With hundreds of military museums in the UK alone, how do you know which one will best suit your interests? Here, MHM has picked some of the best museums and exhibitions to visit this year, from hidden gems to long-established sites.
Army Medical Services Museum
The AMS Museum tells the story of how the British Army has affected the history of medicine and health care since the English Civil Wars.It does this through the use of life-sized dioramas and displays featuring medical equipment, uniforms, badges and medals, and personal artefacts.
It houses an extensive archive and library featuring many important papers concerning the history of military medicine, nursing, dentistry, and veterinary medicine. There is also a unique display of 23 Victoria Crosses including a VC and Bar to a military doctor.
WHERE: Keogh Barracks, Ash Vale, Aldershot GU12 5RQ
OPENING TIMES: 9am-3.30pm (Mon – Fri)
CONTACT: 01252 868612
[email protected]
www.ams-museum.org.uk
Bentwaters Cold War Museum
The Bentwaters Cold War Museum (BCWM) opened its doors to the public for the first time in May 2007. This was the culmination of a project that had begun six years before.
The original idea was for a room in the control tower to be set aside for memorabilia and photos, but this idea was subsequently changed to something that was on a much larger scale. The new plan saw the former hardened Wing Command Post as the base for the museum, a building that itself has a very interesting history.
The main ‘war operations room’ and ‘Battle cabin’ have been restored to their original condition. The BT telephone exchange room, decontamination showers, and air-lock are also as original. Other rooms within the building have been turned into exhibition rooms covering the history of RAF Bentwaters from WWII to the base’s closure in 1993.
WHERE: Building 134, Bentwaters Parks, Rendlesham, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 2TW
OPENING TIMES: The first and third Sundays and Bank Holiday Sundays and Mondays, open from 10am-4pm, Easter-October inclusive.
CONTACT: 07588 [email protected]
www.bcwm.org.uk
Fleet Air Arm Museum
A day at the Fleet Air Arm Museum is guaranteed to thrill the whole family. You will be up close and personal with Europe’s largest collection of naval aircraft, have the chance to step on board the first British Concorde, and see the cockpit.
The museum takes you to the heart of the action within the amazing Aircraft Carrier Experience. The sonic and visual assault on the senses is breath-taking. You will ‘fly’ by helicopter to the replica flight-deck of the HMS Ark Royal. Among the aircraft are two large projection screens showing a Phantom and Buccaneer taking off and landing around you.
You can even witness a dramatic air sea rescue when a Buccaneer is lost overboard on the Ark Royal.
There is a children’s playground outside, a restaurant, shop, free parking, and excellent disabled access. More than a museum, The Fleet Air Arm Museum is an exciting experience revealing the history of naval aviation.
Situated alongside Europe’s busiest military air station, you may even see military aircraft going through their training procedures.
WHERE: RNAS Yeovilton Somerset, BA22 8HT
OPENING TIMES: 10am-5.30pm
CONTACT: 01935 842638
www.fleetairarm.com
Battle of Dunkirk and Operation Dynamo Museum
The Museum is located in the fortifications that were built in 1874 to reinforce France’s costal defence. Bastion 32 served as the headquarters for the French and Allied forces during the Battle of Dunkirk and Operation Dynamo.
The Memorial Du Souvenir tells an incredible story of the battle and the evacuation of more than 338,000 allied soldiers from the pocket of Dunkirk. The museum boasts a rich exhibition of maps and pictures, as well as both Allied and German military materiel. Scale models of the sites and of the operation, uniforms, and weapons complete the impressive collection. Visiting the museum will also offer you the opportunity to see a 15-minute-long film using dramatic period footage. This film gives visitors an exciting overall view of the events which took place between May and June 1940.
WHERE: Courtines du Bastion 32, Rue des Chantiers de France, 59140 Dunkerque, A16 exit 60.
OPENING TIMES: 1st April – 30th September, 10am-12pm, 2pm-6pm
CONTACT: +33 (0)3 28262731
[email protected]
www.dynamo-dunkerque.com
Museum of Army Flying
The Museum of Army Flying is home to a unique collection of aviation history of national and international importance. Explore over 35 incredible aircraft from WWI to the present day. Inside the museum a world of hidden treasures is waiting to be explored. You can delve into the rich history, heroic feats, and personal stories of extraordinary aviators, or get to grips with the hi-tech world of attack helicopters. The museum offers everyone an experience that is educational as well as enjoyable. We provide knowledge about and understanding of events, people, and changes in the past. For schools, Cubs, Scouts, and cadets the museum provides bespoke and unique learning programmes outside the classroom (email [email protected] for more information).
We also host an exciting range of events throughout the year, from family days to specialist lecture series.
WHERE? Middle Wallop, Stockbridge, Hampshire SO20 8DY
OPENING TIMES: 10am-4.30pm daily.
www.armyflying.com
The Royal Engineers Museum
The Royal Engineers Museum, Library, and Archive holds a vast collection of objects covering the long and varied history of the Corps of Royal Engineers. The Corps have been involved in every conflict of the British Army
across every Continent. The museum is currently hosting a small number of temporary exhibitions. Hidden Histories of Exploration, running from 19 January-1 April, offers a new perspective on the Society’s Collections, highlighting the role of local inhabitants and intermediaries in the history of exploration.
The 8th Corridor, from 22 April-30 September, will allow visitors to learn about conservation of museum artefacts and learn more about how a museum audit works. This exhibition will also be a great opportunity to see some of the objects from our stores that are never normally on display. There are always plenty of fun things for families to do as you visit the museum galleries. Hands-on experiences, dressing-up, interactive displays, and trails will all make sure you have an enjoyable and memorable visit.
WHERE: Prince Arthur Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME4 4UG
OPENING TIMES: Tuesday to Friday 9am – 5pm (closed Mondays) Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays: 11.30am- 5.00pm (last entry 4.00pm)
CONTACT: 01634 822839
www.re-museum.co.uk
To see the feature as it appeared in issue 31 of Military History Monthly, click here.