Find out about the chimp who went to war

Thursday 17 Sep 2015 @ 12:10
National Archives

Discover the extraordinary story of eccentric First World War Commander Geoffrey Spicer-Simson at a free, creative event for families at The National Archives on Saturday 3 October 2015.

Come to The Chimp Who Went to War to find out about Spicer-Simson, who in 1915 led a 400 mile expedition, taking two gunboats (named Mimi and Toutou) to seize control of a lake occupied by the German Navy – all accompanied by an intrepid chimp companion, Josephine.

With the help of a professional storyteller and The National Archives’ staff, families can explore this epic story as well as see original photos and documents in the Keeper’s Gallery.

Children can also get involved in creative activities with a community artist, including:

making a giant map of the route Mimi and Toutou took
creating sculptures of Josephine, the expedition chimp, and other animals the crew would have seen on their journey
making and decorating paper boats based on Mimi and Toutou to float on The National Archives’ pond

Craft activities suitable for children aged 5-11.

Find out more or book your place.

Channel website: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

Share this article

Latest News from
National Archives

Educational package to help pupils across the UK understand the journey to the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement

09/04/2024 11:15:00

The Northern Ireland Office, yesterday launched the second phase of a package of educational materials to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement which have been developed here at The National Archives alongside academics, educational and historical experts.

Were Allied prisoners of war involved in the Great Escape were betrayed?

25/03/2024 14:15:00

An extraordinary claim that Allied prisoners of war involved in the Great Escape were betrayed by two of their own side has come to light in files at The National Archives.

The National Archives and Arts Council England sign new agreement

19/03/2024 09:15:00

The National Archives and Arts Council England have signed a new collaboration agreement for 2024 to 2027.

Discovering Collections, Discovering Communities is taking a break in 2024

12/03/2024 15:15:00

The Discovering Collections, Discovering Communities (DCDC) conference offers a unique collaboration opportunity for colleagues from across the Gallery, Library, Archive, Museum and Academic (GLAMA) sector. In 2023, this popular conference returned from entirely online to in person.

300,000 farm records going online, thanks to grant from Lund Trust

19/02/2024 11:15:00

The National Archives is delighted to announce that we will digitise the National Farm Survey (MAF 32 and MAF 73) in full, thanks to a generous grant of £2.13 million from Lund Trust.

Great Escapes exhibition launched

14/02/2024 13:10:00

We opened our new exhibition Great Escapes: Remarkable Second World War Captives with a launch event and positive coverage in the media.

Allocating collections accepted in lieu of tax

14/02/2024 10:05:00

Any library, record office or institution in the United Kingdom interested in acquiring either of these collections should contact Liz Hart, Collections and Manorial Records Manager, at asl@nationalarchives.gov.uk for more information about the application process.

Join The National Archives Board

17/01/2024 14:25:00

Are you interested in helping to lead and shape the work of The National Archives? We are looking to appoint two non-executive members to our Board.

Latest Cabinet Office files released

29/12/2023 12:05:00

Today we have released Cabinet Office files from 20 years ago covering a range of subjects that crossed the desk of Tony Blair as prime minister.

WIREDGOV