Explore

Featured

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.

Explore this story

Explore by theme

British Army patrol in Helmand, Afghanistan, 2010

Fit to fight: Women in the Army today

Women were finally allowed to undertake combat roles in 2016. But female soldiers had been serving in war zones around the world before that.

explore this story

Entry of the 5th Lancers into Mons, 1918

Soldiers in love: Courtship, engagement and marriage

Despite the difficulties, soldiers' affairs of the heart have flourished; some casual, others ultimately leading to engagement, marriage and a life together.

explore this story

Soldiering wives

During the 19th century, soldiers' wives played a significant role in supporting troops on campaign. Here we take a look at some of these women, a few of whom became minor celebrities.

explore this story

Pole-vaulting at the 14th Punjab Regiment's Sports Day, 1937

Sport and morale in the British Army

Sport has always been important for morale. It reinforces group identity and makes soldiers ready to serve a shared cause, even in the most difficult circumstances.

explore this story

The Norfolk Volunteers at Gunton Park, 1864

Civilian soldiers

Throughout its long history, the British Army has relied on part-time soldiers to support its operations, guard British shores and maintain law and order.

explore this story

1st Battalion The Cheshire Regiment, Iraq, 2004

Equality and the Army

The modern British Army declares itself an equal opportunities employer. But becoming so has presented challenges for an institution deeply rooted in hierarchy, routine, regiment and tradition.

explore this story

Rugby match featuring members of the 3rd County of London Yeomanry, 1942

Sport and British Army recruitment

Although factors like patriotism, financial security and the chance to travel have persuaded men and women to enlist, sport has also played a major role in British Army recruitment.

explore this story

Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, Helmand, 2011

A timeline of women in the Army

Since 2018, all British Army combat roles have been open to female soldiers. However, the history of women's service in the Army stretches much further back in time.

explore this story

Stepping into line

As the entire nation mobilised for the First World War, women took up new challenges. Many of these opportunities had previously been off limits, including military service.

explore this story

A soldier from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment fights a boxer from Oxford University, 2009

Sport and preparing troops for war

The Army has long believed that sport prepares men and women for combat by increasing fitness, channelling aggression and instilling discipline.

explore this story

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.

explore this story

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.

explore this story

Explore by theme

Remembrance

Join the conversation

Sign up to the National Army Museum newsletter