Airborne Assault Museum
Bruce’s favourite of course (being an ex-para)! The Airborne Assault is the Regimental Museum of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces and tells the stories of the soldiers who go to war from the air.
This perfectly formed museum houses some spectacular artefacts, including the planning boards from the legendary Bruneval Raid to a golden AK47 machine gun captured from Saddam Hussein’s Palace.
It also has a Second World War Willy’s Jeep, equipped with trailer, exactly of the sort that Major Roseveare and his men used in our episode The Demolition Men of D-Day.
It’s worth noting that the museum is located on the Imperial War Museum Duxford site. This provides an opportunity to see additional aircraft, vehicles and exhibits related to aviation history. The site also features a range of eateries, including the popular NAAFI cafe, where visitors can enjoy a classic British brew and a slice of cake. The Airborne Assault museum really is a treat, and if you’re lucky with the timing of your visit, you can often see a certain Mr Crompton walking around its exhibits.