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

No 3 Commando disembarking at Tilbury Docks, June 1945

War and Peace

On This Day: June 1945

In June 1945, the British Army reached its wartime peak of 3.1 million soldiers. Troops were deployed all over the world on military, peacekeeping, administrative and occupational missions.

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Gerry Chester, during training with the Royal Tank Regiment, c1942

Sergeant Arthur ‘Gerry’ Chester

Gerry Chester served with the tanks of the North Irish Horse in North Africa and Italy during the Second World War. Like other tankmen, he forged a close bond with his crew mates, with whom he endured many hardships and combat actions.

Sergeant Major James Frederick Plunkett, 2nd Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment, c1911

Lieutenant Colonel James Frederick Plunkett

James Frederick Plunkett served on the Western Front throughout the First World War. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty enabled him to rise through the ranks and become one of the most highly decorated servicemen of the war.

Field Marshal Sir John Chapple

Field Marshal Sir John Chapple had a most distinguished military career. He was also passionate about military heritage and history, and a steadfast supporter of the National Army Museum.

Hospital Sergeant Frederick Newman

Frederick Newman served with the 97th Foot in the 1840s and '50s. Like many Victorian soldiers, he spent most of his military career abroad, enduring various hardships. He met his fate during the first cruel winter of the Crimean War.

Gunner of the Royal Artillery at a Covid mobile testing unit, West Midlands Safari Park, June 2020

Recording the Army’s Covid response

British Army personnel have made a significant contribution to the UK's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, the National Army Museum initiated a contemporary collecting project to record their efforts.

‘Amar Singh - fait a Orléans’, 16 October 1914

Paul Sarrut: Interpreting the Army on the Western Front

Paul Sarrut was a French soldier who was posted to the British Army as a military liaison officer and interpreter during the First World War. Trained as an artist, Sarrut created an important visual record of the 3rd (Lahore) Division in France.

Section Leader Mary Oldnall of the ATS working electrical apparatus, Shoeburyness, c1941

Hidden voices: Mary Coomer

The voice of Mary Coomer, who served in the ATS during the Second World War, was recently discovered in the National Army Museum's collection of oral history interviews. This is her story, in her own words.

Valerie Erskine Howe, Auxiliary Territorial Service, on a motorbike, c1944

Hidden voices: Valerie Erskine Howe

What would you do if your partner told you to get out there and 'learn about life' before they would marry you? Valerie Erskine Howe opted to join the Army... in the middle of a war. This is her story.

Major-General John Alexander Dunlop Wallace, Colonel of the 88th Regiment of Foot (Connaught Rangers), c1835

General Sir John Alexander Wallace

John Alexander Wallace commanded the 1st Battalion of the 88th Regiment of Foot (Connaught Rangers) during the Peninsular War. His courage and leadership helped forge the identity and fighting reputation of this celebrated Irish unit.

Royal Army Medical Corps

Formed in 1898, but within origins dating back to the 1660s, this specialist corps was responsible for maintaining the health of British Army service personnel. In 2024, it merged with two other corps to form the Royal Army Medical Service.

Other ranks’ cap badge, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, c1940

The Royal Warwickshire Regiment

This infantry unit was raised in 1674 and subsequently served in many British Army campaigns during its long history. In 1968, it was amalgamated with three other fusilier regiments to form The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

The Lancashire Fusiliers

This infantry unit was raised in 1688 and subsequently served in many British Army campaigns during its long history. In 1968, it was amalgamated with three other fusilier regiments to form The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

Stories of alliance

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