Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum

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Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum The Museum tells the stories of the soldiers from the Gloucestershire Regiment, the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars, RGBW up to the present day Ri**es.
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The Museum is now open:
www.soldiersofglos.com

27/09/2026

2Lt Hardy Parsons VC, August 1917- The Great War

Hardy Parsons was just 20 years old when his actions earned him Britain's highest military honour, but sadly cost him his life. He never got to see this medal, his father received it from King George V in 1917.

His citation, published in the London Gazzete 17th October 1917:

'For most conspicuous bravery during a night attack by a strong party of the enemy on a bombing post held by his command. The bombers holding the block were forced back, but Second Lieutenant Parsons remained at his post, and, single-handed, and although severely scorched and burnt by liquid fire, he continued to hold up the enemy with bombs until severely wounded. This very gallant act of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty undoubtedly delayed the enemy long enough to allow of the organisation of a bombing party, which succeeded in driving back the enemy before they could enter any portion of the trenches. The gallant officer succumbed to his wounds.’

in 1918 Lieutenant Colonel Dan Burges was awarded a VC for the Gloucestershire Regiment.For most conspicuous bravery, ...
18/09/2026

in 1918 Lieutenant Colonel Dan Burges was awarded a VC for the Gloucestershire Regiment.

For most conspicuous bravery, skilful leading and devotion to duty in the operations at Jumeaux (Balkans) on the 18th September, 1918. His valuable reconnaissance of the enemy first line trenches enabled him to bring his battalion without casualties to the assembly point, and from thence he maintained direction with great skill, though every known landmark was completely obscured by smoke and dust. When still some distance from its objective the battalion came under severe machine-gun fire which caused many casualties amongst company leaders.

Lt.-Col. Burges, though himself wounded, quite regardless of his own safety, kept moving to and fro through his command, encouraging his men and assisting them to maintain formation and direction. Finally, as they neared the enemy’s position, he led them forward through a decimating fire until he was again hit twice and fell unconscious. His coolness and personal courage were most marked throughout and afforded a magnificent example to all ranks.

17/09/2026

Calling all teachers and educators! 👋

Can’t make it to the museum? Bring a little piece of the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum into your classroom with our hands-on boxes.

Each box contains a fascinating selection of artefacts, replicas, activities and books, giving pupils the opportunity to explore history through objects they can see, touch and investigate.

Designed to support a range of Key Stages, ages and abilities, the boxes are a flexible way to complement your classroom teaching and bring curriculum topics to life.

Give Back, Go Forth: By visiting the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, you're doing more than just exploring history; ...
16/09/2026

Give Back, Go Forth: By visiting the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, you're doing more than just exploring history; you're helping to preserve it.

Your support allows us to continue sharing the stories of those who served, fostering a deeper appreciation for our shared history and its impact on the present.

Your engagement not only enriches your understanding but also contributes to the preservation of these invaluable stories for future exploration.

in 1857 Surgeon H. T. Reade was awarded the Gloucestershire Regiments first VC.During the siege of Delhi, while Surgeo...
14/09/2026

in 1857 Surgeon H. T. Reade was awarded the Gloucestershire Regiments first VC.

During the siege of Delhi, while Surgeon Reade was attending to the wounded, at the end of one of the streets of the city, a party of rebels advanced from the direction of the Bank, and having established themselves in the houses in the street, commenced firing from the roofs. The wounded were thus in very great danger, and would have fallen into the hands of the enemy, had not Surgeon Reade drawn his sword, and calling upon the few soldiers who were near to follow, succeeded, under a very heavy fire, in dislodging the rebels from their position. Surgeon Reade's party consisted of about ten in all, of whom two were killed, and five or six wounded.

Surgeon Reade also accompanied the regiment at the assault of Delhi, and, on the morning of the 16th September, 1857, was one of the first up at the breach in the magazine, which was stormed by the 61st Regiment and Belooch Battalion, upon which occasion he, with a sergeant of the 61st Regiment, spiked one of the enemy's guns.

in 1759 the 28th (North Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot played a significant role in the fall of Quebec. General Wol...
13/09/2026

in 1759 the 28th (North Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot played a significant role in the fall of Quebec. General Wolfe stationed himself with the 28th throughout the battle, even dying in the arms of one of their men (maybe!)

Quebec was a significant loss for the French in the Seven Years War and less than a year later all her allies had abandoned her.

in 1777 the largest battle of the American Revolution took place at Brandywine Creek. The Grenadiers had softened up t...
11/09/2026

in 1777 the largest battle of the American Revolution took place at Brandywine Creek. The Grenadiers had softened up the American centre with a bayonet charge and this attack was followed up later in the day by several regiments including The 28th (North Gloucestershire) Foot. The Americans fled the field and the day was won.

the Allies began the attack on the strategically important port of Le Havre in Northern France. Despite being a well p...
10/09/2026

the Allies began the attack on the strategically important port of Le Havre in Northern France. Despite being a well prepared fortress, plus being told by Hi**er to “defend to the last man” Le Havre capitulated within three days.

The attack was spearheaded by 2nd Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment who found quite a sight waiting for them:

“The white flag was hoisted. The leading platoon then made its way into the fort, lined up were the Germans in their hundreds, who were well armed with baggage, having obviously prepared for a surrender!” Major Chalmers

Do you know how the Gloucestershire Regiment won the Back Badge? See how the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars survived figh...
08/09/2026

Do you know how the Gloucestershire Regiment won the Back Badge?

See how the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars survived fighting in the desert?

Have you felt how heavy a Rifleman’s rucksack is?

With changing exhibitions and our Soldiers of the Month display, there is always something new to see.

There is plenty for the whole family to do, childrens games, uniforms to try on plus a free quiz. Our story begins in 1694, travels through the Napoleonic Wars, the Age of Empire, Worlds Wars, Korea and right up to modern day conflicts.

Come and discover the stories of twelve generations of Gloucestershire soldiers.

Looking to complete your Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteer hours?If you are 14 or over, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire ...
07/09/2026

Looking to complete your Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteer hours?

If you are 14 or over, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum can help you gain useful skills, foster personal growth and support an important local charity.

For more information contact:
[email protected]

Address

31 Commercial Road
Gloucester
GL12HE

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

01452 522682

Website

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