P Bawa Blog Post #2 - Imperial War Museum



Pratham Bawa
Prof Nancy Marshall
City of Mud and Gold Blog Post #2

Last week’s trip to the Imperial War Museum was especially unique and one that really caught my attention. I personally do not know much about World War II, more specifically Britain’s role within it, even though this is a topic that fascinates me. Because of this, I was especially interested in the exhibits, structures, paintings, and other things I was able to see/experience during our time there. I did not really know about any of the destruction that London had faced during these harsh times and how much the city was actually impacted. 
One particular sight that caught my attention during our trip was the remains of a car that had been destroyed by violence, most likely a bombing strike, during the war. This structure really gives the perspective as to how brutal the violence would get and how anything within the path of destruction would get completely decimated. This is especially true during times in the war when air strikes had started becoming increasingly common, especially during the Blitz.
Another instance that I found very interesting was Graham, the volunteer, who had grown up during the Blitz and was speaking about his experiences and growing up during this particular time. It was specifically interesting to listen to how he looked back on his childhood fondly. I would not have expected that, and would have assumed one would look back on a childhood full of violence and destruction with dismal memories and some form of PTSD. Maybe since lots of time has passed he has been able to accept how his childhood had turned out and look at the positive experiences that he was able to have and walk out from everything alive. 
In all, going to this museum was very interesting and I am very glad we were able to do so in class.

Picture Source: https://www.divento.com/en/london/7074-imperial-war-museum-london.html
  

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