Royal Canadian Regiment Museum, London (must see)

The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum presents the history of an infantry unit founded in 1883 through a wide range of artifacts and archival material. Its displays follow the regiment’s involvement in conflicts from the South African War to the World Wars, Korea, and later missions. Among the notable items is a replica of a scarf knitted by Queen Victoria, along with medals connected to General Charles Foulkes and personal objects related to Victoria Cross recipient Milton F. Gregg.

Exhibits are arranged to show both large-scale events and individual experiences. Uniforms, weapons, and equipment trace changes in military practice, while letters and photographs provide insight into daily life during service. Some items stand out for their unusual character, including a silver memorial bowl from the 1880s and a preserved cigar from the same period. These objects reflect how traditions and personal histories have been recorded within the regiment over time.

The building itself forms part of the visit. During renovations, original jail cells were kept and integrated into the museum layout, linking the structure to its earlier use. A quiet room preserves the regiment’s historic colours from 1901, while a small chapel with stained glass windows commemorates those who served on the Western Front.

Several sections recreate past environments to give a clearer sense of context. Visitors can walk through a reconstructed First World War trench or a street scene based on the Italian Campaign of the Second World War. Outside, military vehicles such as a mid-20th-century tank and reconnaissance equipment extend the story beyond the indoor galleries.