies growing above and below.
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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“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
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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Images of the Somme and of ERII flank the traditional image of King William at the Boyne in the Orange arch on My Lady’s Road, Belfast. (The small tarps are sponsored by the East Belfast Historical And Cultural Society and the Lagan Village Cultural Society.) On top are the holy Bible and the crown, with the ladder and the star to either side.
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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UVF/YCV mural in Carrington Street, Belfast, with two masked gunmen. The mural dates back to before the peace agreement. The flag on the left is an Ulster Special Service Force flag.
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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Although Titanic was built at Harland & Wolff in Belfast, it was registered in Liverpool. It sank on the night of April 14th, 1912: “Survivors – Men 130 Women 324 Children 56 Crew 195. Perished – Men 638 Women 112 Children 56 Crew 703.”
Ballarat Street, Belfast
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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“Unbowed, unbroken.” Five of the original 18 portraits are missing – see the image from 2006 (as well as the plaque just out of shot to the left.)
This is a version of the earlier Éıre/Ireland mural (depicted as a female in the centre of the mural) seen in 2005.
Mountpottinger Road, Belfast.
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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“Understand the past – and build a better future le chéıle Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter.” “The past” in this case is the Battle Of St Matthew’s (“Chath Naomh Máıtıú”), one of the formative events of the Provisional IRA (“Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann”) (WP). The “better future” is symbolised by the dove and the absence of a weapon in the arms of the central figures – compare to this Derry mural from 1985. The mural was unveiled as part of the commemorative events to mark the 40th anniversary of the Battle.
Mountpottinger Road, Short Strand, east Belfast
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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Henry McIlhone died in the Battle Of St Matthew’s, 27th June 1970 (along with McCurrie and Neill). There is also a memorial cross. James George and Bobby Jennings are recognized for their long-time contributions to the Short Strand community. The plaque was unveiled as part of the commemorative events to mark the 40th anniversary of the Battle.
“Cuıreadh an leac seo ın aırde ı ndíl [ndıl] chuımhne ar na daoıne ó pharóıste Naomh Maıtıú, a thug a gcuıd ama, a saoırse agus a mbeo leıs an cheantar seo agus a phobal a chosaınt, go mórmhór le lınn luatha tréımhse na coımhlınte seo. Ar an dóıgh chéanna lean sıad traıdısıún a thoısıgh sna 1920aí ı ndıaıdh críochdheıghılt ı gceantar macasamhaıl Baıle Mhıc Aırt an fód ın aghaıdh leatroım, an ıdırdhealaıthe agus ın éadan bagaırt an bháıs orthu. Tháınıg sıad le chéıle le sábháılteacht a muıntıre féın a chınntıú. Tá roınnt de na laochra sıúd ar shlí na fırınne anoıs, ach maıreann a gcrógacht agus a gcríonnacht go fóıll agus beıdh cuımhne agaınn ar an héachtraí a rınne sıad go deo na ndeor.”
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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