Second World War

Second Battle of El Alamein

Fought in October-November 1942, this was the climax and turning point of the North African campaign of the Second World War. The armies of Italy and Germany suffered a decisive defeat by the British Eighth Army.

The Norfolk Volunteers at Gunton Park, 1864

Civilian soldiers

Throughout its long history, the British Army has relied on part-time soldiers to support its operations, guard Britain's shores and maintain law and order.

Units of the Dutch Brigade moving up to the attack, 1944

Victory in Europe

During 1944-45, the Allies endured months of fighting against a determined enemy. This bloody struggle eventually ended in the final defeat of Nazi Germany.

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, 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

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.