British forces

The New Lodge Six

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“In memory of Jim Sloan and James McCann, killed near this spot by British forces on the night of 3rd/4th February 1973. Always remembered by the people of the New Lodge Road.”

“In memory of Tony (T.C.) Campbell, Brendan Maguire, John Loughran and Ambrose Hardy, killed near this spot by British forces on the night of 3rd/4th February 1973. Always remembered by the people of the New Lodge Road.”

Two of the New Lodge Six (James Sloan, James McCann) were killed by the UDA outside a bar and four (Tony ‘TC’ Campbell, Ambrose Hardy, Brendan Maguire, John Loughran) were among the crowd that gathered, killed by British Army snipers from their positions on top of the flats, using night-vision sights, February 3rd-4th, 1973.

New Lodge Road, Belfast

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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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Free Protestant Hostages

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The larger plaque on the board above reads, “We wish to pay tribute to the young men and women from this area, who are currently serving or have served with Her Majesty’s Forces in Afghanistan and to those from Northern Ireland who have paid the Surpreme Sacrifice. Lest we forget”. 

The smaller one has part of the Ode of Remembrance from Laurence Binyon’s poem For The Fallen: “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, Nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun, And in the morning, We will Remember them.”

The side-wall reads “End PSNIRA political policing – free Protestant hostages” with a pair of fists bound by rope (rather than barbed wire).

Linn Road, Larne

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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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Operation Motorman

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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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Óglach Sean McKee

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“In proud memory of Óglach Sean McKee killed in action by British Paratroopers 18th May 1973 aged 17 years – “Better to die on your feet than live on your knees””

McKee was shot in Fairfield Street while aiming at a 3 Para observation post in an abandoned building in Butler Street (Lost Lives 847).

Elmfield Street, Ardoyne, Belfast

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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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Kidso Reilly

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“This plaque is dedicated to the memory of Thomas (Kidso) Reilly, murdered by British crown forces 9th August 1983, aged 22 years. Never forgotten by his many friends and his good friend CROOP RIP. May they rest in peace. You’ll never walk alone.”

Thomas “Kidso” Reilly was a brother of Jim Reilly of Stiff Little Fingers and was working as road manager for Bananarama when killed on the Springfield Road on August 9, 1983. Ian Thain, of the Light Infantry regiment, was convicted of his murder. He served less than three years before being released and rejoining the army (like Lee Clegg). 

Reilly was a fan of Glasgow Celtic FC – the already existing plaque to Reilly in Turf Lodge was dedicated by Trinity Lodge Celtic Supporters Club: see Kidso Reilly.

Springfield Road, Belfast

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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Eddie Doherty

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“Ballymurphy Massacre – Eddie Doherty – murdered by British Army 10 August 1971, aged 31, father of 4, corporation worker.”

Doherty was shot by a British Army soldier, one of 24 people to die as internment was introduced in August, 1971 (BelTel | Irish Story). The plaque is at the spot where Doherty was shot, on the Whiterock Road at Brittons Parade, Belfast. Profile at ballymurphymassacre.com.

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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Springhill-Whiterock-Westrock

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“This plaque is dedicated to the memory of those murdered on 9th July 1972 by the British army. Fr Noel Fitzpatrick, Paddy Butler, Margaret Gargan, David McCafferty, Fıan John Dougal, and to all those murdered in Springhill, Whiterock, and Westrock area.” This is the new plaque to the five people killed in the Springhill-Westrock Massacre, and is on the house extension that the previous plaque. (See chapter 2 of An Pobal A Pheınteáıl.)

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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Local History From Local People

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“Get the real story – local history from local people – take a black taxi tour – West Belfast Taxi Association – 40 years unbroken service”. The tours of “local” history are of course aimed at non-locals as part of the ‘dark tourism’ or ‘Troubles tourism’ boom.

Here is the Getty Images photo of British Army soldiers on the Falls Road in 1969, on which the mural is based.

Divis Street, Belfast

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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Michael Hughes

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“I ndıl chuımhne ar Mhıcheál Ó hAodha, Óglach na hÉıreann, a dunmharaíodh anseo ag Arm na Breataıne ar 18 Deıreadh Fómhaır 1974. I meas laochra na nGael go raıbh sé. In proud and loving memory of Vol. Michael Hughes, Irish Republican Army, who was murdered at this spot by The British Army on the 18th October 1974.” According to Sutton, Hughes was shot while attempting to hijack a bus.

Main Avenue, Newry

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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