Written By Alan Good
TRAVEL - In past articles we covered Museum London, then two other museums out by the airport (hey, it’s too cold for outdoor adventure). Now we invite you to the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) Museum on Oxford Street east in the west wing of Wolseley Barracks.
Designated as a historic site, here, you’ll find the major operations that shaped the regimental history in a chronological sequence, the Northwest Resistance in 1885 and the Boer War, WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and the Afghanistan Conflict. The barracks was one of four militia training schools with London’s getting its start in 1886. Those graduating formed the backbone of Canada’s militia.
Construction on Wolseley Barracks began in 1886 and the plans made room for a museum soon after, apparently the only one in Canada. In 1953 a permanent location was assigned on the 2nd floor of the Barracks’ west wing, above the archway entrance, which coincides with the “museum room” from the 1886 floor plans.
The museum wasn’t put together until the 70s and an extension added in 1983. In 2010-2012, the museum expanded its footprint to occupy the entire west wing of Wolseley Barracks.
Take a look sometime inside this vast museum filled with displays of weapons, maps and uniforms from the nearly 200 years the RCR served. Look into bunkers and caves as the soldiers did, even a World War 1 trench. Read the proud history of Canadian men and women who travelled near and far in the name of freedom.
Outside the museum is a display of artillery and military vehicles, including a Universal Carrier, a 25 pounder and a Lynx reconnaissance vehicle.
Self-guided tours can be experienced Wednesday to Saturday, with bookings for groups and audio online tours at other times. But view their website for times. It’s free but donations are welcome—and needed.
