On the Home Front rationing was in full force, (testing the ingenuity of housewives all over the country) and the National Washing Service offered a mobile laundry to those families who had been bombed out of their homes, leaving with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

During this brilliant and evocative weekend, visitors will be invited in to a ‘training camp’ where the Dig for Victory Garden (complete with chickens) National Washing Service and many more Home Front demonstrations bring to life the realities of living during wartime. Civil Defence officers (who were responsible for making sure no lights were shown to enemy bombers) will be demonstrating air raid precautions and how to put out an incendiary bomb plus many other vital ‘safety for civilians’ techniques.

There will be an opportunity to go down in to the museum’s extensive trench system, and battle re-enactments will happen throughout the day. Period weapons and uniforms will also be on display and there will be an opportunity for kids to drill with our Drill Sergeant.

As Sarah Elsom – Curator, commented: ‘This is a brilliant, immersive and fascinating event, guaranteed to fire the imaginations of young and old. There is perhaps no better way to understand the challenges faced by every family on the home front than to see just some of the everyday (but quite extraordinary) circumstances and privations they coped with.

Helping set the mood will be our two live singers and performers ‘George Formby’ and Lola Lamour.

Wartime refreshments (and more modern comestibles) will be available. Stalls selling vintage and period antiques and collectibles will also be on site.

The day starts at 10am and ends at 4pm (on both Saturday and Sunday) Admission prices start at £6 adult, £4 child and £15 for a family ticket (2 adults & three children). Concessionary prices for OAP’s and students are available.  

The Staffordshire Regiment Museum can be found on the A51 between Lichfield and Tamworth, adjacent to Whittington Barracks. It is directly on the 765 Stafford/Lichfield/Tamworth bus route.

For more information please contact the museum on 01543 434394 or e-mail attendant@staffordshireregimentmuseum.com

The photograph shows a couple of youngsters enjoying the Fire Extinguishing Drill