I recently visited the Royal Armouries Museum at Fort Nelson on Portsdown Hill in Hampshire overlooking Portsmouth Harbour. It is the home to the Royal Armouries national collection of artillery. They claim “there is a lot to do for all the family”, which is justified by the diversity of the collections and activities. They are open everyday and it’s free entry too. They have daily firings at 1 pm of the big guns on the parade ground. I heard they were going to fire a WW1 18 pounder as a salute to the fallen in all conflicts at 11-11-11, so I went along to see it and remember too. It was very moving and to my delight a team of six Percheron Horses were pulling the limber and gun to re-enact the actual period.
I took my trusty camera too and put together a short video of the occasion. I recorded it in black and white to add to the originality of the period. The music is unmistakably by Adele and her words say it all. Commencing with the line “This is the end … ” I am sure we all hope it is and must not forget those lost so tragically in all conflicts. An interesting interactive museum for all ages.
Watch my Video of Percheron Horses, WW1 18pounder Remembrance salute 11~11~11
