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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.

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The Storming and Capture of the North Fort, Peiho, on 21 August, 1860

Second China War

Between 1856 and 1860, British-Indian forces joined the French in a military expedition against Imperial China. Their victory further opened up China to Western traders and greatly weakened the Qing dynasty's imperial regime.

Conserving a ceremonial trumpet banner

Military musicians play an important role in major occasions of state. Among the items on display in our Army at Home gallery is a meticulously restored Household Cavalry trumpet banner from the early 20th century.

A Grand Review of the Army at Hounslow Heath, 1687

This detailed drawing by Willem van de Velde the Elder portrays one of the earliest formal musterings of the Army. Here, we take a closer look at this grand spectacle that allowed King James II to flex his political and military muscle.

Destruction of the Floating Batteries, Gibraltar, 14 September 1782

This painting by George Carter captures a pivotal moment in the Siege of Gibraltar, a contest for control of this strategic Mediterranean base during the American War of Independence.

Troops of the Royal West African Frontier Force in the Arakan, Burma, 1944

This painting by Captain Hugh Micklem depicts West African soldiers on campaign in Burma (now Myanmar) during the Second World War.

The Battle of Blenheim, 13 August 1704

This work of art depicts the final stages of the Battle of Blenheim. It was painted by John Wootton around 40 years after the event. Here, we take a closer look to discover more about this key moment in European history.

Bombs over Britain

This aerial bomb's banged-up condition reveals something of the impact it must have made when dropped from a German airship during the First World War. Today, it forms part of an impressive display of weaponry in our Conflict in Europe gallery.

Detail from the painting 'Inside Mastiff 33A'

Inside Mastiff 33A (‘Withdrawing, We Don’t Retreat’), February 2010

This painting by Jules George captures the claustrophobic conditions inside a British patrol vehicle during the war in Afghanistan.

Home Again, 1858

This painting by Henry Nelson O'Neil captures the moment soldiers and their families are reunited after a long spell of separation. Here, we take a closer look at the artwork to gain a 19th-century insight into this often neglected aspect of military life.

The King’s Shilling, c1770

This painting depicts an army recruiting party going about its business at an English country fair. Here, we take a closer look at the artwork to learn more about 18th-century recruitment and its impact on volunteers and their loved ones.

A soldier relating his exploits in a tavern, 1821

This painting depicts a Waterloo veteran regaling his fellow tavern-goers with tales of past glory. Here, we take a closer look to discover what the artwork tells us about soldiers and society in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars.

Dawn of Waterloo

This emotive oil painting is one of the highlights of our Conflict in Europe gallery. Details revealed during four months of specialist conservation have enhanced our understanding of the artist, Lady Butler, and her empathy for the ordinary soldier.

Stories of alliance

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