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Delve deeper into stories of the Army and its soldiers, exploring events across the globe and down the centuries.

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Cap badge, other ranks, 8th (King's Royal Irish) Hussars, c1900

8th King’s Royal Irish Hussars

This British Army cavalry regiment was raised in Ireland in 1693. It went on to serve in many campaigns until 1958, when it merged into The Queen's Royal Irish Hussars.

Other ranks' cap badge, 4th (Queen's Own) Hussars, c1900

4th Queen’s Own Hussars

This British Army cavalry regiment was formed in 1685. It served in many campaigns until 1958, when it was merged into The Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars.

Cap badge, 7th (Queen's Own) Hussars, c1900

7th Queen’s Own Hussars

This cavalry regiment was raised in 1689. It went on to serve with the British Army until 1958, when it merged with the 3rd Hussars to form The Queen’s Own Hussars.

Cap badge, 3rd The King's Own Hussars, 1902

3rd The King’s Own Hussars

This cavalry regiment was formed in 1685. It went on to serve in many British Army campaigns until 1958, when it became part of The Queen’s Own Hussars.

Other ranks' cap badge, The Queen's Own Hussars, c1960

The Queen’s Own Hussars

This armoured unit was formed in 1958 by amalgamating the 3rd Hussars and the 7th Hussars, both of which had existed since the 1680s. It was the senior light cavalry regiment of the British Army.

Queen Elizabeth II views her old uniform at NAM, 2017

Inspired by a princess’s uniform

In 2018, British heritage brand Hawes & Curtis partnered with the National Army Museum to create a limited edition collection. It was inspired by a military uniform Queen Elizabeth II wore as a young princess.

General Sir Charles Keightley, Commander of Operation Musketeer, meets French paratroopers at Suez, 1956

Suez Crisis

In 1956, British and French forces invaded Egypt in collaboration with Israel. Although the operation was initially a success, the resulting political storm led to a humiliating withdrawal.

Charge of the Light Brigade, 1854

Crimean War

The Crimean War was fought by Britain, France, Turkey and Sardinia against Russia. For the British, the campaign was symbolised by military and logistical incompetence alongside the bravery and endurance of its soldiers.

The Battle of Abu Klea, 17 January 1885

Egypt and Sudan

British forces occupied Egypt in 1882 to safeguard the Suez Canal and Britain's financial interests. This led to further intervention in neighbouring Sudan, where two wars against rebellious Islamic tribesmen were fought in hostile desert conditions.

General Sir Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1894

Frederick Roberts: Bobs

Field Marshal Frederick Sleigh Roberts was one of Britain’s most successful military commanders of the 19th century, winning victories during the Second Afghan War and revitalising the British campaign in the Boer War. 

Field Marshal Auchinleck, c1947

Claude Auchinleck: The auk

After initial successes in North Africa during the Second World War, Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck transferred to India as Commander-in-Chief. His unstinting logistical support there was vital to the Allied re-conquest of Burma.

General Sir Thomas Fairfax, c1645

Thomas Fairfax: A man of honour

General Sir Thomas Fairfax was arguably the most important general of the British Civil Wars. As Commander-in-Chief of the New Model Army, he played a key role in defeating the Royalists.

Stories of remembrance

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Peace and commemoration

After the Armistice in November 1918, millions of soldiers hoped they would soon go home. But demobilising so many troops was a huge task. How best to mark the Allied victory also became a subject for debate.

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Honouring the fallen

After the First World War, British society had to come to terms with the loss of huge numbers of its service personnel. Across the country, people found ways to commemorate the fallen at a local and national level.

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The Unknown Warrior

The grave of the Unknown Warrior contains the remains of an unidentified British serviceman, interred in 1920 to honour the fallen of the First World War. The secretive selection process remains shrouded in mystery.