National Army Museum

Name: National Army Museum
Address: Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, SW34HT, GB
Telephone: +44 20 7730 0171
Price range: Not Applicable

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National Army Museum

National Army Museum The UK's leading authority on the history and traditions of the British Army. Find us in Chelsea, SW3 4HT

Established in 1960 by Royal Charter, the National Army Museum is the United Kingdom’s leading authority on the history and traditions of the British Army. It explores the impact that soldiers from Britain, Ireland and the Commonwealth have had throughout the world, from the 17th century to the present day. Through its world-class collections, the Museum safeguards and shares the stories and value

s of ordinary people who have been called upon to bear extraordinary responsibilities on behalf of others.

10/03/2025

British and Indian wounded on a train after the Battle of Neuve Chapelle WWI.

The first major British offensive of the First World War took place on 10 March 1915 when they attacked the salient around the village of Neuve Chapelle, midway between Bethune and Lille. The assault was undertaken by General Sir Douglas Haig's First Army, with Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Rawlinson's IV Corps on the left and General Sir James Willcock's Indian Corps on the right.

Although the initial artillery bombardment was too light to entirely disrupt the enemy defences, the first phase of the infantry attack went well. The soldiers rapidly gained the German front-line trenches. By nightfall Neuve Chapelle had been captured.

Unfortunately, there were delays in sending forward further orders and reinforcements. The initial gains were not exploited and a German counter-attack prevented further progress. After three days of fighting, a small area of land had been gained at a cost of over 7,000 British and 4,000 Indian casualties.

The offensive showed that although it was possible to break into the German positions, it was not so easy to convert local success into a major breakthrough. It also showed that a heavier artillery bombardment and better communication were needed.

Learn more about WWI on our website: https://bit.ly/4buUoHe

08/03/2025

Happy International Women's Day!

Women have played a vital role in the Army for centuries. During the English Civil War (1639-51), so many women disguised themselves to fight that King Charles issued a proclamation banning women from wearing military clothing. Over the years, women have provided invaluable service as so called 'camp followers' and nurses, enduring the hardships and dangers of life on campaign.

In World War II, 250,000 women served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), including the late Queen Elizabeth II. Since 2018, all Army roles, including infantry units on the front lines, have been open to women.

📸 Valerie Erskine Howe in ATS uniform on a motorbike, 1944.

To learn more about the history of women in the Army: https://bit.ly/3QWhYTP.

07/03/2025

On this day in 1941 British and Commonwealth troops land in Greece to assist in repelling the Italian invasion. The Italians struggled against stiff Anglo-Greek defence leading to a German invasion 1 month later.

📸 Greek and British soldiers man a Bofors 40 mm gun, 1941.

06/03/2025

Our 1945 series continues...

On this day, Lieutenant James Riccomini wrote this poignant final letter to his wife whilst serving with the Special Air Service (SAS) in Northern Italy.

Originally serving with the Royal Army Service Corps, Lt. Riccomini was captured in North Africa in 1941 and spent two years as a prisoner of war in Italy, in the same camp as SAS founder David Stirling. In 1943, he escaped captivity, went on the run, and managed to cross the border into Switzerland. He later joined the SAS.

As an Italian speaker, he was parachuted behind enemy lines in northern Italy in late 1944 to fight alongside Italian partisans.

On 27 March, during an assault on German military headquarters, Riccomini led part of a three-pronged attack, his target being a German billet at Villa Rossi. Just before his team reached the villa, an attack on one of the other targets began, which alerted the German defences. Riccomini's team rushed into the villa, and amidst fierce fighting, he sustained a fatal head wound. He is buried in a war cemetery in Milan.

You can read our full analysis of March 1945 on our website: https://bit.ly/4kk3Ykx

05/03/2025

☕ Community Coffee Morning
📅 11 March, 9.00am - 10.00am
🎟️ Free!

Join us for a relaxed chat and cuppa at our community coffee mornings on the second Tuesday of every month.

Once a month, join us for a drop-in coffee morning for those in the local community who want to meet new people, chat about their day or just enjoy a hot drink in the inspiring surroundings of the National Army Museum.

Register your interest
If you'd like to attend this coffee morning, please register your interest by emailing [email protected]. Or, if you don’t have an email address, give us a call on 020 7730 0717. We will then get back to you to confirm your space.

For more info visit our website: https://bit.ly/4h2obbH

03/03/2025

Here's a look at our weekly Friday lunchtime talks in March.
🎟️ All talks are free to attend or view online (if attending in person book your free ticket online)

Veterans, Families, Museums and Mementos
📅 7 March, 12.00pm - 1.00pm
Dr Ann-Marie Foster will discuss the relationships between museums, their objects and war.

Pride and Fall: The British Army in Afghanistan, 2001-14
📅 14 March, 12.00pm - 1.00pm
Join Sergio Miller as he re-assesses the British Army’s operations in Helmand Province, highlighting aspects of the campaign that went well and exploring what wasn’t as successful.

Soldiers of Uncertain Rank: The West India Regiments in British Imperial Culture
📅 21 March, 12.00pm - 1.00pm
Professor David Lambert explores the history of the West India Regiments and their impact on the culture of the Caribbean.

Burying the Enemy
📅 28 March, 12.00pm - 1.00pm
Join Professor Tim Grady as he shares some poignant examples of British and German communities burying the war dead of their enemy during times of conflict.

For more information and to book online, visit our website: https://bit.ly/2q3X4q5

01/03/2025

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
Happy St David's Day! 🎉

St David was a 6th-century Christian missionary and the patron saint of Wales. He founded a monastic community at Glyn Rhosyn (now St Davids Cathedral) in Pembrokeshire. Some legends claim he was the nephew of the legendary King Arthur, while others say he advised Welsh troops to wear leeks on their tunics to distinguish themselves from the enemy.

Units in the Army with Welsh roots celebrate St David’s Day by giving leeks to the troops. The Royal Welsh, in particular, has a proud tradition. Members of the regiment will eat a raw leek while the regimental mascot, a goat, is paraded through the mess hall.

📸 Sgt Mark Jackson with Shenkin II, the regimental mascot for 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh, during a St David’s Day parade at Lucknow Barracks, Tidworth, Wiltshire, 2017. (Crown copyright)

Read more about the Royal Welsh here: https://bit.ly/4bnLdby

28/02/2025

This week in 1900 marked the relief of Ladysmith. Around 12,000 British troops had been besieged in the strategic town of Ladysmith, Natal, for 118 days during the Boer War.

The British efforts to relieve Ladysmith were central to the early stages of the conflict. After suffering heavy setbacks at the Battles of Colenso and Spion Kop, British forces ultimately succeeded in forcing the Boers to withdraw.

This iconic oil painting, part of our museum’s collection, captures the moment British forces arrived in Ladysmith. It depicts General Sir George White, the town’s commanding officer, shaking hands with Colonel Douglas Hamilton of the relieving force.

The painting will be featured in our upcoming exhibition Myth & Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria, opening this summer.

📸 The Relief of Ladysmith, oil on canvas by John Henry Frederick Bacon (1868–1914), 1900.

You can learn more about the Boer War on our website: https://bit.ly/49CEXMr

&reality

27/02/2025

Our 1945 series continues...

British forces had encountered fierce resistance from the German Army in the Reichswald. On 26 February, the town of Uedem was conquered with the loss of several men. Shortly afterwards, a war graves cemetery (pictured above) was established nearby to lay to rest those who had been killed in the fighting.

It is estimated that between June 1944 and May 1945 more than 130,000 soldiers of the British 21 Army Group were killed, wounded, captured or went missing during the advance from Normandy to Germany.

📸 From a collection of photographs from Maj. Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters)

You can follow our 1945 series and see our analysis of February 1945 on our website: https://bit.ly/4gsO8kr

24/02/2025

Our 1945 series continues...

Towards the end of February, British and Allied forces advanced ever closer to the Rhine River. Some of the heaviest fighting during the advance was in the Reichswald, a forest west of Nijmegen between the Rivers Waal and Maas.

The Germans had released the sluices on these rivers so that the areas north and south of the forest were flooded and impassable. The Reichswald itself had few roads and the Germans had built three defence lines.

Kleve suffered heavy bombing and shelling during the campaign, with over 90 per cent of buildings in the city severely damaged. This photograph above shows a Cromwell tank advancing along one of its devastated streets.

📸 Photograph by Captain Edward K Deeming, 15th/19th King's Royal Hussars, February 1945

You can follow our 1945 series and see an analysis of February 1945 on our website: https://bit.ly/4gsO8kr

#1945 museum

22/02/2025

On this day in 1958, The Bridge on the River Kwai won the Golden Globe for Best Picture. Based on the experiences of Allied Prisoners of War building the infamous Burma-Thailand Railway, otherwise known as the 'Death Railway'.

The film faced a lot of criticism from surviving PoWs for Alec Guinness’s portrayal of Lt Col Nicholson as the naive British officer who collaborated with the Japanese to build the bridge. The actual Commander of British PoWs at the bridge, Lt Col. Philip Toosey, was considered an outstanding officer and did everything possible to delay and sabotage the construction without endangering his men.

Roughly 250,000 civilians and 60,000 Allied PoWs were used as forced labour to build the 250-mile railway through inhospitable jungle terrain. 90,000 civilians and 12,000 PoWs lost their lives in its construction.

📸 PoWs building the bridge at the River Kwai
📸 A section of the Burma-Thailand Railway cutting through the jungle near the bridge
📸 A fragment of wood from the 'Death Railway' encased in a gold-framed glass case held by the Museum

Read more about the experiences of PoWs during WW2 on our website here: https://bit.ly/4hNIgDR

21/02/2025

On this day in 1916, the Battle of Verdun began. The battle raged for 302 days, making it the longest continuous battle of World War I. It took a heavy toll on both the French and German armies.

Although the British Army did not fight at Verdun, the Battle of the Somme, which took place in the summer of 1916, was their attempt to relieve pressure on the French at Verdun.

📸 A French convoy halts to water their horses in a river near Verdun.

Learn more about 1916, a pivotal year of the war on our website: https://bit.ly/3XbMo8m

#1916

19/02/2025

During a recent audit of the stores, we came across this. At first glance, it appears to be a regular cap badge, but on closer inspection, it’s actually a sweetheart brooch.

These brooches were worn by the loved ones of soldiers to show their support and affection while they were away on the frontlines. While often associated with wives and girlfriends, they were also worn by mothers and sisters.

This particular brooch belonged to the family of Lieutenant Louis Michael Dell, who served with the King's Shropshire Light Infantry during World War I. Along with the brooch, the Museum also holds a collection of letters written by Lt. Dell to his family from the trenches of the Western Front. The brooch was likely worn by Lt. Dell's mother, Isabella.

Tragically, Lt. Dell was killed on 14 July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme.

📸 Portrait of Lt. Louis Michael Dell, King's Shropshire Light Infantry
📸 Letter from Lt. Dell written to his mother from the Western Front
📸 Letter of condolence to Mrs. Dell from a friend who served with her son
📸 Lt. Dell commemorative scroll

18/02/2025

Join us this February half-term to see, hear and experiance real solder stories. Take part in our range of family workshops and gallery tours.

Visit our website for more information on our family activities taking place this week:https://bit.ly/2q3X4q5

18/02/2025

Recruitment and Propaganda: BSL Tour
📅 22 February 2025, 11.00am - 12.00pm
🎟️ Pay what you can

Follow expert guide Edward Richards on a British Sign Language (BSL) tour as he examines how propaganda and recruiting has impacted the British Army over the centuries.

Recruiting for the British Army has always come with challenges. From patriotic appeals to promises of freedom, the evolution of recruitment tactics offers a fascinating insight into history.

Join Edward Richards on a guided tour as he explores the changing face of Army recruitment and the tools used to persuade soldiers to enlist.

About the guide:
Edward Richards has been delivering BSL tours in museums and galleries since 2002, including at Tate Modern and the Design Museum.

For more details visit our website: https://bit.ly/4b3m9Xf

15/02/2025

As our 1945 series continues with the February edition, we are spotlighting the voices of British soldiers serving around the world during this tumultuous year.

In the Netherlands, German troops intentionally destroyed dams, flooding entire regions to hinder the Allied advance.

📸 Amphibious vehicles travel along a flooded road near Nijmegen, Netherlands.

💭 'About midday our Sgt. Major visited us and told us we would have to be prepared to move fairly quickly as the Nijmegen-Krannenburg road was flooding and water was rising, the Germans had opened the flood d***s to prevent reinforcements getting through. Duks and Buffalo troop carriers, waterborne vehicles, were now bring used to reinforce the troops in Kleve, so with our remaining tank crews as well as the wounded we made our way out by boat!’
Trooper Ernest Leppard
Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry
Netherlands, February 1945

Learn more about our 1945 series on our website: https://bit.ly/4gsO8kr

#1945

11/02/2025

ZooLab: Meet Amazing Animals
📅 18 & 20 February 2025
🎟️ Free!

Join us this February half-term and meet some real-life experts in adapting to the dark.

Soldiers have to adapt to work in the dark, but what about the experts from the natural world? Join ZooLab this February half-term as they take us on a journey of how different animals survive in the dark, and learn how our soldiers might take inspiration from them.

Session times
11.00am - 11.45am
12.00pm - 12.45pm
1.00pm - 1.45pm

Visit our website for more details: https://bit.ly/3Qa7Arc

08/02/2025

On this day in 1942, the Battle of Singapore began, marking the start of the island’s fall to the Imperial Japanese Army—a devastating defeat for the British Army in the Far East.

By 15 February, 1942, British forces, led by Lt. General Arthur Percival, were forced to surrender. Around 80,000 British, Indian, and Australian troops were taken as prisoners of war.

📸 The watercolour above, by Gnr Jack Bridger Chalker of the Royal Artillery, was painted during his captivity. It depicts gunners manning a 25-pounder gun in a clearing in Singapore, February 1942.

You can read more about the war in the Far East on our website: https://bit.ly/3WQkbDZ

Address

Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea
London
SW34HT

Telephone

+44 20 7730 0171

Website

http://www.nam.ac.uk/

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On this day in 1852, the troopship HMS 'Birkenhead', with 638 passengers onboard, struck a rock off the coast of South Africa. There were not enough lifeboats for all the soldiers and their families aboard. The command "women and children first" was given. In a remarkable display of discipline and self-sacrifice, the soldiers stood in their ranks on deck as the ship sank, giving the lifeboats a chance to escape. Only 193 passengers, including all the women and children, survived. Many of the soldiers who did survive only managed to do so by swimming three miles to shore, though several were taken by sharks. The command "women and children first" would become known as the Birkenhead Drill, which was later used during the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. You can see this gold watch on display in our 'Global' gallery. It belonged to Cornet Ralph Shelton Bond of the 12th (Prince of Wales's Royal) Lancers, who said this of that night: "She cracked in the middle and filled with water. The poop immediately afterwards, owing to the force of the water rushing up, went down, drawing all those who were on it, as well as myself, under the water. I rose to the surface almost immediately… The sea was covered with struggling forms, while cries, piercing shrieks, and shouts for the boat were awful. I swam astern in hopes of being picked up by one. I hailed one 60 yards off, but could not reach it, as they pulled away, I suppose for fear of too many attempting to get into it. I then turned round and made for the shore, which I finally succeeded in reaching at a little after 5am. Two men who were swimming close to me, I saw disappear with a shriek, most probably bitten by sharks." You can read more about HMS Birkenhead on our website: https://bit.ly/3EUPPtP #birkenhead #titantic #birkenheaddrill #shipwreck #onthisday #todayinhistory #nationalarmymuseum

If you take a look around our stores, you can't help but notice this Land Rover Series IIA 109. This iconic vehicle earned the nickname the 'Pink Panther' (or 'Pinkies') because of its distinctive pink paint job. Designed and adapted for use by the SAS in desert warfare, the light pink colour provided excellent camouflage in the sandy desert landscape, especially during low-light conditions. Harking back to their roots in the deserts of North Africa during World War II, the SAS used these specially adapted Land Rovers for long-range desert operations in places like Oman during the 1960 & 70s. Our Pink Panther holds the distinction of being the last Pinkie to be in service with the SAS. Its paint job is a slightly darker shade of pink from a previous restoration. Originally they would have been slightly lighter. One of our conservation team's long-term projects is to restore this Pink Panther to its original state. If you are interested in the SAS you can watch our recent talk on SAS original Reg Seekings over on YouTube: https://bit.ly/43dmiWq #SAS #specialairservice #PinkPanther #Landrover #specialforces #militaryhistory #nationalarmymuseum

Join us this February half-term to see, hear and experiance real solder stories. Take part in our range of family workshops and gallery tours. Visit our website for more information on our family activities taking place this week:https://bit.ly/2q3X4q5

Fill your boots this half-term!! We’ve got a variety of free activities for the whole family to enjoy this half-term. From arts and crafts workshops (Soldier Silhouette) to guided interactive tours of our galleries (Marching Orders), plus educational workshops with some amazing animals from ZooLab. And don’t forget all the regular fun you can have at the museum!Visit our website for more details:https://bit.ly/2q3X4q5 #halftermactivities #halftermfun #halfterm #asmr #NationalArmyMuseum #familyfun #familydayout #museumfun

Happy Valentine’s Day!! ♥️🥰 #valentinesday #valentines #love #romance #romantic #nationalsrmymuseum #militarylife

Marching Orders: Duty in the Dark 📅 19, 21 & 22 February 🎟️ Free! Join us on an interactive family friendly gallery tour this February half-term as we explore the work the Army performs under the cover of night. Each tour lasts around 30 minutes. Drop in activity, no booking required. Tour times: 11.00am - 11.30am 12.00pm - 12.30pm 1.30pm - 2.00pm 2.15pm - 2.45pm Visit our website for a full list of half term activities: https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on #halfterm #schoolholidays #familyfriendly #funactivities #interactive #familytour #museumactivities #museumtour #nationalarmymuseum #education #learn

On this day in 1857, two Victoria Crosses were won at the Battle of Khushab. During the Anglo-Persian War Lieutenants Arthur Moore and John Malcolmson of the 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry broke into a Persian square—a rare feat at the time. Lt. Moore was the first to reach the square. His horse leaped over the line of bayonets, fell to the ground, pinning Moore and breaking his sword in the process. Lt. Malcolmson, seeing this, broke into the square himself and fought his way to his fellow officer and carried him to safety. For their actions, both men were awarded the Victoria Cross. The painting in this video is of Lt. Malcolmson. You can see his uniform and Victoria Cross on display in our ‘Global’ gallery. #victoriacross #vc #gallantry #valour #cavalry #militaryhistory #history #museum #army #nationalarmymuseum

On this day in 1665, Queen Anne was born! 👑 Her reign was marked by the War of the Spanish Succession. The British Army fought alongside European allies against France and secured key victories at Blenheim, Ramillies, and Malplaquet. This war made the reputation of General John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, whose descendant, Winston Churchill, served as Prime Minister during WWII. The painting in the video, by John Wootton, depicts a dramatic scene from the closing moments of battle. Marlborough, riding a prancing chestnut horse, is shown with his staff, while the defeated French commander, Marshal Tallard, is seen being driven from the field in Marlborough’s carriage. You can see this fascinating painting at the entrance of our Conflict in Europe gallery. #queenanne #churchill #onthisday #spanishsuccession #history #military #painting #oilpainting #army #nationarmymuseum

We’re putting the finishing touches to our new display...Coming soon! The Story of Soldier Magazine 📅 Opens, 4 February 2025 🎟️ Free! For 80 years, the journalists of @soldier_magazine have stood alongside British Army troops, documenting pivotal moments in history. We’re celebrating their contribution with a special short film showcasing the magazine’s historical impact. #asmr #soldiermagazine #army #militarymagazine #nationalarmymuseum #comingsoon #militaryhistory #soldierstories #armyphotography

Behind the scenes at the National Army Museum! Watch our conservation team as they conduct a detailed condition assessment on two extraordinary Victoria Crosses, adjust and carefully remount the medals for display. The first VC belongs to Lt. Mark Walker, awarded for his bravery during the Crimean War, and the other is a prototype, one of the first ever made. The Victoria Cross, along with the George Cross, is Britain’s joint highest award for gallantry. The VC specifically recognises acts of bravery in the presence of the enemy Come visit us and get up close to fascinating military history! #victoriacross #military #bravery #behindthescenes #medals #army #crimeanwar #nationalarmymuseum #history #museum

New display...Coming Soon!! The Story of Soldier Magazine 📅 Opens, 4 February 2025 🎟️ Free! For 80 years, the journalists of ‘Soldier’ magazine have stood side by side with British Army troops to record seminal moments in our history. We’re showcasing a special short film on the magazine’s history and impact in our 'Focus' exhibition space. Here's a sneak peek 📽️ 🍿 For more information visit our website: https://bit.ly/41WvE8r #soldiermagazine #britisharmy #journalist #history #nationalarmymuseum #military #magazine

Today we said goodbye to the Opel Senator, a heavily modified saloon car used on intelligence gathering 'tours' of 1980s Berlin. It is now heading back to RAF Museum Cosford after its time in our special exhibition, Foe to Friend.

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Our Story

The National Army Museum is a leading authority on the British Army and its impact on society past and present. We examine the army's role as protector, aggressor and peacekeeper from the British Civil Wars to the modern day. Through our collections we preserve and share stories of ordinary people with extraordinary responsibilities. We explore the role of the army and its relevance today. We aim to be a first class museum that moves, inspires, challenges, educates and entertains. The National Army Museum is a fun, interactive space for all the family. Our engaging museum experience reaches out to all. We want to connect the British public with its army, regardless of age, gender, race and religion. The new National Army Museum is for everyone, no matter what they think about the British Army. So what's new? We now showcase the breadth and depth of our collections in new and engaging ways. We explore thoughts and ideas as well as real stories of real people. And we challenge the way people think about the British Army and their relationship with it. Find out more online www.nam.ac.uk

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