Second World War

Explore Second World War stories

George Cross awarded to Bombardier Henry Herbert Reed, Royal Artillery, 1941

The George Cross

Alongside the Victoria Cross, the George Cross is Britain’s highest award for gallantry. It recognises acts of extraordinary courage by civilians and members of the armed forces, often where individuals risk their own lives to save others.

Members of the Home Guard marching alongside a riverbank

On This Day: December 1945

In December 1945, British soldiers enjoyed the seasonal festivities and reflected upon the momentous events of the last 12 months. But the ongoing challenges of ‘winning the peace’ inspired as much anxiety as they did hope.

British Indian operations against Indonesian nationalists in Java, c1945

On This Day: November 1945

In November 1945, British soldiers were still engaged in fierce fighting across parts of Asia. Meanwhile, the complex legacies of the Second World War came to the fore in two historic series of trials.

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.

3rd Commando Brigade escorts captured Japanese soldiers, Hong Kong, 15 September 1945

Aftermath: September – December 1945

By September 1945, the Allies' full focus was on building a sustainable peace. During the final months of the year, British soldiers faced all manner of new challenges arising from the aftermath of the Second World War.

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

Victory over Japan

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.

Churchill, Truman and Stalin at the Potsdam Conference, 23 July 1945

On This Day: July 1945

In July 1945, Allied leaders assembled at Potsdam to finalise their plans for postwar Europe. The discussions were held as news emerged that the United States had successfully tested a new superweapon.

No 3 Commando disembarking at Tilbury Docks, June 1945

On This Day: June 1945

In June 1945, the British Army reached its wartime peak of 3.1 million soldiers. Troops were deployed all over the world on military, peacekeeping, administrative and occupational missions.

VE Day celebrations at Nairobi, Kenya, May 1945

On This Day: May 1945

In May 1945, the Allies celebrated Victory in Europe. While the war in Japan was still to be won, attention also turned to the challenges of the peace, not least the return home of millions of soldiers.

Explore Second World War events

Gurkhas marching at the Victory Parade in London, 1946

Talk

17 Jul 2026 FREE

The London Victory Parade of 1946

Historian Jennifer Grant recounts the events of the London Victory Parade of 1946, including the complex politics surrounding which ‘allies’ were included.

Talk

4 Sep 2026 FREE

The Sceptic Isle

Professor Steven Casey examines how propaganda, politics and military history shaped British public opinion during the Second World War.

School students getting to grips with the handling collection

Secondary

15 Sep 2026 - 15 Jul 2027 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.

A clergyman and Civil Defence workers helping to clear the debris of a London school, 1940

Primary

15 Sep 2026 - 15 Jul 2027 FREE

London in the Second World War: The Blitz (virtual)

Explore historic artefacts to discover more about the London Blitz and the people who worked to keep civilians safe.

Primary

15 Sep 2026 - 15 Jul 2027 FREE

London in the Second World War: The Blitz

Explore historic artefacts to discover more about the Blitz and the people who worked to keep civilians safe.

Explore Second World War learning resources

Trail

Decode and Discover Trail

Explore the galleries with Paddy the Pigeon and discover clever gadgets and methods that have helped keep soldiers safe.

Home Activity

Morse Code Challenge

Can you crack the code? Try our Morse code challenge at home!

Video

Operation Science: Supply Drop

Explore the science behind parachutes and see how well Brussel sprouts can fly in this festive-themed video.

Outside an advanced dressing station at Tilloy-les-Mofflaines, Western Front, April 1917

Timeline

Health and Medicine in the Army: Interactive Timeline

Uncover the history of medical developments in the British Army through this interactive timeline packed with nearly 200 sources.

Video

Shirley Hamilton: ATS Servicewoman

Explore the contribution of Caribbean women who joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) during the Second World War.

Video

BlackPoppyRose at the National Army Museum

Explore the theme of remembrance and the service of African and Caribbean men and women in the British Army with BlackPoppyRose.

Trail

The Blitz: Gallery Trail

Follow this gallery trail, accompanied by ATS servicewoman Shirley Hamilton, to find out more about the Blitz.

Auxiliary Territorial Service personnel operating anti-aircraft defences, c1940

Quiz

Britain and the Blitz in the Second World War: Quiz

Put your knowledge of the Blitz to the test in this interactive quiz.

Women of the West Indies Auxiliary Territorial Service, c1944

Video

Virtual Exhibition: West Indian Soldier

Explore the history of Caribbean people in the British Army, and of the British Army in the Caribbean, through this virtual tour of the West Indian Soldier exhibition.

Soldiers of the British West Indies Regiment, France, 1916

Timeline

West Indian Soldier: Interactive Timeline

Explore the history of Caribbean people in the British Army, and of the British Army in the Caribbean, through an interactive timeline.

Indian Army troops travelling upstream on a barge, Mesopotamia, c1916

Timeline

India, Empire and the Army: Interactive Timeline

Explore the history of the British Army in India and the British Empire's Indian armies through this interactive timeline packed with over 200 sources.

A live interpreter dressed as a British Indian Army soldier in Burma during the Second World War

Video

Jungle Fighter: Meet Shaam Lal

Discover the role of the British Indian Army in Burma during the Second World War, exploring soldiers’ motivations, experiences and hopes.