• © IWM
    © IWM
    Contemporary conflict

    Honouring the fallen

    Discover how the town of Wootton Bassett became a a focal point for remembrance of British soldiers killed in conflict. 

  • A marine in Afghanistan
    A marine mans a general purpose machine gun (GPMG) at patrol base Pylae in Sangin during the Helmand Province campaign
  • Soldier stands in front of memorial at The  British Cemetery in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2014
    Contemporary conflict

    ‘Remembrance is every day for us’

    Sonia Fleming and Nikki Scott both lost people they loved in Afghanistan - learn how they have dealt with the loss and how they work to keep the memories of their fallen soldiers alive. 

  • David David Cotterrell, Gateway II, 2009 Courtesy of Danielle Arnaud Gallery and the artist.
    David David Cotterrell, Gateway II, 2009 Courtesy of Danielle Arnaud Gallery and the artist.
  • Afghans and British soldiers sit on board an RAF aircraft. The photograph is taken from slightly above.
    UK MOD © 2021
    Contemporary conflict

    Afghanistan: Operation Pitting

    In August 2021, British military personnel arrived in Afghanistan as part of a multinational non-combatant evacuation operation, code-named Operation Pitting, to evacuate British and eligible Afghan nationals from Kabul following the rapid military offensive by the resurgent Taliban to take control of the country.

  • British troops take cover during Operation Panchai Palang (panther’s claw) in 2009
    Crown Copyright
    Afghanistan

    The Curator's View – Afghanistan: Reflections on Helmand

    The exhibition Afghanistan: Reflections on Helmand examined the British arrival in Helmand province, Afghanistan, in 2006.

  • David David Cotterrell, Gateway II, 2009 Courtesy of Danielle Arnaud Gallery and the artist
    © David Cotterrell / Danielle Arnaud Gallery
    Afghanistan

    David Cotterell on Making Art in Afghanistan

    David Cotterell went to Afghanistan in 2007, spending time with British forces and documenting the medical treatment of casualties and their journey away from the front line to medical treatment back in the UK.

  • Dear Habib thumbnail
    Afghanistan

    Dear Habib

    Habib is an Afghan refugee who came to the UK as an unaccompanied child asylum seeker. This animation explores his journey, his separation from his family and how he has built a new community in the Midlands.

  • A casualty from HMS SHEFFIELD is rushed by stretcher to Sick Bay on board HMS HERMES.
    © IWM FKD 534
    Afghanistan

    Saving Lives In The Field From Korea To Afghanistan

    The Second World War saw significant medical developments and refinements. These ranged from the use of penicillin to the widespread availability of blood transfusions and the first use of aircraft for evacuation. The last 70 years have seen further developments that have improved casualty survival rates in times of conflict.

  • Redevelopment in Afghanistan
    Afghanistan

    Redevelopment In Afghanistan

    The war in Afghanistan has not just been about fighting. Since the conflict began in 2001, development work has been taking place in an attempt to encourage a more stable future. UK government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and charities have been active alongside the military.

  • Men from 2 Rifles patrolling in the Wishtan area, 3 July 2009
    Afghanistan

    Remembering Wishtan

    2 Rifles were deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. Hear members of 2 Rifles reflect on what happened that year and how they came to terms with the loss of friends and colleagues while serving in one the most dangerous places in Helmand. 

  • British troops on patrol in Nowzad, Helmand, Afghanistan, July 2006.
    © IWM HTF-2006-043-398
    Afghanistan

    Handing Over Security In Afghanistan

    Since 2001, British and coalition troops of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) have fought a complex and costly war in Afghanistan. Between 2006 and 2012 – when Taliban fighters were most active – the fighting was intense.

  • British troops take cover during Operation Panchai Palang (panther’s claw) in 2009
    © IWM HQUKTF-2009-063-0110
    Afghanistan

    Afghanistan War: How did 9/11 lead to a 20-year war?

    After 20 years of conflict, the Taliban again claim to be in control of Afghanistan. In this video, we look at how the war in Afghanistan began, what Britain’s role was, and why the war lasted for 20 years.

  • Afghanistan

    What Was the British Role in Afghanistan?

    In 2014, British combat troops left Afghanistan. British forces had been in the country since 2001 when they were sent as part of a coalition tasked with intervening in Afghanistan to find the leaders of al-Qaeda after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.