Tuesday 1 February 2011

Imperial War Museum

Karen and I had an excellent trip last weekend to the Imperial War Museum, London which really is worth a visit if you ever find yourself in the capital, especially as it is free admission (as all museums should be).


The last time I had a look round this impressive display was way back in '82 as a schoolboy, so this  was long overdue. It was noticeable from the outset that in my prolonged absence a great deal of money had been spent updating and modernising the interior as well as adding to the excellent collection of exhibits.


One of the stand out features  is the human connection outlined behind almost every exhibit; most have  tales to tell from the Tamzine - the smallest of the 'Small Ships' that sailed to and from Dunkirk to Montgomery's Grant tank 'Monty'.

Example of the atomic bomb 'Fat Man' dropped on Hiroshima in 1945




Bronze Nazi eagle salvaged from the roof of the Reichstag in 1945 following the fall of Berlin, the numerous bullet holes across it perfectly evoking the ferocity of that struggle.


And some of the rest...













An all round great day was had which was not nearly long enough, as in addition to the static exhibits there were numerous tours including the London Blitz Experience, WW1 Trench and a very moving and educational Holocaust memorial.

All the best,

Monty

5 comments:

  1. I've been there too. It is fantastic. I especially liked the WW1 area.

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  2. One of my favourite haunts, nice one

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  3. I want to go there one day. Looks great.

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  4. It was a good day out and well worth a look...

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  5. I was there when my daughter was going to school in London. I loved it. Went mostly for the Lawrence of Arabia exhibit.

    The T34 is neat and has a good history. Was captured by the Israelis in 56 and sent to Britain at some point. It is painted up in the Hungarian Crisis colors.

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