Explore

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

Army Structure

Medal ribbons

The colours of medal ribbons carry symbolic meanings, drawing on deep-rooted traditions in military history and heraldry. This symbolism is an important part of medal design.

Find out more

Explore by theme

Study of a British soldier with two camels, Egypt, c1885

Camels on campaign

Working relationships between soldiers and animals form an important part of Army life. Here, we take a look at how camels have helped to defend and extend Britain's interests across Asia and northern Africa.

Phoenix unmanned aerial vehicle suspended from the ceiling of the Conflict in Europe gallery

Phoenix in flight: Installing a surveillance drone

Perhaps our most technical challenge during the installation of the Conflict in Europe gallery was the Phoenix UAV. But despite presenting some particular problems, its overall journey was similar to that of many other objects on display.

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.

Medical staff at Camp Bastion in Helmand, c2008

Army medics in Afghanistan

During the war in Afghanistan, Army medics at Camp Bastion Hospital treated thousands of wounded soldiers and civilians. Medical staff also provided vital support during patrols and combat operations.

Disinfecting plague houses with a flushing engine, 1897

The Bombay plague

In 1896, bubonic plague broke out in Bombay. The fightback against this deadly epidemic was fully documented by a British military officer in a remarkable series of photographs.

A gun of the Elswick Battery during the advance from Lydenburg to Watervalonder, 1900

Boer War artillery volunteers

A rare Boer War naval gun, one of only three of its type remaining in Britain, sheds light on the largely unknown role of artillery volunteers in the South African war.

Capturing the Army

Today, the Army trains specialist photographers to capture its story. But the demand for images depicting soldiers' experiences is nothing new. Here we look at some of the earliest pioneers of military photography.

Cap badge, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, c1954

Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

This British Army unit was established in 1942. It is responsible for maintaining, recovering and repairing tanks, vehicles, weapons and equipment.

Other ranks' cap badge, Royal Army Education Corps, c1970

Royal Army Educational Corps

This British Army unit was responsible for educating and instructing soldiers in a range of subjects and skills. In 1992, it became a branch of the newly formed Adjutant General’s Corps.

Army Air Corps

The Army Air Corps is the aviation combat and reconnaissance arm of the British Army. Its has origins dating back to the Second World War, but it was reformed in 1957.

Army horse care in the First World War

During the First World War, the Army relied on its horses to perform a wide range of jobs. The requisition, transportation and care of these animals was therefore of huge importance.

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 remembrance

story