Spherical Buoyant Mine
Seaplanes, submarine mines, famous faces, secrets and so much more
Military Collection
Discover Felixstowe’s military history from Henry VIII’s day to the unique Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment of the last century.
Learn how majestic seaplanes were flight tested and RAF High Speed Flight team. Through artefacts, memorabilia, models, records and photographs, delve into Felixstowe’s all-important role in land, sea and air defences from 16th century Tudor times to the Napoleonic Wars and from World War I and World War II right up to the Falklands War of the 1980s.
On land & sea – & in the air too
Since early times, Felixstowe’s part of Suffolk has played a key role in defending not just the east coast, but the entire country, against invasion and attack from its enemies. Its military history is an important and intriguing part of Felixstowe’s story involving great bravery, courage, ingenuity and innovation.
Our collection brings to life the history of the Royal Naval Air Service, Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment and RAF Felixstowe, as well as the Merchant and Royal Navy, and the history of the WWII Coastal Forces base at Felixstowe.
Here’s a flavour of what’s in our Ravelin Block rooms
We thought we’d share just a small selection of interesting artefacts from our Military Collection to whet your appetite…
Morse Code Communications
Hampden Bomber Engine
Borel Sea Plane
Short Sunderland Seaplane
Military Ejector Seat
Model Seaplane
Our historic museum home
Our Felixstowe Museum building is a piece of history in itself. Housed within the Ravelin Block of the neighbouring Landguard Fort, the building was once home to a submarine mining establishment.
The original building, built in 1878 had 9 rooms and an 18 inch gauge tramway which is still in place in parts and on view to visitors. Truck on these rail lines moved mines out of the building and into the estuary.
Seaplane pioneers & the brave souls of HMS Beehive
Get an insight into the extraordinary work undertaken to design, build and develop the innovative flying boats that were the forerunners of our country’s fighting air power.
Our HMS Beehive and WWII coastal forces displays share how brave men and women based at Landguard Felixstowe served to protect British shipping in The Channel and the North Sea to ensure vital supplies were not lost. Celebrate with us their valiant contribution to Britain’s success in fighting the war at sea.
Dip into more of our collections
