British forces

Larry Kennedy

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“In proud and loving memory of Larry Kennedy, independent Belfast City councillor, anti-H-Block and Armagh Committee. Gunned down by pro-British forces on the steps of the Shamrock club, 8th October, 1981.” According to the Andersonstown News, Kennedy was killed by the UFF. The plaque is on the Ardoyne Avenue side of the club.

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
M06730 [M08262]

Patsy Gillespie

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“Civilian, husband and father” Patsy Gillespie worked as a cook at a British Army base in Londonderry. On October 24th, 1990, he was abducted from his Shantallow home and forced to drive a van loaded with 1,000 pounds of explosives to the base at Coshquin, where it killed five British Army soldiers and Patsy himself (WP). The stone “presented by the soldiers” is opposite the bar on the Buncrana Road.

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
M06568

Mussen Cortège

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“Richard Mussen joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (27th foot) at the age of 15. At the outbreak of the Zulu wars he volunteered for active service and was transferred to the Second Battalion The South Wales Borderers (24th foot). At the outbreak of the Great War he joined the 9th Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles and with him went his 4 sons and 2 sons-in-law. His son Richard (junior) was killed at the Somme on Thursday 21st March, 1918 and is remembered at Pozieres Memorial. Richard Mussen was buried from 22 Dundee Street [which was just above Agnes Street] on 29/12/1936 and was accorded full Military Honours. He was laid to rest in Belfast City Cemetery.”

Here is a short NVTv documentary about Mussen, including (at 12m25s) the image on which the mural shown here is based. The mural was done with spray paint by artist Sam Bates a.k.a. SMUG. It was officially unveiled on June 24th, 2011 but painted much earlier.

Shankill Road (at the old Beresford St), Belfast

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
M06472 M06471

John Brady

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“In memory of Óglach John Brady aged 40 years who was murdered by crown forces while in enemy custody 3rd October 2009. Fuaır sé bás ar son na hÉıreann.” Brady, of the Real IRA, was arrested after a family altrcation in Stabane and taken to Strand Road PSNI station (in Derry) where he allegedly committed suicide; one officer was suspended in connection with the death (Guardian | BBC on the 2020 inquest). Brady was given a paramilitary funeral at which shots were fired over the coffin (Guardian). In the background is the memorial to Eugene Devlin.

Drumallagh, Strabane

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
M06114

Blair “Paddy” Mayne

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Robert Blair “Paddy” Mayne was a rugby player, boxer, golfer, and solicitor, and in WWII a commando and one of the first members of the SAS (Special Air Service), participating in raids behind enemy lines in Egypt and Libya (depicted in the board above), and later, as SAS commander, in France, Belgium and other countries. His many decorations, including the DSO (four times) and French Croix De Guerre and Legion D’Honneur, are pictured below. His WP page includes an explanation of the ribbon bars.

Mayne was born in Newtownards and returned there at the end of the war. His statue stands in the town’s Conway Square and this board can be found in Queen Street.

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
M05944 [M05945] [M05956]