My name’s Lloyd and I am an archaeology graduate. I’ve just joined the museum’s curatorial staff as a full-time volunteer for a few months, looking to gain valuable experience and skills in the museum sector. With the economic climate as it is, finding the right job without any experience is almost impossible for today’s graduates. Therefore, it seems to me that this short-term placement is the best way forward for me.

There has been a lot of media attention this year on the 30 Anniversary of the Falklands War. The Museum, as part of a series of events to mark this anniversary, has put a new display together which shows aspects of this War. We looked at our collections and tried to decide what we could show people that was completely different from our existing Falklands War display.  Our searches revealed some ordinary, yet remarkable objects – which entered the Museum as ‘Trophies of War’.  What makes them, and the display, different is that all the photographs and artefacts are Argentinean, captured by Royal Marines during the War.

Recently we hosted a visit from Yankee Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines.  We always enjoy hosting these visits.  It reminds us about the people are who are making tomorrow’s history, today.  As always it’s a useful chance to make contacts, exchange information, and collect objects.

On 23 May 1982, HMS Antelope was bombed in San Carlos Bay by Argentine Skyhawk aircraft. The bombs failed to detonate on impact. Whilst being defused one of the bombs exploded and started a major fire. The call for abandon ship was given, and the crew were evacuated. Soon after, the ship’s ammunition exploded and HMS Antelope sank on 24 May 1982.

For those that served in the Falklands War the kit layout picture may bring back some memories. But how does a curator, who was only just born at the time of the Falklands War, know what was used and worn in the Falklands?