Now safely returned from a lovely week's rest and recuperation with my family, thoughts are already turning to work and the start of a new academic year. This is all well and good, but looking at my hobby 'to do' list, I am horrified to see that I am falling behind schedule - so much to do and so little time!
24th Regiment shako plate found at Isandhlwana
That said en route to the family pile we took advantage of our somewhat detoured route to pay the briefest of visits to the The Regimental Museum of the Royal Welsh in Brecon. This is of course of particular interest to yours truly given that the Royal Welsh is the modern day incarnation of a number of notable regiments including the 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot, whose history is intrinsically linked with the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.
The museum, run by an incredibly friendly and dedicated staff, is crammed full of artefacts from all eras of the regiment's history and well worth a visit if you are in the area; I imagine those with a interest in Victoria's little wars will find it almost obligatory to hum 'Men of Harlech' as they go round, I know I did!
The extensive medel collection includes nine of the ten Victoria Crosses awarded to the 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment during the Anglo-Zulu War.
"If it's a miracle, Colour Sergeant, it's a short chamber Boxer Henry point 45 caliber miracle."
The flag that flew over the forward supply base at Rorke's Drift, January 1879
Even the Saintly Mrs. Awdry was impressed!
Artefacts included most major conflicts, including the First World War.
The Regimental Mascot, Taffy III
Who couldn't resist having their photographs taken behind a Vickers Machine Gun?
Just a cursory glance of my blog roll informs me that a great number of those wonderful web logs that I follow have been very productive during my week's absence from this cosy corner of the blogosphere and I will try and spend some time this morning catching up, but that 'to do' list isn't getting any shorter!
Men of Harlech stop your dreaming
Can't you see their spear points gleaming
See their warrior pennants streaming
To this battlefield
Men of Harlech stand ye steady
It cannot be ever said ye
For the battle were not ready
Welshmen never yield
From the hills rebounding
Let this song be sounding
Summon all at Cambria's call
The mighty force surrounding
Men of Harlech on to glory
This will ever be your story
Keep these burning words before ye
Welshmen will not yield
Great post, Michael! That looks like an excellent regimental museum. We often head over to Monmouthshire and I shall have to check out the museum in Brecon. Are you going to be using the Vickers machine gun for classroom control in the new term?
ReplyDeleteThank you and sadly not, they wouldn't let me take it with me!
DeleteExcellent photos Michael. The dio looks fantastic!!!
ReplyDeleteIt really was a masterpiece.
DeleteFantastic!… and you look far too comfortable behind that machine gun!
ReplyDeleteIt did seem to fit!
DeleteOoh that looks like a nice museum.
ReplyDeleteA great place to spend an hour or two.
DeleteVisiting the museum is one of those things I have always been meaning to do and after having seeing your pictures, I think I will have to allow myself an extra half day and a slight detour on my next trip back to Wales.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing,
Pat.
Definitely worth a visit if for nothing more than to absorb the history of it all; I couldn't help thinking that your collection would have stollen the show though.
DeleteWelcome back matey. Those 45. rounds look chunky!!! Wouldn´t want to get hit with one...let alone be shot with one......Hit with, shot at? Ok..it´s dammned hot here :-D
ReplyDeleteLooks like you´s had fun....and I like that each Museum you visit has some sort of preserved animal in it.
Not an intentional theme, I can assure you!
DeleteI shall have to take a few pictures of the model of Rookes Drift in my local Royal Engineers museum. It would be great to get several together in one place and study the different "interpretations" by various modelmakers.
ReplyDeleteOverall looks like a very interesting museum. Thanks for pointing it out.
A cracking little place if you happen to be pacing.
DeleteBeautiful pictures especially the display Michael.
ReplyDeleteIt was a bit special that one.
DeleteVery, very cool stuff there. That diorama looks very nice too. Best, Dean
ReplyDeleteA wonderful little museum to visit.
DeleteI think you possibly had the best of the holiday season Sir. I am off next week but plan to spend some quality time at the paint desk ;-)
ReplyDeleteIan
We managed to dodge the odd shower, but on the whole it was pretty good; enjoy your break Ian.
DeleteExcellent pictures, Michael. Thanks for sharing them with us.
ReplyDeleteI love this British tradition to have regimental museums. I don't know that from Germany and they seem to be an excellent source for investigation about particular units.
Cheers
Stefan
They are invaluable at keeping the memory of those who served alive.
DeleteThanks f rather photos, this looks well worth a visit. Holiday in Wales next year I think!
ReplyDeleteCertainly worth a visit if you a passing.
DeleteExcellent pics Sir M, love the flag and look at the face on you, playing with the gun!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ray, I certainly look a touch maniacal there!
DeleteThanks for sharing. May I say you suit that Vickers! I can just see it adorning the drawing room...
ReplyDeleteIf only scott, I think Mrs. Awdry might have a thing to say about that though!
DeleteI say what a wonderful trip you have had there and I love the photo with you behind the Vickers. I might had to turn it into a VBCW illustration one day, thats if you dont mind
ReplyDeleteThat would be the ultimate honour Sir!
DeleteGreat looking display!!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
They were very impressive.
DeleteVery cool Sir. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou are more than welcome.
DeleteSounds like a great museum. Next time I am in the UK, I may have to go see it. For the record, I hope to come next summer, try to squeeze in Tank Day at Bovington, see the re-done IWM, get by Duxford, and all that.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds that you could be in for a busy time!
DeleteGreat museum Michael...the miniatures layout is spectacular
ReplyDeleteA splendid vault of treasures.
DeleteGreat stuff mate. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMore than happy to share Sir.
DeleteIt's nice to know that you got away and enjoyed yourselves. Those museums are so important and I hope they are always there to preserve and honour those men who served.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back!!!
I couldn't agree more Anne and thank you!
DeletePersonally, I find the sight of the Saintly Mrs A armed with her hockey stick more scary!
ReplyDeleteGlad you both enjoyed yourselves. Now, I must try to think of another military museum you could visit.....
Pip pip
Only because you know that Vickers isn't loaded!
DeleteJealous!
ReplyDeleteSorry! ;)
DeleteWhat a great post Michael! Thanks for sharing this with us! Can you please tell us what scale the diorama is?
ReplyDeleteNow looking at the picture with the Mrs Awdry on, I think she has a "to do" list to for you! :-D
Welcome Back!
Greetings
Peter
Thank you Peter, the miniatures were approximately 28mm, in fact there were quite a few dioramas in the museum obviously donated by those interested in the period.
DeleteThanks for sharing, this is great stuff.
ReplyDelete