• CLOSED
  • FREE
  • Chelsea, London
National Army Museum
  • CLOSED
  • FREE
  • Chelsea, London

Uniform and Kit

Stephen Palmer’s Oxo tin, 1915

Stephen Palmer’s Oxo tin, 1915
Featured

The original bullet proof vest?

During the First World War (1914-18) Private Stephen Palmer was sent an Oxo tin that ended up saving his life.

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Explore Uniform and Kit stories

Luck and superstition

Luck and superstition

Chance plays a significant part in deciding a soldier’s fate on the battlefield. Here we look at examples of close shaves and extraordinary escapes, and examine some of the superstitions soldiers draw on for comfort and protection.

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Pelisse, Zieten Hussars, worn by The Duke of Connaught, 1900s

A uniform fit for a prince

Flamboyant hussar uniforms belonging to Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, demonstrate the close dynastic links between European monarchies and the tradition of foreign royals serving as honorary heads of military units.

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Queen Elizabeth II views her old uniform at NAM, 2017

Inspired by a princess's uniform

British heritage brand Hawes & Curtis has partnered with the National Army Museum to create a limited edition collection that is fit for royalty. The collection is inspired by the uniform Queen Elizabeth II wore as a young princess.

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Coatee worn at Waterloo by Brigade-Major Thomas Noel Harris, 1815

Waterloo coatee's provenance confirmed

In 2015, the National Army Museum was presented with a rare coatee worn by Major Thomas Harris at the Battle of Waterloo. A combination of historical evidence and modern forensic analysis was used to confirm its authenticity.

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Andy McNab’s survival kit, c1990

The art of staying alive: McNab's survival kit

An SAS soldier's personal survival kit contains many everyday objects. These can be used in ingenious ways, demonstrating both the adaptability and the resourcefulness of the Special Forces.

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Lieutenant Colonel Campbell Clark, 104th Regiment of Foot (Bengal Fusiliers), c1877

A lucky escape

A rare tunic from the Indian Mutiny holds a death-defying tale of gruesome gunshots, troublesome timepieces and a remarkable recovery.

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Oxo tin, 1915

The original bulletproof vest?

During the First World War Private Stephen Palmer was sent an Oxo tin that ended up saving his life.

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Burberry trench coat, 2014

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.

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Explore Uniform and Kit events

A parade of soldiers in helmets, gas mask cases on their chests and holstered revolvers at their sides
Primary (virtual)

7 September 2020 - 31 March 2021

FREE

Head On (virtual)

Discover helmets from across the history of the Army, and explore the materials and properties that make a great helmet.

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Body builders
Primary workshop

7 September 2020 - 23 July 2021

FREE

Body builders

Learn about the possibilities of prosthetic limbs for injured soldiers and get hands-on with our robotic arms.

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Head on
Primary workshop

1 December 2020 - 23 July 2021

FREE

Head on

Get hands-on with real helmets from our handling collection, then use different materials to make and test your own.

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Whatever the weather
Primary workshop

1 December 2020 - 23 July 2021

FREE

Whatever the weather

Soldiers have to be ready for anything! Explore and test materials by designing and building a shelter that will keep a soldier dry.

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Explore Uniform and Kit learning resources

Camouflage Through Time
Home Activity

KS1-KS2 (Ages 5 to 11)

Camouflage Through Time

Explore the history of camouflage with objects and uniform from the Museum’s handling collection.

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Whatever the weather
Trail

KS1 (Ages 5 to 7)

Whatever the weather

Follow this gallery trail to find out how soldiers cope in different places and in different conditions.

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Head on
Trail

KS2 (Ages 7 to 11)

Head on

Follow this gallery trail to discover some of the amazing objects that have protected soldiers through time.

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Body builders
Trail

KS2 (Age 7 to 11)

Body builders

Follow this gallery trail to find some amazing objects that have helped soldiers to be superhuman.

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A soldier's life
Trail

KS2 (Ages 7 to 11)

A soldier's life

Follow this gallery trail to find out what life was really like for a soldier in the First World War.

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"First time @NAM_London today. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thought the presentation & interpretation made the subject accessible..."

National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4HT
Registered Charity Number: 237902