Second World War

Victory: May–August 1945

In the summer of 1945, the Second World War came to an end. After Victory in Europe was declared in May, the final surrender of Japan was secured by mid-August. But the British Army’s work was far from over.

'Kangaroo' carrying infantry into battle near Conselice, Italy, April 1945

On This Day: April 1945

In April 1945, British and Allied forces advanced through Germany and uncovered disturbing evidence of the Holocaust. Meanwhile, the Spring Offensive in the Mediterranean brought about the liberation of northern Italy.

Troops boarding storm boats and crossing the Rhine at dawn, 24 March 1945

On This Day: March 1945

In March 1945, British soldiers crossed the Rhine and advanced into Germany. Securing victory in Europe was now only a matter of time.

Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin at the Yalta Conference, 1945

On This Day: February 1945

In February 1945, as the fighting continued on all fronts, formal plans began to take shape for how the world would look once the war was won.

Sherman tanks in the town of Asten in the Netherlands, January 1945

On This Day: January 1945

In January 1945, the overarching priority for the Army remained winning the war, and – for its soldiers in Europe at least – seeing off the cold, wintry weather.

British Army Commandos in the snow, January 1945

Endgame: January–April 1945

As the Second World War entered its final phase, the British Army and its allies were poised to make significant advances in Italy, Germany and Burma. Yet the complex challenges of the peace now came ever more sharply into focus.

In Their Own Words: Sergeant James Thurlby

James Thurlby served during the Second World War and turned his talents as a journalist to describing his experiences as a soldier. His writings provide a visceral account of combat and a profound insight into the horrors of war.

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.

Audrey Chitty with Helen Pine at the ATS Training Depot, Sarafand, Palestine, Summer 1942

Audrey Chitty and the ATS in Palestine

Audrey Chitty was one of many women who stepped up to meet the challenges of the Second World War. She played a key role in establishing the Auxiliary Territorial Service in the Middle East.

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.

Rex Whistler’s self-portrait, May 1940

This self-portrait is one of many depictions of Second World War soldiers on display at the National Army Museum. Here, we take a closer look at the painting to discover more about Whistler's life as an artist and soldier.

Gerry Chester, during training with the Royal Tank Regiment, c1942

Sergeant Arthur ‘Gerry’ Chester

Gerry Chester served with the tanks of the North Irish Horse in North Africa and Italy during the Second World War. Like other tankmen, he forged a close bond with his crew mates, with whom he endured many hardships and combat actions.

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.

'The Divided Dominion', poster, published 21 June 1947

Video

The Partition of India: A Poetic Retelling

Discover more about the Partition of India and the events leading up to it through this poetry film, featuring archival images and original epic poetry.

Trail

Second World War: Gallery Trail

Follow this gallery trail to find out more about the role of the British Army during the Second World War.

Video

Let’s Talk Tanks

Set off on a mission to find out more about the everyday lives of tank crews during the Second World War in this family friendly video.

Home Activity

How to Draw: Second World War edition

Use our step-by-step instructions to have a go at drawing items from the Second World War.

Members of the Coldstream Guards during an infantry exercise in Germany, c1977

Timeline

Britain, the Army and the Cold War: Interactive Timeline

Explore the British Army’s role in the Cold War through this interactive timeline packed with over 100 sources.

British soldiers and locals watch the burning of Belsen, May 1945

Video

The Liberation of Bergen-Belsen

Explore the British Army's liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp and the substantial relief effort which followed.

Trail

History of Warfare: Gallery Trail

Follow the trail to find 10 objects that explore the nature of warfare and the British Army through time.

Recruiting leaflet, Army Cadet Force, 1991

Timeline

Army Cadets: Interactive Timeline

Explore the history of the British Army Cadet Force and the Combined Cadet Force through this interactive timeline.

Home Activity

Jungle Survival Quiz

Have you got what it takes to survive in the jungle? Try our quiz to find out!

Home Activity

How to Draw: Desert edition

Use our step-by-step instructions to try your hand at desert-themed drawings.

Home Activity

How to Draw: Transport edition

Use our step-by-step instructions to have a go at drawing Army transport.