Why not pay us a visit and take a look at our new temporary exhibition?
Great Escapes & Prisoners of War looks at individuals whose lives were impacted by their capture and how they adapted to ‘camp’ life.
Also, learn about the fascinating story of Esme Bowker and her work to look after World War I Tigers.
Summer Fun for Everyone!
The school holidays are nearly upon us. We are pleased to tell you that we have an experienced STEM (science, technology, engineering & maths) Ambassador working with us to provide a series of fun workshops for children aged 6-11 years. Better still, if they attend four workshops, they will be awarded a CREST Science Award. Who said you can’t have fun whilst learning?
From an outdoor gym to sending messages like spies, the challenges abound.
Spread the word and enrol your young people into our great new programme for Summer.
Hidden Treasures – No. 3
Whilst searching out artefacts for an Armistice Exibition that will take place later in the year, volunteer Kayte stumbled across a copy of The Somewhere Bullet-In dated June 1917.
This was a regular ‘news sheet’ that entertained the troops whilst in transit on the HMT Carrissima. Even at the most difficult times, humour and camaraderie saved the day. We especially liked the “verses” the back page.
We are pleased to announce that the new Conan Doyle Exhibition
opened at the Museum today.
Make sure you take time to discover the fascinating story behind the development of body armour and tanks during the First World War.
The exhibition runs until the 3rd September.
Competition Time!
Can you design a piece of body armour? For a horse? Or a soldier?
Send us your designs, together with a letter written to Conan Doyle, explaining why your design is the best choice.
Prizes for the best entries. Closing date: August 31st 2018.
As another beautiful weekend is upon us, Deputy Curator Susannah, ably supported by volunteers Marc and Nick, headed out to Netley Abbey in Royal Victoria Country Park to join the throngs in celebration of Southampton’s Armed Forces Day.
A great opportunity to meet lots of new faces, share the history of the Royal Hampshire Regiment, and of course, try on some uniform.
On Parade!
On Parade!
What a great day the On Parade event was yesterday, that took place at Upper Barracks. The sun shone, the visitors came, the pipes and drums played, the cadets marched, and the Pimms flowed!
Colin, Susannah and Kayte manned our station, taking along a handling collection of hats and assorted items representing the Boer War to 1970s. Our hats proved to be very popular, as you can see from our photographs of willing wearers.
Thank you to everyone who came to say hello. We look forward to meeting you again soon in the museum.
It’s that Friday feeling!
Our volunteers have a range of skills that they offer us, including clambering into small spaces to retrieve hidden treasures. We are always looking to recruit new volunteers for a variety of projects (not all including cupboards!), so if you have a few hours to spare on a regular basis, we would love to hear from you. Drop us an email or give us a call.
Forthcoming Exhibition- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the case of the steel-plated soldier
The museum is delighted to announce that we shall have a new temporary exhibition on loan from the Royal Armouries from 4th July to the 3rd September 2018.
‘Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the case of the steel-plated soldier’ is a fascinating look at a little-known aspect of Conan Doyle’s life. Although famous for writing the Sherlock Holmes novels, most people are unaware of his campaigns to develop body armour for the soldiers in World War 1. The Royal Hampshire Regiment is delighted to be hosting this exhibition as Sir Arthur’s son, A.A.K Conan Doyle (known as Kingsley) served with the Hampshire Regiment and was injured during the Somme.
Free entry.
It’s surprising what you find when searching the Regimental Journals. With an upcoming new exhibition, Deputy Curator Susannah, has been researching Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, when she stumbled across this letter and poem in the 1916 Regimental Journal. A fitting tribute to all ‘our boys’ and high praise from Conan Doyle.
Windlesham, Crowborough, Sussex.
Sir,
May I congratulate you and the author, on the verses “The Regiments of the Line”. It seems to me to be one of the best poems produced by the war.
Yours faithfully,
ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE. October 7th.
THE REGIMENTS OF THE LINE
Oh, Anzacs, Canadians, oh, Highlanders and Guards,
Your names are gilded gloriously, and sung by many bards.
But we know, and you know, of other men as fine,
The good old County Regiments—the Regiments of the Line.
For them no vivid writer lets loose his fluent pen.
For them no correspondent tells where, and how, and when.
Of their glory, in story, they write the tale anew,
The old County Regiments—that fight along with you
.
The Hampshires, the Lancs, the Warwicks, and the Buffs,
The Devons, the Gloucesters, oh, the gold stripe on their cuffs.
They show it, you know it, they’ve marked and fought like hell,
Those old County Regiments—and dozens more as well.
The West Kents, the Yorkshires, the Somersets are fine;
But of their fights through days and nights we seldom read a line.
The Surreys, the Essex, the Norfolks, too, can fight.
Oh, let them have a little of the glory that’s their right.
They may not care about it, those fine old fighting corps.
“Foot-slogging” and fighting—that’s what they ‘listed for.
It’s the “luck of the Service,” and you won’t hear them repine,
The solid, stolid Regiments—the Regiments of the Line.
They’ve no one to boom them; they do not advertise;
Just in Battalion Orders their hidden glory lies.
They have no Agent-General to “star” them in the Press.
But ask the foe, the Germans know, and we—well, we can guess.
The men who fought at Blenheim, who won at Waterloo,
At Inkerman and Minden, and Torres Vedras, too.
At Paardeburg and Delhi, Crecy, Khartoum, Assaye—
Though no one knows, I don’t suppose they’re different to-day.
In lofty, dim cathedrals their battle-standards blaze,
Enscrolled in gold with fights of old—and after many days
They shall return and claim them; and newer names shall shine
As proudly on the Colours of the Regiments of the Line.
Drink to the gallant Anzacs, drink to the “Kilties” too.
They’re bonny, bonny fighters—we know them—and it’s true.
Toast them, and all their valour, and then I’ll give you mine,
“The old County Regiments—the Regiments of the Line”.
Family Friday – Make & Take at the museum
Family Friday
The museum is holding a Family Friday Make & Take Session on 1st June 2018.
Drop in between 10am and 4pm and make your very own Soldier Sam.
Cost £2.50 per child, all children must be supervised by an adult on the premises.
