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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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Korean War

In 1950, the Cold War significantly heated up, with the outbreak of the Korean War. The three year long struggle left millions dead, and its legacy still has explosive global impact today.

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Lieutenants Melville and Coghill saving the Colours at Isandlwana, 1879

Zulu War

In 1879, the British fought a war against the Zulu kingdom. The Zulus resisted bravely and were only defeated after a series of particularly bloody battles that have gone down in the annals of colonial warfare.

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The Tanjore Durbar, Madras, February 1840

Indian armies, Indian art

Artworks created by Indian artists for the British soldiers serving on the subcontinent provide a fascinating insight into early Anglo-Indian relations.

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Malayan Emergency

The Malayan Emergency (1948-60) was one of the few successful counter-insurgency operations undertaken by the Western powers during the Cold War.

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The Gurkhas

Nepalese soldiers known as Gurkhas have fought for Britain since 1815. Here we explore their history and find out why they have long been regarded among the finest and fiercest soldiers.

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Absence makes the heart grow fonder?

Separation from loved ones is among the hardest things a soldier has to deal with. Lengthy campaigns have kept husbands from their wives and parents from their children.

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Officers of 1st Battalion The Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire), representing the range of sports played, 1936

The Army’s impact on sport

The British Army has been responsible for establishing many of the sports we know and love today. It has also helped spread activities like football, polo, cricket and hockey throughout the world.

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The Wipers Times: The soldiers’ paper

Full of the dark humour typical of soldiers at war, 'The Wipers Times' was one of the finest of many trench publications produced on the Western Front.

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Reaction to shellfish saves soldiers’ lives

For a force that fights on land, the British Army has benefitted from some surprisingly aquatic assistance. Here, we explore some of the ways that fish have been used to help solve technological problems and save lives.

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The original bulletproof vest?

During the First World War, Private Stephen Palmer was sent an Oxo tin that ended up saving his life. Here, we delve deeper into his story and explore some other soldiers' unconventional life-saving possessions.

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