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Bullet extracted from Alfred Smith's lung in 1940

A Soldier's Life

The curious story of Alfred Smith

A chance discovery by a curator’s brother-in-law lifted the lid on a surprising story of service that now features in our refreshed Soldier gallery. A selection of unexceptional First World War medals proved the key to unlocking this series of extraordinary events.

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The war on glamour

During the Second World War, the Army relied on women to perform essential military roles. But some of the tactics used to recruit new members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service proved highly controversial.

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Bosnia

British soldiers first deployed to Bosnia in 1992 during the country's vicious civil war. Initially tasked with protecting aid convoys, they have remained there on peacekeeping duties ever since.

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The Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Albert’s)

This infantry unit was raised in 1685 and served in many British Army campaigns during its long history. In 1959, it was merged into The Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry.

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The Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry

This short-lived infantry unit was formed in 1959. It served with the British Army until 1968, when it was merged into The Light Infantry.

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Second Afghan War

Between 1878 and 1880, British-Indian forces fought a war to ensure that Afghanistan remained free from Russian interference. Although eventually successful, the British suffered several setbacks in their struggle to control the volatile country.

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The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry

This infantry regiment was formed in 1881. It continued in British Army service until 1959, when it merged with The Somerset Light Infantry to form The Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry.

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Glengarry badge, 32nd (Cornwall) Light Infantry, c1874

32nd (Cornwall Light Infantry) Regiment of Foot

This infantry regiment was raised in 1702. It served with the British Army until 1881, when it was merged into The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.

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Glengarry badge, 46th (South Devonshire) Regiment, c1874

46th (South Devonshire) Regiment of Foot

This infantry regiment was raised in 1741. It served with the British Army until 1881, when it was merged into The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.

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The Queen’s Royal Surrey Regiment

This short-lived infantry regiment was formed in 1959. It served with the British Army until 1966, when it was merged into The Queen’s Regiment.

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Tribesmen from Kohistan, a region north-east of Kabul, c1842

First Afghan War

Between 1839 and 1842, British imperial forces fought a bitter war in Afghanistan. Initially successful, the British eventually withdrew having suffered one of the worst military disasters of the 19th century.

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The Gloucestershire Regiment

This infantry unit was raised in 1881. It served with the British Army until 1994, when it was merged into The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment.

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Shako plate, 28th (The North Gloucestershire) Regiment, c1870

28th (North Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot

This infantry unit was originally raised in 1694. It served in many British Army campaigns until 1881, when it became part of The Gloucestershire Regiment.

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Remembrance

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