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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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William Inglis: The original die-hard

Major-General Sir William Inglis had a long and successful career. But it was his actions in the Peninsular War, when he showed enormous personal courage and leadership under fire, that earned him national fame.

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The Royal Irish Regiment

This infantry regiment was formed in 1684. After almost 250 years of service with the British Army, it was disbanded in 1922 on the establishment of the Irish Free State.

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The Royal Dublin Fusiliers

The Royal Dublin Fusiliers was an infantry regiment of the British Army, which recruited in the east of Ireland.

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The Prince of Wales’s Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians)

The Leinster Regiment was an infantry regiment of the British Army, which recruited predominantly in central and eastern Ireland.

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The Connaught Rangers

The Connaught Rangers was an Irish infantry regiment of the British Army, which mainly recruited in the west of Ireland.

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The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)

The Black Watch can trace its origins back to the early 18th century. It went on to fight in nearly all the British Army's campaigns and is now part of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

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Other ranks’ cap badge, worn by Sergeant R Williams, The Welsh Regiment, c1900

The Welch Regiment

This infantry unit was created in 1881 and recruited in Camarthenshire, Glamorganshire and Pembrokeshire. It served with the British Army until 1969, when it became part of The Royal Regiment of Wales.

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The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)

The Royal Fusiliers was an infantry regiment dating back to 1685. It was the first British Army regiment to be designated as fusiliers and later became the city regiment for London.

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Royal Artillery

The Royal Regiment of Artillery is the artillery arm of the British Army and has been in official service since 1716. It has participated in every campaign in which the Army has been involved.

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Other ranks’ glengarry badge, The Highland Light Infantry, c1900

The Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)

This infantry regiment was formed in 1881 and drew its recruits mainly from Glasgow and the Scottish Lowlands. It merged with The Royal Scots Fusiliers in 1959 to become The Royal Highland Fusiliers.

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