Working in Johannesburg last week presented me with the opportunity to make a lightening quick tour of the South African National Museum of Military History.
This museum's website gives an excellent overview of what can be expected if you should visit - https://ditsong.org.za/en/our-museums/museum-of-military-history/
Wikipedia gives an potted story of how the museum name has changed over the years - The South African National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg was officially opened by Prime Minister Jan Smuts on 29 August 1947 to preserve the history of South Africa's involvement in the Second World War. In 1975, the museum was renamed from the South African National War Museum and its function changed to include all conflicts that South Africa has been involved in. In 1999 it was amalgamated with the Pretoria-based Transvaal Museum and National Cultural History Museum to form the Northern Flagship Institution. In April 2010 Ditsong was officially renamed Ditsong Museums of South Africa and the SANMMH was renamed the Ditsong National Museum of Military History.
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| Me262 Night Fighter/Interceptor |
The museum comprises a number of different halls with many of the larger exhibits displayed outdoors, but protected under cover. This is a serious museum, very well laid out, fascinating exhibits of real quality, a good half-day's worth of viewing.
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| 88mm Anti-Aircraft/Tank gun |
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| Olifant Mk1 (Centurion) |
There are uniforms and weapons from the Zulu war to the present day as well as AFVs and aircraft from WW2-the Bush wars of the 1980-90's. There are more artillery pieces in one place than I've ever seen before dating from the Boer war to now.
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| G6 155mm Wheeled SPG |
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| This vehicle is enormous!! |
There is also a research establishment within the museum's library and an impressive war memorial within the grounds.
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| Dassault Mirage |
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| Buccaneer |
It cost less than £2.20 to enter, which for something like this has to be a bargain. Where else would you get to see some of the exclusively South African AFVs like the Olifant Mk1, G6 wheeled SPG and Rafel IFV?
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| Marmon Herrington Armoured cars from WW2 |
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| FW190 |
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| Pom-Pom |
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| G5 155mm Howitzer with auxiliary motor |
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| Rafel IFV |
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| Panhard AML 90mm |
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| Panhard AML with 60mm Mortar |
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| Saracen APC |
Thoroughly recommended.
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