Britain's most recent war in Afghanistan began in the wake of the '9/11' terrorist attacks on the United States. It continued for 13 years with the last combat troops leaving the country on 26 October 2014.
During 1944-45, the Allies endured months of fighting against a determined enemy. This bloody struggle eventually ended in the final defeat of Nazi Germany.
On 16 May 2017, one hundred years after the Battle of Arras, the National Army Museum is publishing the drawings and watercolours of Lieutenant Richard Barrett Talbot Kelly, who, as a Forward Observation Officer, had a front row seat of the Arras offensive.
Today the National Army Museum is publishing key items of correspondence collected by Dame Florence Simpson, Chief Controller of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, demonstrating the important role women played in supporting the war effort in 1917.
The National Army Museum is publishing the papers of Major Allen Halford-Walker, a Scottish infantry soldier born in Essex. Allen’s papers, which include photos, diaries and letters, give a first-hand account of the earliest days of tank warfare, as the British struggled to make the most of their new weapon.
Formed in 1938, the Auxiliary Territorial Service tasked women with a range of vital roles during the Second World War. In 1949, its remaining troops transferred to the newly formed Women’s Royal Army Corps.
In the fourth instalment, we explore the wartime exploits of the 3rd County of London Yeomanry in 1941. During this time, the men of the unit underwent a baptism of fire in the Libyan desert.
This medical unit provided nursing services to British Army personnel across the world. Although formed in 1902, its origins dated back to Florence Nightingale's pioneering nursing work during the Crimean War. In 2024, it merged with two other corps to form the Royal Army Medical Service.
Between 2003 and 2009, British troops in Iraq were engaged in a counter-insurgency war. They also helped train local security units, assisted with reconstruction and provided humanitarian aid.
The Victoria Cross (VC) is Britain's joint-highest award for gallantry. It requires an act of extreme bravery in the presence of the enemy, and has achieved almost mythical status, with each award accompanied by an inspiring tale of courage.
