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A soldier writing home while leaning against a ruined wall, Liévin, c1917

A Soldier's Life

In Their Own Words: Stories from the Archive

The National Army Museum's Archive and Library are full of personal stories. Captured in letters, diaries, memoirs and oral histories, these narratives provide valuable insights into the experiences of soldiers and the history of the Army.

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Scottish broadsword

This sword is currently on display in our Army at Home gallery. Its ornate markings - many of them symbols of Scottish culture - serve as an example of the Army's efforts to preserve and celebrate national and regional identity.

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The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers

This Gurkha unit was formed in 1948. Since then, it has carried out combat engineering tasks during British Army deployments around the globe.

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The Royal Anglian Regiment

This infantry unit was formed in 1964 by merging the four regiments of the East Anglian Brigade. It has deployed on a variety of operations across the UK and around the world, including the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment

This light infantry regiment was formed in 2006. As well as specialising in dismounted close combat, it undertakes reconnaissance and ground manoeuvre duties.

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The King’s Regiment

This infantry regiment was formed in 1958. It continued in British Army service until 2006, when it was merged into The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

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The Light Infantry

Formed in 1968 from four existing light infantry regiments, this infantry unit continued in British Army service until 2007, when it was amalgamated into The Rifles.

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2nd King Edward VII’s Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles)

This infantry unit was raised by the East India Company in 1815. It later served with distinction as part of the Indian Army until 1948, when it transferred to British Army service. In 1994, it was merged into The Royal Gurkha Rifles.

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The Queen’s Royal Lancers

This armoured cavalry unit was formed in 1993. It served with the British Army in a combat and reconnaissance role until 2015, when it was merged into The Royal Lancers.

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6th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles

Originally raised in 1817 as part of the East India Company's forces, this infantry regiment transferred to the British Army in 1948. After several decades of distinguished service, it was amalgamated into The Royal Gurkha Rifles in 1994.

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10th Princess Mary’s Own Gurkha Rifles

Originally raised in 1890 as part of the Indian Army, this infantry regiment transferred to the British Army in 1948. After several decades of distinguished service, it was amalgamated into The Royal Gurkha Rifles in 1994.

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Military Provost Staff Corps

Established in 1901, this unit was responsible for running the British Army’s prisons and detention centres. In 1992, it became part of the newly formed Adjutant General’s Corps.

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The Royal Irish Regiment

This infantry regiment was formed in 1992. It has served on several British Army deployments, including the recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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