Conflict in Europe gallery
Explore the Army’s role in maintaining the balance of power in Europe. And discover how fighting on the Continent has affected the British Isles.
About the gallery
The Conflict in Europe gallery charts the ebb and flow of Continental power from the 1700s to the present day.
From disputes over royal successions to the two World Wars and beyond, the gallery follows the Army's involvement in maintaining stability and helping secure Britain’s role as a major influencer in European affairs.
The gallery also draws on the personal experiences of those who served to show how new challenges and innovations have changed the face of warfare.
‘Young men of Britain! The Germans said you were not in earnest. We knew you’d come and give them the lie! Play the greater game on the field of honour.’Army recruiting poster — 1915
Things to see in the gallery
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Jingling Johnny
During the Peninsular War (1807-14), the Connaught Rangers captured this French battle standard at Salamanca (1812). They nicknamed it the 'Jingling Johnny'. It had originally been taken as a spoil of war by French troops fighting in Egypt.
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Skeleton of Napoleon’s horse
Marengo was a light grey Arab horse. He is said to have been ridden by Napoleon Bonaparte in several campaigns, before passing into British hands when the emperor was finally defeated at Waterloo in 1815.
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Captain Siborne’s model of Waterloo
Siborne spent eight years working on this scale model of the Battle of Waterloo. His research included an eight-month survey of the battlefield and information obtained from officers who had served there.
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Florence Nightingale’s lamp
Florence used this lantern during her rounds at the Military Hospital at Scutari (now Üsküdar in Turkey) during the Crimean War (1854-56). Her work there set the standards for modern nursing and transformed its public image.
1906
18-pounder field gun
Widely used during the First World War (1914-18), this was one of the most effective light field guns of its day. It could fire shells up to six kilometres and had a remarkable firing rate of up to 30 rounds a minute.
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Phoenix drone
The Phoenix unmanned aerial vehicle, or drone, provided real-time battlefield surveillance that could be examined from a safe distance. First deployed during the Kosovo conflict in 1999, it was used to identify targets for the Royal Artillery's guns.
Gallery stories
Things to do in the gallery
Battle beats
Drums were used to communicate orders on noisy battlefields. See if you can beat the right command on our battle drum.
Strategy table
Pick your mission and lead your troops into action. Can you make the right tactical decision under pressure?
Advance with the tanks
Climb aboard our replica Churchill Mk VII and learn how tank fighting is a team effort.
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