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We may all want to forget what has happened in our history, when it comes to wars, but I think The Imperial War Museum makes a great venue in which to step back in time. No one can truely imagine what life might have been like in either World Wars, not to mention wars that might be classed by some as 'lesser' - but in reality all wars should be talked of as world wars, as truely they affect us all. We should be reminded - and this is a wonderful place for this to happen.My son was eager to get there, my daughter dragged her feet, but after a brisk walk from Waterloo, no one was disappointed. The main hall is full of tanks, trucks, a bus, a submarine exhibition (with a wonderfully talkative ex-submariner taking great delight in explaining the 'splash back' experience of flushing the toilet on a submarine). If you are not blown away, literally but the size of the bombs, then look to the skies to see bi-planes hanging from the ceiling. Below ground, wander through the 1940's home (setting for the TV serial), sample the blitz with a ground shaking, smoke filled walk through a London street, or even feel your way through a trench - the smell lingers long after your visit. The Holocaust exhibition is very moving, it is not recommended for children under 14. I decided I would take my 10 year old through. He moved quite swiftly, not really taking it in, until he saw pictures of children his age and then was obviously as moved as any human should be. After he asked why didn't anyone kill Hitler? We stopped for lunch in the restaurant where everyone's tastes were catered for, and of course, at the end we visited both the children's shop and the 'other' shop! Whether you are young or old, you will leave having had a glimpse of life, experiences, weaponary, smells and sounds since the First World War. My daughter said she had wished she had visited whilst she was studying the First World War, and wanted to visit again. What more can I say, except go and see for yourself.
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