The Foundation and Defence of Northern Ireland 1920 to 1970

A historical mural about the early political and security developments of Northern Ireland, focusing on the Ulster Special Constabulary (USC) and key figures from the establishment of the Northern Ireland government.

Key Elements of the Mural:
Sir James Craig (1st Viscount Craigavon)

A large portrait of Sir James Craig, the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland (1921-1940).
Craig played a crucial role in the formation of Northern Ireland after the partition of Ireland in 1921.
The Executive Committee for Northern Ireland (1921)

A historical photograph of Craig and his executive committee, including notable figures like:
L.B. Dawson Bates
Charles Stewart
Sir James Craig
Hugh MacDowell Pollock
Sir Edward Archdale
James Andrews
These men were instrumental in establishing Northern Ireland’s first government.
The Opening of the Northern Ireland Parliament (1921)

An image of King George V and Queen Mary opening the first Northern Ireland Parliament on June 22, 1921, at Belfast City Hall.
This marked the official beginning of Northern Ireland’s devolved government under British rule.
Ulster Special Constabulary (USC) (1920-1970)

Also known as the "B-Specials", the USC was a paramilitary-style police reserve force in Northern Ireland.
The mural describes its formation in October 1920, just before the partition of Ireland, and its role in supporting law enforcement and countering nationalist and republican opposition.
The USC was particularly active during:
The Irish War of Independence (1919-1921)
The Irish Civil War (1922-1923)
The IRA Border Campaign (1956-1962)
The force was controversial and criticized for its loyalist and unionist bias.
The mural states that 95 USC members were killed in service, most in conflict with the IRA between 1921-1922.
Ulster Free State Boundary Sign

A photograph of two uniformed USC members beside a sign reading "Ulster Free State Boundary".
This represents the establishment of the border between Northern Ireland (UK) and the Irish Free State (now the Republic of Ireland).
USC Disbandment (1970)

The USC was officially disbanded in May 1970, following the Hunt Report, which called for security reform and demilitarization.
Many of its roles were absorbed into:
Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR)
Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC)
Heraldry and Slogans

The phrase "Floreat Ultona" (Latin: "Let Ulster Flourish") appears under a coat of arms featuring a red lion and a golden stag holding a shield with the Ulster Banner.
A USC badge with a red hand emblem and crown represents the organization’s identity.
Historical Context:
The mural commemorates the formation of Northern Ireland in 1921, emphasizing its first government and the role of the USC in security.
It presents a loyalist and unionist perspective, celebrating Craig and the USC's role in protecting the new state.
However, the USC was controversial and seen by many nationalists as a sectarian force that discriminated against Catholics.