502nd (Ulster) Squadron Mural – Glynn, Northern Ireland - Atlas Obscura
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502nd (Ulster) Squadron Mural

Glynn, Northern Ireland

A painting to honor the oldest reserve squadron in the Royal Air Force.  

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In the small parish village of Glynn, near Larne Town, is a mural created to celebrate the war effort of the Royal Air Force. The 502nd (Ulster) Squadron was formed in 1925 at Aldergrove (Belfast International Airport). It flew many bombing raids during the World War II from bases across Britain.

The officer depicted in the mural is Robert Oxland, the squadron’s first commanding officer. Robert Oxland was born on April 4, 1889, in Sydenham (southeast London). He joined the Royal Air Force in 1918. Rising through the ranks, he served as wing commander in 1930, and as head of air command of the RAF South East Asia Division in 1945. During his career he was awarded a CB (The Most Honourable Order of the Bath) and also a CBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for his military service. He died in October 27, 1959, in the town of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England at the age of 70.

The 502nd was disbanded in 1957 after more than 30 years of service, but in September 2013 was reformed to provide a supporting role for Royal Air Force personnel. 

The mural was unveiled in August 2018 to commemorate for the Royal Air Force’s 100th anniversary. 

Know Before You Go

The mural is on the Main Road, as you come into Glynn Village heading towards Larne Town. After crossing the bridge you will see a small community space in between housing, where the mural is placed. If you pass the Glynn War Memorial and Glynn Village Hall, you have gone too far. It is also a five-minute walk from the train station. 

war memorial murals world war ii military
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