The Royal Westminster Regiment Museum, New Westminster

The Royal Westminster Regiment Armoury Building was first occupies in 1896 above the city of New Westminster, British Columbia. Over a century later, the Armoury is still in operation housing a military regiment as well as a museum encompassing artifacts spanning decades of history and conflict from the Boer War to the two World Wars. CREDIT: Venture Vancouver, SOURCE: www.venturevancouver.com

The Royal Westminster Regiment Armoury located on the corner of Sixth Street and Queens Avenue offers a museum inside which spans the history of its participation in global conflicts.

STATS

HOURS

Type:

Museum

Season:

All Seasons

Weather:

All Weather

Time:

1 hour

Cost:

By Donation

What to bring:

Questions, Sense of Curiosity

Dating from 1863, the Royal Westminster Regiment has served the City of New Westminster, the Province of British Columbia and the Country of Canada in several wars and battles to defend the liberties and freedoms Canadians enjoy today. Inside the Armoury which overlooks the oldest city in the province is the Museum situated in the old gun room of this historic building. Inside, dozens of display cases are filled with artifacts, weaponry, scale models, uniforms, medals, photos and journals for visitors to enjoy and explore the rich military history of the region.

The large white building overlooking the city of Westminster is one of its most important, housing the historic Royal Westminster Regiment in this armoury and barracks. The Regiment dates back to November of 1863 when it was formed originally as a militia for the region prior to the creation of the Province. Inside the armoury is the Royal Westminster Regiment Museum housed in the old gun room which is filled top to bottom with artifacts, photos, journals, displays, weaponry and accolades spanning the Regiment's rich history in several wars, battles and defence of the region.

Accessible only by buzzer, visitors must come between scheduled hours (check the tab above for times) to enjoy the museum. Inside, visitors can explore this small but well organized museum starting from the early battles and wars the Regiment participated in to more recent displays of patches and rank badges worn by officers. Knowledgeable volunteers are on hand to tell stories and point out some of the museum's most interesting pieces such as items owned and worn by Field Marshal Sir Bernard Law Montgomery who successfully commanded Allied forces at the Battle of El Alamein, a major turning point in the Western Desert Campaign during World War II.

There are some humbling and interesting artifacts to see at the Royal Westminster Regiment Museum such as a German canteen found in Flanders Field and memorials to soldiers from the Regiment which have lost their lives.

The Museum is an interesting locale to visit for both military enthusiasts as well as curious visitors wanting to learn more about the history of the region and the sacrifices made by brave men and women for their Province and their Country.