Ulster Volunteers

90 Years Of Resistance

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“The People’s Army 1912-2002 – 90 years of resistance.” The top two panels show the “newly-formed Shankill Volunteers” “train[ing] at Fernhill estate, Glencairn” and then in 1916 the “9th RIR (West Belfast UVF) go over the top at the Somme.” Below, “volunteers defend the Shankill community from republican attack” in the 1969 riots in Bombay Street and environs, leading to the “crossroads” of 2002, with David Ervine holding a copy of the “Good Friday Agreement” on the road to “peace”.

Previously seen in 2005.

Canmore Street, Belfast

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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The Young, The Brave, The Fearless

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Young Citizen Volunteers of both the Home Rule (1912) and Troubles periods are shown shouldering rifles. On the side wall: “In loving memory of Volunteer Colin Castle, died 17th February 2006. Lest we forget.”

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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Mid Ulster Brigade Ulster Volunteer Force

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This Portadown mural combines the Ulster Volunteers of 1912 with the contemporary UVF. The panels show “UVF gun-smuggler 1913”, “Firearms training 1913”, and “Sir Edward Carson about to address troops at Portadown railway station” while the roll of honour lists modern-day volutneers Joey Neill, Horace [Harris] Boyle, Wesley Summerville [Somerville], Derek McFarlane, Jackie Marshall, Wilson “Winky” [also “Winkie”] Fry, Robin Jackson, Richard Jameson, Mark “Sqid” Elliott. This is progress compared to the previous mural, shown below, which had hooded gunmen active in the centre of the mural, with the crest of the 36th (Ulster) Division on the side-wall.

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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1912-2002 Ulster Volunteer Force

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“1912-2002 Ulster Volunteer Force – 90 years” linking the Ulster Volunteers of 1912 and WWI with the Carrickfergus company of the contemporary UVF’s 1st East Antrim Battalion.

The Larches and Blackthorn Park in Carrickfergus

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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Ulster Volunteers

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From left to right: a Union Flag, the emblem of the USSF [Ulster Special Service Force, elite units within the Ulster Volunteers], Carson and the Covenant, the gunrunning ship Clyde Valley, a red hand in a garland, crossed “1914” rifles, the memorial to the gunrunning near Chaine Memorial, soldiers going over the top, Ulster Tower, and a cross marking a grave.

Drumahoe Gardens, Larne

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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A Few Of The Many

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“Lest we forget. This memorial is dedicated to the men of the Willowfield Battalion, East Belfast regiment, Ulster Volunteer Force, who made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War 1914-1918. It stands on the site of the old Willowfield unionist hall, opened by Sir Edward Carson on May 16th 1913, as a drill hall and rifle range for Willowfield UVF. It was from this hall volunteers marched to Balmoral, from there to the green fields of France, some never to return. Sleep on, dear sons of Ulster, ’til the trumpet sounds again.”

“In memory of our fallen comrades Ulster Volunteer Force East Belfast.”

“In solemn remembrance we salute the brave men of Ulster. Without favour or reward they fought militant republicanism on its own terms. Their courage, dedication and sacrifice we will remember for evermore. Joe Long, Robert (Squeak) Seymour, Charlie Logan, Trevor King, Billy Miller, Tommy McDowell, Joe Shaw, Colin Caldwell, Harris Boyle, Wesley Somerville, Geoffrey Freeman, David Swanson, Sinclair Jonhston, Robin Jackson. This is a few of the many. For God and Ulster.”

This is an improved image over 2006’s A Few Of The Many. Cherryville Street, Belfast.

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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Tamery Pass

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Tamery Pass (and Willowfield Walk) lies below Beersbridge Road between Woodstock and Castlereagh roads. This mural, at the lower entrance to the area, celebrates the area’s contribution to the Young Citizen Volunteers who fought in WWI. Willowfield Street, Belfast.

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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2011 [M06760] “YCV” is whitewashed

Rex Bar

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This is the scene in the outdoor seating to the Rex Bar on the Shankill Road. The arch is dedicated to the 36th (Ulster) Division at the Battle Of The Somme. On the side of the betting office, Carson signs the Ulster Covenant (Mo2454), Carson reviews the Ulster Volunteers (M02453), and a farmer’s wife protects the farm, both during WWI and from “sectarian attack from across the border” (M02452). The Union Flag to the left is in progress.

Shankill Road at (formerly) Moscow Street

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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