New exhibition at the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) Museum

The Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) Museum in Worthy Down has launched Legions to Logisticians: 6,000 Years of History at Worthy Down, a new display that traces the military and archaeological story of the site, from Neolithic settlers to modern-day logistics.

The exhibition was officially opened on Tuesday, October 6 by museum curator Alex Crisp during an evening event attended by South Wonston residents, who walked across Worthy Down, following in the footsteps of Neolithic farmers, Roman legionaries and British airmen, to attend.

Curator Alex explains his motivation for creating the exhibition. (Image: Royal Logistic Corps Museum)

Alex said: "The history of Worthy Down, both militarily and archaeologically, is absolutely fascinating and encompasses so many key moments from British history.

"I hope that this exhibition will be of interest to both the local community, and those serving at Worthy Down, along with their families, all of whom are adding to what is only the latest chapter of a very long and storied past."

The site’s military history began in 1917 during the First World War, when Lt Col John Chamier identified the former Winchester Racecourse as a potential training airfield for the Royal Flying Corps.

Local resident Geoff reads the exhibition boards. (Image: Royal Logistic Corps Museum)

His recommendation led to the War Office purchasing the land, beginning more than a century of military use by all three branches of the Armed Services.

However, Worthy Down’s story stretches back thousands of years earlier.

Prehistoric people of the late Stone Age constructed long barrows and crafted stone tools in the area, while later generations cleared the land for farming and established settlements.

The exhibition features archaeological artefacts on loan from Hampshire Cultural Trust, as well as objects and archives from the Adjutant General’s Corps Museum.

It is free to visit and will run until late August 2027.

The RLC Museum, the South’s newest visitor attraction, opened in 2021 in a purpose-built facility just outside Worthy Down Camp.

It tells the story of the Corps and its predecessors, who have supplied, supported and transported the British Army for more than 300 years.

The museum includes interactive displays, a research room, a cinema, a shop, a café and free parking.

Among the highlights are the Rolls-Royce used by Field Marshal Montgomery after D-Day, Napoleon’s field bakery from Waterloo and a collection of military vehicles and bomb disposal equipment.

The RLC, formed in 1993 through the amalgamation of five corps, remains central to the UK’s emergency response efforts.

The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm, with last entry at 3.30pm.