Here are the four boards on Lindsay Street, south Belfast, from east to west.
Above: “Great Britain declares war on Germany 1939-1945. 1939 marked the beginning of WW2 when Germany invaded Poland. Britain quickly joined the war efforts and declared war on Germany. Like their forefathers before them, the men of Donegall Pass enlisted to fight for King and Country. From beaches of Normandy, the deserts of North Africa and the Rocky Mountains of Leros the men of the Pass fought with valour. Many of these men sacrificed their freedom for the civil and religious liberties we enjoy today. While the men were fighting on the front, many of the women from this area enrolled in the factories to provide the much needed ammunition for the war efforts. 1941 saw the Germans Blitz Belfast which saw many homes in this area destroyed and like the rest of Belfast, the people of this community shows it’s [sic] resilience.”
“The war is over. Armistice Day 1918. 11th month, 11th day, 11th, hour.” “But in their eyes shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes … Their flower the tenderness of patient minds, and each slow dusk a drawing down of blinds.” Lines from Wilfred Owens’ (1893-1918) ‘Anthem For Doomed Youth‘ on a new board in Lindsay Street.
The text at the bottom reads: “The last three months of WWI became known as the hundred days. Realising they were defeated an armistice was signed by the Germans. Germany finally surrendered and WWI ended on November 11th 1918. The terms of the agreement called for the end of fighting along the entire Western Front to begin a precisely 11 am that morning. Records show that the last British soldier killed in WWI was Private George Edwin Allison of the 5th Royal Irish Lancers. He was killed at Mons at 09:30 am, just 90 minutes before the ceasefire.”
Computer-generated board in Lindsay Street showing a map of the northern end of the Western Front and images of soldiers marching, on horseback, and in the trenches: Donegall Pass remembers 1914-1918 – the great sacrifice. Lest we forget. Here are commemorated the many local men who during the Great War of 1914-1918 gave the most that man can give: life itself for God for King and Country.
“It is needful that we knit together as one man, each strengthening the other, and not holding back of counting the cost” – Ulster [Unionist] Council Resolution 1912.” “Ulster’s solemn league and covenant. Ulster Day 28th September 1912.” The Council met on September 23rd and 471,000 people signed the covenant (figures here) on or around the 28th – Ulster Day – led by Sir Edward Carson.
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