This is one of Imperial War Museums' most prized possessions. A genuine, airworthy, combat-veteran Spitfire Mk 1. Early Spitfires were initially equipped with eight machine guns. They fired the 303-rifle calibre machine gun round. But much like the Spitfire through its development, not only did it gain things like bigger engines, but also a larger armament. In the case of the 20mm cannon and the .5-inch machine gun. The story of the Spitfire's armament development is complicated and can even be considered controversial to this day. To help us tell that story we've brought in Jonathan Ferguson of Royal Armouries who's going to help us take an in-depth look at the main weapons of the Spitfire. To hear more from Jonathan Ferguson, be sure to subscribe to @RoyalArmouriesMuseum YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RoyalArmouri... Fancy taking the pilot’s seat? Book a private talk and unique ‘In the Cockpit’ experience at IWM Duxford to sit at the controls of an airworthy combat veteran Spitfire Mk 1: https://bit.ly/3rPQe84 See the Hispano cannon in person at the National Museum of Arms and Armour in Leeds: https://royalarmouries.org/ License the footage used in this film: https://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/my... Discover our Spitfire gifts: https://shop.iwm.org.uk/c-spitfire-gi... Follow IWM on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/I_W_M​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imperialwar... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iwm.london #aircraft #history #spitfire
The complicated history of Northern Ireland is hotly contested. The bloody 30-year conflict known as the Troubles caused thousands of deaths, with deep divisions across Northern Ireland, and the situation remains highly divisive to this day. Our new four-part series will examine the entire history of the Troubles, from the causes of the conflict to the long and difficult peace negotiations.
Get up close with some of the extraordinary aircraft and tanks on display at IWM Duxford, going behind the scenes and into the cockpits with our experts. New episode every month.
From 2 April 2022, Imperial War Museums (IWM) will mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict. New exhibits at IWM London and IWM North will include items from IWM’s rich collection that will go on display for the very first time. The story and legacy of the Falklands Conflict will also be explored through a digital programme, including a new episode of IWM’s Conflict of Interest podcast and a series of five short films on the conflict, explaining the extraordinary land, sea and air operation carried out by British forces to retake the islands.