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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 Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment)

This infantry regiment was formed in 1881. After nearly 90 years of British Army service, it merged with The Worcestershire Regiment in 1970. Its traditions are now continued by The Mercian Regiment.

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Royal Army Service Corps

The Royal Army Service Corps was the unit responsible for keeping the British Army supplied with provisions.

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Battle of Balaklava

The Battle of Balaklava in 1854 witnessed one of the most famous acts of battlefield bravery and one of the most infamous blunders in military history.

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Second World War

The Second World War (1939-45) was the bloodiest conflict in human history. It split the world's nations into two opposing military alliances - the Allies and the Axis Powers.

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Lieutenant-General Bernard Montgomery, 1942

Bernard Law Montgomery: Unbeatable and unbearable

Arrogant, unlikeable, but ultimately successful, Field Marshal Montgomery was one of the most prominent British commanders of the Second World War.

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Royal Flying Corps

The Royal Flying Corps was the air arm of the British Army during the First World War.

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The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)

The Buffs was one of the first infantry regiments of the British Army, with origins dating back to the 16th century.

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The South Staffordshire Regiment

The South Staffordshire Regiment was an infantry regiment of the British Army, active between 1881 and 1959.

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The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment

This infantry unit has origins dating back to 1688. It served with the British Army until 1958, when it was merged into the 3rd East Anglian Regiment.

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Other ranks' cap badge, 5th Dragoon Guards, c1900

5th Dragoon Guards (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s)

The 5th Dragoon Guards was a cavalry regiment dating back to 1685. The regiment was amalgamated after nearly 240 years of service following the First World War.

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Horse heroes

Horses have played a vital role in supporting soldiers on and off the battlefield. Explore the stories of some of the most incredible horses in British military history.

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Remembrance

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