Richard is the Founder of the Museum. Having found a 1937 pattern rucksack at the age of seven, he promtly filled it with his father's wartime uniform and equipment and declared that he was going to open a museum.
After 36 years of planning Richard finally opened the museum in 2004.
Richard worked for Ford Motor Company for nearly 42 years, as an Engineer and later as a Technical Specialist in 3D printing, and has a PhD in the subject.
Having retired from Ford in 2019, Richard set up a 3D Printer manufacturing company – Raplas Technologies with colleagues in the industry.
He now splits his time between his business and the museum, as well as other charities.
Gary Weight is a published author, historian and experienced battlefield guide primarily focussed on the Second World War in North-Western Europe.
He has conducted over 3000 tours of the European battlefields with clients from all of the world and is the owner of Pegasus Battlefield Tours.
Gary's primary interests lie in the Resistance Networks of WW2 and he's currently researching and writing a series of regional books on the French Resistance and SOE/SIS.
His passion and his own collection of militaria led him to the Combined Military Services Museum.
Murray Dedman is a Senior Registry Administrator with Anglia Ruskin University with a strong interest in history. He achieved a first in his Classical Civilisation & History degree from the University of Roehampton with a dissertation entitled Decapitation in Romano-British Burial. As part of his degree he worked as an assistant to the Essex Finds Liaison Officer at the Colchester & Ipswich Museum Service and has volunteered for Thurrock Museum.
Murray has also had an article published in the Brentwood Gazette regarding the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 and the town’s involvement.
David's employment prior to retirement was in the building services as an Estimating Manager and Project Designer with one of the major uk contractors.
Having had a long term interest in all things military David applied as a volunteer and has been at the CMSM since 2013. His personal interests are social, industrial and military history with particular interest in armoured vehicles and the war in the Pacific.
David helped establish a U3A locally, served on the committee and taught technology and art. He assists his wife Maxine with her Olio Food Waste Charity and both volunteer at the Tilbury Port Crew Lounge, a charitable service providing a place for ships crew to relax whilst berthed.
"I feel the CMSM is a great resource. The collection is hugely impressive and receives amazing positive customer feedback. I find it immensely enjoyable to inform and assist visitors."
Victoria is a Councillor and Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, where she is the Armed Forces Champion. She is also an independent panel member for the Judicial Appointment Commission.
Victoria is a published author on Commonwealth diplomacy and holds an MA in Diplomatic Law and Practice and a PhD in International Relations from the University of London.She has worked as a Director in Higher Education supervising PhD students, has been Director of an international think-tank and has worked for two FTSE100 companies in media. Victoria is an active volunteer in the community and a Scout Leader, an England Squash Coach and set up a social enterprise to engage young people and improve community cohesion.
Victoria is passionate about all things Commonwealth related and as part of an Armed Forces family, is using her skills and experience to help to promote and preserve our military heritage.
Mark is a retired teacher having taught in both Secondary and Further Education. He was involved in the pilot phase of BTEC Public Service courses preparing students for careers in both the armed and civilian public services. He then returned to the secondary sector as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator.
After retiring from teaching he became a volunteer at CMSM to follow his interest in military history and has continued in this role since 2014. He is also a governor at a local school.
