What's New

Since the Kennet Valley at War Trust's museum opened its doors in January 2007 it has been visited by thousands of people from all over the world. As a result of its popularity, and in order to display more items, we have had to move to a larger room, which is just a few meters from the old room. Many new exhibits have been added to the collection and a number of the more recent additions are described here.

Above: The Tunic, flying helmet, side cap and badges on display in this cabinet once belonged to Warrant Officer Joseph Raymond Smith and have been kindly donated by Mr Tim Thomas from Newbury. During WWII W/O Smith was trained in Canada as a wireless operator/observer under the Empire Air Training Scheme, before being posted on active service to North Africa and then Italy. The RAF operated from a number of airfields in the Kennet Valley during WWII, such as Overton Heath, Ramsbury, Membury, Greenham Common and Hampstead Norris. Therefore it would not have been an uncommon sight to have seen servicemen wearing uniforms like the example displayed here frequenting the pubs and cafes of the area.

Below: Recently placed on display in a brand new cabinet is the museum's most prized exhibit. This 1943 dated M1 folding stock carbine was found in the roof space of a local cottage. It is believed to be the only known remaining example actually used by American paratroopers in the Kennet Valley during the war.

Below: A relic dating from the Battle of Britain. This item is part of the starboard wing flap from a Heinkel 111 bomber and was found in outbuildings at "Ravensfield", Ramsbury in 1997. Following extensive research the trust is in little doubt that this flap once belonged to Heinkel G1+CS, which crashed in Fullers Lane East Woodhay during the early hours of Monday 29th July 1940. A full and detailed history of the circumstances surrounding the crash is displayed on the wall beside the wing.

Below: This new Home Front display has been made possible following the recent acquisition of a large museum quality cabinet. Inside are typical items of clothing and equipment from the Air Raid Precaution service and the Home Guard. Also on show are a selection of civilian gas masks.