Operation Motorman, the British Army’s retaking of ‘Free Derry’, took place on July 31st, 1972. This is the repainted mural (the in-progress shot is from April); for the 2001 original, see M01426. (Part of The People’s Gallery by the Bogside Artists.)
For the installation to Seamus Bradley, who died during the operation, (and for the photo the mural is based upon) see X01130.
The plaque is to Patrick Shiels (M03583).
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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“1 in every 4 women will experience violence in their lifetime – stop domestic, sexual & state violence.” Campaign of unknown origin on the rear of Free Derry Corner.
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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The board that in March had been on the back of Free Derry Corner (see X05222) is now in the Lecky Road underpass (before or after a spell on Westland Street).
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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Margaret Thatcher, former UK Prime Minister, died on April 8th. The paste-up on Free Derry Corner – “Let’s bury greed with her” – gives the impression that her primary legacy was neo-liberalism but the more visceral reactions – “Burn in hell” and “Your death made my day” – are inspired by her stance towards the hunger strikers in 1980 and ’81.
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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This is a new plaque to Stephen McConomy in Fahan Street, Derry, which includes the death of his mother, Maria “Mia” McConomy in July 2008 (Find A Grave). (For the previous plaque, see M03363)
“Stephen McConomy (a child of 11 years) Murdered by a plastic bullet aged 11 years on 16th April 1982. Always remembered by his loving brothers, family and late mother. May they both rest in peace.”
See also: Civil Order.
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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“UK no way – IRA” and “Free the Craigavon 2” – anti-Agreement graffiti on the walls of the old Derry city/Nailor’s Row.
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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The ‘Peace’ mural in ‘The People’s Gallery’ (Visual History page) by the Bogside Artists is repainted – see last year’s worn version. The mural was originally painted in 2004.
Rossville Street, Derry
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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A background has been added to the Derry Brigade (IRA) board on Lecky Road (seen in 2012), with Cú Chulaınn, an oak leaf with crossed rifles, and a lily.
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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Sınn Féın leader Gerry Adams said of the (Provisional) IRA in 1995 “They haven’t gone away, you know” (youtube). The phrase is used here (“hav’nt”) by post- and anti-Agreement IRA.
The second image shows a BRY board with a traditional spring-time republican message: “Honour Ireland’s patriot dead – wear an Easter lily.”
Both boards are in Iniscarn Crescent outside the City Cemetery, which is shown in the third image bedecked in Tricolours and Starry Ploughs.
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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“The Story Of The Murder Of Volunteer Seamus Bradley On The 31st Of July 1972, Operation Motorman.
On the 4th of July 1972, the British government met with army intelligence and army personnel, between them they created a blue print which was first called operation carcan to later be changed to operation motorman. In this secret meeting that place on the 4th of July, the army were to take 20,000 troops from the UN forces, and the government gave orders on a shoot to kill policy and confirmed that no soldier would be held accountable for their actions on that day. Over 1,500 of these soldiers and 300 centurion tanks were sent to free Derry to tear down the barricades and cause havoc, but the provisional IRA intercepted their blue print and decided to step down to protect the innocent people of Northern Ireland. It was 4:10am, there were 25 – 30 people at the Creggan shops when there was gunfire heard, Vol. Seamus Bradley unarmed drew attention to himself to save others.
He ran down Bishop field where a soldier was to get out of a saracen, take aim in a kneeling position and fire two shots hitting him in the back, Vol. Seamus Bradley fell. Then the saracen drove down the field to where he lay, they put him in the saracen and took him away to St. Peter’s school, no one knew what happened after that. All they know is that he was interrogated, the pictures tell their own story. He was shot again three more times at close range, he was tortured and beaten and left to bleed to death at the hands of the British army. Afterwards it was confirmed by a doctor that none of Seamus Bradley’s injuries had been life threatening and had he received medical aid he would have lived.
This memorial is to commemorate Vol. Seamus Bradley just yards from where he fell. Vol. Seamus Bradley on the 2nd Battalion of B company Oglaigh Na H-Eireann, even though he was shot five times and beaten they could not make him betray his comrades.
I lived and loved and laboured with a patriot’s heart and will that the dawning years might make you fearless and unfettered still. When a future age shall find thee free men stand by thy side Mother Ireland o” remember me.
They may kill our bodies and take our blood but they will never break our spirits. Vol. Seamus Bradley. The war is not over until Ireland is free.”
Bligh’s Lane/Bishop’s Field, Derry
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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Peter Moloney Collection 