Hello there! This is a museum I have been wanting to visit for many years. After seeing a couple of the Victoria Crosses awarded after the Battle of Rorkes Drift I wanted to see some of the others, which are on display here.
This is very much a 'military' museum with many exhibits, briefly described, and very over whelming for the average member of the public. It made me think of the old Royal Norfolk's military museum, before it was transferred to the Norwich Castle Museum. Both are a vast collection which for the military historian and wargamer is practically 'Heaven'!
The main display case is in the main entrance to the museum. It is well lit and shown with many contemporary pictures of the recipients.
Also the two recipients from the Battle of Isandlwana, who tried to save the colours at the end of the battle.
As I am also interested in the American Civil War, it was a nice surprise to find this in the museum. It turns out that Patrick Cleburne served in the 41st Foot before he travelled to the United states.
Going off at a bit of a tangent there is an extensive range of fire arms in the museum. While most of them are in the armoury room there are some interspersed around the rooms as well.
A few dioramas are used to showcase some parts of the Battles of Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana
There are plenty of illustrations, mostly contemporary to the battles, of the battlefields.
This flag and its description basically says it all! And no, I was not allowed to take it home!
There are also plenty of paintings on display.
Some of the exhibits have been recovered from the battlefields.
Here was one of the few Napoleonic exhibits.
The medals room is packed with awards through the ages. This one caught my eye due to the connection to Rorkes Drift.
Some original uniforms gave a useful idea of what was also worn.
A massive diorama of Rorkes Drift was a large centre piece in one room.
Further information on the VC recipients, after they left the service gave some interesting reading.
The uniforms from the colonial period, were informative but these ones were not originals.
A strange exhibit, but it has made its way from South Africa.
The question of the ammunition boxes was described, along with some original finds from the battlefield.
The arms room had a comprehensive collection from the Napoleonic wars to the present.
Even a couple of German WWI Maxim Machine Guns!
Finally a few exhibits from the Second World war.
A visit to the museum is well worth the effort. I have been trying to get here for many decades and at last, I managed it.