Chantelle Taylor served as a combat medic during the recent conflict in Afghanistan. In 2008, while on patrol in Helmand Province, she became the first female British soldier to kill an enemy combatant at close quarters.
Originally formed to trade in Asia, the East India Company came to rule large areas of the Indian subcontinent, exercising military power through its formidable armed forces.
Formed in 1650, this is the oldest continuously serving regiment of the regular British Army. As well as guarding the monarch, its soldiers have served as infantry in almost every major campaign fought by the Army.
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.
This infantry regiment was raised in 1678 and recruited in south-west Scotland. It fought in many British Army campaigns until 1959, when it was merged into The Royal Highland Fusiliers.
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.
In the final instalment of our anniversary series, we look at some of the high-profile figures who have visited over the years, either to lend their support or simply out of enthusiasm for the Army's story.
In 1857, Indian soldiers rose up against their British commanders. The reasons behind the rebellion stretch back to the very origins of British involvement in Indian affairs.
Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert ‘Blondie’ Hasler was an inventor, pioneering yachtsman and special forces canoeist. In December 1942, he led the daring ‘Cockleshell Heroes’ raid on Bordeaux harbour.
During the 19th century, soldiers' wives played a significant role in supporting troops on campaign. Here we take a look at some of these women, a few of whom became minor celebrities.
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.
