Horsepower Museum Trip for Veteran Resident, Ian

A lifelong pride in military service was brought to the fore for Braemar Lodge resident Ian during a recent visit to Winchester’s Horsepower Museum.

Ian served with the 10th Royal Hussars between 1959 and 1968 and remains closely connected to regimental life. His wish to explore the history of his former regiment led to a carefully planned day out focused on the heritage of the cavalry and armoured units that shaped his early adult years.

Despite it being a cold day, Ian was keen to set off, dressed warmly and wearing his regimental polo shirt bearing the Fleur-de-lis insignia. The visit began with lunch at a village pub on the outskirts of Winchester, providing a relaxed start before heading on to the museum itself.

The Horsepower Museum charts the story of the King’s Royal Hussars and the four regiments that amalgamated to form it in 1969, including the 10th Hussars. Its displays span more than three centuries of military history, from 1715 to the present day, with uniforms, equipment, film footage and personal artefacts arranged by era. A life-size model horse and a 1950s armoured vehicle also feature prominently.

For Ian, the visit offered an opportunity to share first-hand insight as the displays prompted memories of his own service, including active duty in Aden between 1964 and 1965. Enlisting at the age of 18, he initially trained as a Centurion tank driver before being selected as a regimental clerk, producing orders and developing a detailed understanding of military administration and law.

Reflecting on the museum collection, Ian recalled items he remembered from his time in service. “I particularly remember the beautiful shell harness now adorning the horse on display,” he said, noting that many artefacts had once been stored informally before plans for a permanent museum took shape.

Companionship Team Leader Graham, who accompanied Ian on the visit, said: “This was very much about recognising Ian’s service and giving him the space to talk about his experiences on his own terms. The museum provided the right setting for that, and it was a privilege to see how much it meant to him.”

Ian remains an active member of both the Royal British Legion and his regimental association. After the visit, he thanked the team for arranging the day and said he was looking forward to sharing photographs and stories from the museum with fellow residents back at Braemar Lodge.

The visit reflects Braemar Lodge’s commitment to supporting residents to reconnect with the experiences and identities that have shaped their lives, ensuring their personal histories continue to be acknowledged and respected.