So said Lt Col John Downham, Chairman of the Trustees of Preston’s Lancashire Infantry Museum. Thus the 20,000 men from the infantry regiments of Central Lancashire, who gave up their lives in the First World War, were remembered at a special ceremony at Fulwood Barracks in Preston this September. Rugby legend Bill Beaumont CBE DL, whose grandfather won a WW1 MC, cut the ribbon to re-open the Museum following a £200,000 refit programme that has spanned four years. The work was made possible by generous grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent fund, civic grants and fundraising by many supporters. The main gallery, the Somme Room has been completely refitted. Searchable screens with an amazing collection of photographs trace the history of the battalions. Three of the 19 VCs awarded to members of the antecedent Regiments are on display. For youngsters, there are dress-ups and quiz opportunities.
In all the museum preserves, interprets and displays the artefacts, memorabilia and records of a total of 120 separately-identifiable Regular, Reserve and Volunteer units dating back over 300 years. Through amalgamation and consolidation down the years those units eventually became The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment in 1970, which in turn in 2006 was amalgamated with the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment from Cumbria, and the King’s Regiment from Liverpool and Manchester, to form today’s Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. See www.lancashireinfantrymuseum.org.uk.
The Museum is open from 10.00 – 16.00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Free admission and parking.
