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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 18th and 80th Regiments storming the Shwedagon Pagoda, Rangoon, 1852

Second Burma War

This brief conflict in 1852-53 was largely provoked by the East India Company, which was hungry for new territory and resources like teak and rubber. It ended in a British victory and saw Lower Burma become a province of British India.

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The British landing at Rangoon, 11 May 1824

First Burma War

Frontier clashes between British India and the Burmese Empire escalated into a full-blown war that lasted from 1824 to 1826. This conflict resulted in parts of Burma coming under the control of the East India Company.

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Transvaal War

In 1880-81, the British fought a brief war against the Transvaal Boers in South Africa. The Boers had rebelled against British control and went on to inflict several stinging defeats during their successful fight for independence.

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Jacket worn by Captain John Malcolmson VC, c1860

Wool, wax and whalebone: Preparing a uniform for display

Our conservation team describes some of the essential work required to get one of the highlights of the Global Role gallery ready for display.

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Keziah Burt sculpting a portrait bust of HM Queen Elizabeth II

Sculpting Elizabeth: A tribute to the Queen’s wartime service

In this video, we speak to figurative artist Keziah Burt about the making of a commemorative portrait bust of Queen Elizabeth II and reflect on Her Majesty's service in the Second World War.

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16th Regiment of Bengal Lancers at the Temple of Heaven, Beijing, 1900

The Boxer Rebellion

In 1900, British and Indian troops joined an international expedition sent to relieve the diplomatic quarter of Beijing, which was under siege by the 'Boxers' and their Imperial Chinese allies.

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The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers

This Gurkha unit was formed in 1948. Since then, it has carried out combat engineering tasks during British Army deployments around the globe.

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The Royal Anglian Regiment

This infantry unit was formed in 1964 by merging the four regiments of the East Anglian Brigade. It has deployed on a variety of operations across the UK and around the world, including the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment

This light infantry regiment was formed in 2006. As well as specialising in dismounted close combat, it undertakes reconnaissance and ground manoeuvre duties.

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The King’s Regiment

This infantry regiment was formed in 1958. It continued in British Army service until 2006, when it was merged into The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

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The Light Infantry

Formed in 1968 from four existing light infantry regiments, this infantry unit continued in British Army service until 2007, when it was amalgamated into The Rifles.

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2nd King Edward VII’s Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles)

This infantry unit was raised by the East India Company in 1815. It later served with distinction as part of the Indian Army until 1948, when it transferred to British Army service. In 1994, it was merged into The Royal Gurkha Rifles.

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Remembrance

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