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The National Army Museum is a leading authority on the British Army and its impact on society from the British Civil Wars to the present day. A key component of the NAM is its aim to share stories of ordinary people with extraordinary responsibilities through its vast collection of over one million objects and archives. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the museum’s doors may be closed but its website is an excellent substitute. Its ‘Explore’ page has a huge range of articles that are divided into accessible ‘Themes’ such as: ‘A Soldier’s Life’, ‘Army Structure’, ‘Around the World’, Culture, Sport and Leisure’, ‘Innovation and Adaptability’, ‘Politics and Protest’ and ‘War and Peace’.
Each article is peppered with unique photographs and objects from the museum’s collection with topics that range from the birth of the British Army during the 17th century ‘Restoration’, the Victoria Cross and articles on the important role of women. There are also detailed histories on the numerous campaigns and wars that the army has been involved in as well as the regiments that fought in them. One highlight is ‘Capturing the Army’ – a fascinating look into pioneering war photography from the 1850s including the Crimean War, Indian Mutiny and Second Opium War.
The NAM’S most recent article for ‘Explore’ is ‘In Case of Emergency: The Army and Civil Assistance’, which tells the story of how the British Army has supported the civil authority during peacetime events or crises. As the article explains, “Today, we trust the army and its soldiers to help maintain vital supplies and services. We welcome them when normal civilian resources are exhausted or have broken down. And, as the 2020 coronavirus outbreak shows, we rely on them in times of national emergency.”
To assist UK public services during the current pandemic as of April 2020, approximately 20,000 military personnel have been mobilised as part of Operation Rescript in the newly formed Covid Support Force. The article explains in great detail how the armed forces are helping various organisations today and it also examines how the army has undertook domestic operations to maintain civil order in the past.
Some events, such as the Peterloo Massacre and Bristol Riots in the 19th century, were notorious disasters. Others, such as the
Siege of Sidney Street and Northern Ireland’s ‘Troubles’ were controversial deployments. However, during the 21st century, the army has been an appreciated presence during operations that vary from dealing with severe flooding and terrorist attacks to providing security for the 2012 London Olympic Games. As the NAM explains, “Today’s priority during times of national crisis is to use the army to help people in trouble – a role welcomed by society.”
Beneath the streets of Liverpool is a labyrinth of rooms and offices that was the headquarters of the Western Approaches Tactical Unit. This reinforced concrete bunker complex was used by the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and RAF to monitor enemy convoys and U-boat ‘wolf packs’ during the Battle of the Atlantic. Their specific task was to safeguard British shipping in the
Western Approaches (the seas west of the British Isles) and the HQ was mostly staffed by personnel of the Women’s Royal Naval Service.
Now a preserved heritage attraction, the Western Approaches Museum is offering a series of ‘Isolation History Lessons’ aimed at primary school children but that are also suitable and interesting for everyone. Lessons will include an introduction to WWII, wartime rationing and entertainment, coding, evacuees, and secret rooms of the bunker. There are two worksheets per lesson, one for under-11s (KS2) and one of for over-11s (KS3). Both sheets give prompts for further research and if a child completes a project and sends it to the museum, they will post the best ones online.
A new film is launched every week, which enhances history as a topic for home schooling. These videos can found on the museum’s Facebook and Youtube pages and all lessons are free, although donations are always welcome.