In comparison to earlier periods, an exceptional number of military artefacts survive in South East Scotland from the 19th and 20th centuries. The region has some notable regimental museums, including the museums of the Royal Scots and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. The regimental museums, along with various local and national collections, hold a diverse array of military items – although at times the collections do tilt towards ceremonial artefacts and objects associated with officers. It can at times be harder to find examples of weapons and equipment linked to the routine experiences of ordinary soldiers. In recent years metal detectorists have uncovered large amounts of material associated with the region’s military past.
There is arguably room to link more effectively these stray finds with the collections already held in the region’s museums. The 19th and 20th centuries are also unusual in that significant numbers of military artefacts remain in private hands – either in families with a history of service or in the possession of private collectors. There is perhaps room for further community projects working with the public to ascertain what types of artefacts are still in private hands in the region, and whether they have the potential to fill any gaps in our understanding of the development of military equipment in the region.
Weapons and Military Equipment Research Questions
- How did the role of horses in warfare change over the modern period?
- How did the kit of individual soldiers change during the modern period?
- What can we learn about the use of artillery in South East Scotland during the modern period?
- What can we learn about the adoption of tanks and other forms of mechanisation by military units in South East Scotland?