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

4th Queen’s Own Hussars

This British Army cavalry regiment was formed in 1685. It served in many campaigns until 1958, when it was merged into The Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars.

7th Queen’s Own Hussars

This cavalry regiment was raised in 1689. It went on to serve with the British Army until 1958, when it merged with the 3rd Hussars to form The Queen’s Own Hussars.

3rd The King’s Own Hussars

This cavalry regiment was formed in 1685. It went on to serve in many British Army campaigns until 1958, when it became part of The Queen’s Own Hussars.

The Queen’s Own Hussars

This armoured unit was formed in 1958 by amalgamating the 3rd Hussars and the 7th Hussars, both of which had existed since the 1680s. It was the senior light cavalry regiment of the British Army.

Queen Elizabeth II views her old uniform at NAM, 2017

Inspired by a princess’s uniform

In 2018, British heritage brand Hawes & Curtis partnered with the National Army Museum to create a limited edition collection. It was inspired by a military uniform Queen Elizabeth II wore as a young princess.

General Sir Charles Keightley, Commander of Operation Musketeer, meets French paratroopers at Suez, 1956

Suez Crisis

In 1956, British and French forces invaded Egypt in collaboration with Israel. Although the operation was initially a success, the resulting political storm led to a humiliating withdrawal.

Crimean War

The Crimean War was fought by Britain, France, Turkey and Sardinia against Russia. For the British, the campaign was symbolised by military and logistical incompetence alongside the bravery and endurance of its soldiers.

Egypt and the Sudan

British forces occupied Egypt in 1882 to safeguard the Suez Canal and British financial interests. This led to further intervention in the neighbouring Sudan, where two wars against rebellious Islamic tribesmen were fought in hostile desert conditions.

General Sir Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1894

Frederick Roberts: Bobs

Field Marshal Frederick Sleigh Roberts was one of Britain’s most successful military commanders of the 19th century, winning victories during the Second Afghan War and revitalising the British campaign in the Boer War.

Claude Auchinleck: The auk

After initial successes in North Africa during the Second World War, Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck transferred to India as Commander-in-Chief. His unstinting logistical support there was vital to the Allied re-conquest of Burma.

Thomas Fairfax: A man of honour

General Sir Thomas Fairfax was arguably the most important general of the British Civil Wars. As Commander-in-Chief of the New Model Army, he played a key role in defeating the Royalists.

Top parachute facts

Military parachuting was pioneered by the Special Forces, among others, and makes up a vital part of their work. Check out these fun facts and put your parachute knowledge to the test.

Stories of alliance

Story