Global Role

The landing at Quebec, 1759

Battle of Quebec

The Battle of Quebec in 1759 was one of Britain's greatest victories of the Seven Years War (1756-63). Major-General James Wolfe’s triumph ultimately led to the British conquest of Canada.

A Jewish refugee ship in Palestine, 1947

The British Army in Palestine

In the aftermath of the Second World War (1939-45), the British Army in Palestine confronted an escalating conflict between two rival nationalist movements – Jewish and Arab.

On patrol during the Kenya Emergency, c1955

Kenya Emergency

The Kenya Emergency, or Mau Mau Revolt, was one of the British Army's bloodiest and most controversial post-war conflicts.

Rebel sepoys, 1857

Why did the Indian Mutiny happen?

In 1857, Indian soldiers rose up against their British commanders. The reasons behind the rebellion stretch back to the origins of British involvement in Indian affairs.

Hudson's Horse at Rhotuck, 1857

Decisive events of the Indian Mutiny

The 1857 rising was the biggest threat to Britain's colonial power during its rule of the Indian subcontinent.

Storming of Amoy, 1841

First China War

Between 1839 and 1842, British-Indian forces fought a war with Imperial China that served the interests of opium smugglers. Their resulting victory opened up the lucrative Chinese trade to British merchants.

The last British troops to leave India, 1948

Independence and Partition, 1947

The birth of India and Pakistan as independent states in 1947 was a key moment in the history of Britain’s empire and its army. But the process of partition was attended by mass migration and ethnic violence that has left a bitter legacy to this day.

United Nations Korean War Medal

Korean War

In 1950, the Cold War heated up significantly with the outbreak of conflict in Korea. This three-year struggle left millions dead, and its legacy remains of huge global consequence today.

Lieutenants Melville and Coghill saving the Colours at Isandlwana, 1879

Zulu War

In 1879, the British fought a war against the Zulu Kingdom. The Zulus resisted bravely and were only defeated after a series of particularly bloody battles that have gone down in the annals of colonial warfare.

The Tanjore Durbar, Madras, February 1840

Indian armies, Indian art

Artworks created by Indian artists for the British soldiers serving on the subcontinent provide a fascinating insight into early Anglo-Indian relations.

Patrolling the Malayan jungle, 1950s

Malayan Emergency

The Malayan Emergency (1948-60) was one of the few successful counter-insurgency operations undertaken by the Western powers during the Cold War.

Gurkhas at Peiwar Kotal, 1878

The Gurkhas

Nepalese troops known as Gurkhas have fought for Britain since 1815. Here, we explore their history and find out why they have long been regarded as some of the finest and fiercest soldiers.

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An Indian servant attends to the requirements of Bengal Army officers inside their tent, 1857
Talk
3 Oct 2025 FREE

Managing the Mess: Food and Fortitude in Colonial India

Dr Erica Wald illustrates how food influenced the lives of the troops and shaped perceptions of the ideal soldier in the 19th-century Indian Army.

British Special Forces in Oman, 1970
Talk
31 Oct 2025 FREE

The Unknown War: Britain and the Dhofar Insurgency, 1963-76

Geraint Hughes explores the British Army's involvement in the Dhofar Insurgency and the challenges of fighting an undeclared war.

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Army and Empire: Gallery Trail
Trail

Army and Empire: Gallery Trail

Follow this gallery trail to find out more about the Army’s role in the British Empire.