LONDON WEEKEND BREAKS - Imperial War museum

There are actually five locations for the Imperial War Museum, three of which are in the city of London.

The idea behind the museum was that it should act to document to the battles, losses, sacrifices and victories that signified the British Empire and how it was attained and protected in the early part of the twentieth century. Today this extends to the twenty first century and the museum’s motivations are very different.

The museum was instigated in 1917, during which time the Great War was still taking place and the patriotic climate of the country was very different to how it is today. In the third millennium political correctness sees the museum having a “mission” which is radically different from the original purpose of the museum. As such it is not repeated here.

What to see

The collections at the Imperial War Museum are very extensive and diverse, however they are also tinged with a high level of political correctness.

The Lambeth road branch of the museum has been at its current location since 1936 and its exhibits are spread over six floor levels.

The first and second floors cover espionage and the “secret war”, along with surviving at sea. There is also an extensive gallery area, all of which is interesting.

The third floor concerns itself with the Holocaust and this and the subsequent floor come with warnings suggesting that children under 14 or 16 should not witness these exhibitions. It is interesting to me that my great grandfather lied about his age and fought in the Great War at age 14.

The fourth floor, departing from the museums original intention, decides to educate visitors about crimes against humanity and, not surprisingly is not intended for those under 16 years of age.

Probably of the greatest interest is the ground floor and lower ground floor which make up the other two levels. These floors hold exhibits which are truer to the original intentions of the museum. The displays found here start with an insight into the trench battles of the Great War and move on to the Second World War where visitors can gain an experience of the blitz.

Other things to see include a Mark 1 Spitfire along with some other aircraft from the same campaign.

Within the building there is a café and information centre.

What you will think of this museum will depend on your viewpoint. As with so many similar museums the Imperial War Museum has taken the view that, rather than show us the exhibits in an impartial way, it should educate us in political correctness. If (like me) you find this approach offensive, this may not be the best museum for you and your family to visit.