Explore

Delve deeper into stories of the Army and its soldiers, exploring events across the globe and down the centuries.

VE Day celebrations at Nairobi, Kenya, May 1945

War and Peace

On This Day: May 1945

In May 1945, the Allies celebrated Victory in Europe. While the war in Japan was still to be won, attention also turned to the challenges of the peace, not least the return home of millions of soldiers.

Find out more

Explore by theme

Hastings Room, Victoria Cross and George Cross exhibition, 1962

A history of the National Army Museum in 10 exhibitions

Since 1960, the National Army Museum has been exhibiting items that reveal the achievements, history and traditions of the Army. Here, we take a look at some stand-out displays from the past six decades.

Members of 3 Para celebrate victory, 1982

The British Army and the Falklands War

In April 1982, British soldiers joined a naval task force sent to re-take the Falkland Islands after their surprise capture by the Argentine military. They went on to play a key part in the land campaign that helped secure victory in the war.

A history of the National Army Museum in a dozen donations

Most of the objects held by the National Army Museum are in public ownership because of the generosity of individuals or organisations who have donated them.

Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps personnel with bread for the troops, 1918

An army marches on its stomach

To be effective, an army relies on good and plentiful food, especially on campaign. British Army food has evolved through the ages, ranging from bully beef and biscuits to veggie curries.

Beret badge, The South Lancashire Regiment, c1950

The South Lancashire Regiment (The Prince of Wales’s Volunteers)

This infantry regiment was formed in 1881. It continued in British Army service until 1958, when it was merged into The Lancashire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Volunteers).

Disinfecting plague houses with a flushing engine, 1897

The Bombay plague

In 1896, bubonic plague broke out in Bombay. The fightback against this deadly epidemic was fully documented by a British military officer in a remarkable series of photographs.

Shako plate, 40th (2nd Somersetshire) Regiment, c1855

40th (2nd Somersetshire) Regiment of Foot

This infantry unit was formed in 1717. It continued in service until the 1881 British Army reforms, when it became part of The Prince of Wales’s Volunteers (South Lancashire Regiment).

82nd Regiment of Foot (Prince of Wales’s Volunteers)

This infantry unit was raised in 1793. It continued in British Army service until the 1881 reforms, when it became part of The Prince of Wales’s Volunteers (South Lancashire Regiment).

Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps

This medical unit provided nursing services to British Army personnel across the world. Although formed in 1902, its origins dated back to Florence Nightingale's pioneering nursing work during the Crimean War. In 2024, it merged with two other corps to form the Royal Army Medical Service.

Passing German prisoners of war when moving up to the Aller, Germany, April 1945

Countdown to victory

In the spring of 1945, Allied armies began their final advance into the heart of Nazi Germany. After weeks of intense fighting, they secured victory, ending the most destructive war in Europe's history.

Tipu Sultan’s war turban

A rare helmet belonging to one of India's greatest warrior princes sheds light on the relatively unknown Mysore Wars, a series of conflicts in the late 18th century that helped decide the political future of southern India.

SAS troops storming the Iranian Embassy, 1980

Iranian Embassy siege

One of the most famous counter-terrorism operations in history took place in 1980. Gunmen overran the Iranian Embassy in London and took hostages, but the crisis was resolved when the building was stormed by the SAS.

Stories of alliance

Story