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Forthcoming exhibition: “Winston Churchill, Oxfordshire Hussar, 1901-1965”

A new exhibition illustrates Churchill’s enthusiasm for soldiering, part of his life that is usually passed over in favour of his political career.

Churchill was a professional soldier for several years, leaving the Army in 1900 after several very dangerous adventures to pursue a political career. He remained, though, an enthusiastic Territorial soldier, joining the Queens Own Oxfordshire Hussars in 1901, serving with them until the First World War, even whilst busy as a minister.

Colonel Tim May, a former member of the regiment who led the Hussar’s contingent at Churchill’s Funeral, said, “Churchill was an Oxfordshire man, born in Blenheim, spent much of his youth there and would have seen the regiment at camp and social activities every summer, probably winter parties too. It was only natural for him to join them – it was almost a family regiment! He remained a staunch supporter all his life. This exhibition puts a slightly different light on the great man.”

The exhibition is being mounted by the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Trust at the Oxfordshire Museum. It opens to the public on Saturday 26th September and runs for one year and entrance is free.