Second World War

Explore Second World War stories

'Kangaroo' carrying infantry into battle near Conselice, Italy, April 1945

On This Day: April 1945

In April 1945, British and Allied forces advanced through Germany and uncovered disturbing evidence of the Holocaust. Meanwhile, the Spring Offensive in the Mediterranean brought about the liberation of northern Italy.

Troops boarding storm boats and crossing the Rhine at dawn, 24 March 1945

On This Day: March 1945

In March 1945, British soldiers crossed the Rhine and advanced into Germany. Securing victory in Europe was now only a matter of time.

Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin at the Yalta Conference, 1945

On This Day: February 1945

In February 1945, as the fighting continued on all fronts, formal plans began to take shape for how the world would look once the war was won.

Sherman tanks in the town of Asten in the Netherlands, January 1945

On This Day: January 1945

In January 1945, the overarching priority for the Army remained winning the war, and – for its soldiers in Europe at least – seeing off the cold, wintry weather.

British Army Commandos in the snow, January 1945

Endgame: January–April 1945

As the Second World War entered its final phase, the British Army and its allies were poised to make significant advances in Italy, Germany and Burma. Yet the complex challenges of the peace now came ever more sharply into focus.

In Their Own Words: Sergeant James Thurlby

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.

Ted Senior during his time as a prisoner of war, c1943

In Their Own Words: Major Ted Senior

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.

Audrey Chitty with Helen Pine at the ATS Training Depot, Sarafand, Palestine, Summer 1942

Audrey Chitty and the ATS in Palestine

Audrey Chitty was one of many women who stepped up to meet the challenges of the Second World War. She played a key role in establishing the Auxiliary Territorial Service in the Middle East.

Troops of the Royal West African Frontier Force in the Arakan, Burma, 1944

This painting by Captain Hugh Micklem depicts West African soldiers on campaign in Burma (now Myanmar) during the Second World War.

Rex Whistler’s self-portrait, May 1940

This self-portrait is one of many depictions of Second World War soldiers on display at the National Army Museum. Here, we take a closer look at the painting to discover more about Whistler's life as an artist and soldier.

Gerry Chester, during training with the Royal Tank Regiment, c1942

Sergeant Arthur ‘Gerry’ Chester

Gerry Chester served with the tanks of the North Irish Horse in North Africa and Italy during the Second World War. Like other tankmen, he forged a close bond with his crew mates, with whom he endured many hardships and combat actions.

Section Leader Mary Oldnall of the ATS working electrical apparatus, Shoeburyness, c1941

Hidden voices: Mary Coomer

The voice of Mary Coomer, who served in the ATS during the Second World War, was recently discovered in the National Army Museum's collection of oral history interviews. This is her story, in her own words.

Explore Second World War events

A clergyman and Civil Defence workers helping to clear the debris of a London school, 1940

Primary

1 Jun 2024 - 18 Jul 2025 FREE

London in the Second World War: The Blitz (virtual)

Explore historic artefacts to discover more about the London Blitz and the people who worked to keep civilians safe.

School students getting to grips with the handling collection

Secondary

1 Jun 2024 - 18 Jul 2025 FREE

World at War: Soldiers of Empire

Discover more about the contributions of soldiers from the British Empire in the First and Second World Wars.

London in the Second World War: The Blitz

Primary

1 Jun 2024 - 18 Jul 2025 FREE

London in the Second World War: The Blitz

Explore historic artefacts to discover more about the Blitz and the people who worked to keep civilians safe.

Talk

4 Apr 2025 FREE

Point of Failure: British Army Brigadiers in France and Norway 1940

Join Dr Phil McCarty as he draws upon his new book to explore the careers of British Army brigadiers who served in France and Norway in 1940.

Talk

2 May 2025 FREE

Is Remembrance Still Working?

To mark VE Day, two grandchildren of high-ranking army officers from opposite sides of the Second World War come together to discuss questions of Remembrance.

People dressed in 1940s style dancing at the National Army Museum

Dance

10 May 2025 £25.00

VE Day Dance

Celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and jive the night away at our 1940s dance.

Talk

15 May 2025 £14.00

Mission Europe: The Secret History of the Women of SOE

Launching Dr Kate Vigurs’s latest book, 'Mission Europe', this talk brings to life the stories of women recruited by the British for covert missions in occupied Europe.

Talk

30 May 2025 FREE

Bletchley Park, Hitler and the BBC: The Story of Rena Stewart

Author Victoria Walsh introduces the fascinating story of Rena Stewart (1923-2023), from Bletchley Park to translator of Hitler’s will and then BBC pioneer.