From across the world, Britain’s civilian armies and their defence of democracy during the First and Second World Wars.
NAM 1959-11-303
This gallery looks at the armies of the British Empire and Commonwealth during the era of ‘Total War'. The two global conflicts of the 20th century witnessed attempts to harness the entire economic resources of modern industrial societies for war. Governments also mobilized citizenship and patriotism to a national war effort.
Young men and women were conscripted into mass armies as part of their duty as citizens, but the remaining population was also expected to make personal sacrifices for the wars.
NAM 1977-06-81-7
They worked in industry or guarding the home front, thus blurring the distinction between civilian and soldier. The two global wars offer a demonstration of the organization, strength, resilience and killing power of modern industrial states.
World War One installations include infantry and cavalry soldiers from 1914, a machine gun team, trench periscope and reconstructed dug-out from 1917.
NAM 1978-10-99
World War Two displays include a six-pounder anti-tank gun, a soldier of the 12th Nigerian Regiment manning a Vickers gun in Burma and a Universal Carrier being driven by a Sikh soldier. Both periods are brought to life with interactive audio-visual displays and archive footage.
