War hero dad has inspired me to set up my own museum Ex-soldier wants all stories remembered

Commandos, many other infantry regiments elsewhere in Britain and no one is telling their story.”

Ian’s military connections go back to his earliest days. His dad George died when he was just nine and Ian was given his World War Two medals.

The collection included a Military Medal, awarded for bravery at the Battle of the Bulge in the final few months of the war.

Although his dad had never spoken about the circumstances, Ian later uncovered the truth through citation.

“He was in the Royal Artillery and they were firing big artillery guns during the battle,” explained Ian.

“He grabbed a Bren gun and stormed a German machine gun post to save his commander.”

Even before learning that, Ian was inspired to follow in his dad’s footsteps, serving in the Army for 21 years. He worked as an outdoor instructor after leaving. But having started to collect military memorabilia after getting his dad’s medals, he kept on adding to it.

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His collection could fill five gym halls and includes a Military Medal.

He was asked to talk to some kids about his collection and interest was such that school visits became a weekly occurrence.

That led to the setting up of the Mobile Military Museum with his vast array of weapons, uniforms, kit, letters, photographs and more.

It dates from World War One to modern- day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I have so much that I could fill the average school gym hall at least five times over, so I knew I needed to get a permanent museum.

“I’ve got most of it in storage, in family’s homes and it’s packed in my house. Luckily, my wife Donna is very understanding.” Ian has found premises within the Scottish War Blinded estate in Wilkieston, West Lothian, for the grand opening next weekend.

“I’ve had an amazing amount of help and veterans from all over the country have been donating loads of kit,” added Ian. “We’ll also have a drop-in advice centre for veterans. I really hope there will be something for everyone who wants to learn about our military heritage.

“Most of the stuff won’t be in cases, it’ll all be very hands-on.”

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