British forces

Our Brave Defenders

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This is the completed version of the mural earlier shown in-progress. The four main panels show the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division going over the top on the first day of the Somme (1st July 1916), the “angel of Mons” (WP), Ulster Tower (“This tower was dedicated to the glory of God. In grateful memory of the officers, non commissioned officers and men of the 36th (Ulster) Division, and of the sons of Ulster in other forces who laid down their lives in the great war, and of all their comrades in arms who, by divine grace, were spared to testify to their glorious deeds. ‘Throughout the long years of struggle …. the men of Ulster have proved how nobly they fight and die’ – 16th November 1918 King George V”), and Thiepval Memorial (“Dear men and brothers, going out/to fight for Ulster’s need/we hail you with a mighty shout/brave friends, and true in deed.//Your country holds you in renown/your names will never be dead/and some sweet angel has a crown/for each dear, manly head.”)

St Leonard’s Crescent (the old Newcastle Street).

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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100 Years Of Conflict

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“Lest we forget – 1912-2012”: “The four panels of the mural represent images from conflict over the past 100 years … the Great War … Luftwaffe raids during the early years of the Second World War … the dark period in our history known as the Troubles … more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Part of the Arts Council for Northern Ireland’s Re-imaging Communities Programme – thiis project placed artist Jim Russell in the heart of the Sunningdale community to work with local people to create a more welcoming environment for everyone.”

Ballysillan Road, Belfast

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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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
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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
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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
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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
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