Latest news with #VEandVJDay
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cumbria's Museum of Military Life hosts fourth annual military festival
Cumbria's Museum of Military Life hosted its annual multi-period encampment last weekend. The Carlisle Castle event, on May 31 and June 1, showcased military history, from Norman knights to the modern army. Visitors explored tents, equipment, and demonstrations, with medieval combat displays and Home Guard rifle drills bringing history to life. Home Guard re-enactors from the Victory in Europe Re-enactment Group (VERA) (Image: Cumbria's Museum of Military Life) Rachel Brodie, learning and events co-ordinator at the museum, said: "The re-enactors certainly bring the castle to life and provide visitors with a real insight into army life through the ages. "The range of activities and demonstrations on offer provides something for everyone. "It is great to see people having a good day out." Re-enactors cooking, Norman style (Image: Cumbria's Museum of Military Life) The Parade Square featured military vehicles, including the museum's Armoured Scout Car, while children enjoyed activities in the popular KidsZone. Ryan Aitken, a re-enactor, said: "This is the 80th anniversary year of Victory over Japan Day. "Our display with a Far East theme enables us to discuss the Border Regiment's part in Burma and people are really interested in the soldier's kit and equipment. "We love being part of this event." Members of the Second World War Combined Forces Living History Group (Image: Cumbria's Museum of Military Life) The event was supported by the Solway Aviation Museum and the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, with veterans from the Regimental Association and Royal British Legion also in attendance. As part of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day, the museum is currently displaying items from its Second World War collections. A new temporary exhibition, Gretna 110: The Quintinshill Rail Disaster of 1915, opened on Saturday morning, and is currently on loan from the Royal Scots Museum in Edinburgh. Plans are now underway for the fifth Military Festival in 2026.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Renaming of submarine Agincourt ‘woke nonsense', says ex-defence secretary
A decision to rename nuclear-powered submarine HMS Agincourt is 'woke nonsense', a former defence secretary said. The Astute-class attack submarine, which is still under construction, was due to be named in honour of Henry V's 1415 victory over the French. But the boat will now be called HMS Achilles, a famous name in Royal Navy history. Amid speculation the change was prompted to avoid offending the French, former defence secretary Grant Shapps said: 'Renaming the HMS Agincourt is nothing short of sacrilege. 'This submarine carries a name that honours a defining moment in British history. 'Under Labour, woke nonsense is being put ahead of tradition and our armed forces' proud heritage.' The 7th Astute-class submarine is to be named HMS Achilles, as approved by The King. The name is appropriate in light of the 80th anniversaries this year of VE and VJ Day. Six ships have previously borne the name, earning six battle honours, including the River Plate and Okinawa. — Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) January 26, 2025 A Royal Navy spokesman said: 'We are proud of our nation's rich military history and the many famous battles fought. 'The seventh boat in the Astute class is to be called Achilles, a name which is particularly appropriate this year as we mark the VE and VJ Day 80th anniversaries. 'Achilles received battle honours during the Second World War. 'The name was proposed by the Royal Navy Ships Names and Badging committee and approved by His Majesty the King.'
