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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 of The Royal Horse Guards, c1914

The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues)

This cavalry unit was formed in 1650 and was the second most senior regiment of the British Army. It served for over 300 years until 1969, when it was merged into The Blues and Royals.

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Other ranks’ cap badge, 1st The Royal Dragoons, c1935

The Royal Dragoons (1st Dragoons)

This unit was raised in 1661, making it one of the oldest cavalry regiments in British Army history. It served in many campaigns until 1969, when it was merged into The Blues and Royals.

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The Blues and Royals

Formed in 1969, this unit is now part of the Household Cavalry. It is the second most senior regiment in the British Army and operates as both an armoured reconnaissance unit and a ceremonial guard of the monarch.

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The Household Cavalry

This British Army corps operates as an armoured reconnaissance unit and a ceremonial guard of the monarch. Formed in 1992, it has served on several deployments, including the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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The Life Guards

This cavalry unit was formed in the 1650s and is the senior regiment in the British Army. It is now part of The Household Cavalry and operates as both an armoured reconnaissance unit and a ceremonial guard to the monarch.

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The Royal Welch Fusiliers

This infantry unit was formed in 1689 and primarily recruited in North Wales. Throughout its long history, it served in many British Army campaigns. In 2006, it was merged into The Royal Welsh.

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Soldiers of The Royal Regiment of Wales preparing for a patrol in the Ardoyne area of Belfast, 1972

The Royal Regiment of Wales (24th/41st Foot)

This British Army infantry unit was formed in 1969. It served in several operations until 2006, when it was merged into The Royal Welsh.

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The South Wales Borderers

This British Army infantry unit was formed in 1689. It served for 280 years until 1969, when it was merged into The Royal Regiment of Wales.

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The Mercian Regiment

This British Army infantry unit was formed in 2007 and recruits in the Midlands. It has served in several deployments, including the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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The Cheshire Regiment

This British Army infantry unit was formed in 1689. It fought in many campaigns until 2007, when it became part of The Mercian Regiment.

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Pelisse, Zieten Hussars, worn by The Duke of Connaught, 1900s

A uniform fit for a prince

These splendid items of uniform belonging to Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, showcase the flamboyant fashion adopted by hussar units across Europe.

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Cap badge, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters, c1970

The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment

This unit was formed in 1970 and recruited in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire. It existed until 2007, when it became part of The Mercian Regiment.

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Remembrance

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