Second World War (1939–1945)

Get closer to stories from government, the home front and the armed forces through our extensive collection of Second World War records. Explore the stories of people whose lives were changed by conflict and learn how the country kept going through its darkest hour.

Records revealed

Secret letter sent to British Secret Services

During the Second World War, some British prisoners of war were able to send secret messages and intelligence back home via creative and unusual ways.

The Geneva Convention, 1949

This document sets out the laws its signatory nations agreed to follow around the treatment of prisoners of war, those in medical need, and civilians.

War diary from 1939 with posters and Christmas cards

War diaries were historical records created by units in the British Army during wartime. This one is unusual: it contains posters and Christmas cards.

Secret map of operations in North Burma

This map was provided to soldiers during the first operation by the Chindits, special forces serving in Japanese-occupied Burma during the Second World War.

Christine Granville’s application to become a British citizen

Christine Granville, Special Operations Executive agent extraordinaire, was Churchill’s favourite spy. How did this document possibly save her life?

Stories from the collection

The story of Judy, the only dog registered as a prisoner of war

Read about Judy, the only dog registered as a prisoner of war

Judy's remarkable story is one of capture, survival and courage, and offers a unique tale of internment during the war.

Read about Judy, the only dog registered as a prisoner of war

Britain’s youngest prisoner of war: John Giles Hipkin

14-year-old cabin boy John Giles Hipkin became Britain's youngest Second World War prisoner of war in 1941 after he was captured at sea.
Roger Bushell and the 'Great Escape'

Roger Bushell (1910–1944) was a pilot, prisoner of war (POW), and mastermind of the ‘Great Escape’ from Stalag Luft III in March 1944.
The East River Column: the rebels who helped Second World War prisoners of war

Discover how this guerrilla group played a significant role in opposing Japan and aiding Allied prisoners of war around Hong Kong.
Virginia Hall

Virginia Hall (1906–1982) was an American who served with the British Special Operations Executive in France in 1941–1942 and built a career in espionage.
Nancy Wake

Nancy Wake (1912–2011), an agent for the Special Operations Executive, was the most wanted woman in France during the Second World War.