• CLOSED
  • FREE
  • Chelsea, London
  • CLOSED
  • FREE
  • Chelsea, London

Conflict in Europe gallery

The mass weapons case in the Conflict in Europe gallery

Explore the Army’s role in maintaining the balance of power in Europe. And discover how fighting on the Continent has affected the British Isles.

About the gallery

The Conflict in Europe gallery charts the ebb and flow of Continental power from the 1700s to the present day.

From disputes over royal successions to the two World Wars and beyond, the gallery follows the Army's involvement in maintaining stability and helping secure Britain’s role as a major influencer in European affairs.

The gallery also draws on the personal experiences of those who served to show how new challenges and innovations have changed the face of warfare.

  • Duration: Around 60 minutes
  • Access: Via main lift
  • Location: Floor 3
Plan your visit
‘Young men of Britain! The Germans said you were not in earnest. We knew you’d come and give them the lie! Play the greater game on the field of honour.’

Army recruiting poster - 1915

Things to see in the gallery

'Jingling Johnny', Turkish crescent, French Army, c1812
c1812

Jingling Johnny

During the Peninsular War (1807-14), the Connaught Rangers captured this French battle standard at Salamanca (1812). They nicknamed it the 'Jingling Johnny'. It had originally been taken as a spoil of war by French troops fighting in Egypt.
Skeleton of Marengo, Napoleon’s horse, 1831
d1831

Skeleton of Napoleon’s horse

Marengo was a light grey Arab horse. He is said to have been ridden by Napoleon Bonaparte in several campaigns, before passing into British hands when the emperor was finally defeated at Waterloo in 1815.
Section of Captain Siborne’s model of Waterloo, 1838
1838

Captain Siborne’s model of Waterloo

Siborne spent eight years working on this scale model of the Battle of Waterloo. His research included an eight-month survey of the battlefield and information obtained from officers who had served there.
Paper lantern used by Florence Nightingale, c1855
c1855

Florence Nightingale’s lamp

Florence used this lantern during her rounds at the Military Hospital at Scutari (now Üsküdar in Turkey) during the Crimean War (1854-56). Her work there set the standards for modern nursing and transformed its public image.
Quick-firing, 18-pounder Field Gun Mark 1, 1906
1906

18-pounder field gun

Widely used during the First World War (1914-18), this was one of the most effective light field guns of its day. It could fire shells up to six kilometres and had a remarkable firing rate of up to 30 rounds a minute.
Prototype of the Phoenix unmanned aerial vehicle, c1986
c1986

Phoenix drone

The Phoenix unmanned aerial vehicle, or drone, provided real-time battlefield surveillance that could be examined from a safe distance. First deployed during the Kosovo conflict in 1999, it was used to identify targets for the Royal Artillery's guns.

Gallery stories

Things to do in the gallery

Visitor having a go on the battle drum in the Conflict in Europe gallery

Battle beats

Drums were used to communicate orders on noisy battlefields. See if you can beat the right command on our battle drum.
Visitor taking on a mission on the strategy table in the Conflict in Europe gallery

Strategy table

Pick your mission and lead your troops into action. Can you make the right tactical decision under pressure?
Visitors inside the replica tank in the Conflict in Europe gallery

Advance with the tanks

Climb aboard our replica Churchill Mk VII and learn how tank fighting is a team effort.

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"First time @NAM_London today. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thought the presentation & interpretation made the subject accessible..."