Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum facts for kids
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Front of the Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum
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| Established | 1989 |
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| Location | Peninsula Barracks, Winchester |
| Type | Regimental museum |
The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum is a special place in Winchester, England. It's found at Peninsula Barracks. This museum is one of many "regimental museums" in the area. These museums tell the stories of different army groups and their history. It's part of Winchester's Military Museums.
Contents
History of the Royal Green Jackets Museum
This museum brings together old collections from several famous army groups. These groups include the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, the King's Royal Rifle Corps, and the Rifle Brigade. Each of these groups had their own history and items.
Over time, these groups joined together. First, they formed the Green Jackets Brigade in 1958. Later, in 1966, they became the Royal Green Jackets Regiment. The museum was officially opened in December 1989. The Queen herself opened it. She was once the special leader, or Colonel in Chief, of the regiment.
What You Can See: Museum Collections
The museum has many interesting things to see. One big exhibit is called “With the Rifles to Waterloo.” It opened in 2015. This was to celebrate 200 years since the famous Battle of Waterloo. This part of the museum focuses on the Napoleonic Wars.
The Napoleonic Wars Exhibit
You can find interactive displays here. You can even try handling some old weapons. This section tells the story of the Experimental Corps of Riflemen. This group was created in 1800. They later became the 95th or Rifle Brigade.
You'll also learn about the Light Division. This group was led by Sir John Moore. They fought in the Peninsular War. There's a display of real medals from that time. They even spell out ‘WATERLOO’!
The main attraction is a huge model of the Waterloo battlefield. It's 25 square metres big. It has 30,000 tiny model soldiers and horses. A special sound and light show explains the fighting on June 18, 1815.
Other Historical Displays
The museum also has an "Early Years Section." This part covers the start of the Royal American Regiment in North America in 1755. You can learn about the Siege of Quebec. There's also information about the Indian Mutiny.
Victoria Cross Display
The "For Valour" display is very special. It tells the personal stories of 59 soldiers. These soldiers were all awarded the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery in the British military.
World Wars and Recent History
The museum also covers the two World Wars. You can learn about the Siege of Calais in May 1940. There's also the defence of Outpost Snipe in October 1942. And don't forget the action at Pegasus Bridge in June 1944.
The "recent history" display looks at more modern conflicts. These include the Cold War. It also covers operations in Northern Ireland. You can learn about United Nations missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. And it includes the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Victoria Crosses at the Museum
The museum proudly displays 31 Victoria Cross medals. These were given to brave soldiers from the regiments that formed the Royal Green Jackets. Some of these heroes include:
- Private Henry Addison, 43rd Regiment (from the Indian Rebellion)
- Company Sergeant Major Edward Brooks, 2/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (from the First World War)
- Bugler Robert Hawthorne, 52nd Regiment (from the Indian Rebellion)
- Lieutenant Colonel John Henry Stephen Dimmer, 2nd Battalion, KRRC (from the First World War)
- Sergeant Henry Smith, 52nd Regiment (from the Indian Rebellion)
Exhibits
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Siege of Quebec 1759
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Peninsular War
1807–14 -
Indian Mutiny 1857
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Siege of Calais 1940
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Outpost Snipe 1942
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Pegasus Bridge 1944
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First Gulf War 1990–1991
