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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.

‘British Forces Land on the Nicobar Islands’, October 1945

On This Day: October 1945

In October 1945, British Army soldiers were on deployment all across the globe as the complex repercussions of the Second World War took centre stage.

Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, The Royal Berkshire Regiment, with a local girl in Burma, 1945

On This Day: September 1945

In September 1945, the Second World War officially came to an end. As a result, the British Army’s role at home and abroad was transformed.

Detail from a commemorative poster to mark the 50th anniversary of VE/VJ Day, 1995

On 15 August 1945, the British government broadcast news of Japan’s unconditional surrender. This date was declared Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) and people from all walks of life celebrated the official end of the Second World War.

Soldiers of the 25th Indian Division searching Japanese troops after their surrender in Kuala Lumpur, Malaya, 1945

On This Day: August 1945

In August 1945, Britain celebrated Victory over Japan. Yet, with local conflicts erupting across Asia and tremendous problems to tackle in Europe, the Army’s work was far from done.

Ted Senior during his time as a prisoner of war, c1943

In Their Own Words: Major Ted Senior

Ted Senior was captured by the Japanese during the Second World War and forced to work on the Thai-Burma ‘Death Railway'. The diary he kept reveals the horrific conditions that he and his fellow prisoners endured.

The Storming and Capture of the North Fort, Peiho, on 21 August, 1860

Second China War

Between 1856 and 1860, British-Indian forces joined the French in a military expedition against Imperial China. Their victory further opened up China to Western traders and greatly weakened the Qing dynasty's imperial regime.

Troops of the Royal West African Frontier Force in the Arakan, Burma, 1944

This painting by Captain Hugh Micklem depicts West African soldiers on campaign in Burma (now Myanmar) during the Second World War.

Officers and non-commissioned officers of the 2nd Devonshire Regiment, Wuutho, Burma, 1891

Third Burma War

Following a series of fractious disputes, the British invaded Upper Burma in late 1885 and overthrew its king. While the country was quickly annexed to British India, a guerrilla war ensued that rumbled on for the best part of a decade.

The 18th and 80th Regiments storming the Shwedagon Pagoda, Rangoon, 1852

Second Burma War

This brief conflict in 1852-53 was largely provoked by the East India Company, which was hungry for new territory and resources like teak and rubber. It ended in a British victory and saw Lower Burma become a province of British India.

The British landing at Rangoon, 11 May 1824

First Burma War

Frontier clashes between British India and the Burmese Empire escalated into a full-blown war that lasted from 1824 to 1826. This conflict resulted in parts of Burma coming under the control of the East India Company.

16th Regiment of Bengal Lancers at the Temple of Heaven, Beijing, 1900

The Boxer Rebellion

In 1900, British and Indian troops joined an international expedition sent to relieve the diplomatic quarter of Beijing, which was under siege by the 'Boxers' and their Imperial Chinese allies.

Explore Asia events

School students getting to grips with the handling collection

Secondary

1 Jun 2024 - 20 Jul 2026 FREE

World at War: Soldiers of Empire

Discover more about the contributions of soldiers from the British Empire in the First and Second World Wars.

Exhibition

16 Sep 2025 - 13 Apr 2026 FREE

Beyond Burma: Forgotten Armies

Marking the 80th anniversary of VJ (Victory over Japan) Day, this exhibition shines a light on the remarkable multinational army that fought in some of the toughest conditions of the Second World War.