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

Subedar Makhmad Anwar IDSM, 2/15th Punjab Regiment, c1939
A Soldier's Life

Subedar Makhmad Anwar

Makhmad Anwar was captured by the Japanese following the Fall of Singapore in 1942. His story highlights the distinct treatment of Indian prisoners during the Second World War.
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Journal of an unknown soldier of the 100th Regiment of Foot, c1786

In Their Own Words: Unknown Soldier of the 100th Foot

A journal by an unknown private of the 100th Foot, documenting his time in India during the Second Mysore War (1780-84), tells a remarkable story of adventure and survival.

Subedar Makhmad Anwar IDSM, 2/15th Punjab Regiment, c1939

Subedar Makhmad Anwar

Makhmad Anwar was captured by the Japanese following the Fall of Singapore in 1942. His story highlights the distinct treatment of Indian prisoners during the Second World War.

Lance Corporal Ethan Fagon, 1969

In Their Own Words: Corporal Ethan Fagon

Jamaican-born Ethan Fagon saw extensive service around the world between 1961 and 1983. A skilled infantry soldier and storeman, and an excellent marksman, he also had a rebellious and fun-loving character, as revealed in an interview recorded in 2008.

Private Matthew Tuck's diary, c1882

In Their Own Words: Private Matthew Tuck

Matthew Tuck served with the 58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment in South Africa from 1879 to 1881. He fought in both the Zulu War and the Transvaal War, and kept a diary of his experiences during these conflicts.

‘The Dead Soldier’, 1832

With deepest sympathies

Among the most poignant items in the Museum’s archive are letters relating to soldiers’ deaths. Here, we showcase some particularly moving examples, revealing the insights behind the powerful stories they tell.

Bullet extracted from Alfred Smith's lung in 1940

The curious story of Alfred Smith

A chance discovery by a curator’s brother-in-law lifted the lid on a surprising story of service that now features in our refreshed Soldier gallery.

Captain Michael Charles Cooper Harrison, DSO MC, 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, c1918

In Their Own Words: Lieutenant Colonel Michael Harrison

Michael Harrison served with distinction during the First World War. He performed acts of great courage and daring both on the battlefield and in captivity, mounting repeated escape attempts.

A sepoy of the Bengal Army, 1815

In Their Own Words: Subedar Sitaram Pande

Sitaram Pande served with the Bengal Army from 1812 to 1860, taking part in many important campaigns. His memoirs provide a rare and precious glimpse into life in the Indian Army during the 19th century.

Portrait of Richard Symonds, c1638-80

In Their Own Words: Trooper Richard Symonds

Richard Symonds was an antiquarian and art enthusiast, who served on the Royalist side during the British Civil Wars. His diary is one of the most important first-hand accounts of the conflict.

Captain Louis Edward Nolan, 15th Hussars

In Their Own Words: Captain Louis Nolan

Louis Nolan was an ambitious officer and an expert in cavalry warfare. He kept a journal during his service in the Crimean War and achieved notoriety for his role in the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade.

Pages from the diary of Captain Philip Townsend

In Their Own Words: Captain Philip Townsend

Philip Townsend was an Irish gentleman. In 1756, he travelled to North America, where he fought against the French in the Seven Years War. His diary provides an insight into frontier warfare and the assault on Louisbourg.

James Thurlby, 1943

In Their Own Words: Sergeant James Thurlby

James Thurlby served during the Second World War and turned his talents as a journalist to describing his experiences as a soldier. His writings provide a visceral account of combat and a profound insight into the horrors of war.

Stories of alliance

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With friends like these: The Americans

In this video, we look at how changing national interests have affected Britain's military relationship with the United States from the 18th century to the present day.

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With friends like these: The Russians

In this video, we look at how changing national interests have affected Britain's military relationship with Russia from the 18th century to the present day.

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With friends like these: The French

In this video, we look at how changing national interests have affected Britain's military relationship with France from the 17th century to the present day.