At the start of 1939, the British Army was, as it traditionally always had been, a small volunteer professional army. At the beginning of the Second World War on 1 September 1939, the British Army was
Left to right Bernard Montgomery, Archibald Wavell and Claude Auchinleck who all rose to prominence during the war, pictured here in June 1946.
Valentine tank in the desert, carrying an infantry section.
25-pounders firing in support of the Guards Armoured Division September 1944
Special Air Service North Africa 1943
The 50th Infantry Division was an infantry division of the British Army that saw distinguished service in the Second World War. Pre-war, the division was part of the Territorial Army and the two Ts in
Motorcycle combinations of the 4th Battalion, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers pass through a village, watched by the local inhabitants, France, 20 March 1940.
Men of the 7th Battalion, Green Howards among the sand dunes at Sandbanks, near Poole, Dorset, 31 July 1940.
King George VI watches troops taking part in manoeuvres during a visit to the 50th Division in Southern Command, 2 April 1941.
Men of the 7th Battalion, Green Howards, stage a re-enactment of the storming of Point 85 during the Gabes Gap battles, 11 April 1943.