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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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76th Regiment of Foot

This infantry regiment was raised in 1787. It continued in British Army service until the 1881 reforms, when it was amalgamated with the 33rd (The Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment of Foot to form The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment (West Riding).

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Glengarry badge, 33rd (The Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment, c1874

33rd (The Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment of Foot

This infantry unit was formed in 1702. It served in many British Army campaigns until the 1881 reforms, when it merged with the 76th Regiment of Foot to form The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment (West Riding) in 1881.

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The East Yorkshire Regiment (The Duke of York’s Own)

This infantry unit was raised in 1685 and served in many British Army campaigns during its long history. In 1958, it merged with The West Yorkshire Regiment to form The Prince of Wales’s Own Regiment of Yorkshire.

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The Devonshire Regiment

This infantry unit was raised in 1685 and subsequently served in many British Army campaigns during its long history. In 1958, it was amalgamated with The Dorset Regiment to form the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment.

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Glengarry badge, Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment), c1881

The West Yorkshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales’s Own)

This infantry unit was raised in 1685 and served in many British Army campaigns during its long history. In 1958, it merged with The East Yorkshire Regiment to form The Prince of Wales’s Own Regiment of Yorkshire.

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Bearskin badge, 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys), c1900s

Regimental badges

Soldiers’ headwear has always featured some form of insignia demonstrating regimental identity. Here we take a look at some common features of these badge designs, investigating the origins and meaning behind their words and symbols.

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The Royal Welsh

This infantry regiment was formed in 2006 by merging The Royal Regiment of Wales and The Royal Welch Fusiliers. Since then, it has served on several deployments including the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Soldiers of The 3rd (East Kent) Regiment of Foot (The Buffs) defending the Colours at Albuera, 1811

Save the Colours!

Colours have been the focus of some of the most bitter fighting and magnificent acts of heroism in British Army history. Soldiers often fought to the last to preserve them in battle, and they continue to hold totemic significance for regiments today.

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The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment

This infantry regiment was formed in 1970. It continued in British Army service until 2006, when it was merged into The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

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The Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire)

This infantry regiment was formed in 1881. It continued in British Army service until 1970, when it amalgamated with The Lancashire Regiment (Prince of Wales’s Volunteers) to form The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment.

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Glengarry badge, 47th (Lancashire) Regiment of Foot, c1874

47th (The Lancashire) Regiment of Foot

This infantry regiment was raised in 1741. It served in many campaigns until 1881, when it was merged into The Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire).

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Glengarry badge, other ranks’, 81st (Royal Lincoln Volunteers) Regiment of Foot, c1874

81st Regiment of Foot (Loyal Lincoln Volunteers)

This line infantry regiment was raised in 1793 and continued in British Army service until 1881 when it was merged into The Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire).

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Remembrance

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