Imperial War Museum London

Join us at IWM London tomorrow and meet veterans and eyewitnesses, to hear their personal stories of conflict and ask questions about what life was like. http://ow.ly/70uB30l4Ewr

From a wooden horse through to a full-size glider, discover stories of real escape attempts by Allied prisoners of war: http://ow.ly/H7dZ30l2HiS
© IWM (EPH 637)

Discover the story of Maori soldiers and their fight to be allowed to make a contribution to the First World War: http://ow.ly/wBKE30l2E4C
Image: NZH 678

The youngest Spitfire pilot to fly in the Battle of Britain, Geoffrey Wellum, has died aged 96. In this Cecil Beaton print, Wellum stands on the right next to a Supermarine Spitfire at RAF Biggin Hill in 1941. Learn more about the men and women who served during the Battle of Britain: http://ow.ly/Zgma30l36Dy
©️ IWM (HU 112488)

Flown by nine British, two American and two Polish pilots during the Battle of Britain - including the fighter ace John Dundas - the #Spitfire in the atrium at IWM London flew 57 missions and was used to train new pilots after the war.
Discover more incredible Witnesses to War on display in IWM London’s atrium. http://ow.ly/9tve30l0hrw

Wing Commander Johnny Johnson was the RAF's top-scoring fighter pilot flying in north west Europe, pictured here with his pet labrador Sally. Discover more of his story: http://ow.ly/1A9y30l1u3t
© IWM (TR 2145)

#OTD in 1918, this photograph of a pilot with his toy owl mascot was taken. Behind him you can see the nose of his F.E.2b Night Bomber at an aerodrome near St. Omer, France.
Learn more about the use of aircraft during the First World War in IWM’s Podcast series ‘Voices of the First World War’. http://ow.ly/wZJ430l0lqx
© IWM (Q 12094)

This summer, families have a very special opportunity to meet war veterans and eyewitnesses at IWM London. Hear personal stories from those who have lived through the Second World War and the Cold War and gain an insight into what life was like. http://ow.ly/9DoN30kZlKq

"I said to the girl next to me, I said, ‘When I get out of here,’ I said, ‘I’m going to join up because,’ I said, ‘if I’m going to get knocked about I’ll go where I expect it.’ And I did."
Women carried out a wide variety of roles during the First World War, both at home and overseas on the fighting fronts. Hear from some of those women about their experiences: http://ow.ly/zbbR30kY9Rd
© IWM (Q 30803)

Camouflage was key in Allied operations during the Second World War in North Africa and the Middle East, where the desert terrain offered little opportunity for concealment. Among the specially trained Royal Engineers, camouflage officers included artists, zoologists, and set designers. Learn more about their creative strategies to fool the enemy: http://ow.ly/InUf30kKE8f
© IWM (E 10147)

On July 14 1942, Harwich played host to a number of events to mark 14 July – the day on which France celebrates its freedoms and origin of the French republic. Even in the Second World War, time was found to celebrate and French sailors took part a 24 mile bike race and an open air dance. #QuatorzeJuillet #BastilleDay © IWM (A 10632) © IWM (A 10630)

"First thing we had was a bath and a clean-up; after that we used to make merry... Mind you I only had three leaves in four and a half years, only had three leaves."
Hear first-hand accounts from men and women who served in the First World War about what it was like to come home on leave: http://ow.ly/vu4m30kJWCA
© IWM (Q 30501)

From the Battle of Britain Spitfire to the smallest ship known to have participated in the Dunkirk evacuation, visit IWM London to explore important objects from our collection spanning over a century and discover stories of real people who lived through war.
http://ow.ly/ehCM30kWnnv

On 9 July 1918, Major James McCudden VC was killed in a flying accident. Major McCudden had joined the Royal Flying Corps as a mechanic in 1913 and went on to become one of the highest scoring British fighter pilots of the First World War.
He was buried in the Wavans War Cemetery in France and #OTD in 1918, a British officer and his dog were photographed visiting the cemetery. © IWM (Q 9042)
... Find out more about the air aces of the First World War https://www.iwm.org.uk/…/8-celebrity-ai r-aces-of-the-first-…
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Discover five stories of inspirational women from Lives of the First World War, IWM's digital memorial piecing together the Life Stories of over 8 million men and women from across Britain and the Commonwealth who served in uniform and worked on the home front in the First World War. http://ow.ly/DYP630kJWpx
© IWM (Q 2663)

RAF messenger pigeon Gustav carried back the first news from the D-Day landings. Discover the stories of famous animals from the first and second world wars: http://ow.ly/xo6m30kNFyL
© IWM (CH 13321)

Soldiers fighting in the First World War sometimes carried lucky charms like this tiny pig in the hope of avoiding the bullet or shell ‘with their name on it’. Visit our First World War Galleries at IWM London to explore the stories of those who fought. http://ow.ly/FovU30kJV0x

Today, 100 days after the official 100th birthday of the RAF, the #RAF100 flypast will take to the skies above central London. To coincide with the celebrations, we’re sharing images of spectacular flypasts from our collections.
This image shows Danish civilians watching a fly-past of De Havilland Mosquitos of No. 2 Group at Copenhagen airport, during an air display given by the RAF in aid of the liberated countries. © IWM (CL 2965)

On 10 July 1941, Bernard George Dale and Cicely Jackson shared a romantic day out while Bernard was on leave from the RAF. A talented artist, Bernard created a beautiful picture book depicting a ‘perfect leave’ with Cicely. Discover their story: http://ow.ly/7mTs30kvIgl

The Imperial War museum shows the vast scape of the war and what's its created and what its done. The emotions it gave me and my daughter were vast and never failed to fascinate us even though my daughter has been twice now

Overall I was very impressed. The permanent Holocaust Exhibition was very well presented, chronologically, from the historical nature of anti-Semitism through to the state sanctioned genocide marshalling all the infra structural and industrial resources available. My only criticism as mentioned elsewhere is that the dim lighting made some of the written material very difficult to read.

The first world war was also a particularly interesting area as was 'Secret War'. Highly recommended.

My son loves the history of ww1 and ww2. He was like my own little guide. The holocaust exhibit opened my eyes even more to the appaulling way these people had to suffer. Would recommend to any of my friends who go to London for a visit

It was really fascinating to see everything here. All the items from soldiers, letters and personal items. It really is a must for anyone with an interest in history to come here.

I've had a very emotional afternoon today. I've spent a few hours in the Imperial War Museum, what first got me was seeing the V2 rocket up close and personal.



Then seeing a Rowing boat which was used to evacuate the soldiers from France during the great retreat, and also seeing a piece of the fallen Berlin wall, and then the Window frame from the World Trade Centre from the 9/11 attack.



Then, the Holocaust Exhibition, reading 2 letters which would have been the very last time the writer put pen to paper, a farewell message home to a Mother and Wife. I only made it half way around, it got too much for me. Seeing the atrocities that one can to do to another, seeing pictures of the prisoners of war, reading survivors testimonies, my Uncle said something the other day, War is a dirty business, no truer words could be said.



Such a great place, I look forward to visiting again.

Oh, and the food from the restaurant is top notch.

Hands down the best museum I've personally seen!5 floors of all different conflicts that Britain has been part of.i could honestly spend all day innit,but was happy enough with bout 3hrs or so for my first time haha!!!little cafe inside if you wanna take a break and a little sit down before doing the rest that you haven't seen yet!!!!souvenir shops inside also.highly recommend to everyone who has a interest!!!definately be back.its free entry but please please leave a donation in the boxes,even if it's just a pound,takes money and a lot of effort to collect these magnificent pieces!!

Had a fantastic time yesterday, my 14 year old grandson wanted to stay all day as he found it so interesting and humbling, we left at 2:30 to get lunch and he wanted to go back for the afternoon so we did and still didn’t see everything, my son also said he wanted to stay longer so we will definitely be back, We were amazed at the amount there was to view and listening to the accounts of what people went through was both breathtaking and humbling, fantastic day out.

Great place visited with a friend yesterday. Has changed a lot over the years but the first world War floor and Holocaust floor are very humbling and special and definitely worth a visit.

Great museum, the Holocaust on level 4 is very emotional and almost unbelievable; if you want to understand how awful it was at war, then this is the place to visit.

First time I’ve been there since was closed for renovations in my opinion not for the better it was a lot better in the old days when you had the walk around you used to able to get on the tanks and guns but now it just says keep off

Fantastic insight to pointless wars of our time, such sadness and loss still no peace in the world. A must see for the younger generation

As a youngster and a fan of the Commando Comics I became very interested in specifically WW2 and would draw scenes depicting battles and dog fights with Spitfires. Spitfires, there is a full size one hanging from the celling and a Merlin Engine that powered these awesome machines if the sky. War is a very troubling part of our existence and we will probably never see a time of peace. But there is good and inspiration to be had from the history that these museums provide us. Hopefully the right young minds viewing this history will affect positive change in the future.



On a side note I started from the top as I'm sure this other guy did with his family and I actually heard him say the following:



'Why is this always the biggest exhibit? Why are there not more tanks and guns?' when walking through the Holocaust section.



He must have been much happier the further down he got. Douchebag.

Another great museum in London with free admission. The hanging spitfires are awesome and the Holocaust exhibition on 4th floor was so informative and thought-provoking.

Absolutely brilliant. Such a rich and fascinating collection. You will spend hours here. Also unlike many other museums around London I found this one really accessible by lift, with plenty of places to sit and reflect (and if you happen to be seven months pregnant like me, rest your tired feet!). Excellent multimedia and layout. The Holocaust exhibition will stay with you for a long time. I can’t believe this experience was free (well worth a donation if you can).

Absolutely brilliant place to visit very emotional aswell we had a lovely day and can't believe it is free we will definitely be coming back and we made a donation �

A brilliant half day spent here exploring the different galleries and displays. Interesting interpretations, vivid displays and humbling reading.

Great cake and hot chocolate in the ground floor cafe.

Helpful and friendly staff, and great shops too.

Highly recommended.

The very best place to explore the knowledge of history and war; particularly the Second World War and the holocaust

It’s been a good many years since i last visited and there has been a lot of changes; some good and some bad. Like an earlier reviewer said some areas are very dark making even reading the notices difficult. I missed the air raid shelter experience and i recall a very detailed trench. All that said it’s a small site and a lot to fit in and based on that they have done a great job. The way the areas are laid out are ideal. WW1 was impressive although the walk through trench by the Tank Mk1 and Sopwith Camel was a missed opportunity for a bit more reality. WW2 had some great items and lots to read including some clever interactive sections. Despite thinking i knew just about everything i still learnt some new facts. As they don’t have much space, more use of models might have helped. The Secret service section was very interesting and included some great displays. The restaurant is a bit expensive but what you would expect in a museum. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The most moving section as well as being nicely presented is Holocaust display. Quite rightly there are no mobile phones or photography allowed in here. Sadly our visit was spoiled by some toerag using his phone and despite being told would not leave the area. We were there for three and half hours. Over all it’s a fascinating visit and experience. If you want to see more then i recommend visiting IWM Duxford near Cambridge.

Sorry Brits but if you want to visit a great War Museum, you will need to travel to Canberra, Australia.



The section on the Holocaust was brilliant and emotially draining at the same time!



We spent an interesting two hours at the British Imperial War Museum but you can spend two days wandering around the Australian War Museum.

The Imperial War museum shows the vast scape of the war and what's its created and what its done. The emotions it gave me and my daughter were vast and never failed to fascinate us even though my daughter has been twice now

Overall I was very impressed. The permanent Holocaust Exhibition was very well presented, chronologically, from the historical nature of anti-Semitism through to the state sanctioned genocide marshalling all the infra structural and industrial resources available. My only criticism as mentioned elsewhere is that the dim lighting made some of the written material very difficult to read.

The first world war was also a particularly interesting area as was 'Secret War'. Highly recommended.

My son loves the history of ww1 and ww2. He was like my own little guide. The holocaust exhibit opened my eyes even more to the appaulling way these people had to suffer. Would recommend to any of my friends who go to London for a visit

It was really fascinating to see everything here. All the items from soldiers, letters and personal items. It really is a must for anyone with an interest in history to come here.

I've had a very emotional afternoon today. I've spent a few hours in the Imperial War Museum, what first got me was seeing the V2 rocket up close and personal.



Then seeing a Rowing boat which was used to evacuate the soldiers from France during the great retreat, and also seeing a piece of the fallen Berlin wall, and then the Window frame from the World Trade Centre from the 9/11 attack.



Then, the Holocaust Exhibition, reading 2 letters which would have been the very last time the writer put pen to paper, a farewell message home to a Mother and Wife. I only made it half way around, it got too much for me. Seeing the atrocities that one can to do to another, seeing pictures of the prisoners of war, reading survivors testimonies, my Uncle said something the other day, War is a dirty business, no truer words could be said.



Such a great place, I look forward to visiting again.

Oh, and the food from the restaurant is top notch.

Hands down the best museum I've personally seen!5 floors of all different conflicts that Britain has been part of.i could honestly spend all day innit,but was happy enough with bout 3hrs or so for my first time haha!!!little cafe inside if you wanna take a break and a little sit down before doing the rest that you haven't seen yet!!!!souvenir shops inside also.highly recommend to everyone who has a interest!!!definately be back.its free entry but please please leave a donation in the boxes,even if it's just a pound,takes money and a lot of effort to collect these magnificent pieces!!

Had a fantastic time yesterday, my 14 year old grandson wanted to stay all day as he found it so interesting and humbling, we left at 2:30 to get lunch and he wanted to go back for the afternoon so we did and still didn’t see everything, my son also said he wanted to stay longer so we will definitely be back, We were amazed at the amount there was to view and listening to the accounts of what people went through was both breathtaking and humbling, fantastic day out.

Great place visited with a friend yesterday. Has changed a lot over the years but the first world War floor and Holocaust floor are very humbling and special and definitely worth a visit.

Great museum, the Holocaust on level 4 is very emotional and almost unbelievable; if you want to understand how awful it was at war, then this is the place to visit.

First time I’ve been there since was closed for renovations in my opinion not for the better it was a lot better in the old days when you had the walk around you used to able to get on the tanks and guns but now it just says keep off

Fantastic insight to pointless wars of our time, such sadness and loss still no peace in the world. A must see for the younger generation

As a youngster and a fan of the Commando Comics I became very interested in specifically WW2 and would draw scenes depicting battles and dog fights with Spitfires. Spitfires, there is a full size one hanging from the celling and a Merlin Engine that powered these awesome machines if the sky. War is a very troubling part of our existence and we will probably never see a time of peace. But there is good and inspiration to be had from the history that these museums provide us. Hopefully the right young minds viewing this history will affect positive change in the future.



On a side note I started from the top as I'm sure this other guy did with his family and I actually heard him say the following:



'Why is this always the biggest exhibit? Why are there not more tanks and guns?' when walking through the Holocaust section.



He must have been much happier the further down he got. Douchebag.

Another great museum in London with free admission. The hanging spitfires are awesome and the Holocaust exhibition on 4th floor was so informative and thought-provoking.

Absolutely brilliant. Such a rich and fascinating collection. You will spend hours here. Also unlike many other museums around London I found this one really accessible by lift, with plenty of places to sit and reflect (and if you happen to be seven months pregnant like me, rest your tired feet!). Excellent multimedia and layout. The Holocaust exhibition will stay with you for a long time. I can’t believe this experience was free (well worth a donation if you can).

Absolutely brilliant place to visit very emotional aswell we had a lovely day and can't believe it is free we will definitely be coming back and we made a donation �

A brilliant half day spent here exploring the different galleries and displays. Interesting interpretations, vivid displays and humbling reading.

Great cake and hot chocolate in the ground floor cafe.

Helpful and friendly staff, and great shops too.

Highly recommended.

The very best place to explore the knowledge of history and war; particularly the Second World War and the holocaust

It’s been a good many years since i last visited and there has been a lot of changes; some good and some bad. Like an earlier reviewer said some areas are very dark making even reading the notices difficult. I missed the air raid shelter experience and i recall a very detailed trench. All that said it’s a small site and a lot to fit in and based on that they have done a great job. The way the areas are laid out are ideal. WW1 was impressive although the walk through trench by the Tank Mk1 and Sopwith Camel was a missed opportunity for a bit more reality. WW2 had some great items and lots to read including some clever interactive sections. Despite thinking i knew just about everything i still learnt some new facts. As they don’t have much space, more use of models might have helped. The Secret service section was very interesting and included some great displays. The restaurant is a bit expensive but what you would expect in a museum. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The most moving section as well as being nicely presented is Holocaust display. Quite rightly there are no mobile phones or photography allowed in here. Sadly our visit was spoiled by some toerag using his phone and despite being told would not leave the area. We were there for three and half hours. Over all it’s a fascinating visit and experience. If you want to see more then i recommend visiting IWM Duxford near Cambridge.

Sorry Brits but if you want to visit a great War Museum, you will need to travel to Canberra, Australia.



The section on the Holocaust was brilliant and emotially draining at the same time!



We spent an interesting two hours at the British Imperial War Museum but you can spend two days wandering around the Australian War Museum.