Conflict in Europe

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Conflict in Europe

This gallery explores the Army’s role in maintaining stability in Europe from the 1700s to the present day. It charts the ebb and flow of power and influence, and also demonstrates how fighting on the Continent has impacted the fate of the British Isles.

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Civilians gathered around British tanks, Hamburg, May 1945

The Army and the occupation of Germany

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.

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Battle of Dettingen

Fought in southern Germany on 27 June 1743, Dettingen saw British forces stand in alliance with those of Hanover and Austria against the French. It was the last time a reigning British monarch personally led his troops in battle.

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Passing German prisoners of war when moving up to the Aller, Germany, April 1945

Countdown to victory

In the spring of 1945, Allied armies began their final advance into the heart of Nazi Germany. After weeks of intense fighting, they secured victory, ending the most destructive war in Europe's history.

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Female prisoners after their liberation, Belsen, April 1945

The liberation of Belsen

As the British Army advanced into the heart of Nazi Germany in the spring of 1945, its soldiers were confronted with the full horrors of the Holocaust at the notorious Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

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Peninsular War

From 1808 to 1814, the British Army, aided by its Spanish and Portuguese allies, held off superior numbers of French troops before driving them out of Iberia. They then carried the war into France, playing an important part in Napoleon's first overthrow.

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Nine Years War

Between 1689 and 1697, British soldiers joined a European alliance against French expansionism. At the same time, extensive fighting took place in Scotland and Ireland between the supporters of King William III and the deposed James II.

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A Conqueror tank of 5th Royal Tank Regiment in Germany, c1960

Nato and the British Army

Nato has been the cornerstone of British defence planning for 70 years. Originally formed as a bulwark against communism, more recently it has been involved in peacekeeping roles and the ‘war on terror’.

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Kosovo

In 1999, British soldiers deployed to Kosovo as a peacekeeping force. Today, troops still serve in the disputed country as part of a multi-national force helping to ensure security and stability.

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Bosnia

British soldiers first deployed to Bosnia in 1992 during the country's vicious civil war. Initially tasked with protecting aid convoys, they have remained there on peacekeeping duties ever since.

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The 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers with Achilles tank destroyers near Ferrara, April 1945

The battle for Italy

From 1943 to 1945, the Allies fought an attritional campaign in Italy against a resolute and skilful enemy. Far from being the ‘soft underbelly of Europe’, Italy became one of the Second World War’s most exhausting campaigns.

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1st Reserve Regiment of Cavalry in training, 1914

Cavalry on the Western Front

In the First World War, the cavalry could no longer deliver the decisive charges it had performed in the past. But it continued to carry out a variety of useful roles that contributed to British success.

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Crimean War

The Crimean War was fought by Britain, France, Turkey and Sardinia against Russia. For the British, the campaign was symbolised by military and logistical incompetence alongside the bravery and endurance of its soldiers.

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Explore Conflict in Europe events

German soldiers on Focha Street, Warsaw, August 1944

Talk At Museum / Online

26 July 2024, 12.00pm

FREE

The Warsaw Uprising

Hear from Dr Paul Latawski as he recounts the events of the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, highlighting its importance within the context of the Second World War.

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Children playing the Cold War Giant Game

Workshop At Museum

30 July - 2 August 2024

FREE

Cold War Giant Game

Travel back in time to the Cold War with this fun-filled interactive giant game for all the family.

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Workshop At Museum

6 - 9 August 2024

FREE

Parachute Drop

Help the Allies prepare for the D-Day landings by creating your very own parachute and then dropping it behind enemy lines.

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'Brixmis and the Secret Cold War' book cover

Talk At Museum / Online

9 August 2024, 12.00pm

FREE

Brixmis and the Secret Cold War

Join Andrew Long and Ian Sanders as they discuss Brixmis, its mission, its operatives and the covert intelligence work they undertook during the Cold War.

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Polish gunners fire 25 pounders, Italy, 1944

Talk At Museum / Online

30 August 2024, 12.00pm

FREE

Breaking the Gothic Line

Dr Paul Latawski recounts how the formidable Gothic Line was breached during the Italian Campaign of the Second World War.

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Talk At Museum / Online

6 September 2024, 12.00pm

FREE

Churchill’s Spaniards

Join Séan Scullion as he reveals the story of the Spanish Republican volunteers who served in the British Army during the Second World War.

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Leading Aircraftwoman Pearl Bradburn recording details of casualties before take-off from Bazenville, Normandy, 1944

Talk At Museum / Online

20 September 2024, 12.00pm

FREE

Getting Them Home: The Flying Nightingales

Dr Emily Mayhew tells the remarkable story of the Flying Nightingales, a group of nurses who flew across the Channel to help evacuate injured soldiers from the beaches of Normandy.

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Talk At Museum / Online

27 September 2024, 12.00pm

FREE

The Brutal Fight for Hill 107

Join Robert Kershaw at this year’s Chelsea History Festival as he sheds light on the Battle of Crete and the pivotal action at Hill 107 during the Second World War.

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Conflict in Europe