Our Brave Defenders (OLD)

Mural commemorating the 36th (Ulster) Division's role in World War I, particularly highlighting the events of 1st July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

The mural prominently displays the title: "36th (Ulster) Division, 1st July 1916" at the top.
It honors the bravery and sacrifices of the division during the Battle of the Somme.

Art and Imagery:
Top Panels:
The left panel depicts soldiers advancing in battle, armed with rifles and bayonets, emphasizing the action and intensity of the battlefield.
The center panel shows a symbolic image of a soldier kneeling before a grave marked with a cross, with the Union Jack in the background, representing sacrifice and remembrance.
The right panel features the silhouette of a soldier at sunrise or sunset, accompanied by the poignant phrase: "At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we shall remember them."

Bottom Panels:
The left and right panels display poppies, a universal symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers.
The center-right panel features an image of the Thiepval Memorial, a significant memorial in France dedicated to missing British and South African soldiers from the Somme.

Text and Dedication:
The central bottom section includes the title "Our Brave Defenders", surrounded by poppies.
Two large blocks of text include letters or poems dedicated to the memory of the fallen. While the text is partially obscured, it reflects themes of remembrance and honor for those who sacrificed their lives.