Protect the Port

Visitors can find out what it would have been like for soldiers stationed at the Royal Armouries’ Fort Nelson during World War II this half term in a packed programme of activities. Fort Nelson’s World War II activities are designed to enthuse and entertain all ages. Children will have the opportunity to discover what a dangerous life it was for the soldiers as they examine anti-aircraft artillery, experience air raid sirens and the sound of bombing whilst working as a team to ‘load the ammunition wagon’. Between 1938 and 1945 Fort Nelson was the southern store for anti-aircraft ammunition; it supplied all the gun sites in the area and remained active even during raids. Visitors can experience the Royal Armouries’ powerful World War II artillery in action on Monday 30th May. Uniformed detachment Ubique are demonstrating and live firing the mighty self-propelled Sexton at 11:30am/ 2pm and 3pm, and the 25-pounder Howitzer will be fired at 1pm daily. The Royal Armouries’ museum at Fort Nelson is home to one of the largest collections of artillery in the UK. Set within 19 acres, there is so much to see and explore including the Ramparts, Parade, tunnels, galleries and Café 1871. The Fort is open from 10am – 5 pm daily, and admission is free.

Suitable for
Family friendly

Admission
AMMUNITION LOADING AND AIR RAID DRILLS Examine anti-aircraft artillery, practice air raid drills whilst loading the ammunition wagon. • Sessions at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3:30pm • £3.50 per child • Numbers are limited to 16 per session Pay on the day or pre-book your tickets from 16th May 2016. Tickets can be purchased via telephone 16th May 2016 to 29th May 2016. Telephone 01329 848 532 or visit Fort Nelson’s Visitor Centre. INSIGHT SESSION: WORLD WAR II Themed talk highlighting the role of Fort Nelson as an anti-ammunition store and the role of women during World War II. To complement the talk, there will be a World War II ammunition handling session. • Daily, 12:30pm, FREE MECHANICAL SEXTON DISPLAY A mechanical display, with commentary, highlighting the features of the self-propelled Sexton. Including a live firing of two rounds of ammunition. • Daily, 3:00pm, FREE

Website
https://www.royalarmouries.org/events/calendar/2016-05-30/protect-the-port

Source: http://www.culture24.org.uk/se000095?id=EVENT554423