The Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment (PWOR) Military Museum was originally opened at Fort Henry in 1969. Twenty-two years later, it was moved to the Armouries and officially opened on 28 October 1991 by HRH Diana, Princess of Wales, Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment. It is organized to present the history of the Regiment and citizen soldiers of Kingston area, who served in the regiment since 1863. The museum helps to preserve the region’s rich military heritage.
Location:
The Armouries,
100 Montreal St.
Kingston, Ontario
K7K 3E8
Curator:
Maj (ret’d) Michael Boire
Mission Statement
To collect and conserve military documents, artifacts and ancillary objects pertaining to the origin and heritage of the Regiment.
To display military artifacts, uniforms, equipment, weapons and vintage military vehicles which illustrate and reflect Regimental history (Kingston’s military heritage) and the role of the Regiment (citizen soldiers) in war and peacekeeping operations.
To provide a source of information where current and future members of the Regiment can learn and take pride in the history of their Regiment, and a place for civilians to visit, interpret and research local military history.
The Collection
Our collection includes uniforms, swords and medals from the 14thBattalion of Rifles, which was formed 16 January 1863. WW 1 artifacts from the 21st Battalion CEF including post cards sent from France to loved ones in Kingston. Also on display are uniforms, rifles, pistols and items of personal kit from WW1, Korean War, WW 2, and Peace Keeping Missions, along with several military vehicles, vintage 1940’s and ’50’s, restored to operating condition.
There is also an exhibit commemorating the visit of HRH Diana, Princess of Wales, when she arrived in Kingston to visit her Regiment on October 28, 1991.
Commemorating the 21st Battalion
In our efforts to remember the 21st Battalion and continue to commemorate its achievements and sacrifices, we have curated a virtual collection of videos:
CWO (Ret’d.) Bob Pollitt CD: The PWOR and the Vimy Cross (short)
CWO (Ret’d.) Bob Pollitt CD: The PWOR and the Vimy Cross (long)
An Officer of the Great War. Known Unto God