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

Detail from a commemorative poster to mark the 50th anniversary of VE/VJ Day, 1995

War and Peace

Victory over Japan

On 15 August 1945, the British government broadcast news of Japan’s unconditional surrender. This date was declared Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) and people from all walks of life celebrated the official end of the Second World War.

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A Conqueror tank of 5th Royal Tank Regiment in Germany, c1960

Nato and the British Army

Nato has been the cornerstone of British defence planning for 70 years. Originally formed as a bulwark against communism, more recently it has been involved in peacekeeping roles and the ‘war on terror’.

Kosovo

In 1999, British soldiers deployed to Kosovo as a peacekeeping force. Today, troops still serve in the disputed country as part of a multi-national force helping to ensure security and stability.

The war on glamour

During the Second World War, the Army relied on women to perform essential military roles. But some of the tactics used to recruit new members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service proved highly controversial.

Bosnia

British soldiers first deployed to Bosnia in 1992 during the country's vicious civil war. Initially tasked with protecting aid convoys, they have remained there on peacekeeping duties ever since.

The Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Albert’s)

This infantry unit was raised in 1685 and served in many British Army campaigns during its long history. In 1959, it was merged into The Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry.

The Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry

This short-lived infantry unit was formed in 1959. It served with the British Army until 1968, when it was merged into The Light Infantry.

Second Afghan War

Between 1878 and 1880, British-Indian forces fought a war to ensure that Afghanistan remained free from Russian interference. Although eventually successful, the British suffered several setbacks in their struggle to control the volatile country.

The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry

This infantry regiment was formed in 1881. It continued in British Army service until 1959, when it merged with The Somerset Light Infantry to form The Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry.

Glengarry badge, 32nd (Cornwall) Light Infantry, c1874

32nd (Cornwall Light Infantry) Regiment of Foot

This infantry regiment was raised in 1702. It served with the British Army until 1881, when it was merged into The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.

Glengarry badge, 46th (South Devonshire) Regiment, c1874

46th (South Devonshire) Regiment of Foot

This infantry regiment was raised in 1741. It served with the British Army until 1881, when it was merged into The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.

The Queen’s Royal Surrey Regiment

This short-lived infantry regiment was formed in 1959. It served with the British Army until 1966, when it was merged into The Queen’s Regiment.

Tribesmen from Kohistan, a region north-east of Kabul, c1842

First Afghan War

Between 1839 and 1842, British imperial forces fought a bitter war in Afghanistan. Initially successful, the British eventually withdrew having suffered one of the worst military disasters of the 19th century.

Stories of alliance

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