physical force

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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Cloughfern Young Conquerors

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The version of Eddie The Trooper in Cloughfern carries an assault rifle and a Cloughfern Young Conquerors (flute band) flag, founded in 1973 – the same year as the UFF – and “still undefeated”. He wears plaid/tartan trousers – perhaps a reference to Rathcoole Kill All Irish or other tartan gang. (Eddie has his own Visual History page.)

On the crosses are written the names of bands from the Rathcoole area (that no longer exist) “G. Blair Mem” [George Blair Memorial Flute Band – a UVF band], “WPB” [Whiteabbey Protestant Boys], “Sons Of KAI“, “Dam Busters” [Dam Busters Flute Band  Newtownabbey], and “EAV” [East Antrim Volunteers – a UVF band]. (Thanks to Joe K for the information about the bands.)

“RUC?” might refer to the shifting attitudes towards the police service (PSNI).

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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HM Queen Elizabeth II

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“HM Queen Elizabeth II 1952-2012”. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor acceded to the throne of the United Kingdom in 1952 (she was crowned in 1953). 2002 was her golden jubilee year. See also Long To Reign Over Us. The ‘sponsorship’ box reads “This mural was commissioned by 1st batt A coy South East Antrim UDA UFF UYM.” It would later be completely whited out and later painted over in black. It is undamaged in J1444.

Owenreagh Dr, Rathcoole, Newtownabbey

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Copyright © 2006 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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South East Antrim Brigade

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The four landmark high-rise buildings in Rathcoole – seen in the background of this nearby UDA mural – are called Abbotscoole, Carncoole, Glencoole and Monkscoole. Listed on the left-hand side are various areas in the South East Antrim brigade (plus Shore Road).

Bencrom Park, Rathcoole

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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