Aldershot Military Museum

02/09/2026

We don't only have vehicles - there are some big guns to look after too...

Some recent progress on our Battalion Anti-Tank (BAT) 120mm recoilless rifle - our volunteer team has been carefully working on the traverse mechanism, which now moves smoothly through a full +/- 20 degree range. An interesting feature is the tilt cross level adjustment system combining a spirit level and indicator—cleaning and lubrication have restored this to working order.

The spirit level bubble can be centred, the tilt reading taken, and the sight adjusted accordingly. Small steps, but we hope such work helps make a real difference to conservation and how this historic piece can be appreciated by visitors.

Always interested to hear from anyone with experience of the BAT - we've read it was VERY loud when fired

30/08/2026

In our previous post I mentioned we were working on our Humber 'Pig', here's a recap of our general approach to vehicle conservation with some pictures showing its gradual transition.

Initially we research the specific vehicle's history - in this case we believe 30BK15 was deployed as part of Op Banner to Northern Ireland. It certainly has the various modifications required such as barricade bars and extra armour. Knowing this we plan to display the vehicle in livery appropriate to this period (I particularly like the red 'lipstick' on the snout)

Next job is to survey and carefully remove those external components that we can safely, and without risk of damage. This helps maximise access to the vehicle body facilitating the conservation work.

The hard work then begins - cleaning, prepping, priming and painting, interspersed with copious tea and coffee. We do not attempt bare metal restore, just the minimal to remove loose paint and rust patches. Being at the vagaries of the weather (annoyingly too hot this summer at times!) we work top down in sections was can get prepped and primed in a day - hence you'll have seen the interesting patchwork.

26/08/2026

Thought it about time to introduce our Vehicle Volunteer Team - you've probably seen them around the site, they are instantly recognisable by paint spattered overalls usually huddled around a vehicle or on rainy days hiding in the Barn.

I hope you have noticed their efforts in conserving the various historic vehicles we have here at the museum. Jobs completed so far include the Saladin, Ferret, Saracen and FV432 with work currently proceeding on the Humber Pig.

If you see them about say hello, especially keen to talk to anyone that can provide insights and more information, or anyone that wants to help out.

Hopefully we will be providing regular updates here from the team on how they are progressing and any interesting finds or vehicle information.

09/07/2026

On a September day in 1905, Peter Robert Head, a beloved father and retired sergeant major in the Royal Artillery, committed what is believed to be the largest mass murder in the county of Wiltshire, shattering his family and appalling the country. The victims were six of his own young children.

Neil’s talk explores his research into Head’s early life, military career and family life. It then goes on to tell the inspirational stories of the survivors of that terrible day.

Tickets are £7 and include a free tea or coffee, copies of Six Little Heads will be available for purchase and a Q+A with the author will take place.

28/06/2026

As part of National Armed Forces Day, we're offering free entry to Aldershot Military Museum on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th.

We have ice cream, cold drinks, a carousel, and a picnic area, as well as our normal collection of Military vehicles and our assault course.

25/06/2026

This Armed Forces Week, Aldershot Town Football Club have kindly loaned a special edition centenary third shirt to Aldershot Military Museum! ⚽

Mark Butler, Commercial Manager at Aldershot Town FC, presented the shirt to Sam from the Hampshire Cultural Trust Collections team to be put proudly on display at the Museum. The shirt was worn in the 2025 Remembrance game in recognition of 100 years of football in Aldershot.

Both Mark Butler and Michael Lipscombe ATFC Marketing Manager visited the museum where they conducted a successful shirt launch to loan to the museum one of those very shirts squad signed!

With military at the heart of Aldershot, and a fantastic football team leading the way, we are thrilled to showcase this special shirt and kindly thank The Shots for sharing it with us!

Coming soon! Keep an eye out for when we announce the shirt officially being on display.

26/05/2026

19/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who supported our Big Give campaign.

With your help, we raised over £13,000 through the campaign, unlocking vital match funding to help children and young people find inspiration, creativity and joy in the arts when they need it most. Since the campaign closed, further gifts and Gift Aid have taken the total to over £18,000, which is a wonderful result.

We are also grateful to the donor who provided match funding and believes deeply in this work, helping every pound given to go further. Together, this shared commitment will enhance local children and young people’s connection to their local museum or gallery and access to creative opportunities

12/05/2026

Only 3 days left to have your donation doubled in our match-funding campaign for our Children and Young People's Fund.

The more we raise, the more children and young people we can support, with opportunities and safe spaces to express themselves, explore their feelings and build confidence - like the ceramics workshops shown here.

If you can, please make a donation today, and make double the difference in the lives of children and young people.
Donations must be made before midday on 15th May to be eligible for match-funding.

Please make your donation via the Big Give platform here: https://buff.ly/0CIreUT

Thank you for your support 🙏