Imperial War Museum Faces Backlash Over Staff Comments to Veteran

The Imperial War Museum (IWM) is facing criticism after a retired soldier alleged that a gift shop employee dismissed the military's relevance to the institution.

A veteran, who served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, recounted an incident where his 11-year-old daughter inquired about a potential veteran's discount. The employee reportedly responded, "We have nothing to do with the military - that's not who we are." The veteran described the employee as "surly, sulky, a real jobsworth."

According to the veteran, he then attempted to explain the significance of military service, referencing exhibits such as a V2 rocket, Spitfire, and Harrier jump jet, and stating, "You have to get your head round why people have to go to war - to protect you from bad people."

This incident follows a prior controversy involving Lord Ashcroft, who criticized the museum as the "Imperial Woke Museum" after it declined to display his collection of 245 Victoria Crosses. Ashcroft had previously funded a gallery for the collection at a cost of £5 million. He also noted that recent appointments of trustees to the museum's board did not include individuals with military backgrounds.

The National Army Museum in Chelsea, which now houses Lord Ashcroft's collection, offers a 20 percent discount in its shop to soldiers and veterans. Numerous other brands and businesses also provide similar discounts.

A spokesperson for the Imperial War Museum stated that the institution was "very sorry to hear about this visitor's experience" and apologized "if he or his daughter felt unwelcome during their visit." The spokesperson added, "IWM exists to tell the stories of people whose lives have been shaped by war and conflict. Veterans' experiences are an important part of those stories, and we deeply value their service and contribution to our work." The museum has initiated an investigation into the reported incident.