Physical rights are retained by the photographer, Tony Crowley. Copyright is retained by the photographer, Tony Crowley.
Description
Non-aligned mural, Mervue St., Tigers Bay, North Belfast, 2016. Mural depicts events of 1912-1918 at Home and at the Front; centre: Somme scene; bottom left: woman welder; centre left: striking workers; top: workers being recruited; right centre: nurse; bottom right: woman carrying coal. Lower mural: to left: cross of poppies; left: undertaker; right: bugler; centre explanatory plaque: 'This mural shows images from the years 1912-1918. The images show what was happening at home and on the battlefield during the First World War and the years leading up to the war. It is estimated over 16 million people died and 20 million were wounded during World War One, making it one of the bloodiest wars in history. Two million horses were used during this war. Many died. This mural reflects the different ways in which people’s lives changed - from being part of a battle to keeping communities going. Images for the mural were decided after a lengthy consultation and research process and study visits with the local community. This mural reflects some different aspects of life during those years. During the war women were employed to do a range of jobs that they had not not previously had access to. The war signalled the start of a change in women's role. This image is of a woman welder. Belfast shipyard workers went on strike for improved terms and conditions in 1917. Scenes like this happened throughout Ireland as thousands of people gave up their jobs and left their families behind fight to go and fight for the idea of 'King and Country'. Women provided important medical care both at home and at the front before, during and after war years. Another important job which women did was delivering coal to homes and factories helping to keep industry alive during these years. The Battle of the Somme took place between 1st July and 18th November 1916 on the banks of the River Somme in Northern France. During this battle over 1,000,000 were wounded or killed, making it one of the bloodiest battles in human history. Irish soldiers played a very important part in this battle. The 36th (Ulster) division suffered more than 5,000 casualties of whom 2,069 died on the first day of the battle. Some soldiers were employed to make crosses to mark the graves of soldiers who died. Many soldiers were also buried in unmarked graves. A bugler played the Last Post in British army camps to signal the end of the day when the duty officer returned to the field. These are the badges of the 19 regiments from the island of Ireland which fought during World War One. Wounded soldiers included 80,000 cases of shell shock which affected the poet sigfried sassoon quoted below. "But the past is just the same - and War’s a bloody game... Have you forgotten yet? Look down and swear, by the slain of the war that you’ll never forget" Aftermath Siegfried sassoon'. Artwork Jonny McKerr; details of sponsoring organisations. Non-aligned
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.
