Name: Witnesses to War
Location: IWM London

Permanent

IWM London

Free exhibition

Enter the museum’s magnificent Atrium and you are met with an array of objects that bear witness to the force, fury and physicality of war. Each has a story to tell – from the First World War artillery piece that became a memorial for the men who fought with it, to the wreckage of the
Land Rover operated on the Gaza Strip by the press agency Reuters.

Atrium objects

© IWM

13-Pounder Néry Gun

The 13-pounder Mk I Field Gun of 'L' Battery was used during the First World War at Néry, France on 1 September 1914. The position, attacked by IVth German Cavalry Division, was heavily shelled and suffered severe casualties. Captain E. K. Bradbury (posthumous), Battery Sergeant-Major G. T. Dorrell and Sergeant D. Nelson were awarded Victoria Crosses for their part in defending the gun in battle.
© IWM

British Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia

The Spitfire is one of the most famous aircraft of the Second World War and is often seen as a symbol of Victory in Britain. Spitfire Mk Ia, R6915, served with No. 609 (West Riding) RAF Squadron and flew 57 combat missions during the Battle of Britain, flown by 13 different pilots, only 6 of whom survived the Second World War.
© IWM

Reuters Land Rover

This Reuters news agency Land Rover was operating in the Gaza Strip near the Karni Crossing when on 26 August 2006 when hit by a rocket (or a substantial fragment) fired by an Israeli helicopter.
© IWM

Ohka kamikaze aircraft

A Japanese single-seat suicide attack Kamikaze aircraft, the Ohka (Cherry Blossom) was employed by Japan against Allied ships towards the end of the Second World War.
© IWM

Wooden Training Horse

At the outbreak of the First World War, the British Army took 165,000 horses with them to the Western Front, to ride and to pull wagons and guns. This life-size horse mannequin was used by recruits for tack training.
© IWM

Baghdad Car

This car was destroyed in a suicide car bombing at a historic book market in Baghdad in March 2007. The blast killed dozens of people at a time of rising sectarian violence in Iraq.
© IWM

V2 Rocket

From September 1944, Germany deployed the V2 rocket against London and other cities in Europe. A rocket like the one on display struck the nearby Kennington Road/Lambeth Road crossroads on 4 January 1945, killing 43 people.
© IWM

Bar-front Barrels

The pair of barrels that fronted the bar of the Officer’s Mess at Petwood House, close to the Royal Air Force’s elite 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron in 1944. Between operations, the aircrew would laugh, joke, relax, and share fears and confidences in front of these barrels before the war started again the next day.
© IWM

T-34 Tank

The Soviet-designed T-34, produced in 1940, was one of the best-performing tanks of the Second World War. Manufactured in huge numbers, its introduction greatly influenced the war on the Eastern Front, in favour of Soviet Russia’s Red Army.
© IWM

Harrier Jet

The British Harrier ground attack aircraft flew patrols over Northern Iraq in the early 1990s and was twice deployed to Afghanistan. Nicknamed the “jump jet", it was the first operational fixed-wing aircraft to be capable of VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing).

War and Conflict

British infantry silhouetted against the skyline in Kuwait, as the troops prepare for operations in Iraq, 2003.

Contemporary conflict

Timeline of 20th and 21st Century Wars

Military conflict took place during every year of the 20th Century. There were only short periods of time that the world was free of war. The total number of deaths caused by war during the 20th Century has been estimated at 187 million and is probably higher. Explore the timeline of 20th and 21st century wars using IWM's extensive online collection.

Lt Col Tim Collins, Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment Battle Group, addresses his troops about the forthcoming campaign, 5 March 2003.

Contemporary conflict

The Important Facts about the Iraq War

On 20 March 2003, a United States-led international coalition - which included Britain - launched an invasion of Iraq.

Ruined flats in Limehouse, East London. Hughes Mansions, Vallance Road, following the explosion of the last German V2 rocket to fall on London, 27 March 1945.

Second World War

The Terrifying German 'Revenge Weapons' Of The Second World War

The V1 flying bombs - also known as the 'doodlebugs' or 'buzz bombs' on account of the distinctive sound they made when in flight - were winged bombs powered by a jet engine. Launched from a ramp, or later from adapted bomber aircraft, the V1's straight and level flight meant that many were shot down before they reached their targets.