UVF/YCV/RHC/PAF

UVF Liverpool No 4 Battalion

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A paramilitary mural in Monkstown (see J1042) is replaced by one of the statue to Sir Edward Carson at the entrance to Stormont. The names from the previous mural (John Webber/Webster and Lee Irwin) are retained and Steven Cook’s added, though this name was not on the original version of this mural (X05396).

Here is a memorial video to John Webster/Webber who died in 2000. Lee Irwin, who died from cancer at age 16, was the son of Liverpool UVF leader John Irwin (BelTel). Steven Cook is unknown except for a Young Carson’s Volunteers memorial parade in 2014.

The plaque reads “In memory of volunteers John Webster, Lee Irwin & Steven Cook. Lest we forget.” Tynan Drive, Monkstown. In 2014 the bronze plaque on the fence was replaced with a black one:

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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Copyright © 2014 Peter Moloney
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In Memory Of A Fallen Comrade

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“In memory of a fallen comrade, Colin Ralph Caldwell, murdered, Crumlin Road jail, 28th November 1991. 3rd Belfast battalion, Ulster Volunteer Force. Lest we forget.” The bomb had been planted by the IRA, killing the UDA’s Robert Skey immediately (November 24th) and Caldwell, from his wounds, a few days later on the 28th. A flute band was named in Caldwell’s memory and had a board across the street: Colin Caldwell Memorial FB.

Derry Hill, Rathcoole

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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United We Conquer

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The “Commando Memorial” stands 17 feet high near Lochaber in the Scottish highlands, in memory of the British Commando Forces created in WWII. It is depicted in this Red Hand Commando (B Company 1st Battalion) mural in Derrycoole Way, Rathcoole. Below the three commandos is one of the RHC mottos “It is not for glory or riches we fought but for our people.” (See also Lamh Dearg Abu and Our Grip Is Tight).

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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UVF 3rd Battalion North Belfast

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The battles that the 36th (Ulster) Division took part in are listed on either side of the silhouetted soldier: Ypres, Fricourt, Cambrai, Thiepval, Messines, Beaucourt, Somme, Albert, Flanders, St Quentin, Bailleul, Courtrai. The scroll at the top says “Tigers Bay III”. The memorial stone is to the “3rd Battalion, North Belfast”.

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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Ulster Volunteer Force 1912-2005

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The 36th (Ulster) Division, formed from the Ulster Volunteers, went “over the top” at the Battle of the Somme on July 1st, 1916, losing about 5,500 men. They are mourned in this Mount Vernon arch by a soldier from the period. The “2005” date on the right, and the graveside mourner in modern UVF fatigues are intended to link the Ulster Volunteers with the UVF.

See similarly 1912-2002 in Carrickfergus.

In the background is (the second) “Prepared for peace, ready for war” mural.

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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Prepared For Peace, Ready For War

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After the row of houses on which it originally appeared was knocked down, the mural to the North Belfast UVF/YCV/PAF [Protestant Action Force] “Prepared for peace, ready for war”, with its two hooded gunmen, was moved up on the hill, at eye-level with the motorway roundabout c. 2001.

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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