Visit Wiltshire Visitor Guide 2023

The story of military
communications, from
semaphore to cyber.
Museum of Army Flying
Within the walls of Salisbury’s Cathedral Close, The Rifles
Berkshire & Wiltshire Museum showcases the exploits of the
infantry of these two local regiments, from 1748 until the present
day. In addition to many fascinating photographs, the collection
features documents, medals and items of uniform; swords, pistols
and anti-tank weapons; pictures, flags and battlefield souvenirs...
even a cannonball from the American War of Independence.
The Royal Signals Museum near Blandford Forum traces the
history of the British Army’s battlefield communications. From
theintroduction of telegraph in the Crimea, via espionage and
satellites, to today’s digital battlefields of cyberspace and
electronicwarfare. With interactive exhibits bringing history to
life, you can send and receive messages in Morse code, set up
a radio and satellite network, and drive a full-size truck through
a virtual world.
REME Museum in Lyneham is the latest addition to the Wiltshire
stable. Opened in 2017, its remit is to preserve the heritage of
the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. In a collection
exceeding 100,000 items you’ll find over 100 military vehicles and
more than 1,700 medals. Over 950 weapons and more than 2,000
items of uniform. Plus an extensive archive of letters, pamphlets
and photographs, paintings, instruction manuals and vehicle
specifications.
Nearby St Michael’s Church, has strong links to RAF Lyneham
and features a variety of items related to the RAF and its
history in the area. These include the RAF Lyneham 50th
anniversary window, a unique and complex window which
is designed to lift the eye from the busyness of life on the
station to things spiritual; and the 47 Squadron window which
was installed by Salisbury Cathedral Stained Glass and was
inspired by the Squadron badge and motto.
Located beside the busy airfield at Middle Wallop near
Salisbury, the Army Flying Museum is the official Regimental
Museum of the Army Air Corps and its predecessors. Here you
can experience 100 years of British soldiers in the air, from the
pioneering era of balloons and kites through to modern day
helicopter operations. Exhibits housed in two large hangars
include over 40 fixed wing and rotary aircraft.
You can also trace the fascinating story of flight at Boscombe
Down Aviation Collection near Salisbury. A working museum,
housed in a historic World War One hangar, it brings the
history of test flight in the UK to life with over 100 exhibits,
including 30 aircraft. Sit in a cockpit, dress up in a flight suit and
helmet, imagine yourself as a fighter pilot, and watch ongoing
restoration on real aircraft.
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