TRENCH warfare is set to come to life with a new exhibit at the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock.

A reconstruction of a First World War trench will open tomorrow as part of the museum’s work to mark 100 years since the conflict began.

A corridor has been transformed into a walk-in trench and includes a fire-step, dug out, working trench periscope, gas bell and soldiers’ personal belongings.

The project has been researched and constructed by cadets and officers of the Oxfordshire Army Cadet force for the Park Street attraction.

Our top stories

 

Education and outreach officer Vicki Wood said: “The cadets came up with the whole idea to build a trench and have worked tirelessly to make it realistic and a fitting tribute to previous generations of soldiers.

“School bookings have soared since word got out that the trench would be ready at half-term.”

Director Ursula Corcoran added: “We are delighted with the result and very impressed by the dedication of our local cadets for their hard work.

“The trench is a great addition to the museum and the launch day will showcase our family learning programme perfectly.”

Oxford Mail:

 Bernard Robinson

The museum will host its Over the Top! family fun day tomorrow to help children learn about the First World War.

The day will also feature historians dressed as soldiers, poppy-making and drawing activities.

The exhibit will be open to the public from 11.30am. A family ticket for the museum costs £12.

It was built over two weekends by cadets under the lead of Cadet RSM Stuart Rothwell at the Read House cadet training centre near Bicester.

It was designed by AUO Michael Diaz, who works for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and constructed under the supervision of Major Graham Cook, the force’s county training officer and a professional builder.

Oxford Mail:

Michele Baston

Michele Baston, a volunteer at the museum, said: “It’s brilliant. It’s in the corridor and people can walk straight through. It will be great for people to learn about the First World War. It’s really immersive.”

The museum, which opened to the public in July, houses collections from the Oxfordshire Yeomanry and the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Costing £3.2m, it was built in the grounds of the Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock after years of fundraising by the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Trust.


  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.