Second World War

German soldiers raise the swastika at the Acropolis, Athens, April 1941

War in the Balkans

In 1941, the Axis powers invaded Yugoslavia and Greece. British and Commonwealth intervention and evacuation followed, before a vicious partisan conflict broke out.

Home Front

Following the fall of France in the summer of 1940, Britain was faced with the threat of invasion. Soldiers played a vital role in defending the shores and skies.

Defeat in the West

In the summer of 1940, the Germans defeated France and drove the British out of Western Europe. Following their evacuation from Dunkirk, the British found themselves facing the threat of invasion.

The infantry advance at El Alamein, 1942

The struggle for North Africa

The grim struggle that rolled back and forth across the North African desert from 1940 to 1943 resulted in the first major Allied victory of the Second World War.

Army fashion statements

The Army's influence on fashion is not new. Military dress has made its way from conflict to catwalk over and over again.

Battle of Normandy

D-Day enabled the Allies to establish a foothold on the beaches of Normandy. But they still faced the task of breaking out, pushing the Germans back and liberating France.

D-Day

D-Day, 6 June 1944, marked the start of the Allied invasion of Normandy and was the greatest amphibious operation in history.

Second World War

The Second World War (1939-45) was the bloodiest conflict in human history. It split the world's nations into two opposing military alliances - the Allies and the Axis Powers.

Lieutenant-General Bernard Montgomery, 1942

Bernard Law Montgomery: Unbeatable and unbearable

Arrogant, unlikeable, but ultimately successful, Field Marshal Montgomery was one of the most prominent British commanders of the Second World War.

Explore Second World War 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.

London in the Second World War: The Blitz

Primary

1 Jun 2024 - 20 Jul 2026 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.

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

Primary

1 Jun 2024 - 20 Jul 2026 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.

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

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.

Book launch

23 Oct 2025 £15.00

SAS: The Great Train Raid

Bestselling author Damien Lewis is back with another daring SAS mission, this time uncovering a story long veiled in secrecy that is both heroic and harrowing.

Book launch

28 Oct 2025 £15.00

The White Lady

Author Helen Fry returns for the launch of her new book, which focuses on two key intelligence networks operating behind enemy lines during the World Wars.

Alex Bescoby and Levison Wood in Assam, India

Screening

6 Nov 2025 £20.00

The Last Burma Star

Join us for the world premiere of Sky HISTORY’s brand new documentary, The Last Burma Star, followed by a panel discussion with the film’s makers.

Detail from an Indian National Army propaganda leaflet, c1944

Talk

21 Nov 2025 FREE

The Indian National Army in Burma

Gautam Hazarika provides a fascinating insight into the role of the Indian National Army and its service alongside the Japanese during the Second World War.