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.
This cavalry regiment was raised in 1759. It served in many British Army campaigns around the world until 1922, when it was merged into the 16th/5th Lancers.
Formed in 1940, the SOE was an underground army that waged a secret war in enemy-occupied Europe and Asia. Its agents demonstrated incredible courage and resourcefulness.
In 1956, British and French forces invaded Egypt in collaboration with Israel. Although the operation was initially a success, the resulting political storm led to a humiliating withdrawal.
Professor Rory Cormac examines Britain’s secret Cold War propaganda campaigns and the covert world of indoctrination, fabrications and psychological warfare.
This brief conflict in 1852-53 was largely provoked by the East India Company, which was hungry for new territory and resources like teak and rubber. It ended in a British victory and saw Lower Burma become a province of British India.
The Long Range Desert Group were masters of navigation. They owed much of their success to the scientific talents of Major Ralph Bagnold, whose sun-compass invention revolutionised desert travel.
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.
Nato has been the cornerstone of British defence planning for over 70 years. Originally formed as a bulwark against communism, more recently it has been involved in peacekeeping roles and the ‘war on terror’.
Following their victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, the Allies were faced with administering a country in ruins. British soldiers had a leading role in this, helping to hunt war criminals, rebuild industry and help displaced persons.
