Discover the best top things to do in Essex, United Kingdom including Combined Military Services Museum, Boxted airfield museum, Ridgewell Airfield Commemorative Association Museum, Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, East Essex Aviation Museum.
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5.0 based on 346 reviews
Experience a journey through British military history beginning on the brutal medieval battlefields, through the Crimean & Napoleonic Wars and, WWI & WWII to current day conflicts. Discover the secretive worlds of Spies, their gadgets, weapons and disguises. Learn about Special Forces, the Special Operations Executive and their daring operations. See stunning displays of combat uniforms; be astonished by one of Europe's largest public display of Firearms. Squirm at the medical equipment used on battlefields and learn the personal stories behind the medals and the weapons. Read intimate accounts from the dairies of British Soldiers. See swords, armour, missiles and so much more! Discover Britain's Military History by seeing only genuine artefacts. Tier 2 Restrictions - please book ahead for households or support bubbles up to 6 people. We aim to be COVID-19 secure and will ask for track & trace information and you will need to wear a mask. Sorry only support dogs allowed.
Today, I had the privilege to visit this Combined Services Military that has three floors, that tells each visitor, the story of brutal military history from the Medieval weaponry to recent global conflicts, including Suez (1956) Falklands (1962) Kuwait (1990) and Iraq (2003). I read all military books this year-written by the patron of the Conbined Services Military Museum Lord Paddy Ashdown- that was founded on the extensive garage weaponry and memorabilia collection by Capt. Mason-known as the `Mason Collection'-and there are 6000 items on graphic display, as a result of subsequent donations ot tanks,weapons,clothing ,WW1/2 pilot uniforms,French Resistance Radios in WW2,and a myriad of battle and war front equipment ,including the `Dad`s Army' section that was trained to defeat `Operation Sea- Lion' in May 1940. All parts of this Museum are unique and include the `Mason Collection' pieces of James Bond Ian Fleming inspired Espionage equipment from MI5 :the English Civil War armour,polearms,muskets, and clothing won by Cavaliers and Roundheads;and the fabled `Dad`s Army' Home Front that holds the focus on `Zeppelins' in WW1 and in WW2 the role of women and role of courageous female SOE Spies and women in Nursing and Munitions and the Land Army. The section on the `Cockleshell Heoroes' that completed `Operation Franton' at loss of all team in 5 canoes apart from two,and two sent home, under the indomitable patriotic leadership of Major `Blondie' Hasler to plant limpet mines on `Bordeaux Blockade Breakers' in harbour in 1942, that helped turn the attention of Hitler on the British Special Forces that would attempt and succeed on any mind-set impossible commando missions in WW2. I recommend the Combined Services Military Museum with its free parking facility to familes,schools, post 16 college students and whether a general interest or Sandhurst trainee, this is a special very place and is symbolic with all that is possible to obtain a Liberal history in modern post 1500 Europe. `Lest We Forget'...
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Built during 1942 and opened in January 1943, RAF Ridgewell was initially allocated to RAF No. 3 Group as a heavy bomber airfield. For five months the new airfield was home to RAF No. 90 Squadron—a Short Stirling unit that had originally been the first outfit anywhere in the world to fly the famous B-17 Flying Fortress into combat. After carrying out 51 missions, No. 90 Squadron departed and RAF Ridgewell was transferred to the US Army Air Forces’ Eighth Air Force. Its 381st Bombardment Group subsequently carried out 297 B-17 Flying Fortress missions over a two-year period. In 1957 RAF Ridgewell was deactivated as a bomber airfield and its infrastructure torn up and returned to farmland. Only parts of the perimeter track and a handful of buildings remain. But the Ridgewell Airfield Commemorative Association Museum now exists to remember those who flew from here and the many who never returned.
4.5 based on 285 reviews
Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is a unique place, with a unique history. Its story covers 100 years of life comprising feverish excitement interspersed with periods of calm and tranquillity. The aerodrome lies to the east of Chelmsford and west of Maldon, Essex, within an area of gently-rolling farmland. It is the largest known surviving group of RFC buildings on a WWI aerodrome which was not adapted for further military use later in its history. When considered with its growing collection of objects directly related to the site and its activities, a truly unique resource is evident. The site has significant natural heritage value and is in Natural England’s Higher Level Environmental Stewardship scheme. Ponds and a meadow have been created and the land supports declining farmland species such as brown hare, corn bunting, yellowhammer and a variety of owls, including barn owls and overwintering short-eared owls. It first opened in 1916 as home to B Flight of No 37(HD) Squadron.
Didn't know it existed until we found it by looking through the English Heritage Book. It maybe a challenge to find even with a Sat Nav but do go. Parking is on the grass in front of the site leaving a short walk to the reception and shop. you are given a wristband, much better than a sticker. In the same building is the museum. Very well set out and informative. 2 Guided tours a day, roughly 1 hour. Access to the hangers are only with a guide. Our guide was Excellent, 11am 8th August. Large tea room, clean and well presented. Good cup of filter only coffee. All the volunteers are helpful and friendly.
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Fabulous and knowledgeable volunteers in their Napoleonic Tardis...it’s definitely bigger on the inside. Hats off to Justin, Mike & Nigel for their passion and enthusiasm. Sadly closed to the public this year; 2020, due to Covid-19. Hoping 2021 allows this fascinating Heritage venue to re-open.
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