My name is Simon Harrold and since an early age I've been interested in military history. My late Grandfather volunteered for service in 1932 and fought in North Africa and Italy during the war. He survived the war and was demobilised with the rank of Captain. He served alongside the Gurkhas and the Indian Army. (He spoke often of the culinary delights he experienced). He held the Gurkhas and the Indians of the Baluch unit to which he commanded in the highest regard.
"They are among the best soldiers in the world, as well as first class cooks". He once said.
Among his war trophies was an inert Mills grenade. Aged about 5, I found this in a shed and spent some time throwing it about. My parents alarm proved unfounded, once my Grandfather explained that it was harmless. Thus the seeds of interest were sowed.

The exhibits are provided by collectors and battlefield archaeologists. We welcome photographs of relics that have been unearthed or interesting items from collections, and you can email them to me. If you wish you can add a brief description of the item, if it isn't obvious to me, and the circumstances of its loss (the unit to which it may have belonged etc). We do not give exact map references for finds nor do we expect to be given any.

This is not a treasure hunters swap - meet. We only wish to illustrate the vast array of relics that have come to light over half a century after the guns fell silent.

In some countries the searching for such relics is forbidden. In all, there are risks. We do not seek to encourage individuals to either break the law or to risk injury or worse in searching for such relics. Why do that when you can visit the virtual museum!

IT IS WORTH REMEMBERING:
Militaria fairs or dealers are a source of items in far better condition than the ones seen here. To the best of our knowledge, all exhibits shown have been recovered by experienced archaeologists, who informed the necessary authorities of their activities and, in the event of discovering live ordnance have seen that it is disposed of safely. Where human remains were discovered, these were reported to the authorities and received a proper burial. In this way relatives can finally learn the fate of a loved one, and another missing soldier can be laid to rest in a fitting grave.
 

Notes Regarding Updates:
Please Note you can go to new items by clicking the links below.

Sixtieth Update: September 2009.

Sixty First Update: October 2009.

Sixty second Update: November 2009: New living history portrayal of the action on December 13th 1944 , new links added.

I dedicate this months update of the story of Robert Cahow to fellow WW2 enthusiast and outstanding gentleman Hans Dieter Nass. It was Hans who has been so instrumental in the recovery of soldiers of both sides during the fighting in the Hurtgen Forest. His drive and enthusiasm will be long remembered. Sadly he passed away during July after struggling gallantly against long standing illness. Thank you Hans.

See exhibits list for amendments to previous exhibits as well as new ones.

Your comments & suggestions are always welcome, please email me. I always reply to visitors mail. Thanks for your interest in the Virtual Museum.