Second World War

The Norfolk Volunteers at Gunton Park, 1864

Civilian soldiers

Throughout its long history, the British Army has relied on part-time soldiers to support its operations, guard British shores and maintain law and order.

Units of the Dutch Brigade moving up to the attack, 1944

Victory in Europe

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.

German soldiers raise the swastika at the Acropolis, Athens, April 1941

War in the Balkans

In 1941, the Axis powers invaded Yugoslavia and Greece. British and Commonwealth intervention and evacuation followed, before a vicious partisan conflict broke out.

Home Front

Following the fall of France in the summer of 1940, Britain was faced with the threat of invasion. Soldiers played a vital role in defending the shores and skies.

Defeat in the West

In the summer of 1940, the Germans defeated France and drove the British out of Western Europe. Following their evacuation from Dunkirk, the British found themselves facing the threat of invasion.

The infantry advance at El Alamein, 1942

The struggle for North Africa

The grim struggle that rolled back and forth across the North African desert from 1940 to 1943 resulted in the first major Allied victory of the Second World War.

Army fashion statements

The Army's influence on fashion is not new. Military dress has made its way from conflict to catwalk over and over again.

Battle of Normandy

D-Day enabled the Allies to establish a foothold on the beaches of Normandy. But they still faced the task of breaking out, pushing the Germans back and liberating France.

D-Day

D-Day, 6 June 1944, marked the start of the Allied invasion of Normandy and was the greatest amphibious operation in history.

Second World War

The Second World War (1939-45) was the bloodiest conflict in human history. It split the world's nations into two opposing military alliances - the Allies and the Axis Powers.

Lieutenant-General Bernard Montgomery, 1942

Bernard Law Montgomery: Unbeatable and unbearable

Arrogant, unlikeable, but ultimately successful, Field Marshal Montgomery was one of the most prominent British commanders of the Second World War.

Explore Second World War events

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.

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.

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.