Combined Military Services Museum

About

The Combined Military Services Museum, located on Station Road in Maldon, Essex, is a celebrated war museum that traces British military history from medieval battles to contemporary conflicts. Founded in 2004 on the former bonded warehouse of Carriage House Station Road, the museum began as a charity under Richard Wooldridge’s personal collection and has since grown into a major public heritage site. Visitors can explore an impressive array of artifacts, including the iconic Cockle Mark II canoe used by the “cockleshell heroes” during Operation Frankton, a wartime raiding mission that captured Spanish blockade runners during WWII. The museum’s collection also houses the renowned Donnington Historic Weapons Collection, featuring Victorian-era firearms and the original metal of Victoria Crosses. Special interest sections highlight the clandestine worlds of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and Special Forces, showcasing authentic gadgets, disguises, and the training records of notable SOE instructors such as Captain P M Riggal. The museum’s interactive displays, personal diaries of soldiers, and comprehensive showcases of military uniforms make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

Highlights

• Cockle Mark II Canoe
• Donnington Historic Weapons Collection
• Special Operations Executive Equipment
• Victoria Cross Replica