By Bronwyn O, Year 12

Earlier this month, Year 12 and 13 history classes visited the Churchill War Rooms, a branch of the Imperial War Museum. We left armed with a brilliant quiz Miss Gordon had made for us to attempt on the journey featuring photographs of historical events for us to identify, interesting items to find in the war rooms and Churchill trivia. In the short walk between the station and the War Rooms we walked past the Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament as well as Churchill’s statue before reaching the inconspicuous entrance to the underground headquarters. We were given headsets with information and got to explore the underground labyrinth. We walked through the Cabinet War Rooms as they were in WWII. We saw the Map Room and Cabinet Room, where many strategic decisions were made but also the private bedrooms of Churchill, his wife and advisors. Another room we didn’t expect to see was one that appeared like a bathroom, but wasn’t; Churchill spoke to the US president in a room disguised as a toilet to maintain secrecy.

We also browsed the Churchill Museum, a separate section of the War rooms documenting his life. We were impressed by the vast collection of Churchill’s possessions they had on exhibit including: a lock of his hair, assorted hats, many uniforms, and one of his canes. They also displayed the actual door of 10 Downing Street he first walked through as Prime Minister in 1940.

It was incredible to walk through the same rooms Churchill had as well as seeing where so many important decisions were made during WWII. It also reminded us how much war affected every aspect of everyday life and sacrifices so many people made in WWII.

Photo credit: Ralphs Photos