|
- multi-service and multi-rank party in full swing with accompanying
music
- typical barrack room layout
- American jeep
- Ferret armoured car
- mobile searchlight
- American display
- tropical display
- and much more! |
|
This is the second-largest building at the museum and contains an
impressive number of items, both large and small. The Nissen hut is in the exact location of one of the three
original huts that formed part of the Officers Mess. These huts were removed at the end of WW2 but good use has
been made of the foundations and, in particular, the original brick
fireplace. The
construction of this replacement building is featured in the film
that visitors see in the cinema on their arrival.
Although all of the Armed Forces are represented here the bias is
probably towards the British Army, although the Royal Navy and Royal
Air Force are certainly not forgotten.
Among the major items that are on display are a 25-lb Field Gun, a WW2
Jeep, a Ferret Scout Car, a mobile searchlight and an Anderson
Shelter of the type used in many homes to provide protection during
WW2.
Amongst the individual displays are features on the 1st Bn
Light Infantry in Northern Ireland, the American 29th
Division in Cornwall prior to D-Day, the frigate HMS Cornwall, a WW2
jungle scenario, a range of fire-fighting equipment, bandsmen and a
typical Barrack Room layout.
The far end of the Nissen Hut (which accounts for about 1/3 of its total
length) contains numerous artefacts from all three Services in
display cabinets. However,
the main attraction in this part of the building is a multi-service,
multi-rank party in full swing and we have never yet met a visitor
who was not impressed by this display.
To add to the party ambience there is a flickering fire in
the original fireplace, drinks on the tables and piano music being
played in the background.
|
