A revisit to a brilliant museum, providing plenty of education for the adults and additional knowledge for the two boys. Both my boys know lots and lots of information about the exhibits in here, and as they have in the past, they shared that as they went around. It is apt that I post this on Armistice weekend, as the topic plays such an important part of both sides in any conflict. The tanks here are superbly laid out and the stories told around them are carefully done. There are plenty of tanks, as you would expect, but there are human elements, horses and their role in the wars, plus the stories from all sides of the conflicts. The fact that they show so many German tanks is a credit to the museum and they have worked hard to show both sides of the war. The innovation on both sides also comes through, as they copy and out do each other to gain advantages. Again we visited the Vehicle Conservation Centre and stood in awe at the number of tanks they have in storage. Its worth a visit.
As you walk in and follow the route you look down across the first room, infront of me is the Centurion tank, on of the most important tanks in WW2. Behind are the numbered areas which we will follow.The first working tank in the world. Little Willie was built by Foster and Co of Lincoln an agricultural firmThe Mark 2 tank, used in the Battle of Arras in 1917, German shell holes in the tank show how unarmoured this one was. Other where used at Bovington to train new drivers in 1916, to use these for WW1. This is the oldest tank in the world that saw combat.A Panzer 2 tank with markings of 1st Panzer Division at the time of the invasion of France in June 1940. This tank didn’t last long in WW2 before being outclassed and moved backwards in the attacking lines to reconnaissance rolesThe Tiger 1 tank, first appeared in 1942 and was a formidable weapon for the Germans. It worked across Europe, Russia and Africa. This one still works now and is used on the Tiger days at the museum. The boys are looking the French Char tank to our right here.The Field Marshall Montgomery section, including his hat. Arguably the best German tank of WW2, the Panther was a formidable opponent, they were used mainly to attack Russia but not enough of them were made despite their huge advantages over the Russia T-34The oldest surviving example of a Sherman tank, this is a Sherman Firefly, an American tank design with a better British gun. One of the most successful tanks in WW2The Churchill Crocodile, build ready for the Normandy invasion, it was a flame throwing tank, this one is the last one off the production lineMoving on and we have the first main battle tank in the Cheiftain. Back left are examples of the turrets on the tanksStraight after the Trench Experience section is this (I think) a Mark 4 tank. The bail on top is to drop into a trench so the tank can pass across it.4 Candles, or handles for forks!!!
My eldest in North Africa clothing
Heading into the North Africa section, my grandad was based as an engineer in North Africa during WW2, so it was interesting to see the types of tanks and vehicles he would have worked on.Probably the most feared German tank, the Tiger 2A Churchill 4 on the left here, so many vehicles in this section, all squashed inAnd more, different attachments for different usesJadgpanther, built late in the war, these were used by Germany for defense. There is no turret on these meaning the gunner had to be aiming at the target or telling the driver to move to hit what they wanted. As a result they were used in ambush aimed at tank routes to take out attacking Allied forces.A room with a kids cafe and lots of current tanks, a Chieftain, a Challenger and a Centurion. There is also a Tog 2 out of shot here. There is also an Afghanistan section behind meA Jagdtiger, like the Jagdpanther this was a huge gun strapped to a set of tracks, no turret so again this one had to be moved to aim, if it hit then it destroyed everything. Used for defences in 1944 and 1945At the end is a small section of tanks in films, such as this Sherman used in the film Fury.The conservation centre and the dozens of tanks and vehicles kept in here. Linda is happy with her day out.
A model of the first German tank, the AV7
This part is truly astonishing, so many of them in this huge hanger. Some used on the exhibition weekends, where they drive them around the tracks outside. Other are just very old, or used by the military to come up with ideas for future tanks. A brilliant day out and we all loved it, even Linda!
Definitely one for the lads. I’ve been there with son and wife and as I used to collect and make Airfix models of planes and tanks as a lad was able to be very boring identifying the different vehicles
Just like my boys, they named pretty much every tank as we walked towards it, plus the gun size and ammo used. Some superb exhibitions though in this museum
This isn’t so far from me, I think my son would love it. We live on the edge of Salisbury plan and often see the tracked vehicles and occasional tank ( I think?) on the exercises. Makes your heart beat a bit faster if they’re quite close.
Have you seen the most modern remake of ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’? There’s a scene in there where the soldier realises a tank is coming towards him and its the beginning of the most genuinely goosebumps inducing scene I’ve seen in a long time!
Yes I did see that film, bit was brilliantly made. Its a great day out, and probably one place you could make a couple of trips to see all of it as there is lots there
treksandtors 
Very timely, Lest we forget, we will remember them
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We visited a couple of weeks ago, but I’ve waited for this weekend to post it. Lest we forget all those that gave their lives during the wars.
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Grand place – used to have lots of Lawrence of Arabia mememtoes as well.
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Fascinating, especially that huge hangar just packed with tanks. Sort of thing my dad would love to see
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Definitely one for the lads. I’ve been there with son and wife and as I used to collect and make Airfix models of planes and tanks as a lad was able to be very boring identifying the different vehicles
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Just like my boys, they named pretty much every tank as we walked towards it, plus the gun size and ammo used. Some superb exhibitions though in this museum
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This isn’t so far from me, I think my son would love it. We live on the edge of Salisbury plan and often see the tracked vehicles and occasional tank ( I think?) on the exercises. Makes your heart beat a bit faster if they’re quite close.
Have you seen the most modern remake of ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’? There’s a scene in there where the soldier realises a tank is coming towards him and its the beginning of the most genuinely goosebumps inducing scene I’ve seen in a long time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I did see that film, bit was brilliantly made. Its a great day out, and probably one place you could make a couple of trips to see all of it as there is lots there
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