Empire

The 3rd Light Dragoons at Ferozeshah, 21 December 1845

First Sikh War

In 1845-46, the British fought a war against the Sikh Empire in the Punjab. After several bitterly fought battles, the conflict ended with the British taking partial control of the Sikh territories.

The Battle of Chillianwala, 13 January 1849

In 1848-49, British-Indian forces were once again at war with the Sikh Empire. The campaign that raged across the Punjab eventually led to the region's full annexation by the British and the removal of one of the last Indian powers able to challenge British control of the subcontinent.

Helmet plate, officer, 1st West India Regiment, c1880

The West India Regiments

Raised in the 1790s to defend Britain's Caribbean colonies, the West India Regiments fought as infantry in several campaigns. They remained a part of the British Army until disbandment in 1927.

Tipu Sultan’s war turban

A rare helmet belonging to one of India's greatest warrior princes sheds light on the relatively unknown Mysore Wars, a series of conflicts in the late 18th century that helped decide the political future of southern India.

Saving the guns at Colenso, 15 December 1899

Boer War

Between 1899 and 1902, the British Army fought a bitter colonial war against the Boers in South Africa. After initial setbacks and a long period of guerrilla warfare, the British eventually prevailed, but not without adopting controversial tactics.

Second Afghan War

Between 1878 and 1880, British-Indian forces fought a war to ensure that Afghanistan remained free from Russian interference. Although eventually successful, the British suffered several setbacks in their struggle to control the volatile country.

Tribesmen from Kohistan, a region north-east of Kabul, c1842

First Afghan War

Between 1839 and 1842, British imperial forces fought a bitter war in Afghanistan. Initially successful, the British eventually withdrew having suffered one of the worst military disasters of the 19th century.

Third Afghan War and the Revolt in Waziristan

In May 1919, conflict broke out between British India and Afghanistan. Although peace was quickly agreed, the violence spread to the North West Frontier, challenging British control of that region.

Seven Years War

Fought between 1756 and 1763, this conflict can claim to be the original 'world war'. Franco-British fighting in North America and India became part of a general war in Europe with far-reaching consequences.

General Sir Charles Keightley, Commander of Operation Musketeer, meets French paratroopers at Suez, 1956

Suez Crisis

In 1956, British and French forces invaded Egypt in collaboration with Israel. Although the operation was initially a success, the resulting political storm led to a humiliating withdrawal.

Egypt and Sudan

British forces occupied Egypt in 1882 to safeguard the Suez Canal and Britain's financial interests. This led to further intervention in neighbouring Sudan, where two wars against rebellious Islamic tribesmen were fought in hostile desert conditions.

General Sir Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1894

Frederick Roberts: Bobs

Field Marshal Frederick Sleigh Roberts was one of Britain’s most successful military commanders of the 19th century, winning victories during the Second Afghan War and revitalising the British campaign in the Boer War.

Jeremy Archer shares first-hand accounts from veterans who served in one of the Second World War's most arduous campaigns. Part of our Burma Day.

British troops advancing during the fighting at Meiktila, Burma, February 1945

Talk

20 Sep 2025 £10.00

Empire

First Sikh War

Second Sikh War

The West India Regiments

Tipu Sultan’s war turban

Boer War

Second Afghan War

First Afghan War

Third Afghan War and the Revolt in Waziristan

Seven Years War

Suez Crisis

Egypt and Sudan

Frederick Roberts: Bobs

Explore Empire events

The Indian ‘Mutiny’? (virtual)

Trench medicine: Illnesses, injuries and their treatment

The Indian ‘Mutiny’?

World at War: Soldiers of Empire

Trench medicine: Illnesses, injuries and their treatment (virtual)

Beyond Burma: Forgotten Armies

Indian Army Experiences of the Burma Campaign

Jungle Commandos: The Battle for Arakan, 1945

West African Soldiers in Burma

Veterans' Stories from the Burma Campaign

Longest, Harshest, Largest: Superlatives of the Burma Campaign

Commonwealth soldiers in East Africa

Commonwealth soldiers on the Western Front

Commonwealth soldiers at Gallipoli