A transformed Grade II listed boathouse at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is now home to a landmark new experience celebrating the history, bravery and heritage of the Royal Marines.
The Royal Navy Museums has developed the £15m experience by drawing on serving and former Royal Marines, families and specialists in order to connect heritage with today’s service.
And some of the veterans attending the opening of the experience, exploring some of the extensive collections on display which include the following items:
- Warrant Officer ‘Mac’ McNaghten’s AI Faw briefing model, built in secret whilst onboard HMS Ocean enroute to the Persian Gulf in 2003 and used by 40 Commandos to plan their attack on the Al Faw peninsula.
- All ten Victoria Crosses awarded to the Royal Marines, from the Crimean War to World War Two, brought together to tell stories of exceptional bravery and service.
- A medal presentation box given to Marine David Davidson by his husband Ernest and the Royal British Legion. The decoration shows David landing in Egypt during the Suez Crisis in 1956.
- A Green beret worn by Marine W.G.C. ‘Molly’ MacPherson who served in 3 Troop, K Company, 42 Commando during the Falklands War. Marines serving during the Falklands war preferred to wear Green Berets rather than helmets as they thought that the Green Beret was ‘bulletproof’.
There is also a Remembrance Room where families and visitors can reflect and remember those who gave their lives in service to their country.
Matthew Sheldon, CEO, Royal Navy Museums, said: “We want this to feel like a museum you can step into, not simply look at. Most of us will never know what it takes to earn and wear the green beret of the Royal Marines Commandos, but the new Royal Marines Experience will bring visitors closer to the tests of training, the reality of deployment and the humour, teamwork and resilience that run through the Corps.”
The former Royal Marines Museum closed in 2017 with plans to move to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and create a new centre for Royal Marines heritage.
Group visitor information
Discounted tickets for groups of 12 or more are available, with free entry offered to group leaders. There is coach and minibus parking available off-site.
Tickets include entry to the Royal Marine Experience and all other attractions which includes the HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum and HMS Warrior.
Click here for more information.
