Accredited Museum

Please Note: Not all of the objects on this website are on display at the museum.

WWII BURMA STAR

WW11 Medal awarded to personal who served in Burma during WW11

A1106

WW1 MEDALS KNOWN AS "PIP SQUEAK & WILFRED"

The first medal (The Star) was only issued if the named person was in active service during 1914 to 1915, these men would have been volunteers and already in service, there was no conscription at the time.

The other two were issued automatically at the end of the war, and were all marked with the owners name, (unlike the second war).

Recipients could claim their medals which were issued on request, if the person was deceased then the family could claim.

These were issued to Private W. Sanger RAMC

A0356

WW1 ON WAR SERVICE, 1914

During 1914 men would rather enlist than suffer unemployment. To help with the loss of labour (Skill and experience ) it was suggested by some firms and approved by Churchill to issue a badge, in recognition of their service.

A badge was issued for Admiralty Service but was vetoed by the Treasury. The problem of supplying the troops with Arms and equipment continued and eventually badges were issued saving these men from 'White feather treatment' and loss of face.

A0903

WW1 ON WAR SERVICE BADGE, 1915

This badge was issued by the company named on the badge.

J R Gaunt & Son Ltd in 1915

A0848

WW1 ON WAR SERVICE BADGE, 1916

During 1914 men would rather enlist than suffer unemployment.

To help with the loss of labour, because of men enlisting, it was suggested by some firms, and approved by Churchill, to issue a badge in recognition of their service, hence the On War Service Badge.

A badge was issued for Admiralty Service but was vetoed by the Treasury.

The problem of supplying the troops with Arms and Equipment continued and eventually badges were issued to all who were doing war work, saving these men from 'White feather treatment' and loss of face.

A0944

WW1 GERMAN IRON CROSS 2nd CLASS, 1914

The Second Class Iron Cross, they were hung on a ribbon.

The first class medal was made for a button hole or pin fixing.

A0974

WW1 GERMAN MEDALS

German Medals from the Great War, including an Iron Cross 2nd class of 1823, a photo of the owner and record book dated 1915.

A0989

WW1 DEATH PLAQUE TO WILLIAM CHARLES DIMENT

The Citation reads.

"In memory of William Charles Diment. Lance Corporal 18947, 6th Bn., Dorsetshire Regiment who died on Saturday 8th Age 19. Son of Arthur L and M Diment of Staple Cross Burton Christchurch Hants."
Poziers Memorial, Somme, France. The memorial relates to the period of crisis in March & April 1918 when the Fifth Army was driven back by overwhelming numbers across the former Somme battlefields, and to the succeeding period of four months during which there was built up, behind the new front of the army, which on the 8th August 1918 began the advance to victory.
The Memorial commemorates over 14,000 casualties of the UK and 300 of the South African Forces who have no known grave & who fell in France during the 5th Army area retreat on the Somme from 21st March to 7th August 1918.
The Corps & Regiments most largely represented are the Rifle Brigade with over 600 names, The Machine Gun Corps with over 500, The Manchester Regiment with approximately 500 & The Royal Horse & Royal Field Artillery with over 400 names.

A0354

WW1 LUSITANIA REPLICA MEDALS, 1915

The facsimile of the newspaper reads:

"A German Naval Victory, with joyful pride we contemplate this latest deed of our Navy. Kolnische Volkszeitung, 10th May 1915. This Medal has been struck in Germany with the object of keeping alive in German hearts the recollection of the glorious achievement of the German Navy in deliberately destroying an unarmed passenger ship, together with 1,198 non combatants, men women and children".

On the obverse, under the legend ''No contraband'' (Keine Bannware), there is a representation of the Lusitania sinking. The designer has put in guns and aeroplanes, which (as certified by the United States Government officials after inspection) the Lusitania did not carry; but has conveniently omitted to put in the women and children, which the world knows she did carry.

On the reverse, under the legend ''Business above all'' (Geschaft uber alles), the figure of Death sits at the booking office of the Cunard Line and gives out tickets to passengers, who refuse to attend to the warning against submarines given by the Germans.
This picture seeks apparently to propound the theory that if a murderer warns his victim of his intention, the guilt of the crime will rest with the victim, not the murderer.
The designer of the medals was originally a German called Karl Gotz. The Kaiser himself condemned the sinking and ordered that no more unresisting merchant ships and passenger liners were to be sunk without prior warning.

Later Germany was embarrassed by reports in the foreign press of a German medal celebrating the sinking (above) . It was revealed that the Munich metal worker had cast about 100 medals. Gotz explained that he was a satirist and the medals were purely allegorical, and was not celebrating the sinking but condemning the Cynicism of Cunard in enticing innocent people on board an armed ship carrying contraband. (The date on the medal is 5th May which Gotz admitted was a mistake he later corrected)the distribution of the medal was halted but all to late, the propaganda weapon had already been fired.

A0355

CATERPILLAR BADGE, 1930's

Reproduction of the Caterpillar Badge created by the inventor of the parachute, Leslie Irvin, who started a club to commemorate all airman who have been saved by his invention.

A0298

WWII ARP BADGE

Badge for Air Raid Wardens, used during WW2

A1028

WW1 MILITARY COMPASS, 1915

A prismatic Compass has a prism above the scale to enable accurate readings.
The cover hinges up and has a hairline across its glass front, this is lined up with a sighting slot on the other side.
Viewing through the sight and aligning the hairline with two distant known landmarks one at a time, enables the user to obtain their position on a map, by creating a triangle between the position of the two landmarks, and the compass readings taken and drawn on the map.

A1033

WWII ASTRO COMPASS Mk 2

Compass, for direction by the stars

A0910

WWII BUTTON COMPASS

Buttons sewn on Uniforms but when removed may be used as a compass

( Compasses and other devises would be confiscated on capture )

The plastic version could be hung on a thread, known as swinger button. The other two button version would be put one on the top of the other as one has a pin in it's centre.
The top has a magnetic dot luminous, and two other luminous dots on the other side the same as the plastic version.

A1121

WWII PRISMATIC COMPASS Mk 3, 1943

Soldiers standard issue compass for WW2 and WW1.

A0508

WWII SOE TIME PENCILS

Time pencils were fuzes timed by acid corroding a thin wire , when the wire broke a spring forced a pin onto a percussion cap exploding a small charge.

Timing could be erratic in different temperatures, a colour code denoted the time period of each fuze.

Used mainly by resistance movements in various Countries.
The items shown are colour time code Green.

A0982

WWII DEMOLITION TEST EQUIPMENT MK1

Unit used for testing detonator charges when using thin wire as a means of ignition, the wire would be fixed between two pillars and the current increased until the wire burned out, it then had to be calculated what charge would be needed to rupture the wire when surrounded by an explosive substance and ignite it successfully. The unit can 'Check continuity of the ignition circuit' 'Find resistance of a circuit' 'Test for fusion resistance of the wire' 'Test the battery in the unit'

A0790

WW1 TUNNELLERS EXPLODER, 1914

Used during WW1 by Tunnellers for generating enough power to fire the detonator used for High Explosive, when the plunger is pushed down it turns a generator which supplies a high voltage necessary to travel the long lines to the charge.

A0773

WWII GAS MASK WITH MICROPHONE, 1938

Standard Gas Mask of WW2 shown with microphone A0793, lamp A0425 and Wardens Helmet A0426, this was painted white to show a person in authority.

During air raids a mask can cause obvious communication problems, this one has a carbon microphone to solve that problem.

A0793 A0425 A0426

WWII AIR RAID WARDENS LAMP

Lamp that attaches to a Wardens Helmet the battery was kept in the container which is identical to a bicycle lamp and clips on to a belt.

See Item A0424

A0425

WWII ARP LAMP

Lamp with concealed bulb covered by a sloping cowl over the bulb directing the light to the ground if held upright. Takes a standard 3volt cycle battery. Designed for Air Raid Wardens during WW2.

A1230

WWII ARP AIR RAID WARNING WHISTLE

Air Raid Wardens Whistle was used for attracting attention.

These whistles were issued to every warden during the 2nd World War, after the Home Office had pestered the Treasury to provide one per warden for reasons of hygiene. It was finally agreed, allowing the warden to carry one at all times.

The warning could be reinforced by sharp blasts on the whistle, these would not be continued after the public appeared to have heard the warning, or they may have caused undue alarm.

The whistle was later used by Fire Guards with a series of sharp blasts, to signal the fall of incendiary bombs.

A1032

WW1 & WWII FIRST AID DRESSINGS

Type of Field Dressings use in First Aid during WW1 and WW2

A0767

STIRRUP PUMP, 1940's

These were issued to all Home Guard units during the second world war and kept in factories and homes.

Water was obtained from a bucket and, although the pump produced very small quantities of water, it was useful for cooling down Incendiary Bombs that required heat to ignite properly.

A0818

WW1 FIELD HOSPITAL INSTRUMENTS WITH FILE OF IODINE

Medical Kit used in Field Hospitals during WW1.
The File of Iodine is unbroken.

A0457

WWII ANTI DIMMING COMPOND Mk 5, 1935

Notes on the can says:
Instructions for use. Clean eyepiece with cloth provided apply a little of the compound evenly with the finger. If it is too stiff to spread easily , breath on the eyepiece to moisten it. Spread lightly over the eyepiece with the cloth. Do NOT Polish. Breath on the eyepiece until it becomes clear.

A0484

POST WAR CIVIL DEFENCE DRESSINGS, 1950's

Made for the Civil Defence organization post war

A1086

WWII SUTURES

Marking reads 'Eyed needle mild type 2 for emergency.
Chromic boilable'.

A1107

WWII ANTI GAS OINTMENT JAR, 1943

Anti Gas Ointment is rubbed onto sensitive skin areas that might be exposed to the gas such as the arm pits and groin.
Certain gases attack sensitive areas.

A0819

WWII ANTI GAS OINTMENT No 6

Used to protect from or sooth burns caused by Mustard Gas.

A0904

WWII ANTI GAS PROTECTION MASKS

Masks worn for protection against Gas or liquids during WW2.
Including a Pair with Felt lining for the Ladies.

A0481

WWII ARP (AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS) FIRST AID KIT

First Aid Kit for Homes and the ARP, produced by Boots the chemist during WW2.

A0413

WWII CARLISLE FIRST AID PACKET

First aid kit for wounded soldiers during WW2, all carried these tins, no more than a wad and sterilising powder (Crystalline Sulfanilamide).
Only designed to prevent infection before proper treatment.

A0490

WWII CIVIL DEFENCE ARM BAND

Arm band worn by the Welfare branch of the Civil Defence organisation during WW2.

A0417

WWII GERMAN AIR RAID SIREN

Air Raid Siren with a handle on the top which has a dual purpose, one, it helps to carry the unit, and two turning the handle closes an opening suppressing the sound, possibly to indicate (by oscillation) the type of raid i.e., bomb or gas. This unit judging by its condition may well have been manufactured after the War.
Although this Siren is German made, the sound that it reproduces is exactly the same sound as the British Sirens.

A0405

WW1 GERMAN HEBEL FLARE PISTOL

Pistol for firing Flares, commonly used with whistles for ordering soldiers out of their trenches and on towards the enemy (over the top), but also used for many other purposes.

A0511

WW1 WEBLEY AND SCOTT FLARE PISTOL, 1917

Pistol for firing Flares, commonly used with whistles for ordering soldiers out of their trenches and on towards the enemy (over the top), but also used for many other purposes.

A0509

BLUE PARROT AIRBORNE RADAR SYSTEM, 1962

First introduced experimentally into Buccaneer aircraft of flight Squadron 701Z in April 1959, the Ferranti 'Blue Parrot' airborne radar was in full service by 1962. Built to detect Russian heavy cruisers, which it did successfully, it was employed by the RAF who relied on its service for twenty six years.

Employed in Buccaneer aircraft for both the Falkland's and Gulf war, 'Blue Parrot' was kept in service for over 30 years, making it's last NATO exercise in the North sea in 1994. Unsophisticated by modern standards, 'Blue Parrot' made up for it in sheer power. It opened new horizons in the 1960's and nothing at the time could challenge it.

Picture bottom left, A= Visual display unit Type unknown. Bottom Right B= Drift Angle/ speed indicator, Type 101. C= Bottom Centre ADF Receiver, Type 2830. E= Top centre DF Loop Controller Type 384. F= Top right Receiver Controller Type 1274. Item E the Radar Interface Unit is not shown. Also shown two photographs of some of the units in a Buccaneer aircraft cockpit.

A1358

WWII FLYING HELMET TYPE "B" MASK TYPE "D" and RCAF GOGGLES, 1940

Helmet Mask and Goggles used during the Battle of Britain by RAF crews. The helmet was made by I.Compton & Sons & Webb Ltd .

Mk3 RCAF Goggles. 1935 Royal Canadian Air Force Type
Introduced around 1935 Mk3 Goggles used curved celluloid lenses fitted into narrow blackened metal frames with velveteen cushions and large leather surrounds intended to protect the wearer from the elements (most RAF fighter aircraft in service in the mid-1930's were still in open cockpits). these were superseded by the Mk4 version as the the Mk3's strap fouled on the earpieces of the type 'B' helmet. the Mk4 is far more likely to have been used during the Battle of Britain.

A0849 A0991 A0990

WWII FLYING MASK TYPE "E" HELMET TYPE "C"

Flying Mask and Helmet that replaced the Type 'B' helmet and Type 'D' mask, with goggles of the period.

A0189

FLYING MASK "H" "G" HELMET AND GOGGLES, 1950's

Flying Helmet that replaced the Type 'C' and Type 'E' mask, with goggles of the period.

A0190

WWII FLIGHT NAVIGATORS COMPUTER

Flight Navigators Computer Mk3* used during WW2 enabling fast calculations,for Navigators during flight.
Notice the straps which were worn around the legs.

A0859

WWII AIRCRAFT GYROSCOPE

Using 3 phase current, commonly used on large aircraft such as the Avro Lancaster, this gyroscope would have been the central part of the aircraft's stabilising system.
Here it is mounted on a board for demonstration and training purposes.

A0203

WWII GAS MASK WITH MICROPHONE AND BAG, 1938

Standard Gas Mask of WW2 shown with microphone A0793, lamp A0425 and Wardens Helmet A0426, this was painted white to show a person in authority.

During air raids a mask can cause obvious communication problems, this one has a carbon microphone to solve that problem.

A0424

WW1 GERMAN GAS MASK, 1915

Non-rubberised early Gas Mask used by the Germans during WW1. The base of the fabric hood tucked into the collar.
It was used to protect against British gas attacks.

A0816

WWII BOX RESPIRATOR OR GAS MASK No 4 Mk 2

Box Respirator worn with Pattern 37 web set during WW2.
The 37 web set was replaced by the 1948 pattern after the war.
Gas attacks had been common in WW1, so during WW2 all precautions were taken against them. However no gas attacks came, it appears that no side would undertake such an event realising that the other would do also.

A0438

WWII BOX RESPIRATOR OR GAS MASK, 1938

Box Respirator (Gas mask) supplied to the British Infantry as standard, also used by the Civil Defence and fire personal during the Blitz.

A0419

WWII ADULTS GAS MASK, 1937

Gas Mask issued to all personnel during and before WW2. Complete with 'Rexine' vanity cover for the box.
This item was donated by Mrs Evans and it has her name written inside the cover.

A0421

WWII GAS MASK, 1939

Another example of a British Gas Mask

A1025

WWII BABIES GAS HOOD, 1939

Babies gas protection, the baby was placed inside the chamber and a flap was folded round between the baby's legs, once inside it was essential to pump fresh air inside the chamber to help the baby breathe.
Stories have been heard of mothers leaving their babies for too long without pumping, this then led to fatal consequences.

A0423

WWII MICKY MOUSE GAS MASK

Child's Gas Mask given to the public as a loan by the Government during WW2.

Made to resemble the cartoon character 'Mickey Mouse' and coloured red and blue to try and entice children into wearing them.

A0422

WWII CHILDS GAS MASK IN YELLOW TIN

Child's Respirator and tin from the John Ambrose Collection used by John during World War Two.

A0836

WWII ADULT GAS MASK WITH CANVAS BAG AND BOX, 1941

Gas Masks used by the John Ambrose Family during World War 2.
The cover is marked WJJ Ambrose

A0838

WWII GERMAN GAS MASK AND TIN, 1944

Standard issue gas mask for the German infantry during WW2 with corrugated cannister for mounting on leather equipment belts.

A0418

WOMENS PEACE PETITION, 1939

Petition forms for gathering signatures against the coming of World War Two.
The date on the Petition is 15th July 1939

Nortel Collection

A1356

WILLIAM CECIL LAY

Collection by the late veteran donated to the Museum. He joined the Northamptonshire Regiment and was discharged on 18 June 1919.

A1007

WW1 GRAVE MARKER

In the late 1950's 678 German War Cemeteries were abandoned and all human remains were put in one of 5 mass graves. The ground of the former cemeteries was reclaimed by local farmers and the grave markers ended up mainly as construction material or firewood. Buhnen Bernard's remains were transferred to the Langemark Studenten Friedhof and he now rests with 24,916 others. His marker survived.

A0359

PEDAL GENERATOR, 12 VOLTS 5 AMPS, ADMIRALTY PATTERN 323A

Used in Naval Vessels as an emergency source of power in the event of generator failure. This unit could provide enough power to run a small transmitter or charge other batteries.

A0087

WW1 TRENCH ART, 1916

2 X Schneider 75mm Shell Cases decorated and formed into an art known as Trench Art.

Men in the trenches or in captivity, during the Great War, found comfort from making items out of empty shell cases, bullets, tins in fact anything that came to hand.

Trench Art can be found today in most junk shops.

A0998

WW1 BULLET LIGHTER

A form of Trench Art, items like this lighter found their way out of the trenches during WW1.
Made by men, who during a quiet period needed to occupy their time.
This object however may have been made long after the War.

A0460

WW1 PRINCESS MARY GIFT TIN, 1914

In November 1914, an advertisement was placed in the national press inviting monetary contributions to a 'Sailors & Soldiers Christmas Fund' which had been created by Princess Mary, the seventeen year old daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. The purpose was to provide everyone wearing the King's uniform and serving overseas on Christmas Day 1914 with a 'gift from the nation'.

The response was truly overwhelming, and it was decided to spend the money on an embossed brass box, based on a design by Messrs Adshead and Ramsey. The contents varied considerably, officers and men on active service afloat or at the front received a box containing a combination of pipe, lighter, 1 oz of tobacco and twenty cigarettes in distinctive yellow monogrammed wrappers. Non-smokers and boys received a bullet pencil and a packet of sweets instead. Indian troops often got sweets and spices, and nurses were treated to chocolate.
Many of these items were despatched separately from the tins themselves, as once the standard issue of tobacco and cigarettes was placed in the tin there was little room for much else apart from the greeting card.

A0462

BOER WAR GIFT TIN, 1899

A Christmas Gift Tin given to the troops during the Boer War .
Instigated by Queen Victoria and copied by Princess Anne.
These tins contained Chocolate

A0459

WWII AIR MINISTRY STOP CLOCK

Stop Clock used by the Air Ministry.
Pulling the short cord resets the hands, pulling the long cord winds up the clock and starts the timing sequence.

A0747

GERMAN INFLATION MONEY AND ONE MILLION MARK NOTE, 1920's

Between the Wars inflation was at its peak for Germany in November 1923.
Hyperinflation did not directly bring about the Nazi takeover of Germany, the inflation ended with the introduction of the Rentenmark and the Weimar Republic continued for a decade afterwards.
The inflation did, however, raise doubts about the competence of liberal institutions, especially amongst a middle class who had held cash savings and bonds.
It also produced resentment of Germany's bankers and speculators, many of them Jewish, whom the government and press blamed for the inflation.

A0465

WW1 SMALL TOP FLAG FROM "PRINZ EUGEN" BATTLESHIP, 1912

The following text is attached to the back of the frame.

The Flag was presented to a my father in 1935 by Mathias Eder, son of the Wagenbauer. He had served on the ''Prinz Eugen'' during the First World War.
The Eder family came originally from Bohemia and later settled in Bautzen, near my fathers house. Mathias Eder had actually served in the Austro-Hungarian Navy. His father kept the flag and passed it on to me for safe keeping whilst he was in the navy during the Second World War. In his opinion such a souvenir was better in my possession.

Details from the Navy Year Book 1977.''Prinz Eugen'' Launched 1912. Displacement 20,000 tonnes. Speed 20.5 k.p.h. Crew 1046 Armament 12 X 305mm, 12 X 150mm 18 X 75mm 2 X 47mm 4 X torpedo There were three other 'Ships of the Line' of this type; ''SZENT OSTVAN', ''TEGERHOFF' and 'VIRIBUS UNITIS'

The researcher of the Austro-Hungarian Navy said that the Szent Istvan was sunk by the Italian Navy but there was no concrete evidence as to the fate of the Prinz Eugen. One source said that it had been abandoned in the Turkish harbour/port, whilst another said that it was given to Italy under the 'Treaty of Versailles'. Initialled K.D.G. Text translated from the German.

A0364

WW1 COMMEMORATIVE SILK

Sewn by a French soldier whilst captive in Germany during WW1.

There is an empty space where we believe a picture would have been.

A0517

WW1 SILK HANKIE FROM FRANCE

An example of one of the many items sent home to loved ones during WW1.

A0455

WW1 SILK POST CARDS

Cards sent home by the troops during WW1.

All of these cards have messages written on them.

A0464

WW1 SILK SCARF

Made with permission from the publisher of the song, "Till The Boys Come Home" and sold probably to raise funds for the War effort.

A0992

WWII MOORING MAGNETS

Mooring Magnets as the title suggests are a very strong magnet for mooring small craft to the hull of a large ship.
On the base is a plate to prevent loss of magnetism, this must be removed before use.

We have seen these types of Mooring Magnets used in films such as
"Cockle Shell Heroes"

A0813

WWII AIR MINISTRY 3 INCH KNIFE SWITCH

Two pole lever switch with Hysteresis extensions to stop arcing when the contacts are released.

A0758

WWII GERMAN FLARE PARACHUTE

Dropped from aircraft or fired from a gun with a flare attached to illuminate the ground below, used during World War Two.
A flare, also sometimes called a fusee, is a type of pyrotechnic that produces a brilliant light or intense heat without an explosion.
Flares are used for signalling, illumination, or defensive countermeasures in civilian and military applications.

A0840

WWII US ARMY PARACHUTE LAMP

Lamp fixed to Parachute equipment to locate person in water.

A1297

WWII BAMBOO TUBE WITH AIRGRAPH

The Bamboo Case was hand made by Mr William Ambrose the Father of John Ambrose, who donated it to the museum.

The letter inside was written to his Mother by William and sent from the hospital in which he was recovering from an illness just after the Second World War.

A0839

WW1 TANK CORPS CIGARETTE CASE

Regimental souvenir cigarette case with the Tank Corps emblem on the front.

A0897

WW1 ALEXANDRA CHINA "Mk 5 TANK", 1918

Another example of the china produced to help raise funds during WW1

A0902

WWI CARLTON CHINA "TOMMY IN TRENCH", 1918

China Models of Tanks, Guns, and scenes from WW1 were made during the conflict as fund raisers.

Many manufacturers of china ware produced these items to raise money for the war effort between 1914 and 1918.

A0867

WWII RATION TIN TYPE "C"

Tin containing a ration of sweets, fruit bar, sweet biscuits, oatmeal munch & chewing gum.

A visitor to the museum told how he and his regiment eat tins of WW1 rations during the Second World War.

The contents of the tin shown would probably still be OK to eat.

A1095

WWII FAR EAST BLOOD CHIT

A printed cloth or 'redemption coupon' Inspired by British specimens issued to RAF pilots in India.
Blood Chits originated during WW2 with the 'Flying Tigers' and were later issued to other aircrews flying over occupied Axis territory.

A1125

WW1 GERMAN POST CARD, 1918

Written on the back in German :- ''To the gang at anna Bruns, Wittingen, near Wurzburg'', and reads ''Today I received your valued postcard, for which my best thanks. I am feeling better again. Yesterday ? paid Munich, too, another visit. greetings from your? Waffert?'' Dated 20 feb 18

A0441

WWII GLASS BOTTLE MADE IN DRESDEN

During WW2 Dresden was being used extensively for making war material, although the factories were mainly in the suburbs, the whole area was bombed by the British and Americans in three waves of aircraft on the same night, the bombers carried explosive and incendiary bombs with the intention of creating a 'Firestorm'.
The first wave devastated the city centre, the second wave devastated the suburbs where most of the survivors had fled.
A 'Fire-storm" was created and thousands died from falling masonry or were suffocated in the shelters, almost all of the factories were destroyed.
A third wave was not needed but it was too late to stop the carnage that followed, where any remaining refugees were hit including the hospital.
It remains to this day a matter of controversy whether it was necessary.
This bottle must have been made before this fateful night.

The museum's trustees found the bottle at "The War & Peace Show" in 2009 and the word "Dresden" on the china stopper was a good enough reason for its purchase.

• Detailed view of cap
  

A1296

WWII FRAMED ITEMS RELATING TO THE SOE

Special Operations Executive S.O.E. a selection of items items such as Time pencils,button compasses and trip wire.
Time pencils were fuzes timed by acid corroding a thin wire , when the wire broke a spring forced a pin onto a percussion cap exploding a small charge. Timing could be erratic in different temperatures, a colour code denoted the time period of each fuze. Used mainly by resistance movements in various Countries.
The items shown are colour time code Green.
Also shown are, Trip wire Detonators and Trip Wire and a small compass Nicknamed 'Button' because of its size, but not actually a button as in Item A1121.
A Safety Fuse, and a Rail Detonator for positioning on a train line.
Rail Detonators are still used today for warning purposes.

A0810

WW1 R & J BECK OFFICERS PERISCOPE No 25, 1918

Markings on the instrument reads X 6 = Magnification 7= Degrees viewing angle. Made by R & J Beck Ltd 1918.

A0898

WW1 TRENCH PERISCOPE (RABBIT EARS), 1908

1908 Pattern Trench Periscope known as 'Rabbit Ears'.

When fully extended the two eye pieces look like large ears.

A0864

WW1 RANGE FINDER TYPE FT 27, 1917

Range Finder No2 Mk3
Looking through the eyepieces on the left is a scale in feet, and on the right two images of the scene, when both images are in line, by adjusting a knob on the tube, the range can be read in the left eyepiece.

A0899

WW1 TRENCH PERISCOPE No 9 Mk 1, 1916

Trench Periscope of the type used in the trenches during WW1.
Simple wooden structure with two mirrors, 22 and one half inches long.

A0336

WWII BINOCULARS AND CASE

Standard WWII issue Binoculars.

This object belonged to an Officer and is marked with his initials.

A0500

WWII BARR AND STROUD NAVEL BINOCULARS

Naval Binoculars with retractable Lens hood and switchable glare filter, and a magnification of seven times.

A1298

PERISCOPE TANK SIGHT AND RANGE FINDER, 1950's

Sights used in some Tanks during the 1960's, complete with range finding ability (illuminated) and defrost heater around eyepiece.

A0335

WWII SOLDIERS FOOT POWDER, 1940

Medicated foot powder in shaker tin, used to treat blisters and other minor foot ailments.

It should be noted that the same tin and contents were used in The Great War.

A0486

WWII BRITISH ARMY MAP CASE, 1940's

British Army Officers Map folder containing undated German map probably 1940's

A0792

WWII MARINES HAVERSACK

Marines Ruck Sack issued to the Commando Brigade and Marines when on foot.

A0776

WWII US ARMY "CRICKETS"

A copy of the original Clicking 'Crickets' which were used by the Americans during the Normandy Landings,(D Day) as a means of identifying themselves if separated from their Company, especially in the dark.

These were reproduced and sold in France as a memento to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the D Day Landings.

They can be seen in use in the film "The Longest Day"

A0768

WW1 BRITISH AMMUNITION BELTS

Ammunition belts worn during the Boer War and continuing until the new webbing systems came in around 1908.

A0525

WWII WIRE CUTTERS, 1940

Wire Cutters used for removing barbed wire usually in trench warfare, this design was identical to that used during WW1.
During WW2 trench warfare was not so common, but soldiers were still issued with them, just in case.

A0493

WWII BOMB AIMERS CLINOMETER, 1943

Used with Artillery Gun observer to set the level of arc for the shell each time before firing.

A0491

WWII ENTRENCHING KIT, HEAD (SPADE) AND HELVE

Soldiers Trenching Spade and Helve (handle) with pocket for his Webbing Gear.
The Helve has an attachment on it for a No4 Spike Bayonet that was normally used on the S.M.L.E. Lee Enfield Rifle during WW2 and after. Turning the tool into a weapon or Mine prodder.

A0494

WWII BARREL INSPECTION FOR LEE ENFIELD RIFLE

Tool used by N.C.O's for inspecting soldiers Rifle Barrels after cleaning, it has a small mirror inside a gap at one end of the tube, and the other end is put down the muzzle of the gun, providing there is enough light around, the viewer can see the condition of the inside of the barrel.

See Item A0550

A0499

WW1 GERMAN KNAPSACK, 1895

A simplified version of the 1895 Knapsack. It was made in grey canvas and accommodated reserve rations and a change of clothing.
On the top are leather straps for fixing the 1892 tent section which would be rolled round the edge of the pack. On the flap are more straps for holding a mess tin.
Only the back of the sack is covered with cow hide, earlier packs had both sides covered the front and the back, economies during the end of the war meant the loss of one side, at least the soldiers back would be kept warm, unlike the British who did not seem so concerned about a soldiers comfort.

A0369

WW1 GERMAN CARTRIDGE POUCHES, 1909

1909 Cartridge pouches in Brown Leather.

Each of six pouches in two sets of three holds four five round clips of 7.92mm cartridges, a total of 120 rounds.
The weight is held even by means of a ring at the rear of each triple pouch, hooking onto the Knapsack brace belt. See Item A0369

A0371

WW1 BRITISH BLUE ENAMAL WATER BOTTLE

Part of an earlier equipment system used before WW1.
Equipment left over from the Boer War period would have been used during WW1 to boost volume.
The water bottle probably had a Khaki Felt cover that has since been removed due to wear and tear, although there is no evidence of it having been there.

See Item A0994

A0402

WW1 BRITISH WIRE CUTTERS, 1917

Worn by front line troops who often encountered barbed wire in the advance.

Using these tools under fire would have been shear suicide, crouching with no means of defence trying to cut your way through many yards of thick barbed wire was not an ideal situation for a method of attack.

Help was at hand when the first Tanks were used to cut through the barbed wire.

See Item A0994

A0403

WW1 BRITISH ENTRENCHING HELVE AND HEAD (SPADE), 1914

Part of the standard equipment issued during WW1.
All soldiers were expected and trained to dig trenches using this tool. Using a mattock which is similar to this tool is much easier than a spade especially in hard ground

See Item A0994

A0404

WW1 GERMAN TIN MUG

Tin mug of the type taken into the theatre of war by German infantry during the end of WW1, and replaced an earlier Aluminium mug.

A0366

WW1 GERMAN BREAD BAG, 1887

Part of German soldiers equipment and attached to leather belt or on a leather shoulder strap during WW1

A0367

WW1 SCREW PIQUET

Stake used to secure barbed wire defence lines during WW1 these could be 100yards deep and stretch for miles making it almost impossible for the infantry to breech.

Tanks were primarily invented just to forge these and other barriers, but before the tank, bombs were specifically designed to blow the wire apart but were not very successful.

A0348

WW1 BRITISH WIRE CUTTERS, 1917

Fitted to a Short Magazine Lee Enfield Rifle, the operator would lung forward onto a fence or wire that is reasonably secured, and lift the rifle upwards, the jaws of the cutter would close cutting the wire.

This would only be successful if the wire was taught or fixed in some way, as the unit will not work if the wire is allowed to move upwards.

A1127

WWII BRITISH JERRYCAN, 1945

Invented by the Germans before WW2 who called it the 'Wehrmachtskanister'.

The design was copied around the world and picked up by the British and Americans during WW2 because of its superior design.

Called a Jerrycan because the idea was copied from cans stolen from the Germans (Jerrys). It had an efficient spout and sides that could expand and contract under different conditions, with three handles so it could handled fast and efficiently.
Holding 20 Litres of fuel or water as the insides were lined with plastic.

A0344

WWII KIT BAG MARKED W AMBROSE

John Ambrose donated this, along with among many other items.

It belonged to his father W.Ambrose, and it appears it was used on his homeward trip after being wounded during WW2.

See Items A0840 to A0847. and A1027 and A1080.

A0837

WWII CANVAS FOLDING BASIN

Portable wash basin for mobile troops.

It even has a place for the soap.

A0795

WWII CANVAS FOLDING CHAIR

Canvas folding chair for mobile troops which can be folded into a small bundle.

A0796

WWII LOG BOOK

British Army Log book in folder with standard message pad.

A0797

GERMAN ARMY MESS TINS , 1970's

Mess tins manufactured in Sweden between the late 1960's and the 1990's, this one is dated 1969.

A0775

WWII BATTERIES IN TIN

Sending batteries across the Atlantic Ocean from the USA meant that during storage if acid was present deterioration would occur, putting them in this tin solved the problem.
Acid was supplied separately and put into the units with a hypodermic needle, after the can had been opened.

A0479

WWII SILK MAP

Silk maps were one of the most ingenious ideas of the Second World War. During WWII, thousands of maps were produced by the British on silk, thin cloth and tissue paper.

A serviceman captured or shot down in enemy territory should have the map to help avoid capture or find his way to safety.
Silk maps were issued specially to airmen so that they could sew them into their clothes or wear them around their neck. They could also be concealed in a cigarette packet or in the hollowed-out heal of a boot and, being made of silk, they would not make a rustling sound if the captive was searched.

Producing the maps was a process shrouded in secrecy and it is not possible to know how many maps were made or whether they were used. However, one can assume that they were invaluable as during the course of the war over 35,000 imprisoned men did manage to escape across enemy lines into Allied territory.

A0412

WWII GERMAN MINE WARNING SIGN

Typical sign to mark mined areas during WW2

A0358

WW1 GAS RATTLE, 1918

Used in the trenches during WW1 to warn of a 'Gas Attack'.
Also a popular tool for football fans at games to rouse a noise.

A0420

WW1 CHAIN MAIL MASK

Protective mask used in tanks. The tank crews used many purpose built and adapted items of head gear to protect themselves from the splinters of hot metal created by bullets hitting the tank. This is made of leather and fine chain mail making it a very rare artefact.

A0815

WW1 BAYONET BATTLEFIELD FIND

1907 Model Bayonet found on the WW1 Battlefields in France.

A0475

WW1 TRENCHING TOOL BATTLEFIELD FIND

Item found on the WW1 Battlefields in France, this is a British Soldiers Trenching Tool.

A0474

WW1 FORK AND SPOON BATTLEFIELD FIND

Found on the Somme area in France at Delville Wood.

A0748

WW1 SRD RUM JAR

S.R.D. known as 'Rum Jars' but not necessarily so, other possible meanings could be ' Service Reserve Depot' 'Services Rum Diluted' 'Special Red Demerara' 'Standard Rum Diluted' 'Service Rum Distribution' 'Service Ration Department' 'Service Rum Department'.

Soldiers Slang for it was 'Seldom Rarely Delivered' 'Soldiers Run Dry' 'Soon Runs Out' 'Seldom Reaches Destination'. One thing is certain, soldiers during the First War did get a rum ration usually before ''going over the top''.

Introduced in the winter of 1914 as a remedy for the cold, or to give some ''Dutch courage'' before fighting, it is strange that this was done, as it certainly would not help with the cold or bad weather conditions, and given the amount in the ration, it would take more than the whole bottle to get any man willing to face the German machine gunners.
The handle on this Jar has probably been added at a later date.

A0399

WWII PRISONER OF WAR BLOWER

Developed by prisoners in German camps during World War 2, and used whilst being evacuated from occupied territories after the Normandy landings.

To produce enough heat to boil water the prisoners used tea from their Red Cross parcels, and dried twigs or other material, ignited in the empty clay lined Klim milk tin. Inside the tin with the handle is a crude fan; turning the handle forced air onto the flame exactly like a Blacksmiths Forge.

A0507

WWII MINE DETECTOR, 1942

Lt. Jozef Kozacki, designed the first practical electronic mine-detector called the Mine Detector Polish Mark 1.
It was soon mass-produced and 500 were issued to the British Army in time for use prior to the Battle of El Alamein in October, 1942.

A0512

WW1 BRITISH WEBBING SET 1908 PATTERN, 1908

Originally conceived by an American Army Officer Captain Mills, webbing was a new form of material of pre-shrunk cotton. Being tougher than leather and did not shrink in wet conditions.
The British Government after seeing the equipment arranged to have copies made and tested it in India, it was an immediate success, and issued it to the troops in 1908.
Using a 3inch wide waist belt and 2inch straps with ten pockets each containing three chargers of 5 rounds, also included were a frog for bayonet and helve, water bottle cradle not (present), and haversack (not present).
It was a revolutionary design, placing no restriction on the chest and being able to be taken on and off in one piece.

See Item A0994

A0401

WW1 GERMAN "COAL BUCKET" HELMET, 1915

This helmet replaced the 'Piclehauber' design in 1915.
The Piclehauber was then used for ceremonial occasions only.

A0978

PATTERN "49" BATTLEDRESS, 1955

Post War issue of battledress known as Pattern 49, originally adopted by the British Army in 1949.

Belonging to Mr I.W.Mallory who served in the Royal Artillery.

Mr Mallory kindly donated it to the museum in 2008.

A1273

WW1 COMBAT BELT

Belt used in combat during WW1

A0581

WWII GERMAN JACK BOOTS

Boots of the type worn by German soldiers during WW2

A0363

WW1 GERMAN LEATHER BELT AND BUCKLE "GOTT MIT UNS"

Leather belt worn by the German infantry during WW1.

The Motto ''Gott Mit Uns'' means ''God's With Us''.

A0370

WW1 CLOTH CAP

Carrying the badge of an Artillery Regiment in dull metal this cap could have belonged to an officer during the 1st World War.

Definitely not a ''Gor Blimey Cap'' or a ''Trench cap'' there is no metal band in the rim.

See Item A0994

A0400

WWII CIVIL DEFENCE JACKET

Civil Defence Tunic for the Surrey Corp.

A0407

WW1 GERMAN PICKLEHAUBE HELMET

Officers Dress 'Picklehaube' worn at the beginning of WW1.

A0977

WW1 GERMAN PICKLEHAUBE HELMET

The latest in a series of similar helmets dating back to 1842 it was made of boiled leather, this one is shown with zinc spike and fittings (an economy on brass).
The front plate varied according to the Regiment, and the side cockades, of which one was in the Imperial colours and one in the colours of the Land or State of origin.

A0372

WW1 GERMAN COVER FOR PICKLEHAUBE

Cover first issued in 1892 made to protect & camouflage German solders WW1 Picklehaube.

With a simple number on the front in green to identify the regiment, in this case The 16th Jaeger Regiment.
Origin the 3rd Westphalian Infantry.

A1099

WWII BRODIE HELMET OR TOMMY HAT Mk 3

The Brodie Helmet, was a steel combat helmet designed and patented in 1915 by John L. Brodie.

Colloquially, it was also called the shrapnel helmet or Tommy helmet, and in the United States known as a doughboy helmet.
It is closely related to the French Adrian helmet. This helmet the Mk3 was first produced in 1944, known as the turtle style, made of hardened manganese Steel.

A0410

WWII SYNTHETIC BRODIE HELMET

Made from a Phenolic resin based plastic, during WW2.

Sold to Civil Defence, WRVS and Night Watchmen not believed to be officially adopted by the Government and not supplied by them to combatants.

Similar in shape and weight to the standard Brodie helmet supplied to the troops, it would have provided some protection from falling Masonry etc, with limited protection from shrapnel and bullets.

A1285

WWII SFP HELMET

Helmets worn during World War Two by a section known as the Special Fire Patrol.

Styled on the early British medieval helmet.

A0829

WWII GERMAN "COAL BUCKET" HELMET, 1935

This Helmet was picked up in the area of Normandy shortly after June 6th 1944 by Ronald Cass (Flight Engineer or Pilot) after land had been recaptured from the Germans.
He kept the item together with a Bayonet (Item A0496) and donated it to the Museum in 2003.
It is a Standard M1935 model originally painted Olive Green, then painted black later during the conflict, and has a single Decal to the left of the German Eagle over a Swastika.

A0427

WWII RAF UNIFORM, 1943

Uniform belonging to Warrant Officer Peter Andrews and used during WW2

A0997

WWII BATTLEDRESS AND WEBBING SET, 1937

This is a reproduction uniform made for the Motion picture industry.
Complete with original gas mask, case and webbing.

A0996

WWII BRITISH PATTERN 37 WEBBING SET, 1937

Pattern made for battle dress uniform in 1937.

A0984

WWII FANY UNIFORM

The 'First Aid Nursing Yeomanry' - pronounced Fanny, is a British independent all-female unit and registered charity affiliated to, but not part of, the Territorial Army.

It was formed as the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry in 1907 as a first aid link between the field hospitals and the front lines, and was given the yeomanry title as all its members were originally mounted on horseback.

In the Second World War, the F.A.N.Y. was formed into the initial driver companies of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, called the Women's Transport Service, and it also served as a parent unit for many women who undertook espionage work for the Special Operations Executive. Three of these (Odette Sansom, Violette Szabo and Noor Inayat Khan), were awarded the George Cross and Nancy Wake the George Medal for their service.

Since the end of the war, the corps has specialised in communications for the Army and the City of London Police and is open to volunteers between the ages of 18 to 45 who reside or work near London (within the M25). Corps members are trained in radio communications, paramedical skills, map reading, navigation and orienteering, shooting, self-defence and survival techniques, advanced driving and casualty bureau documentation. On formal occasions they still wear a uniform similar to that worn by the Auxiliary Territorial Service in the Second World War (although their working dress is similar to that of the modern British Army). They also have their own rank system.

The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry was officially renamed the Princess Royal's Volunteer Corps in 1999. But the original name has greater recognition.

A1142

WW1 TOMMY

Wearing battledress of 1914, including 1908 webset showing variations in clip pockets. He is holding a short magazine Lee Enfield rifle and 1907 bayonet.

A0994, A0400, A0401, A0402, A0403, A0404