National Army Museum
Special Forces: In the Shadows

Until October 2018

Special Forces: In the Shadows

Extreme training, secret missions, total dedication. Explore the hidden world of the Special Forces through our major exhibition, and a growing programme of stories and events.

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What's on at the National Army Museum

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The Battle of Dettingen, 1743
Talk

29 June 2018, 11.30am

FREE

The Battle of Dettingen, 1743

Marking the 275th anniversary of the Battle of Dettingen, Sophie Stathi of the National Army Museum discusses the battle’s significance.

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Armed Forces Day
Workshop

30 June 2018, 10.30am

FREE

Armed Forces Day

Celebrate Armed Forces Day with free activities for all the family.

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Behind the scenes: Artists Rifles
Workshop

4 July 2018, 6.30pm

£15.00

Behind the scenes: Artists Rifles

Discover the history of the Artists Rifles in the Museum’s collections.

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Drill sergeant interactive in Soldier gallery

Fun for families

Families

Ten family favourites

Go on an adventure through our galleries to find fascinating objects, surprising stories and interactive fun. Make the most of your visit with this selection of family favourite experiences.

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Families

Play Base

Play Base is an immersive experience for children aged 8 or under, offering a variety of fun and engaging activities. Take on the assault course, climb aboard a truck or prepare scoff in the cookhouse.

Coatee worn by Major Thomas Harris at the Battle of Waterloo, 18 June 1815

Waterloo

Story

Coatee's provenance confirmed

This rare coatee was worn by Major Thomas Harris on 18 June 1815 at the Battle of Waterloo. Watch a video showing how its authenticity was confirmed through a combination of historical evidence and modern forensic analysis.

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Story

Battle of Waterloo

The Battle of Waterloo was fought between Napoleon’s French Army and a coalition led by the Duke of Wellington and Marshal Blücher. It was the decisive battle of its age.

Story

Wellington: The Iron Duke

Whether you know him as Arthur Wellesley, the Iron Duke, or even Old Nosey, the Duke of Wellington is the British Army's most famous commander.

SAS troops entering the windows of the Iranian Embassy during the Siege, 1980

Special Forces

Story

What are the Special Forces?

The Special Forces are made up of several elite military units with distinct areas of expertise. Personnel are drawn from all three branches of the armed forces.

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Story

Origins of the Special Forces

During the Second World War, Britain created a range of special units who undertook a variety of daring operations. The bravery and commitment of these forces has become the stuff of legend.

Story

Special Air Service

The SAS is famous around the world. Its highly trained men are renowned for their skills in covert surveillance, close-combat fighting and hostage rescue.

British and French troops outside a dug out, 1918

First World War

Microsite

First World War in Focus

Discover the national and global impact of the First World War and hear the stories of men and women whose lives were affected by the conflict.

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Story

Lance-Corporal Talbot Mohan

In May 1918, Lance-Corporal Talbot Mohan and his comrades were caught up in the chaos of the Allied retreat during the Third Battle of the Aisne.

Story

1918: Year of victory

The German Spring Offensive saw mobile warfare return to the Western Front. Despite early gains, the Germans exhausted themselves, setting the stage for a successful Allied counter-offensive.

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

National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4HT
Registered Charity Number: 237902