The Vickers MG Collection & Research Association Displays
Permanent Display
From 2014, the VMGCRA has a permanent display space that can be visited by special arrangement. This is an opportunity to view the entire collection (with the exception of any items on loan elsewhere) and to meet the VMGCRA team. This includes all of the research material that the VMGCRA holds. Visits can be arranged for individuals or small groups - this can be done through the Contact page.
Living History
The VMGCRA has provided displays of the Vickers MG in a historical context independently and as part of a wider group of individuals or associations. These pages show some of the photos and explain some of the context of the displays. Few of the photos are the property of the VMGCRA and where they are sourced from elsewhere, the link is shown below the photo to the original source and where, often, you can find more of the photos of the show. If a link is not shown, it means the original source cannot be located - if this is your photo, please contact using the link on the contents page.
Wimpole Hall, Cambridge, UK (September, 2016) - 1st Special Air Service Regiment, France, 1944
Victory Show, Cosby, UK (September, 2016) - 1st Bn, Princess Louise's Kensington Regiment, Italy, 1945
Victory Show, Cosby, UK (September, 2015) - 7th Bn, Cheshire Regiment, Italy, 1944
Victory Show, Cosby, UK (September, 2014) - 2nd Bn, Middlesex Regiment, France, 1944
War & Peace Revival, Kent, UK (July, 2014) - (Queen's Own) Royal West Kent Regiment, Malaya, 1954
Victory Show, Cosby, UK (September, 2013) - 2nd Bn, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, France, 1944
War & Peace Revival, Kent, UK (July, 2013) - (Queen's Own) Royal West Kent Regiment, Malaya, 1954
Chalke Valley History Festival, Wiltshire, UK (June, 2013) - Machine Gun Corps, France, 1917
British Airborne Platoon Training Weekend, Ashdown Camp, Evesham, UK (March, 2013) - Airborne Forces Machine Gun Training Centre, UK, 1944
Victory Show, Cosby, UK (September, 2012) - 7th Bn, King's Own Scottish Borderers, Netherlands, 1944
War & Peace Show, Beltring, Kent, UK (July, 2012) - Machine Gun Corps, France, 1918
Victory Show, Cosby, UK (September, 2011) - 7th Bn, King's Own Scottish Borderers, Netherlands, 1944
Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont-St-Giles (May, 2008) - 12th Bn, Devonshire Regiment, UK, 1944
Static Displays and Talks
Static displays of the collection, for a specific audience or a wide range of people, provide the opportunity to see the items in a more 'regular' museum-type context, with the benefit of hands-on the items. This can provide more information and the opportunity to explain more about how the items work from a technical, rather than a practical, point-of-view. It is also possible to do talks and presentations on the use of the Vickers.
Machine Gun Corps Old Comrades' Association Lunch, Belton Park, Grantham, UK (October, 2015)
Machine Gun Corps Old Comrades' Association Lecture and Lunch, Belton Park, Grantham, UK (October, 2013)
Glider Pilot Regiment Annual Dinner and Reunion, Army Aviation Centre, Middle Wallop, Hampshire, UK (February, 2013)
Private Display, Swindon, UK (August, 2012)
Private Display for Devon & Dorsets MG Platoon, Swindon, UK (October, 2011)
Western Front Association Somerset Branch Conference, Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, UK (October, 2010)
Private Display for MGC History Project, Swindon, UK (October, 2008)
Loans
Given the breadth of the VMGCRA collection, loans of items not readily required are available to established and reputable locations that can offer appropriate levels of security and responsibility.
Stories of Sacrifice Exhibition, British Muslim Heritage Centre, Manchester, UK (January 2016 to ...)
Swindon in the Great War, Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Swindon, UK (August 2014 to January 2015)
English Heritage, Wellington Arch, London, UK (July to November, 2014)
Sources
Unless otherwise mentioned above, all photos are from the VMGCRA.
This page is published by the Vickers MG Collection & Research Association, a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee, registered in England, Company Registration Number 07855202 - www.vickersmachinegun.org.uk
