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

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Glengarry badge, 82nd Regiment of Foot (Prince of Wales's Volunteers), c1874

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).

Cap badge, other ranks, Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, c1950

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.

Women's Royal Army Corps

Women’s Royal Army Corps

Formed in 1949, this corps was the women’s branch of the British Army. Its members undertook a variety of important roles until 1992, when its remaining personnel were integrated into the Adjutant General's Corps.

Auxiliary Territorial Service

Auxiliary Territorial Service

Formed in 1938, the Auxiliary Territorial Service tasked women with a range of vital roles during the Second World War. In 1949, its remaining troops transferred to the newly formed Women’s Royal Army Corps.

Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps

Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps

This unit was formed as the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in 1917 to free up more men to fight in the First World War. It was the first time women had served in the British Army other than as nurses.

Cap badge, Royal Engineers, c1940

Corps of Royal Engineers

Formed in 1716, this corps helps keep the British Army in the field by providing engineering and technical support. Known as ‘Sappers’, Royal Engineers have served in all of the Army’s campaigns.

Cap badge, The Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Albert's), c1940 

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.

Collar badge, The Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry, 1959

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.

Cap badge, The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, c1914

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.

Collar badge, The Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment, 1961

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.

Stories of remembrance

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Peace and commemoration

After the Armistice in November 1918, millions of soldiers hoped they would soon go home. But demobilising so many troops was a huge task. How best to mark the Allied victory also became a subject for debate.

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Honouring the fallen

After the First World War, British society had to come to terms with the loss of huge numbers of its service personnel. Across the country, people found ways to commemorate the fallen at a local and national level.

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The Unknown Warrior

The grave of the Unknown Warrior contains the remains of an unidentified British serviceman, interred in 1920 to honour the fallen of the First World War. The secretive selection process remains shrouded in mystery.