Michael Harrison served with distinction during the First World War. He performed acts of great courage and daring both on the battlefield and in captivity, mounting repeated escape attempts.
Sitaram Pande served with the Bengal Army from 1812 to 1860, taking part in many important campaigns. His memoirs provide a rare and precious glimpse into life in the Indian Army during the 19th century.
Richard Symonds was an antiquarian and art enthusiast, who served on the Royalist side during the British Civil Wars. His diary is one of the most important first-hand accounts of the conflict.
Louis Nolan was an ambitious officer and an expert in cavalry warfare. He kept a journal during his service in the Crimean War and achieved notoriety for his role in the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade.
Philip Townsend was an Irish gentleman. In 1756, he travelled to North America, where he fought against the French in the Seven Years War. His diary provides an insight into frontier warfare and the assault on Louisbourg.
James Thurlby served during the Second World War and turned his talents as a journalist to describing his experiences as a soldier. His writings provide a visceral account of combat and a profound insight into the horrors of war.
Chantelle Taylor served as a combat medic during the recent conflict in Afghanistan. In 2008, while on patrol in Helmand Province, she became the first female British soldier to kill an enemy combatant at close quarters.
Ted Senior was captured by the Japanese during the Second World War and forced to work on the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway'. The diary he kept reveals the horrific conditions that he and his fellow prisoners endured.
John Blackader was a devout Christian who served with the Cameronians from 1689 to 1711. His diary provides a unique perspective on Army life during this period.
The National Army Museum's Archive and Library are full of personal stories. Captured in letters, diaries, memoirs and oral histories, these narratives provide valuable insights into the experiences of soldiers and the history of the Army.
