Dioramas - 3-dimensional model replicas or scale models - are an important tool for picturing historical events, and the landscapes where those events were played out.
CFB Esquimalt's newest exhibit - "Small World, Big Picture" - uses military dioramas to portray Canadians and their vehicles in various theatres of war during WWII. The aim is to help provide a new perspective on history for viewers by helping them to visualize wartime locations and tactical scenarios.
The accompanying images for the exhibit are drawn from a variety of sources, and are intended to help complement the dioramas and provide a context for understanding Canada's contribution to the war.
The display was created by museum Russ Sharp and Gord Enquist. All dioramas and vehicles were assembled from 1/35 scale kits and/or scratch built from various materials by Russ Sharp.
"Small World, Big Picture" will run in the temporary gallery at CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum until May 2008.
To help preserve the history of the WRCNS, CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum has begun a project to gather data about women who served in the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS) during World War II.
Unfortunately, much information about these women -- affectionately known as ‘Wrens’ -- may already have been lost.
But thanks to the efforts of museum volunteer Mary Grant, an attempt is being made to capture basic information about the Wrens' names and service numbers. This is a good starting point for further exploring their lives and careers.
For further information about this project, visit
The Wren Registry
Visit this link for more information about the