Page 168 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
It goes without saying that this has been a time like no other for the RAPTC Museum, with only the
occasional group of AAPTI and RAPTC Probationers allowed to visit for much of 2020 and early 2021. So, if one of the primary functions of a Museum is to interact with the public, what does it do when no visitors are allowed?
The answer has been to use digital solutions to engage with the public, with a greater focus on social media and the creation of a new website. This
features a much greater level of content and includes a gallery walkthrough, allowing people to make a visit from their own homes. The development of the latter sparked the idea of the Curator using the walkthrough to run virtual tours of the Museum via Zoom.
These were well received and have proved a really useful way of engaging with our supporters, many of whom are spread across the country and overseas, and is something we are continuing even though the Museum is back open to the public. Details of upcoming virtual tours can be found on the website and social media.
The lockdown also provided the opportunity for finishing the sort through of the Museum reserve collection, allowing us to identify exactly what we have and what can be disposed of. Amongst the latter are many back issues of MBS and old training manuals
RSMI Worsley entry Museum honours and awards display
which are available free to members of the Association. If you are interested then please contact the Curator.
The other major Museum project has involved developing an interactive display of all the Honours and Awards received by Corps personnel. The initial idea was for an honours board, then a book, but ultimately it was decided that a digital solution would be preferable. This allows the display to be continually updated and provides the opportunity to include a much greater level of information on each individual.
Researching the project made it clear that the number of awards was far greater than had been anticipated! The original remit was also expanded to include those honours received before and after an individual’s service with the RAPTC. This enabled the Museum to celebrate the full breadth of Instructors accomplishments throughout their lives, much of which is the direct result of what they learned in the Corps.
The final tally (so far) is over 450 separate awards, not including MIDs or other commendations for which no medal was awarded. Citations range from valour on the battlefield, to running outstanding PT in the Army and community, to success as sportspeople, coaches and officials. In total it is a great testament to the skill, dedication and range of abilities of the RAPTC instructor and the impact they have on those around them. The interactive display is on view in the Museum and can also be found online at the Museum website.
Of course, the Museum itself is now open again and nothing is better than a physical visit. So now the world is gradually returning to normal, we would love to meet you all in person in 2022.
Phone: 01252 787852
Museum Curator: Eli.dawson103@mod.gov.uk Museum Website: www.RAPTCMuseum.co.uk
RAPTC MUSEUM
Mr E Dawson M.A A.M.A.
RAPTC Museum gallery virtual walkthrough
Military Medical Revolution
How the UK’s Defence Medical Services transformed in conflict, 1990–2015
A new book by Colonel David Vassallo FRCSEd MA L/RAMC Foreword by Lieutenant General Louis Lillywhite CB MBE
An inspiring analysis of life-saving advances in military medicine and how these are catalysing better trauma care worldwide.
ISBN 978-0-9927980-2-4 paperback ISBN 978-0-9927980-3-1 hardback
Available via the Museum of Military Medicine (www.museumofmilitarymedicine.org.uk) and main bookshops
RRP
£15
Also available in hardback