The UK's leading authority on the history and traditions of the British Army. Find us in Chelsea, SW3
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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.
📖 Warriors in Scarlet, Book Launch 📖
📅 24 August, 6.30pm, £8.00
Acclaimed military historian Ian Knight launches his latest book, charting the history of the Victorian army between 1837 and 1860.
🎟️ Book your tickets here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/warriors-scarlet
in 1917, the Battle of Langemarck, part of the Ypres offensive, came to a close.
During the battle, the French First Army achieved triumph on the northern flank, securing territory from Bixschoote to Drie Grachten. Simultaneously, the British forces made progress, advancing northwards from Langemark to the point where they met the French lines.
The engagement saw four days of fierce fighting which resulted in small gains for the British, but heavy casualties.
📸 This photograph shows Soldiers watching distant shell-bursts on Pilckem Ridge during the Battle of Langemarck (16-18 August 1917).
https://bit.ly/3YnD6pe
⏳ Don't Miss Out! ⌛
Last chance to visit our temporary exhibition 'Road to Recovery' closeing 28 August.
For all those who have experienced life-changing physical or mental injuries, the journey to recovery is often long and arduous, marked by setbacks. This exhibition delves into the challenges faced by soldiers, the support they receive, and the resilience required to persevere on their path.
Find out more:
https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/road-recovery
Cromwell and His Rivals
📆 25 August 2023, 12.00pm
Professor Martyn Bennett compares the rise of Oliver Cromwell to the careers of those who served alongside him.
Oliver Cromwell was one of more than 200 men who became general officers during the period of the British Civil Wars.
They had varying roles to fulfil, focusing on service in the field, logistics, regional command, as well as a series of specific and often short-term tasks.
Like Cromwell, many of these men had a distinct lack of military experience at the outset of the war. Others had limited contact with the military during the pre-war years. Some had served in the Bishops’ Wars of 1639 and 1640.
In this insightful discussion, Professor Martyn Bennett will look at Cromwell’s developing career and how this compares to his peers.
🎟️ Book your tickets here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/cromwell-and-his-rivals
📸 General Oliver Cromwell at Marston Moor, 1644
in 1780, the British Army, under the command of Cornwallis, achieved a triumph by defeating the American forces in the Battle of Camden.
The Battle of Camden was a major victory for the British during the American War of Independence (1775-1783). British forces routed the American troops north of Camden, South Carolina. The victory strengthened the British hold on the Carolinas following their capture of Charleston.
📷 Engraving after Alonzo Chappel, published by Johnson, Fry and Company, New York, 1868.
NEW video
The latest in our series is Troops of the Royal West African Frontier Force in the Arakan, Burma, 1944.
This painting by Captain Hugh Micklem depicts West African soldiers in Burma (now Myanmar) during the Second World War.
This painting shows infantry and artillery units of the 81st (West Africa) Division deep in the Burmese jungle receiving supplies by air drop.
Soldiers from all corners of the Commonwealth contributed to the defeat of Japanese forces in one of the most gruelling theatres of the Second World War (1939-45).
Watch Now:
https://bit.ly/3DWEdTc
Come and see this painting on display in our Global Role gallery, alongside other items that demonstrate the contribution of Commonwealth soldiers during the Second World War.
in 1969, the British Army deployed onto the streets of Northern Ireland, in support of the Royal Ulster Constabulary marking the beginning of Operation Banner.
Although scaled down in numbers, British troops remained deployed in Northern Ireland until July 2007 in what became the British Army's longest ever deployment.
You can read more about the deployment of troops to Northern Ireland here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/troubles-1969-2007
🖌️ Londonderry, Northern Ireland, 1975. Oil on hardboard by Ralph Lillford, 1975.
in 1961, the construction of the Berlin Wall was commenced by the government of the German Democratic Republic (GDR).
The Berlin Wall was a physical barrier built to separate the capitalist West Berlin from the communist East Berlin, along with the rest of East Germany.
The Wall consisted of a series of concrete walls, barbed wire, and guard towers, heavily guarded by armed soldiers. Its completion divided families, separated friends, and caused immense human suffering.
The it stood for nearly three decades, becoming an enduring symbol of the Cold War and the division between East and West.
You can visit a section of the Berlin Wall in the main entrance of our museum.
📸 Berlin Wall 1987-3, From a collection of photographs associated with WO Lawrence Skuse, Royal Military Police.
📸 Section of Berlin wall on display in the entrance of National Army Museum, 2023
📸 Section of the Berlin Wall on display outside the National Army Museum, 1994
📸 Installation of the Berlin wall display outside the museum, 1994
All images are NAM ©
📖 Warriors in Scarlet, Book Launch 📖
📅 24 August 2023, 6.30pm, £8.00
Acclaimed military historian Ian Knight launches his latest book, charting the history of the Victorian army between 1837 and 1860.
In this exciting event to launch his new book, military historian Ian Knight will reveal the reality of life for soldiers in the Victorian army during a period of seismic change.
Drawing on first-hand accounts, he will demonstrate the drudgery of peace-time service, the excitement and privations of posting overseas, the floggings and desertions, the regimental pride and comradeship.
🎟️ Book your tickets here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/warriors-scarlet
Three new exciting volunteer opportunities have opened up at National Army Museum. We are recruiting:
1. A Library Volunteer at our museum in Chelsea.
2. An Archive Volunteer at our archives in Stevenage
3. A Collections Standards and Care Volunteer at our archives in Stevenage.
Click the link below for more information and to apply:
https://www.nam.ac.uk/volunteer
in 1942 General Bernard Montgomery was appointed commander British 8th Army in North Africa.
Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery was one of the most prominent and successful British commanders of the Second World War (1939-45). Affectionately known as 'Monty', he commanded the Allies in North Africa and in the subsequent invasions of Italy and Normandy.
Read more about about General Bernard Montgomery here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/bernard-montgomery
📸 General Bernard Montgomery, 1942, World War Two, North Africa (1940-1943), 1942 (c).
📸 A meeting of Allied commanders, Maastricht, 7 December 1944
📸 General Sir Bernard Montgomery addressing the troops at Worthing, 25 May 1944
📸 Meeting of the Supreme Command Allied Expeditionary Force in London, 1 February 1944
All of the above images are under National Army Museum Copy Right.
Parachute Drop
📆 15 - 18 August 2023
Every week of the summer holidays we have a different themed family activity! For the fourth week of our travels through time, join us in the Second World War as we prepare our soldiers for an important parachute mission.
Make a parachute for your toy soldier, then put it to the test at our giant drop zone in these family-friendly workshops.
🎟️ For sessions timings, click here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/parachute-drop
The Spioenkop Campaign
📆 18 August 2023, 12.00pm, FREE
Dr Robert Davidson discusses this often-overlooked campaign to relieve the besieged town of Ladysmith during the early stages of the Boer War.
The Spioenkop Campaign was a ten-day series of battles fought across a front of several miles, involving long-range rifle fire, artillery and trenches. However, it is remembered primarily for the British defeat at the Battle of Spion Kop on 24 January 1900.
🎟️ Book your tickets here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/spioenkop-campaign
in 1918, The Allies launch the Hundred Days Offensive, beginning with the Battle of Amiens where 500 tanks and 10 Allied divisions attacked German lines.
Join us on the 11 August 2023 at 12.00pm, for a talk on Hundred Days Offensive, 1918. Dr David Stevenson will examine the Allied successes during the final phase of fighting on the Western Front.
Book here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/hundred-days-offensive-1918
📸 British tank amid the ruins of Bapaume wrecked in the furious artillery duels in the Battle of Amiens', 1918.
Stereoscopic photograph, World War One, Western Front (1914-1918), 1918.
NEW video
The latest in our series is The Battle of Blenheim, 13 August 1704.
This work of art depicts the final stages of the Battle of Blenheim. It was painted by John Wootton around 40 years after the event. The painting commemorates a major victory for the Grand Alliance (the British, Austrians, Dutch and Prussians) over the French and their Bavarian allies in the early stages of the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-13).
The battle was an extraordinary feat of strategy, logistics and co-operation.
Dive into the painting and take a closer look at this key moment in European history: https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/battle-blenheim-13-august-1704
You can also view this painting in our Conflict in Europe gallery, alongside other items that demonstrate the Army's role in maintaining the balance of Continental power.
💥 Bombs over Britain
The German aerial incendiary bomb forms part of an impressive display of 20th-century weaponry in our Conflict in Europe gallery; the following images depict the treatment the bomb received before being installed into the gallery.
We were keen to preserve the bomb's damaged condition as it serves as vital evidence of its destructive history. Stabilising the corrosion was therefore the only treatment required to make this object ready for its display environment.
The bomb's heavily misshapen curved outer panel had become partially detached from the main body. Additionally, there were numerous holes and warped bits of wire in the outer panel, and the metal was heavily corroded both inside and out.
This German aerial incendiary bomb's banged-up condition reveals the impact it must have made when dropped from a German airship during the First World War.
Read more about the impact this bomb made here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/bombs-over-britain
📸 German aerial incendiary bomb on display, 2023
📸 Holes and pieces of wire in the outer panel
📸 The bomb before treatment
📸 And after treatment
Hundred Days Offensive, 1918
📆 11 August 2023, 12.00pm, FREE
Join Dr David Stevenson as he examines the Allied successes during the final phase of fighting on the Western Front.
The Hundred Days Offensive was a series of military operations that took place on the Western Front between July and November 1918. But why, after four long years of stalemate, was it so successful in delivering the decisive breakthrough for the Allies?
🎟️ Book your tickets here:
https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/hundred-days-offensive-1918
📸 Canadian soldiers escorting German prisoners, August 1918
At 11pm on 4 August 1914, Britain declared war on Germany.
The First World War was the first truly global conflict. From 1914 to 1918, fighting took place across several continents, at sea, and for the first time, in the air. This was a war on an unprecedented scale, with battles often lasting months instead of days. In Britain, industry, technology, and the population were all mobilised for a conflict that would cost the lives of over ten million soldiers worldwide.
Find out more: https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/first-world-war
📸 Dugouts on the Somme, September 1916
📸 British tank going into action, 10 April 1917
📸 British troops occupy newly captured ground, 1916
British Prisoners on Parole in Napoleonic France
📆 4 August 2023, 12.00pm, FREE
Explore the lives of captured British citizens and soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars with Dr Elodie Duché.
In May 1803, Napoleon Bonaparte’s edict to arrest British residents and travellers led to a fascinating, yet neglected, experience of detention.
Drawing on French and British archives and narratives of captivity, Dr Elodie Duché will investigate how prior journeys shaped their experiences, particularly the contacts they made with local French populations. She will also consider their ability to correspond with their families at home and to channel funds to support other British captives held in stricter conditions.
Book your tickets here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/british-prisoners-parole-napoleonic-france
📸 Officer’s parole card, 1812
The latest in our series is Inside Mastiff 33A (‘Withdrawing, We Don’t Retreat’), February 2010.
This painting by Jules George captures the claustrophobic conditions inside a British patrol vehicle during the war in Afghanistan. Sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, the artist was embedded with the Army for several weeks at one of the deadliest stages of the conflict.
Come and see the painting in our Global Role gallery.
You can watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZLtj6FIcfE
Conflict in Europe: BSL Tour
📆 5 August 2023, 2.00pm, FREE
Join expert guide Edward Richards for a British Sign Language (BSL) tour examining the many campaigns fought by the British Army in Europe.
Since the 17th century, the British Army has deployed around the world. But nowhere has conflict been more decisive to the fate of the British Isles than in Europe.
On this guided gallery tour, Edward Richards will chart the history of the British Army in Europe. He will reveal how, from its earliest days, the Army engaged in European warfare with the aim of securing the safety of the British Isles.
Book here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/conflict-europe-bsl-tour
Last weekend, we hosted a spotlight event on the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, featuring interactive displays representing all eight trades.
Our visitors took part in sessions such as virtual reality welding, learnt how to pilot a bomb disposal robot, witnessed 3D printing of spares in action, and received personalised dog tags engraved using a manual engraver once used by REME Instrument Technicians!
Thank you to all those involved in the event!
First World War Giant Game
📆 8 - 11 August 2023, FREE
This summer, we’re celebrating the opening of our Conflict in Europe gallery with a different themed family activity every week of the holidays.
Each activity is inspired by one of the time periods covered in our new gallery, ranging from the Napoleonic Wars to the Cold War.
For the third week of our travels through time, venture back to the First World War and have a go at our interactive, giant board game‼️ 🤩
🎟️ For more information and session timings, click here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/first-world-war-giant-game
Lino Printing Workshop
📆 5 August 2023, 10.00am - 3.00pm, £45.00
Take inspiration from our collection and learn how to craft your own lino prints with graphic designer Katie Kennedy.
In this creative workshop, Katie Kennedy will take you through the basic principles of the technique, before giving you the chance to create a design of your own.
You’ll also get to hear from one of the Museum’s art curators about our lino print collection.
For more information and ticket bookings, click here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/lino-printing-workshop-0
in 1916, the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR) was formed. Since then, it has served in many campaigns around the world as part of the Royal Armoured Corps.
Read more about the RTR here:
https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/royal-tank-regiment
📸 Mark II tanks of ‘C' Battalion, The Tank Corps go into action during the Battle of Arras, 1917
📸 King George V watching a tank display at Neuve Eglise, accompanied by Brigadier-General Hugh Elles, 1917
Field Hospital
📆 1 - 4 August 2023, FREE
Venture back to the gory world of Crimean War medical care in this fun, interactive workshop for all the family.
Join us in our Crimean War field hospital. Pick up a fake wound and learn how to mend it.
Learn how Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole kickstarted a hygiene revolution in medical medicine and discover how battle wounds have been healed over time.
Drop in at any time during one of these sessions:
10.30am - 12.15pm
1.30pm - 3.30pm
More information here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/field-hospital
The latest in our series is Inside Mastiff 33A (‘Withdrawing, We Don’t Retreat’), February 2010.
This painting by Jules George captures the claustrophobic conditions inside a British patrol vehicle during the war in Afghanistan. Sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, the artist was embedded with the Army for several weeks at one of the deadliest stages of the conflict.
Come and see the painting in our Global Role gallery.
You can watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZLtj6FIcfE
This painting by Henry Nelson O'Neil captures the moment soldiers and their families are reunited after a long spell of separation. Here, we take a closer lo...
in 1944, the Me 262 became the first jet aircraft to engage in combat. It was intercepted over Munich by a de Havilland Mosquito from 544 Squadron. The Me 262 damaged the Mosquito to the point that one returning the base, the Mosquito crashed on landing.
📸 Examination of a German jet fighter (Me 262) by a British tank crew, May 1945
📸 A German jet fighter (Me 262) passed by a Bren Carrier, May 1945
Spotlight: Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME)
29 July 2023, 10.00am - 4.00pm
Meet soldiers from the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as they showcase the work they do in today's Army.
Take command of a robot or have a go at metal-smithing via a virtual reality headset. Hear how members of REME keep the Army moving by maintaining weapons, land vehicles and helicopters. And discover how their work has changed over time with our friends from the REME Museum.
More information here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/spotlight-royal-electrical-and-mechanical-engineers
📸 REME vehicle mechanic, Afghanistan, 2008
in 1916, the Battle of Pozieres took place as part of the historic Battle of the Somme. From July 17th, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme (July 1st to November 18th, 1916), the village of Pozières, situated on the main road north from Albert to Bapaume, found itself on the front line. On July 23rd, it was assaulted by the 1st Australian Division, with support from the British Territorial battalions of the 145th Infantry Brigade. Although the position was captured, it came at a tremendous cost, with a staggering 23,000 casualties in just six weeks of intense and brutal combat.
Read more about the Battle of the Somme here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/battle-somme
📸 The 1st Buckinghamshire Regiment at Pozières, July 23 1916
Charcoal drawing by William Barns Wollen (1857-1936).
The Korean War: 70 Years On
📆 28 July 2023, 12.00pm, FREE
On 27 July 1953, an armistice agreement was signed, bringing an end to the Korean War (1950-53). However, tensions on the Korean peninsula remained high and the legacies of the conflict continue to this day.
In this revealing talk, Dr Grace Huxford will discuss Britain’s role in the Korean War, the response to the war in Britain, and how it has been remembered over the past seven decades.
Book your tickets here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/korean-war-70-years
📸 Troops on the march, Korea, c1950
in 1871, The English Football Association Challenge Cup Competition was formed, to become better known as the FA Cup.
Army teams were a major force in the early years of English football. Between 1872 and 1878 the Royal Engineers played in four FA Cup Finals at the Kennington Oval. They lost three of these, but in 1875 beat Old Etonians 2-0 in a replay after the first game had ended 1-1.
📸 17th Company, Royal Engineers, football team, Aldershot,
Photograph by H Philips, Farnborough Road, Hants, 1890 (c).
Remembering the First World War
22 July, 11.00am, £15.00
Join Ruth Polling on this guided tour of Chelsea and the surrounding area as she highlights some of the ways we remember the First World War.
Book here: https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/remembering-first-world-war
📸 British raiding party await the word to go, c1916
📸 Royal Flying Corps aircraft, 1917
📸 Ammunition convoy on the Western Front, 1916
The British Army and Ukraine
This display explores the historical background of the current conflict, from the Crimean War in the 1850s through to the present day. It also looks closely at the work carried out by the British Army to support Ukraine since 2014.
More information here:
https://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/british-army-and-ukraine
Opening hours:
Mon: Closed
Tue-Sun: 10.00am to 5.30pm
Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea
London
SW34HT
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🎄 ✂️ 🖍️ Calling anyone on the look out for Christmas activities! In this video @museumem explores how soldiers have received treats & supplies, plus discovers how well Brussel sprouts can fly. You can also find out how to make your own gift tins & parachutes! Scroll down to see all Christmas learning resources for families: https://bit.ly/3dYVVbT
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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