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.
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.
In July 1945, Allied leaders assembled at Potsdam to finalise their plans for postwar Europe. The discussions were held as news emerged that the United States had successfully tested a new superweapon.
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.
The colours of medal ribbons carry symbolic meanings, drawing on deep-rooted traditions in military history and heraldry. This symbolism is an important part of medal design.
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.
15 April 2024: A new exhibition drawing on material from the British Civil Wars to the present day explores how Shakespeare’s work has shaped attitudes towards soldiers, and given new meaning to war and its consequences.
In May 1919, conflict broke out between British India and Afghanistan. Although peace was quickly agreed, the violence spread to the North West Frontier, challenging British control of that region.
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.
