The Museum tells the story of the Corp of Engineers from its roots right up to the modern day. Some of the highlights (for me) include Wellingtons Map of the field of Waterloo - complete with bloodstains from Sir William DeLancy who received a mortal wound in the battle. Another highlight is the revolver and sword used by Lieutenant John Chard who commanded at Rorke's Drift in the Zulu Wars.
The exhibits are chronological in order and take the visitor through the period of the Kings Engineers (1066 to 1790), the French Wars (1793-1815), the Victorian Wars (South Africa, the Crimea, China), the First World War (1914-18) and the Second World War (1939-45). The latter exhibit also includes a fascinating section on the Mulberry Harbours and Bomb Disposal. The last exhibit looks at the Royal Engineers role in the Post War years. There is also a side exhibition of medals although I was rather disappointed to find that the promised 25 Victoria Crosses on display were actually replicas.
Outside in the ground there are several interesting vehicles that can be viewed close up. These include a rather impressive Churchill 6.5 AVRE (Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers). This was one of "Hobarts Funnies" which saw extensive use on the beaches of Normandy. 
This vehicle was designed to fire a demolition charge for destroying buildings and fortifications.
I've been today to the model show will post pictures tomorrow a few exhibits got in the way of the camera lens when photographing the models! It is a brillaint museum, buy your ticket and you can return as many times as you like in the year not bad for £6 especially if you live nearby. I met and chated to Mr Airfix Trevor Snowdon today as well!
ReplyDeleteforgot to add to above post that sadly insurance means most VC's have to be hidden away and most of the smaller museums have copies on display, it's the same with the West Kents in Maidstone Museum
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