On Monday 22 February, a new exhibition opens at Cardiff Castle to celebrate the last 300 years of the Welsh Soldier.
Firing Line: Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier is collaboration between 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards and The Royal Welsh, to provide a modern, interactive gallery taking over the entire lower floor of the Interpretation Centre at the Castle.
Christopher Dale, Museum Director of Firing Line, explains “Our aim is to tell the story of the Welsh soldier over the last 300 years, from the creation of the two regiments, through the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 when both regiments fought together up to Iraq and Afghanistan today. We’ll have a mix of historical information, exhibits, a programme of living history events and hands-on activities to give our visitors an understanding of why ordinary people are prepared to do extraordinary things and carry out outstanding acts of bravery.”
The exhibition has cost £1.08m, funded by the 2 regiments, Cardiff Council, donations from livery companies and grant-giving trusts. Cardiff Council has also funded the construction of the basement area in the Interpretation Centre to provide a new home for the exhibition as part of the partnership with the regiments.
The exhibition tells stories from the history of both regiments including that of the 9 men of the 24th Regiment of Foot who were awarded the Victoria Cross for their defence of the supply depot at Rorke’s Drift in 1879; this was the greatest number of Victoria Crosses ever awarded for a single battle.
There is also an Afghan pennant and sword taken in Afghanistan in 1919; this is reputed to be the last cavalry charge made by the British army before tanks and other armoured vehicles replaced horses.
Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, explains, “This high quality exhibition is a significant new addition to the visitor experience at Cardiff Castle. We welcome this partnership with the military which further supports the Council’s aim to make the Castle a world class visitor attraction.”
Firing Line opens to the public on Monday 22 February at 9am, for further information on the exhibition visit www.cardiffcastlemuseum.org.uk/
