Military and war
From the Middle Ages to the Cold War, our records document the conflicts that have shaped the nation. They can highlight human stories behind military campaigns, showing how society and people’s lives can be changed forever by the devastation of war.
Military and war highlights in pictures
Records revealed
The Treaty of Versailles
This debated document officially ended the First World War and set out the terms and conditions for peace, and determined the course of the 20th century.
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
Focus on The papers of Nuestra Señora de Covadonga, a Spanish treasure galleon
Read about The papers of Nuestra Señora de Covadonga, a Spanish treasure galleon
This previously unknown set of records from an 18th-century galleon shines a light on one of history's most significant trade routes.
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Virginia Hall
NewVirginia 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.
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Richard III
Through documents held at The National Archives, we can piece together a great deal about the life and reign one of Britain's most infamous medieval monarchs.