Warwick military heritage

 I was in Warwick last Saturday afternoon, not for the castle, which I have visited before, but to visit the three regimental museums. Yes, that's right, a small Midlands town has three regimental museums. 

The first stop was the Museum of the Queen's Royal Hussars. Based in a former drill hall, it tells the story of the British Army's light cavalry regiment, amalgamated from many famous regiments over the years. There is nothing light about the current regiment, which utilises the Challenger 2 and will be the first to receive the Challenger 3. The regiment served in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq.

The 3rd and 4th Hussars were created in 1685, and the 7th Hussars in 1690. The 8th Irish Hussars in 1693. One or more of the regiments served in just about every significant conflict the British Army was involved in since. This is reflected in the museum displays on two floors, with an annexe that holds the Parker Collection.

This is one for wargamers moaning about the effectiveness of mounted skirmishing. The Padget carbine was effective at only 25 paces!

An early version of Wofun miniatures!

Next stop was the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum in the town centre. The regiment was created in 1794 and disbanded in 1956.

They have a room dedicated to the last unsupported cavalry charge of the British Army at Huj in Palestine in 1917.

Finally, the Fusilier Museum, which covers the history of the Warwickshire Regiment, now part of today's Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. This is the oldest regiment in the county, formed in 1674.

This drum was lost at Prestonpans and turned up in a Highland cottage.

The regiment can boast three of the most influential British commanders of World War II - Montgomery, Slim, and Nye.

Having three regimental museums in one town is quite unusual. And we should remember they are all run by volunteers. The ones I met were very welcoming and knowledgeable, adding a lot to the visit. A highly recommended way to spend the afternoon in an attractive town. Frankly, much better than the overpriced castle.