Red Hand Commando Memorial

This mural on Shankill Road serves as a tribute to prominent figures within the loyalist community, with an emphasis on remembrance, loyalty, and commitment to cultural heritage. Here’s an analysis of the components:

Upper Section - Tribute to Loyalist Leaders
Portraits of Key Figures:

The top section of the mural features portraits of four notable loyalist leaders:
William (Plum) Smith (1954–2016)
Augustus (Gusty) Spence (1933–2011)
David (Davy) Ervine (1953–2007)
Winston (Winky) Rea (1951–2023)

These individuals are remembered for their roles within the loyalist movement and their influence in Northern Ireland, each having had a significant impact on loyalist ideology, political leadership, or community organizing.

Quote:
At the top is a quote attributed to Mark Twain:
"With courage and vision you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity."

This quote likely reflects the qualities admired by the community in these figures, emphasizing courage, compassion, humility, and integrity.
Lower Section - Shankill Road A Company Memorial

Central Insignia:
The lower section is dominated by the Red Hand of Ulster emblem and the banner “Shankill Road A Company”, referencing a specific loyalist group or faction tied to this area.
Surrounding the central emblem are various battalion names, each honoring specific regions or groups:
South Belfast, West Belfast, North Belfast, North Down, East Belfast, Co. Down, Antrim, England, Scotland.
This display acknowledges the broader loyalist community's reach, showing solidarity across regions in Northern Ireland, as well as connections to loyalist supporters in Scotland and England.
Commemorative Plaque and Motto:

A plaque reads:
"We Dare Not Fail, Believe. We Dare Not Fail, Believe. For By Our Faith We Stand To Pray To God In All That Must Be Done Till Ireland's Night Is Won."

This inscription is both motivational and reflective of the community’s commitment to its beliefs and causes.
Additional Text:

A quote on the right side reads:
"It is not for Glory or riches we fight, but for our people."

Below this, “Lamh Dearg Abu” is written, which is Irish for “The Red Hand Forever” or “Victory to the Red Hand,” a motto associated with Ulster loyalist identity.
Flags:

Flags are displayed on either side of the mural: one is a Saltire (symbol of Scotland), and the other is a Union Jack, reinforcing the mural’s themes of loyalty to the United Kingdom and connections to the loyalist community in Scotland.

Visual Style:
The background of the lower section features a gradient sunset, symbolizing a reflective or memorial theme, with poppy wreaths below the fence further enhancing the mural’s commemorative aspect.
This mural is a powerful representation of loyalist heritage, honoring both influential leaders and the loyalist community's dedication. It commemorates individuals who have passed away, celebrates loyalist unity across various regions, and reaffirms commitment to cultural identity and remembrance.