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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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Cap badge, 17th (Duke of Cambridge's Own) Lancers, c1900

17th (The Duke of Cambridge’s Own) Lancers

This cavalry regiment was raised in 1759. It served in several British Army campaigns until 1922, when it was merged into the 17th/21st Lancers.

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21st (Empress of India’s) Lancers

This cavalry regiment was raised in 1858 for the East India Company. It soon transferred to the British Army, fighting in several campaigns until 1922, when it was merged into the 17th/21st Lancers.

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The Royal Scots Fusiliers

This infantry regiment was raised in 1678 and recruited in south-west Scotland. It fought in many British Army campaigns until 1959, when it was merged into The Royal Highland Fusiliers.

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4th Royal Irish Dragoon Guards

This cavalry regiment was raised in 1685. It fought in many British Army campaigns until 1922, when it was merged into the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards.

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Cap badge, 7th (Princess Royal's) Dragoon Guards, c1900

7th (The Princess Royal’s) Dragoon Guards

This cavalry regiment was raised in 1688. It fought in many British Army campaigns until 1922, when it was merged into the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards.

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4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards

This armoured regiment was formed in 1922. It continued in British Army service until 1992, when it was merged into The Royal Dragoon Guards.

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The Royal Dragoon Guards

This cavalry unit was formed in 1992 and operates as an armoured reconnaissance force. It has served in several deployments, including the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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Royal Logistic Corps

Formed in 1993, this is the British Army’s largest corps. It sustains military operations around the world by moving troops, equipment and supplies on land, sea and air.

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The Queen’s Bays (2nd Dragoon Guards)

This cavalry regiment was formed in 1685. It fought in many British Army campaigns until 1959, when it was merged into the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards.

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1st King’s Dragoon Guards

This unit was the senior line cavalry regiment of the British Army. Formed in 1685, it had a long and distinguished history until 1959, when it was merged into the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards.

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1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards

This unit is the senior regiment of the line in the British Army. It was formed in 1959 as an armoured reconnaissance regiment by merging two existing dragoon guards regiments.

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Royal Pioneer Corps

This British Army corps was responsible for light engineering tasks. Although formed in 1939, several previous units had existed that performed similar roles. It was amalgamated into the Royal Logistic Corps in 1993.

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Remembrance

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