Honouring the Fallen: Armistice Day at Fort Nelson

Saturday 11 November 2017 Royal Armouries museum at Fort Nelson will pay tribute on Armistice Day, Saturday 11 November, when staff will fire the 18-pounder on the parade at 11am, to mark the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, followed by two minutes’ silence. The 25-pounder Field Howitzer will be fired at 1pm for the daily salute. Fort Nelson had a special part to play during both the First and Second World Wars. The Victorian fort acted as a transit depot and training establishment for the thousands of soldiers embarking at Portsmouth for France during the First World War. Barrack accommodation in and around Portsmouth was at a premium since the wartime garrison at times numbered as many as 25,000 men. The fort was also used as an anti-aircraft ammunition depot and played a crucial part in supporting the defence of the Solent during 1940 and 1941. There will be an opportunity for visitors to inspect the guns following the firings and the uniformed detachment will be available to answer questions about the guns. The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson is home to a remarkable collection of First World War artillery, including the British 18-inch Railway Howitzer in the Artillery Hall. Museum admission and parking at Fort Nelson are free.

Suitable for
Any age

Admission
Free admission and parking

Website
https://royalarmouries.org/events/events-at-fort-nelson

Source: http://www.culture24.org.uk/se000095?id=EVENT578385