The Untold Story of Afghanistan comes to Carlisle
It has been nearly five years since British Forces withdrew from Helmand Province in Afghanistan.
Of the 456 British deaths, six were from Cumbria. Yet many veterans feel they have been forgotten: “People had no idea about what we’d been through,” explained Tony. “And they were not interested.”
A unique exhibition jointly put together by veterans and Museum staff at Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life seeks to redress this.
The Museum has embarked on an ambitious project to collect material of Armed Forces personnel who served in Afghanistan. Funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, veterans have recorded their memories and this material will form a permanent archive.
The experience has been a learning curve for participants and museum staff. The vast amount of material has been used to produce a new exhibition called ‘Blood, Sweat & Tears: Afghanistan – The Untold Story’.
Veterans have actively assisted with the content and construction of the exhibition which reveals another side to the conflict. There were periods of tension interspersed with boredom in a hostile environment. For many soldiers, sharing their experiences has given them a voice and some highlight the impact in adapting to life back home:
“Emotionally it destroyed my life,” said Kenny.
“It was strange. I felt unprotected. I had carried a rifle with me everywhere for six months.” explained Ben.
“What is evident is the camaraderie the experience has given them.” Explained Museum Learning Officer, Jules Wooding. “The exhibition shows that although our Armed Forces went out to do a job we need to understand how they coped.
If recollections had been collected at the end of the First World War we would have a greater insight into the experiences of the ordinary person. We have a chance to do this now, this is living history.”
Jules Wooding, Museum Learning Officer
The exhibition runs until September and is open daily 10am-6pm at Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life in Carlisle Castle. However, the collection of material and memories will continue to the end of the year.
Visit www.cumbriasmuseumofmilitarylife.org if you would like to be involved in the project or call 01228 532774 to register your interest.
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