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Delve deeper into stories of the Army and its soldiers, exploring events across the globe and down the centuries.

'Kangaroo' carrying infantry into battle near Conselice, Italy, April 1945
War and Peace

On This Day: April 1945

In April 1945, British and Allied forces advanced through Germany and uncovered disturbing evidence of the Holocaust. Meanwhile, the Spring Offensive in the Mediterranean brought about the liberation of northern Italy.
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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 alongside them, bring them luck and strengthen morale.

Crimean Tom, 1850s

Perfect 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.

Major Bronco Lane, 1970s

‘Bronco’ Lane: Everest adventurer

Adventure training is an important part of life in the modern British Army, but it comes with its own risks. Major 'Bronco' Lane lost more than he bargained for on an expedition to Mount Everest in 1976.

Jimson the mule

Britain’s most highly decorated mule

Jimson was the beloved mascot of 2nd Battalion, The Middlesex Regiment. He was 'awarded' medals for service in India and the Boer War.

National Servicemen, 1954

The National Service experience

For some, National Service was a horrible experience. For others, it was a time of great camaraderie.

Boarding the troopship ‘Nevasa’ on route to Malaya, 1957

What was National Service?

National Service, a standardised form of peacetime conscription, was introduced in 1947 for all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 30.

Sir William Inglis, 1820

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.

Stories of alliance

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With friends like these: The Americans

In this video, we look at how changing national interests have affected Britain's military relationship with the United States from the 18th century to the present day.

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With friends like these: The Russians

In this video, we look at how changing national interests have affected Britain's military relationship with Russia from the 18th century to the present day.

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With friends like these: The French

In this video, we look at how changing national interests have affected Britain's military relationship with France from the 17th century to the present day.