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Pages from the diary of Captain Philip Townsend

A Soldier's Life

In Their Own Words: Captain Philip Townsend

Philip Townsend was an Irish gentleman. In 1756, he travelled to North America, where he fought against the French in the Seven Years War. His diary provides an insight into frontier warfare and the assault on Louisbourg.

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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 established many of the sports we know and love today and helped to spread them 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 take a closer look at his story, along with some other unconventional life-saving possessions.

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Wellington: The Iron Duke

Whether you know him as Arthur Wellesley, the Iron Duke, or even Old Nosey, the Duke of Wellington is the British Army’s most famous commander.

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Army fashion statements

The Army's influence on fashion is not new. Military dress has made its way from conflict to catwalk over and over again.

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Goat mascot of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 1950s

Army mascots

Since the 18th century, regiments have kept animals as mascots to work with them, bring luck and strengthen morale.

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Purrfect pals and pets for soldiers

Animals have always provided companionship to soldiers on the front line, either serving as a distraction from the trials of war or sharing the hardship and danger of combat.

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The birth of plastic surgery

The First World War saw a huge rise in the number of drastic facial injuries. This led to the development of modern facial reconstructive surgery.

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A trophy worth losing your head for?

In the 19th century, it was customary for soldiers to claim war trophies as a token of victory after defeating their enemies in battle. This Ashanti war trumpet is unusual in that it serves as a token of defeat.

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Restoring Isandlwana

'The Battle of Isandlwana' is one of our most popular artworks. But before going on display again, the iconic painting needed some TLC: tender loving conservation!

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Lawrence of Arabia: The man behind the robes

Few British soldiers have a greater legend attached to them than Colonel TE Lawrence - better known as Lawrence of Arabia.

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