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A column of exhausted and wounded men of the Coldstream Guards and the 20th East Devonshire regiment returning from the heights of Inkerman, 5th November 1854, during the Crimean War.The Return from Inkerman by Lady Elizabeth Butler (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0002
Sgt Ewart is shown taking the French standard from the 45th French Infantry Regiment. Ewart cut down two French soldiers and the standard Bearer to keep hold of the Eagle and standard, he was ordered to take it to the rear. By being ordered to the rear, this probably saved his life and also the standard for the regiment, as the rest of the regiment continued charging forward to French artillery positions, much further than they should have gone, now with very tired horses and unable to rally, the Scots Greys were attacked by Farines Brigade of Cavalry (6th and 9th Cuirassiers.) and later by the 4th Lancers, very few managed to return to the British Lines.Sgt Ewart Capturing the Eagle of the 45th Regiment During the Battle of Waterloo by Sullivan (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0004
Depicting the charge of the Lancers against what they first thought was a small group of Dervishes, but was in fact thousands hidden in a depression in the desert. The Lancers had to ride straight through. For this bravery three Victoria crosses were won. The 21st lancers lost 5 officers and 65 men with 120 horses lost. Winston Churchill was one of the Officers who survived the charge.The Charge of the 21st Lancers at Omdurman by Richard Caton Woodville. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0005
In July 1879 during the Afghan Campaign. Ayub Khan and an army of over 35,000 warriors were marching onto Kandahar. The British force under the command of General Burrows decided to fight. With a force, no more than 3,300 strong, took up position in a tiny hamlet of Mahmudabad, within 2 hours many of the British had been slaughtered, but with nightfall the remnants of the brigade retreated. The picture shows C battery of the Royal Horse Artillery withdrawing with the enemy in hot pursuit.Maiwand : Saving the Guns by Richard Caton Woodville. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0006
Illustrates the scene at Modderfontein Farm where a squadron of the 17th lancers were pinned down by a large Boer force, and fought to the finish. All That Was Left of Them by Richard Caton Woodville. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0008
At the height of the Battle of Quatre Bras, 16th June 1815, the French Cavalry almost broke through Wellingtons positions. One Regiment of the 69th was decimated and lost its colour as it tried to form square. Another of the Black Watch received a terrible mauling by General Pires Lancers, as it formed square (depicted here) Reproduced by permission of the trustees of the Black Watch. Quatre Bras by William Barnes Wollen (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0015
By about 6pm the Zulu attacks had extended all around the front of the post, and fighting raged at hand-to-hand along the mealie-bag wall. Lieutenant Chard himself took up a position on the barricade, firing over the mealie-bags with a Martini-Henry, whilst Lieutenant Bromhead directed any spare men to plug the gaps in the line. The men in the yard and on the front wall were dangerously exposed to the fire of Zulu marksmen posted in the rocky terraces on Shiyane (Oskarsberg) hill behind the post. Several men were hit, including Acting Assistant Commissary Dalton, and Corporal Allen of the 14th. Surgeon Reynolds treated the wounded as best he could despite the fire. Once the veranda at the front of the hospital had been abandoned, the Zulus had mounted a determined attack on the building itself, setting fire to the thatched roof with spears tied with burning grass. The defenders were forced to evacuate the patients room by room, eventually passing them out through a small window into the open yard. Shortly after 6pm Chard decided that the Zulu pressure was too great, and ordered a withdrawal to a barricade of biscuit boxes which had been hastily erected across the yard, from the corner of the store-house to the front mealie-bag wall. In this small compound the garrison would fight for their lives throughout most of the coming night.Defence of Rorkes Drift, 22nd January 1879 by Alphonse de Neuville (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0022
This subject shows the Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, offering encouragement to the infantry at some stage in the battle.Battle of Waterloo by Robert Hillingford (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0030
P032. Stead the Drums and Fifes by Lady Elizabeth Butler. Stead the Drums and Fifes by Lady Elizabeth Butler. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0032
There is no retreat from here, men! said General Sir Colin Campbell (who at that moment may have said to have commanded the regiment in person) as he cantered along the front of the 93rd You must die where you stand To which some of the Highlanders replied cheerily Ay Ay, Sir Colin if needs be well do that. Nearer and nearer the Russian Squadrons approached - the ground trembling beneath their horses feet, and gathering speed at every stride, they galloped on towards that thin red streak, topped with steel the Sutherland Highlanders awaited the onslaught of the enemys horsemen in line, without a movement in their ranks. I would not even form four deep! was the reply of Sir Colin, when remonstrated with for giving the Russians such a chance. Cool as if on Birthday parade The Sutherlands stood until their foes were within 600 yards, then down on their knees they dropped the front rank, and delivered a steady volley. But the distance was too great, and, though a few saddles were emptied, the Russians pressed forward unchecked. On they rode, till scarcely 200 yards separated them from the intrepid Highlanders. When the rear rank brought their Minies to the present and over the heads of their kneeling comrades pourd a withering fire into the enemys masses.Shaken to their very centre, the Russian Squadrons fell back, but, encouraged by their gallant leaders, they determined to make one last bid for victory, and wheeling around, endeavored to turn the Highlanders right flank. here they were checkmated by the grenadier Company, which received the charge with such a volley, that the Russians went Files about and scampered off to seek the shelter of their guns. The Thin Red Line by Robert Gibb (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0065
The remnants of the Light Brigade (Hussars, Lancers, and Light Dragoons) returning from the disastrous charge during the Battle of Balaclava, 25th October 1854.Balaclava (detail) by Lady Elizabeth Butler (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0068
Showing members of the 10th Hussars during the Peninsula War. Scouts by William Barnes Wollen (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0077
On the 11th January 1879, a British Force under the command of Lord Chelmsford crossed the Buffalo River into Zululand. A small garrison was left at Rorkes Drift. The force consisted of 1600 British troops, mainly from the 1st and 2nd Battalions 24th Regiment, and 2500 native soldiers. A tented camp was established at Isandhlwana Hill. At 4am on the morning of 22nd January, Lord Chelmsford took half his force to reconnoitre to southeast in search of main Zulu army. Just after 8am a force of 25000 Zulu warriors attacked the remainder of the force in the camp. Surprised, outnumbered by more than six to one, in a position offering little defence, the defenders were soon overpowered and a dreadful slaughter ensued. A few men escaped and re-crossed the Buffalo River to safety. Victoria Crosses were awarded to Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill, who saved the Queens Colour of the 1st/24th and to Private Wassell, 90th Foot, who saved a comrade while escaping across the Buffalo River.The Battle of Isandhlwana by Charles Fripp (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0084
The Light Brigade had 195 mounted survivors, leaving 113 dead and 134 wounded with 231 unhorsed men. After the charge of the Light Brigade, the Roll is shown being carried out.All That Was Left of them - Left of Six Hundred by Richard Caton Woodville (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0085
This led the way for the British to advance towards Bloemfontain and onto Pretoria. Frederick Roberts Receives the Surrender of the Main Boer Field Army Commander, Piet Cronje at Paardeburg on 27th February 1900. by George Scott. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0125
Napoleon is shown at the Battle of Waterloo while his horse artillery are moved forward and the regiment of Cuirassiers are cheering their emperor. Napoleons Last Inspection by J P Beadle (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0158
The Duke of Wellington orders Maitland to move the infantry of the guard forward at the climax of the Battle of Waterloo during the Napoleonic war.Now Maitland Now is Your Time by Thomas Jones Barker (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0197
P206. Napoleon by Ernest Crofts. Napoleon by Ernest Crofts (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0206
Depicting General La Salle before his last charge before being killed at the Battle of Wagram.La Salle at the Battle of Wagram by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0249
Captain Montague Lind, leading a Squadron of the 1st Life Guards against the 12th regiment of Cuirassiers during the battle of waterloo, Hougoumont Farm can be seen in the distance.Charge of the Life Guards at the Battle of Waterloo by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0251
Depicting Jeromes Infantry attacking the South gate of the Chateau during the battle of Waterloo.Hougoumont by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0252
Icy rain adds its misery to the bitter conflict on Drumossie Moor. In the shadow of the Black Isle, two English ships on the waters of the Moray Firth, await the outcome of the decisive battle. Pounded by Cumberlands gunners and raked by steady musketry, the Princes brave men can make no headway. Although the Irish and French regulars refuse to give ground, the Jacobite lines gradually disintegrate. Tired, cold and hungry men flea past Culloden House for the relative safety of Inverness. On the Scottish right the Argyll Militia, supported by Hawleys Dragoons, tear down the walls of the Culwiniac and Culchunaig enclosures in an outflanking attack. Avochies men offer some resistance but Major Gillies McBean stands alone on the breach. He cuts down more than a dozen Argylls, including Lord Robert Kerr, who lies mortally wounded, but his foes are too many. The hero eventually falls to a vicious cut to the forehead, his thigh bone is also broken. Despite the cries of a mounted officer to save that brave man, the major is ruthlessly bayonetted, his back against the wall. The victory is complete and nothing more can be done. In the distance, the Young Pretender is forced to abandon the field and Scotlands hope of claiming the British Throne.(Detail from) The Battle of Culloden by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0254
The decisive battle of the War of the Roses was fought near Market Bosworth. Richard of Gloucester, the last Plantagenate King of England was to try consequences with Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond. The bloody conflict began in the traditional manner with the opposing armies drawn up in line. facing one another, except for the forces of Thomas Neville, Lord Stanley, as yeyt uncommitted to either side. King Richard, the Third of that name, is seated astride his grey charger in his fine blued harness. He is accompanied by his personal standard and the royal standard, alongside that of Lord Zouch to his right. His herald, trumpet are at his side. To his left Richards Chamberlain and Admiral, Viscount Lord Lovel, sits ready, astride his mount. To the rear we see the rest of the household and choice force of cavalry, kept out of shot to avoid unnecessary casualties amongst the expensive war horses. After the opening deadly arrow storm, boys hurriedly collect fallen arrows for Richards men to shoot back. In the front line crossbowmen return fire from behind the safety of their decorated pavaises (painted with the suns and white roses of York and the white boar, Richards badge). Close by a gentleman at arms, mortally wounded by an iron ball fired from a hand gonne is dragged from the field by his page. Sir Walter Devereux (Lord Ferrers) accompanied by his standard is encouraging his household (soldiers wearing his livery colours ) to attack. However, there is a marked reluctance on both sides to join the vicious close quarter combat of handstrokes and only in the centre is there any heavy fighting. Richard is informed by his herald that Henry and his household have been recognised and are now within charge distance. Faced with his armies reluctance to come to grips with the enemy, he decides to force battle himself by leading his own household, the Choice Force, in a desperate charge against Henry seeking to engage him in single combat. Characteristically leading from the front Richard slays many a knight, including William Brandon (Henrys standard bearer) in his vain attempt to kill his rival. At this crucial moment Lord Stanley decides to join Henrys cause, attacks the choice force and drives it from the field. In the brutal hand to hand fighting the king is unhorsed and though surrounded, fights to the end. -KingRichard alone was killed fighting manfully in the thickest press of his enemies - his courage was high and fierce and failed him not even at the death which when his men forsook him, he preferred to take by the sword, rather than by foul flight to prolong his life- (Polydore Virgil) Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0255
Robert The Bruce dispatches Sir Henry De Bohun before the Battle of Bannockburn. Far ahead of Edward IIs main army, marching from Falkirk to relieve Stirling Castle, rides the English vanguard. Late on that day, 23rd June 1314, these horsemen advance along the Roman road and cross Bannockburn. Eager for combat Gloucesters bold Barons and Knights spur on their chargers towards the gathered Scottish infantry. Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, not yet fully dressed for battle, sits astride a grey pony. He rides out ahead of his formations to observe the enemys advance. One of the English Knights, Sir Henry De Bohun, seeing the Kings vulnerable position, gallops ahead of his fellows to engage Bruce in single combat. Undaunted, the King holds his ground. Skillfully turning his mount away from the thrust of the Knights deadly lance in one movement he swings his battle axe down upon his enemys head with such force that the handle is shattered and the unfortunate attackers skull is split in two. In triumph, Bruce returns to the cheers of his countrymen who before the day is out will soon deliver a similar fate upon many other English noblemen. As the light fades the Riders retire but both armies know well that the main battle of Bannockburn has yet to begin.In Single Combat by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0257
At about 2.00pm the Union Brigade crashes through the ranks on Napoleons Ist Infantry Corps. The 2nd Royal North British Dragoons (later known as The Scots Greys) on the far left of the line, plow through Marcognets division, only Duruttes division will escape intact. With Brigade General Ponsortby at their head, elements of the now disordered Cavalry charge on to the French artillery. Even though, at close quarters, the Gunners and attached Infantry are no match for the wild Scots, they desperately try to save their 12 pounder field pieces. However the British heavy Cavalry is now out of control and Napoleons retribution will be swift. From the undulating ground before Paillotte comes the thunder of hooves and the deadly lances of 4th Regiment and the 3th Chasseurs a Cheval. In the confusion many of the British soldiers are completely unaware of the onslaught as the fresh French Cavalry sweeps through their flank. Ponsonbys mount leaps through the mud as the exhausted Brigade is herded together for the final kill. Even against all odds the brave men continue to fight. The Brigade General himself will shortly be sabred by Sergeant Urban as he attempts to capture the eagle of the 4th Lancers.Charge of the Union Brigade at the Battle of Waterloo by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0258
P269. Knightsbridge No.1 Turnout by Mark Churms. Knightsbridge No.1 Turnout by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0269
The fourth release of Ernest Crofts Waterloo series. Napoleon is seen with his generals as his faithfull Guard regiments (held in reserve) pass him on their way to the last French attack on the British lines during the last stages of the Battle of Waterloo. Painted in 1895 and was last sold at Sothebys London.Napoleons Last Grand Attack by Ernest Crofts (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0294
Supported by the Highland Chiefs with twelve hundred highlanders present. Prince Charles Edward Stuart raised his standard at Glenfinnan on the 19th August 1745. This was the start of the Forty Five which would end with the defeat of the Jacobite Army on Drumossie Moor at the battle of Culloden 16th April 1746.Raising the Standard at Glenfinnan by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0297
With the full might of Englands Army now gathered to do battle before the besieged Stirling Castle, the young Edward II Plantagenate is confident of victory over the enemy. To the west of the Bannockburn, Robert Bruce, King of Scots kneels to pray with his men and commends his soul to God. The Scottish battle lines are prepared. The Cavalry is in reserve to the rear behind the spearmen and archers (known as Flower of the forest) in tightly packed Schiltrons patiently awaiting the coming onslaught. Unknown to the English, the open marshy ground of no mans land conceals hidden pits and trenches, major obstacles for any mounted charge. Despite Cliffords and de Beaumonts premature and unsuccessful attempt to relieve the castle the day before, years of victory have taught the brave English knights to regard their Scottish foes with contempt. So, without waiting for the bowmen to effectively weaken the enemy lines the order is hurriedly given to attack! With one rush hundreds of mounted knights led by the impetuous Earl of Gloucester thunder headlong through the boggy ground straight for the impenetrable forest of spears and into defeat and death. With dash and courage the knights try to force a way through the mass of spears but the Scots stand firm. The momentum of the charge is lost and there is no room to manoeuvre. Everywhere horses and men crash to the ground, casualties amongst the English are horrific. Robert Bruce seizes the moment and orders the exultant army to advance. The Englishmen are slowly pushed back into the waters of the Bannockburn. All discipline is lost as the soldiers and horses madly scramble for the far bank of the burn. Many drown or perish in the crush to escape the deadly melee. Edward II, with his army destroyed, flees with his bodyguard for the safety of Stirling Castle but is refused refuge and has to fight his way south to England. For Robert Bruce and Scotland victory is complete. Text by Paul Scarron-Jones.(Detail from) The Battle of Bannockburn by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0298
The Storming party, 750 volunteers, included 200 men of the Guards, one hundred each from the First and Coldstream Guards. They moved off at two in the morning on the 31st August 1813, and occupied a ruined convent where they remained till half past nine. Aware of the almost impossible task ahead of them, and subjected to a violent electric thunderstorm, the troops waited in a state of savage anticipation. Wild senseless laughter was said to have preceded the attack on the breach which could not be entered except in single file under heavy fire. The troops attacked in succession, but were struck down by hundreds. General Graham then ordered the artillery to fire over the heads of the assailants, clearing the ramparts. A shell ignited a quantity of powder, and under cover of the explosions, the storming party forced its way into the town. San Sebastian was savagely sacked and burned, and the good name of Wellingtons Army suffered as it had done at Badajoz. The civilians were raped, robbed and murdered in revenge for the heavy losses suffered by the troops. The Franco-Spanish governor retired the citadel (San Marcial) and on the 9th September, after a gallant resistance of over a week, surrendered the charge he had so faithfully defended. The casualties among the officers of the first Guards were one Officer, Ensign Burrard, First battalion (a son of Sir Henry Burrard who was responsible for the disastrous Treaty of Cintra) severely wounded, since dead, and one Officer, Ensign Orlando Bridgeman, wounded. In the Coldstream Guards, one officer ensign Thomas Chaplin, According to Lord Saltoun there were in round numbers, 150 casualties amongst 200 Guardsman. Total losses of volunteers from all regiments were 1500 men. (text by Atlanta Clifford, assistant to the Curator-The Guards Museum) In the painting. you see Ensign Chaplin lying wounded, attended by an Officer of the Coldstream Guards, Orlando Bridgeman is calling Assistant Surgeon Bacot, First Foot Guards, to go to the aid of his fellow officer, Burrard.Assault on the Breach of San Sebastian by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0299
In the Spring of 1854 the Seventeenth lancers, the Death or Glory Boys, a nickname derived from the regiments dashingly sinister skull and crossbones badge received orders to make ready for the Crimea. The Seventeenth was to be brigaded with the 8th and 11th Hussars and the 4th and 13th Light dragoons to comprise what was said at the time to be The finest Brigade of Light cavalry ever to leave the shores of England. Prior to departure for the front. The seventeenth is reviewed by its Colonel in Chief, the Duke of Cambridge wearing scarlet full dress in contrast to the dark blue of the seventeenth. A bit of swagger before the Charge which would secure the regiments place in history.Last Review Before the Charge by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0300
The Queens Bays engage enemy foot and horse outside Luknow, led by Major Percy Smith. The regiment was given the order to charge and pursue. The Bays thundered into action accompanied by the second Punjab cavalry. In the action Major Percy Smith was killed along with two corporals.Charge and Pursue by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0361
After the unsuccessful march on London, Prince Charlie retreats to the safety of Scotland. The army regroups and more men come to join the cause, including soldiers from France. However King Georges men are never far away. As dark, winter rain clouds draw in over the high ground above the town of Falkirk, the Jacobite army assembles to face Hang-man Hawleys dragoons and infantry. A piper plays on while the men of Ogilvys Regiment, in the second line, load and make ready their weapons for the coming assault. Bonnie Prince Charlie (so called for his nature, not his looks) rides down the ranks followed by Lord Elcho and his Life Guards. Red coated Irish Pickets, regulars from France, are also in reserve.The Jacobite Piper by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0362
Through the early morning Autumn mist, Highlanders of the Appin Regiment abandon their plaids and rush headlong across fields of stubble into the stunned ranks of Jonny Copes army. The force sent by the Crown to destroy the rebellion and capture the Pretender is itself utterly routed in a matter of minutes. The first major engagement of the uprising is a swift and complete victory for the Princes men. Except for the garrisons of Edinburgh, Stirling, Fort William and Fort Augustus, Scotland is now under the control of the Jacobites. The Charge of the Highlanders at the Battle of Preston Pans by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0363
On the night of 6th April 1812 Wellingtons Army, surrounding the walled Spanish town of Badajoz (garrisoned by Napoleons soldiers under general Baron Philippon) is ready to attack! The men of the 45th regiment from Pictons 3rd Division launch themselves in a desperate and bloody assault against the north castle wall. Carrying improvised ladders, the men have their top buttons undone, overalls rolled up and are stripped for action. The castles defenders (Germans, allied to Napoleon of the Graf und Erbprinz Regiment from Hesse-Darmstadt) partroling the walls in their greatcoats are intially surprised by the bold assault from this sector but they have been preparing the strong defenses for some time. Soon the night air is full of musketry, falling masonry, burning bundles of ropes and exploding grenades or mines. Despite the horrific casualties suffered the attackers press home. As the first scaling ladders are raised near a small bell tower the young Lt. James Macpherson reaches for the top of the wall. The ladders are too short! Undaunted he cries to his men below to lift the base of the ladder closer to the wall. This rapid, vertical movement suddenly propels him to a height several feet above the Germans heads. A shot rings out as one of the defenders fires point blank into the young mans chest. Fortunately the lead ball only strikes a glancing blow, cleaving in two a button of the officers waist coat and dislocating one of his ribs. Despite his fortunate escape, the force of the impact nearly sends him tumbling from the ladder. Somehow he maintains his grasp but the ladder itself gives way under the weight of the men following. Some unfortunates are impaled on the bayonets of their comrades below. Leaping from the rungs of another ladder, Corporal Kelly is the first man over the top and gradually the 45th gain a foothold on the ramparts. The rest of the regiment is ordered to unfix bayonets. Using the few remaining ladders, others also manage to scale the walls. Through the carnage they climb, club and shoot their way into the castle itself! Maepherson now regains consciousness at the foot of the wall and revived with a cup of coco from his friend A.A. General Hercules Packenham, who was directly behind him on the ladder when it broke. Though winded by the shot he rises to his feet. This sudden movement relocates his rib and he is able to climb the ladders once more. Once over the defense he sees the old towers of Apendez and Albar-rana to his left and the cathedral illuminated by gun fire in the distance. However his objective is directly ahead. Atop the abandoned tower of Santa Maria before him still flies the French tricolour. Macplierson seizes the opportunity, mounts the spiral stairway to the top turret and pulls down the enemy flag. For want of a substitute he flies his own red jacket from the pole, signifying that the castle has fallen. In the rest of the town the fighting continues and turns into a blood lust. Badajoz is one of the bloodiest and violent sieges of the Peninsula War. On the following day Maepherson presents his trophy to the Duke of Wellington himself but his bravery is not rewarded with a promotion.Badajoz by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0367
The Duke of Wellington at the head of the 1st Foot Guards including the Colour Party, Hyde Park, 1829, as they pass King George IV with his staff and the Duke of Orleans while the band of the 2nd Life Guards perform. On the right of the picture is shown a Colonel of the 15th Hussars. Behind the figures can be seen Aspley House, the residence of the Duke of Wellington.March Past of the Grenadier Guards by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0368
Lt. John Rouse Merriot Chard, Royal Engineers.At about 3.30 on the afternoon of 22nd January 1879, Lieutenant John Rouse Merriot Chard, Royal Engineers, was supervising repairs on the military pont on the Mzinyathi river, at the border crossing at Rorkes Drift, when survivors brought news that the advanced British camp at Isandhlwana had been over-run by the Zulus, and that a wing of the Zulu army was on its way to attack Rorkes Drift. Chard ordered Driver Robson to pack up the wagon and return to the mission station, where a stockpile of supplies was under the guard of B Company, 2/24th Regiment. Chard, in consultation with his fellow officers, made the historic decision to make a stand at Rorkes Drift.Eve of Distinction by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0370
Corporal Allen and Corporal Lyons, B. Company 2nd Battalion 24th Foot Rorkes Drift Back Wall, 6pm January 22nd 1879. After the initial Zulu assault on the back wall of the post failed at about 4.30pm, a fire-fight broke out between Zulu snipers posted on the terraces of the Shiyane (Oskarsberg) Hill and the defenders posted behind the barricade of wagons and mealie-bags. This section of the wall as commanded by Sergeant Henry Gallagher, of B Company. At about 6 pm, Corporal Lyons was leaning over the barricade to aim when he was hit in the neck by a bullet which paralysed him; as his friend, Corporal Allen, bent to help him, Allen too was shot through the arm. In the foreground Corporal Attwood of the Army Service Corps distributes ammunition. The wall was abandoned shortly after and the British retired to the small are in front of the storehouse. Allen was later awarded the VC, and Attwood the DCM. He was born at Churcham, Gloucestershire, and served for five years in the Monmouthshire Militia before joining the 24th Regiment. He served through the Kaffir War 1877-8 before his bravery at Rorkes Drift for which he was presented with the Victoria Cross by Lord Wolseley on August 3rd 1879. He later served in the 1st Volunteers Battalion Royal Fusiliers.Wounded by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0371
Depicting Private Hook and Private Williams, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot inside the burning hospital at Rorkes Drift, 7pm January 1879. At about 6 pm the Zulus first forced their way into the hospital building where some thirty patients were defended by a handful of able-bodied men. A running fight ensued as the patients were evacuated from room to room, a desperate struggle made all the more terrible when the Zulus set fire to the thatched roof. Here Private Alfred Henry Hook holds Zulus of the uThulwana regiment at bay whilst Private John Williams helps a patient escape; Hook received a head wound when a spear struck off his helmet.Pinned Like Rats in a Hole by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0372
Acting Assistant Commissary J.L. Dalton commissariat and transport department and colour sergeant F. Bourne, during the battle at the front wall about 6pm at Rorkes Drift. Frank Bourne was born on the 27th April 1854 in Balcombe Sussex, when Bourne was 18 he joined the 24th Regiment in 1872, being promoted to Corporal in 1875 and Sergeant in 1878. Sergeant Bourne was promoted to Colour Sergeant soon after the rgeiment arrived in Natal. Colour Sgt bourne was part of B company whose job was to guard the hospital at Rorkes Drift. Colour Sgt Bourne played a major role in keeping the defending troops effective. Colour Sgt Bourne was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his role in the defence, and it is surprising that he was not awarded a Victoria Cross as 11 were awarded for the defence. Col Sgt Bourne retired form the army in 1907, but joined again for WW1, serving in Dublin. He was the last survivor of Rorkes Drift, passing away at the age of 91 on the 8th May 1945 by coincidence being VE day.Pot That Fellow by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0373
Baron de Donops Brigade at the Battle of Waterloo, 5.30pm, 18th June 1815. After four hours of fighting, the squadrons of Napoleons 3rd Cavalry Corps finally join the massed assaults on the battered allied infantry squares. With the 42 year old marechal de camp Frederic-Guillaume de Donop at their head, the 2nd and 3rd Cuirassier Regiments break from a trot into a canter as they clear the ridge. The heavy cavalry are smashed against the steadfast bayonets of the redcoats and countercharged by light horsemen. In one of these encounters the general himself is terribly wounded and falls from his horse. His son (aide-de-camp) is also injured. Both are reported missing and presumed captured. Although the generals body is not found,it is certain that he met his death in the muddy fields of Waterloo alongside many of his brigade. In 1895 his name is inscribed on the north face of LArc de Triomphe in Paris in recognition of his service to France.La Charge by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0454
Edward Plantagenet, Prince of Wales turns his charger once more to engage his opponent in a joust of courtesy using blunt lances.The Joust of Peace by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0462
Crocketts Last Sunrise, at the Battle of the Alamo by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0467
Heroically standing their ground against the French Artillery the 27th were described after the battle as lying dead in a square. The 27th Foot (Inniskilling) at Waterloo by Brian Palmer (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0507
Depicting the last stand of the 300 Spartans who fought to the death against an overwhelming Persian Army. The Battle of Thermopylae by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0512
Hannibal had invaded Italy by taking his army including war elephants across the mountains and into northern Italy. He defeated the Romans in three major battles including Cannae, but he did not take Rome when he had the chance. Once Rome had strengthened its forces, the Romans invaded Carthage. The second Punic War between Rome and Carthage was brought to a conclusion on the plains of Zama (modern Tunisia) with the Romans inflicting a crushing defeat on the army of Hannibal.Battle of Zama by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0513
Lt Gonville Bromhead stands over Private Hitch, B Co. 2/24th. Rorkes Drift, front barricadePlugging the Gap by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0560
Crouching low behind their shields, the warriors of the uThulwans, iNdlondo and uDloko regiments advance around the foot of Shiyane hill. Led by their commander, Prince Dabulamnzi kaMpnade, the main Zulu force attacks the British outpost at Rorkes Drift, 4.50pm, 2nd January 1879.Into the Fire by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0561
Private Robert Jones. Decorated for conspicuous bravery and devotion to the wounded at Rorkes drift. Private Robert and William Jones, posted in a room of the Hospital facing the hill, kept up a steady fire against enormous odds, and while one worked to cut a hole through the partition into the next room, the other shot Zulu after Zulu through the loophooled walls, using his own and his comrades rifle alternatively when the barrels became to hot to hold owing to the incessant firing. By their united heroic efforts six out of the seven patients were saved by being carried through the broken partition. the seventh, sergeant Maxwell being delirious, refused to be helped, and on Robert Jones returning to take him by force he found him being stabbed by the Zulus in his bed, Robert Jones died in 1898 in Peterchurch Herefordshire . Both men were awarded the Victoria Cross.Last Man Out by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0564
Sir John Moores epic retreat to Corunna was punctuated by desperate and often heroic rear-guard actions - none more dramatic than the cavalry clash at Benevente on the 29th December 1808. Having crossed the river Esla, cold and swollen by recent rainfall, a British picquet, comprised of elements of the Kings German Legion Hussars and the 7th, 10th and 18th Hussars, covers the river and its tactically demolished Castro Gonzalos bridge from a position near the town of Benevente. Napoleon himself leads the pursuit. The Emperors elite Guard Light Cavalry, commanded by General Lefebvre-Desnouettes, is ordered at daylight to ford the river and launch a surprise attack on what appears to be the numerically inferior British units. As five-hundred and fifty French cavalry emerge in orderly fashion from the river, intent upon quickly dispatching the opposition, they are startled to find the British piquet, reinforced by a host of British cavalry, streaming from within the confines of Benevente, some on their left flank. Under the command of Lord Paget, the British become the pursuers of the surprised French, who turn and retreat with the frigid waters of the Esla blocking their escape. Unlike their crossing in echelon just minutes before, the French now in disorder plunge into the river, where many drown. Others are captured including General Lefebvre-Desnouettes who is made prisoner by Grisdale of the 10th Hussars following a dramatic pursuit. General Lefebvre-Desnouettes will eventually escape from captivity in England, to encounter Lord Paget once again on the field of Waterloo. Detail from Sabres on the Esla by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0565
German forces encircled in the fortress town of Konigsberg by 3rd Ukranian front prepare to break through the besieging Soviet lines to re-establish a supply line to the Baltic. Here some Stug III assault guns move up to their assembly area next to the towns World War One memorial. From here the attack was launched on February 18th 1945 and successfully opened a supply corridor which remained in place until 8th April.Counter Attack at Konigsberg by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0578
Oberfeldwebel Albert Kerscher, commander of 2nd company 511 Heavy Tank Battalion aided by a Panzer IV, two Hetzers, a Kingtiger and a Pak gun, successfully defended against concerted Soviet air and armoured attacks, his action buying valuable time for the evacuation of German wounded from Pilau and scoring his 100th victory in the process. Kerschers Defence of Neuhauser Forest by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0584
El Alamein, October 28th 1943, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel discusses the critical battle situation with the Commanding Officer of the 21st Panzer Division, in front of his Kampfstaffel. This personal mobile headquarters comprised a variety of vehicles including a radio Panzer III, SDKfz 232 radio armoured car, Rommels famous SDKfz 250/3 communications half-track GREIF and captured British Honey light tanks.The Desert Fox by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0585
British MK1 Grant tanks of the Staffordshire Yeomanry 8th Armoured Brigade, 10th Armoured Division, breakout from El Alamein.Operation Supercharge, 4th November 1941 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0586
Hauptsturm fuhrer Fritz Klingenberg, and the men of 2nd SS Divisions Motorcycle Reconnaissance battalion stop at the swollen banks of the River Danube. The following day he and six men, a broken down radio, and totally unsupported were to capture the Yugoslavian capital of Belgrade. The Magician, Balkans, 11th April 1941 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0587
A joint arms search by members of 3rd Battalion Ulster Defence Regiment and officers of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Search on the Quoile, 1985 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0588
Arthur Wellesley is shown in his uniform of Lt. General (with the most honourable Order of the Bath) at the time of the Battle of Vimiero 21st August 1808. Portrait of Wellington by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0663
Camerons and Stuarts attack the centre and flank of Barrells Regiment (4th Foot) at the Battle of Culloden. Broadsword Charge on Brown Bess by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0668
The Jacobite army led by Lord George Murray having fired their first devastating volley, cast down their muskets and pistols to engage Cobhams Dragoons in fierce close quarter combat. Battle of Falkirk by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0690
A Viking raiding party comes ashore from their Viking longboat on the western coast of England, 890 A.D.Sons of Odin by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0696
Cavalry and Legionaries (plus Auxiliary Hamian Archer) of the XIVth Legion. AD61 by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0697
The American Civil War saw not only the split between north and south but also even between family members.Brother Against Brother by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0701
Alfred was born in 849 at Wantage, Oxfordshire He was the youngest son of King Ethelwulf of Wessex, he became King of the Anglo Saxon Kingdom of Wessex from 871 to 899. Alfred is known for his great defence of the Kingdoms of southern England against the Vikings. Eventually in 871 he made peace with the Vikings who agreed to a withdrawal out of his kingdom. It is likely a large payment of gold was made. Alfred was awarded the epithet The Great, and was the only king to be awarded this title. Alfred the Great was a learned man and improved the education and legal and military systems and structure. Alfred died on the 26th October 899Alfred The Great by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0707
DHM0708PC. Men of the British Navy During the Battle of Lake Erie 1813 by Chris Collingwood. Men of the British Navy During the Battle of Lake Erie 1813 by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0708
DHM0709PC. Men of the United States Navy During the Battle of Lake Erie 1813 by Chris Collingwood. Men of the United States Navy During the Battle of Lake Erie 1813 by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0709
With Fixed Bayonets soldiers of 2nd battalion Scots Guards clear enemy positions of 5th Argentine Marine Battalion on the slopes of TumbledownBattle for Tumbledown by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0750
Sgt. Ian John McKay VC calls for covering fire as he leads forward elements of 4 and 5 platoon of B Company 3 Para, to assault Argentinean positions held by 7th Infantry regiment, Falklands War 11th -12th June 1982.Battle for Mount Longdon by Mark Churms (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0752
Panzer IIs and IIIs of the African Korps, 15th Panzer Division drive towards Arcoma during the epic battles for the Gazala line.Battle for Gazala by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0774
British Vickers MKV1B Light tanks of the 3rd Hussars, 7th Armoured Division celebrate their part in the momentous victory over Italian forces in North Africa, February 1941. Victory at Beda Fomm by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0783
P784. Deployment from Palace Barracks by David Pentland. Deployment from Palace Barracks by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0784
On 27th November 1950, thousands of Chinese troops swarmed over the frozen Yalu river on the North Korean /Chinese border, cutting off US Marines in the Chosin Reservoir area. Over the next ten days the marines with air support from both the Navy and Marine Air Wings fought their way out of the trap to Hungnam and safety.Frozen Chosin, Korea, December 1950 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0785
Panzer IVF2 tanks of 6th Panzer Division, Panzer Armee Hoth, attempt to fight their way through to the beleaguered Sixth Army at Stalingrad, 12th December 1942. On the 21st the operation was abandoned when the expected breakout from Stalingrad failed to materialise, the relief column was only 25 miles from the city.Operation Winter Tempest by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0786
Captain R. Blair Paddy Mayne, and men of L detachment SAS, stop to discuss their location en route to Sidi Haneish airfield. The raid was a major victory, especially for the newly acquired jeeps, which played an important part in the destruction of some 40 enemy aircraft for the loss of one man.Paddys Troopers, The Sidi Haneish Road, 17th July 1942 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0788
Replacements from 1st Battalion Irish Guards and Sherman tanks of the 46th Royal Tank Regiment move through the debris of Anzio town towards their jump-off positions for the Battle of Campoleone Station.Anzio, Italy, February 1944 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0791
Ernst Barkmanns (Das Reich, 2nd SS Panzer Division) famous day long solo engagement against an American Armoured breakthrough towards St. Lo, Normandy, 26th July 1944.Barkmanns Corner by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0792
King Tigers of Kampfgruppe von Rosen, 3rd Company Heavy Tank Battalion 503, preparing to move out from the Tisza bridgehead to counter Soviet pressure on German forces attacking to the northwest at Debrecen during the first battles to defend the Hungarian capital of Budapest.Tigers in the Mist by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0794
Panzer v Ausf. D Panthers of SS Panther Division Das Reich make their debut during the initial stages of the German summer offensive for Kursk. This unit with others of the SS Panzer Korps made the deepest advances into the well-prepared Soviet lines. Complete success however, was to elude them when outrunning their supporting divisions at Prokhorovka they were forced to halt for six days.Operation Zitadelle by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0797
British Crusader MK1 tanks of the 4th County of London Yeomanry Regiment, 22nd Armoured Brigade, charge Axis positions during the opening days of the offensive Bir El Gubi. Operation Crusader, 18th November 1941 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0798
Depicting Legio II Augusta, 1st Century AD, (showing a Legionary, Centurian and a Conucen Trumpeter) SPQR (For the People of Rome) by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0823
Officer and sergeant of the 17th Light Dragoons in charge of Indian Irregular Cavalry. Forward the Guns by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0824
P825. Centurian by Chris Collingwood. Centurian by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0825
M19 self-propelled antiaircraft guns guns of the 82nd Battalion give cover to the M46 Patton tanks and men of the US Armys 2nd Division during their hazardous retreat south from the Yalu River, following the surprise Chinese winter offensive.Retreat from the Yalu by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0838
Churchill MkIV tank of the 6th Guards Tank Brigade (comprised of 4th Battalion Grenadier Guards, 4th Battalion Coldstream Guards and 3rd Battalion Scots Guards), pass infantry of the 2nd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders during the Battle for Caumont.Operation Bluecoat, Normandy, 30th July 1944 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0839
88mm AA guns of the 23rd Flak Regiment, used as anti-tank guns by orders of Rommel himself, are shown firing on British Matilda tanks of 4th/7th Royal Tank Regiment.Action at Arras, France, 21st May 1940 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0840
The men of the US 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment ambushed the German 1st Battalion, 6th Fallschrimjager Regiment making their way to Carentan, the Battle of Hells Corner ensued. Hells Corner, 7th June 1944 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0842
OT34 Flamethrower tank and men of Col. Krickmans 6th Guards Tank Brigade take part in the Soviet counter attacks of 13th-27th September in defence of the southern factory district of Stalingrad before the final offensive in October.Motherland, the Battle of Stalingrad, September 1942 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0843
Polish 7TP (Twin Turret) light tank of Captain F. Michalowskis training company breaks out from the street barricade to counter attack German reconnaissance elements.Warsaw, September 1939 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0844
T-34 85 tanks of the Polish Peoples Army Heroes of the Westerplatte 1st Armoured Brigade during the battle to break through the tough German defences of East Prussia.Breaking of the Pomperanian Wall by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0845
Oberssturmbannfuhrer Jochim Peiper, commander of the armoured spearhead of 1st SS Panzer Division, in conference with some of the officers of other units under his command. Aside form men and tanks of his own division, these included King tigers of the 501st heavy tank battalion and paratroops of 1st battalion, 9th Fallschrimjager regiment.Kampfgruppe Peiper by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0846
A handful of Tigers from 2nd Kompanie SS Schwere Panzer Abteilung 101 halted the advance of the British 7th Armoured Division, The Desert Rats, outside the little Norman village of Villers Bocage. Prowling through the streets of the village, the solitary tank of Hauptsturmfuhrer Michael Wittmann knocked out most of the 4th County of London Yeomanrys regimental HQ Stuart and Cromwell tanks, before falling victim to a 6pdr anti-tank gun. Wittmann survived the battle but was killed a month later on August 8th 1944.Counter Attack at Villers Bocage by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0860
M3 Lee tanks and troops from General Slims 14th Army clear Japanese resistance form the village of Ywathitgyi in their drive to Mandalay. Road to Mandalay, Burma, February 1945 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0862
Members of Pagoda troop 22 SAS, prepare to assault the front of the Iranian Embassy in Princess Gate, London. The action brought the 5 day siege of the Embassy by terrorists to an end and saved all but one of the remaining hostages. Operation Nimrod, 5th May 1980 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0863
D squadron 22 SAS, made their way to the Argentinian landing strip where they proceeded to destroy 11 enemy aircraft with demolition charges, 66mm rockets and small arms. The destruction of these enemy aircraft, among them Paccaras, most certainly saved many lives among the Task Force and proved a valuable morale booster at the same time. Raid on Pebble Island, Falkland Islands, 1982 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0864
Scouts of the 13th Light Dragoons keep watch on the advancing French Army.The Vedette of the 13th Light Dragoons by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0898
Lord Uxbridge commits the Light Dragoons against the French Cuirassiers and Chasseurs, who are driven over the ridge and down the slope. This action happened many times during the battle. Counter Charge of the 12th and 13th Light Dragoons by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0899
In 1306 Robert the Bruce was crowned King of the Scots. In 1309 Bruce controlled most of Scotland north of the Firth and Clyde. Over the next few years Bruce conquered the English Garrisons of Perth, Dundee, Roxburgh, Dumfries and St. Andrews, leaving only Stirling in English hands. On 24th June 1314 Robert the Bruce defeated the English army at Bannockburn. The war dragged on until the peace treaty was signed in 1328, recognising Robert the Bruce as King Robert I of Scotland, and Scotland an independent Kingdom. He died the following year. Robert the Bruce by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0900
Men of the 24th Foot defend Rorkes Drift against an overwhelming number of Zulus near the barricades, and the hand to hand fighting. Surgeon Reynolds can be seen attending a wounded soldier. Defence of Rorkes Drift by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0926
Last stand of General Custer at the Battle of Little Big Horn. General George Armstrong Custer and the 7th cavalrys last stand at the battle of Little Big Horn. Battle of the Little Big Horn (General Custer) by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0929
Although in the process of regrouping after their escape from the Cherkassy Pocket, Panthers and Panzer Grenadiers of the crack 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking are part of the relief force hastily assembled and thrown in to free the strategically important city of Kowel in the Pripet Marshes. By April 10th the Soviet encirclement of the city was broken and Wiking were pulled out of the line to continue refitting.Fight for Kowel, Poland, March/April 1944 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0954
Syrian commandos and Republican Guard T72M tanks in the Bekkaa valley during the Israeli Peace for Galilee operation. It should be noted that although belonging to an elite unit, these tanks usually appeared minus a number of standard items, including side skirts, snorkel and even headlights, giving them a generally dilapidated appearance. They also employed the old Duska 12.7mm HMG rather than the new NSVT UTES anti-aircraft machine gun system. 40 Kilometres to Damascus by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0955
US Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd RCT, 2nd Marine Division, supported by LVTs and tanks, take part in the successful but bloody assault on Betio Island, part of the Tarawa Atoll. Operation Galvanic as it was known became the first step on the island road to Japan itself.Red Beach Two, Tarawa Atoll, 20th November 1943 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0956
German Armoured Reconnaissance troops led by SS Captain Viktor Graebner, of the 9th SS Panzer Division, are decimated and repulsed by the men of Colonel Frosts 2PARA, as they attempt to retake the bridge by a coup-de-main.Graebners Attack, Arnhem Bridge, 18th September 1944 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0957
After almost two months of continuous fighting in the front line, remnants of the 12th SS Panzer Division, Hitler Jugend, fall back under incessant air attacks by allied fighter bombers for their final battles in France. In their defense of the northern flank of what is to become the Falaise Gap the new Jagdpanzer IV in particular is to prove a formidable foe to the attacking British and Canadian tanks.The Falaise Gap, Normandy, 12th - 20th August 1944 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0958
The painting shows Lieutenant T. Melville along with Lieutenant N J A Coghill attempting to Save the Queen's Colours of the 1/24th and fight their way out of the Battle of Isandhlwana. Lieutenant Melville was the adjutant of the 1st Battalion, the 24th Foot. Melville collected the Queen's Colours from the guard tent towards the end of the battle and rode out of camp heading for the Tugela River. Melville arrived at the river, and due to the heavy rains the Tugela was in flood. Melville rode into the river but about half way across came off his horse, still clutching the colours. Lieutenant Coghill, also of the 24th Foot, crossed the river soon after and went to Melville's assistance. The Zulus were on the bank and opened a heavy fire on them. Lt Coghill's horse was killed and the colour swept away. Both officers struggled to the Natal bank where it seems it is llikely that both men were killed by Natal natives. The colours would later be recovered from the Tugela River. Both officers would be later awarded the Victoria Cross. The losses during the battle were 52 British officers and 806 non-commissioned ranks were killed and 471 Africans died fighting for the British. Zulu warrior dead were around 2,000 dead either on the field or from wounds. There were only around 60 Europeans survived the battle. Saving the Queens Colours by Alphonse de Neuville (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0970
Scouts find the bodies of Melville and Coghill with the colours nearby. In fact, the Colours were lost in the river and were found later, both men were posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. Lieutenant Melville was the adjutant of the 1st Battalion, the 24th Foot. Melville collected the Queen's Colours from the guard tent towards the end of the battle and rode out of camp heading for the Tugela River. Melville arrived at the river, and due to the heavy rains the Tugela was in flood. Melville rode into the river but about half way across came off his horse, still clutching the colours. Lieutenant Coghill, also of the 24th Foot, crossed the river soon after and went to Melville's assistance. The Zulus were on the bank and opened a heavy fire on them. Lt Coghill's horse was killed and the colour swept away. Both officers struggled to the Natal bank where it seems it is llikely that both men were killed by Natal natives.The Last Sleep of the Brave by Alphonse de Neuville (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0971
The term Panzergrenadier was applied equally to both the infantry section of the German Panzer Divisons and was also used for the new Panzergrenadier Divisions. The German army Panzergrenadier Divisions initially came from existing infantry divisions but were the first Divisons to be motorised. These included the 3rd, 10th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 25th, and 29th divisions. During the war special elite regiments such as the Grosdeutchland Division were created. The Waffen SS also produced a number of panzergrenadier regiments. Many army and Waffen SS regiments were upgraded to Panzer divisions during the later stages of the war. The Panzergrenadier division usually consisted of six battalions of truck-mounted infantry organized into either two or three regiments, also a battalion of tanks and artillery were included along with sections of anti-tank, anti-aircraft and combat engineers. Panzer grenadier divisions were often equipped with assault guns - <i>Stugs</i>. Panzergrenadier divisions had one tank battalion less than a Panzer division but strengthened with two more infantry battalions. Of 226 panzergrenadier battalions in the whole of the German Army, Waffen SS (and some in the Luftwaffe ) in September 1943, only 26 were equipped with armoured half tracks, the remaining Panzergrenadier divisions were equipped with trucks.SS Panzer Grenadiers by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0972
Richard Duke of Gloucester (later Richard III), after the Battle of Tewkesbury, 4th May 1471. Banners are of Richard Duke of Gloucesters White Boar and Sir John Stafford Of Mordaunts (created Earl of Wiltshire by Edward IV) coat of arms. Richard III by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0975
Described as the Deathknell of the Confederacy - Sharpsburg (Antietam to the North) was a savage bloodletting for both sides. It was said to be the bloodiest day of the American Civil War. In the painting, below the Dunkard church confederate General John Bell Hoods Texas Division - or what was left of it- stand in line of battle. In the distance Union Major General John Sedgwicks division can be seen advancing on the rebel lines. During the ghastly four hour struggle the Confederates managed to hold and then repel the bloodied remnants of Sedgwicks division back to the east woods and at about 10.30am, the carnage around the Dunkard church had ended. Eventually though, the Confederate forces were in retreat, loosing Sharpsburg to the Union but prepared to fight on for two and a half more years, bloodied but unbeaten.Bloodied But Unbeaten (The Battle for the Dunkard Church During the Battle of Sharpsburg, September. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0978
Men of the US 381st Infantry Regiment, 96th Division supported by the tanks of 763rd and 713th Flamethrower Tank Battalions, during the assault on Yaeju Dake. This escarpment, known as Big Apple was the last in a series of tough Japanese defence lines on the south of the Island.Taking of Big Apple, Okinawa, 10th - 14th June 1945 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0995
Having made contact the previous evening with troops of 4th Infantry Division pushing inland from Utah Beach, paratroopers of the 101st Airborne division The Screaming Eagles help mop up the pockets of German resistance in their general advance towards Carentan.Screaming Eagles in Normandy, 7th June 1944 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0996
Rome AD52, Gladiatorial Combat under the eyes of the Emperor Claudius (actual name, Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero) a great supporter of the games. Seen are the Net and Trident fighter Retiarius matched with a more heavily armed Mirmillone, whilst in the background a successful Secutor seeks permission for the killing stroke. Morituri Te Saluttant (For Those About to Die Salute You) by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1015
Richard the Lionhearts tactical skills and military training played a substantial role in the capture of Acre in 1191 by the Crusaders. But Richard the Lionheart was ruthless and after the capture of the city he marched 2,700 Muslim soldiers onto the road of Nazareth and in front of the Muslim army positions, had them executed one by one. But Richard the Lionheart was up against a great leader in Saladin and the crusades did not always go his way. After he negotiated the Treaty of Jaffa with Saladin and secured the granting of special rights of travel around Palestine and in Jerusalem for Christian pilgrims, Richard the Lionheart started his journey back to England in 1192. He was shipwrecked, and captured by the German Emperor Henry VI, only being released after a 150,000 mark ransom was paid. This money was raised by taxes in England.Richard I (The Lion Heart) During the 3rd Crusade by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1016
The battle for Prokhorovka marked the high water mark of the German southern drive for Kursk. At the apex of the thrust were the 14 tiger tanks of the 13 Heavy Tank Company, 1st SS Panzer Division Liebstandarte, led by Michael Wittman. Their advance was eventually thwarted, however, by the epic charge of the Soviet 29th Guards Tank Corps, as part of 5th Guards Tank Armys furious counter attack against the SS Tank Corps.Clash of Steel, Prokhorovka, Kursk, 12th July 1943 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1022
Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel, commander of Army Group B, consults with his former subordinate from North Africa, now divisional commander of the elite Panzer Lehr, General Fritz Bayerlein and the Colonel Rudolf Gerhardt of Panzer Regiment Lehr, over the imminent transfer of the division to confront the Americans at St. Lo.Rommel in Normandy, France, 2nd July 1944 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1025
While probing forward near Cagny on the initial day of the Goodwood offensive, Lt John Gorman, a troop commander of 2nd Armoured Battalion, Irish Guards, suddenly found himself confronted by a Tiger II and three Tiger Is of the elite 503rd Heavy Tank Battalion. Supported by only one other Sherman, and aware that their 75mm guns would be ineffective against such monsters, he gave the order to his driver to ram the King tiger. Gormans tank Ballyragget succeeded in colliding with its target before the Tigers 88mm gun could be brought to bear on his Sherman, and with both tanks immobilised the crews quickly abandoned their tanks. Lt. Gorman, however, was not finished and making his way off the field, he returned shortly afterwards with a Sherman Firefly, to finish off the stricken Tiger II and one of the Tiger Is. For this action he was awarded the Military Cross, and his driver L/Cpl Baron the Military Medal. Prepare to Ram, Operation Goodwood, Normandy, 18th July 1944 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1026
Jagdpanthers of 654 heavy Tank Battalion engage 6th Guards Tank Brigade Churchills.Debut at Caumont, 30th July 1944 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1027
On the night of 27th May, a four man patrol from G Squadron boat troop were tasked to patrol to the summit of Mount Kent to see if it was clear. (Mount Kent was an important strategic height as it looked across to Mount Longdon, Two Sisters and Goat Ridge) A Battalion of 12th regiment Argentinean Infantry were expected to be engaged by the patrol but found the Argentineans had been airlifted the previous night to reinforce the garrison at Goose Green for the subsequent 2 Para attack. From the summit of Mount Kent, the unit could see hundreds of Argentinean soldiers with Artillery and helicopters. The relief and tension of this mission shows on their faces as they descend down to their hide position after their all night patrol. The patrol commander, a Sergeant Major and veteran of many conflicts including the Oman War, won a mention in dispatches in this conflict.Is the Mountain Clear. G Squadron 22 SAS, Mount Kent, Falklands War 1982 by Graeme Lothian (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1035
The French Knights attack Henry Vs English infantry lines and are repelled during the Battle of Agincourt, a victory for Henry V. The Battle of Agincourt by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1046
Tiger I tanks of 2 Kompanie/ Schwere Panzer Abteilung 504, attached to Panzer Division Herman Goring, launch their attack on the main US 7th Army landing beach at Gela, on the first day of Operation Husky. Despite the fact that the Herman Goring troops were untried in battle it was only the devastating effect of allied naval gunfire that stopped them reaching and probably destroying the beach head.Strike For Gela, Sicily, 11th June 1943 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1048
P1051. Assault on the Iranian Embassy by the Pagoda Troop 22 SAS by Graeme Lothian. Assault on the Iranian Embassy by the Pagoda Troop 22 SAS by Graeme Lothian. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1051
In 1401 Owain Glyndwr began a campaign for Welsh independence. He was crowned Prince of Wales at Carrog on the banks of the Dee and set up a parliament at Machynlleth. In 1402 Edmund Mortimer, Lord of Wigmore, who had been sent by Henry IV to put down the revolt, met the Welsh at Pilleth on Bryn Glas Hill. Owains army totally destroyed the English forces and captured Mortimer, who threw in his lot with Owain, eventually marrying his daughter. The Welsh revolt continued for several years under Owain and although it was finally suppressed, Owain evaded capture, disappearing into the mists of history and welsh legend. The Revolt of Owain Glyndwr. The Battle of Pilleth 22 June 1402 by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1054
The Jacobite charge which broke through the ranks of Barrells regiment is counter charged by four British regiments including the 48th Legoniers regiment. Battle of Culloden by Brian Palmer (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1056
Background battle detail shows 15th Hussars in summer campaign dress. Lt General Lord Wellington at Salamanca, 22nd July 1812 by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1080
Superb figure study of the 82nd Airborne in 1944. 82nd Airborne by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1081
P1083. The Iron Brigade, 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Brawners Farm August 1862 by Chris Collingwood. The Iron Brigade, 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Brawners Farm August 1862 by Chris Collingwood (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1083
On July 1st 1862 in Henrico County Virginia, the battle of Malvern Hill, also known as the Battle of Poindexters Farm, took place, The battle of Malvern Hill was last of six battles fought in seven days wich are known as the Seven Day battles of the Peninsula Campaign. Gen.Robert E Lee launched a series of assaults on the nearly impregnable Union troop position on Malvern Hill. The Confederate forces suffered more than 5,300 casualties without any success. Although the Union forces had won, Major George B McClellan withdrew from his strong position to entrench his army at Harrison Landing on the James River where the Union troops would be protected from the sea by Union Gunboats.Union Artillery at the Battle of Malvern Hill., July 1862 by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1084
During the morning of June 7th the 82nd Airborne were attacked by a mixed German battle group. Supported by 4th Division armour the Paratroopers and Glider troops repelled the attack which lasted most of the day. Fighting for a Foothold, 82nd Airborne at St Mere Eglise, 1944 by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1085
After a major victory at Salamanca (22 July 1812) Wellington occupied Madrid and then advanced to capture Burgos - unfortunately with insufficient siege equipment he was compelled to retire and forced to experience a harrowing retreat, it was, he said The worst scrape. However, when the campaigning season ended, Spain, south of the Tagus, was free of the French. The Worst Scrape - Retreat from Burgos October/November 1812 by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1099
From their position in a knocked out Soviet T28 tank, the Finnish troops keep up the pressure on the encircled enemy units. Frozen Hell, Suomussalmi, Finland 1940 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1101
In this, the first true parachute operation of World war two, German paratroops of 1st battalion Fallschirmjager Regiment 1, proved themselves an invaluable component of Blitzkrieg. First in the initial stages of the campaign by seizing airfields and bridges in Norway and Denmark, and subsequently by supporting army ground forces engaged at Narvik. The Battle for Norway by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1102
Centurion Mk 5/1 of C squadron 1st Armoured Regiment, Royal Australian Armoured Corps, scrub bashing during Operation Overlord. This proved to be one of the most successful of tank/ infantry co-operations when the tanks of C Squadron gave decisive fire support to infantry of 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and APCs of 3rd Cavalry Regiment against a strongly entrenched NVA battalion north of the province. Diggers in Nam, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, 5th - 7th June 1971 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1103
In the predawn light the last Pz.Kpfw. VI Tiger II (Kingtigers) of 2nd Company 506th Heavy Tank Battalion, drive south across the Arnhem bridge to prepare for the upcoming counter-attack to retake Elst and the Nymegen road bridge.Finale at Arnhem, Holand, 24th September 1944 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1104
On the 30th April, Untersharfuhrer Georg Diers and his crew of tank 314, were ordered to take up a defensive position at the Reichstag buildings. This was one of only two remaining King Tigers belonging to Heavy SS Tank Battalion 503 in Berlin. By that evening they had knocked out about 30 T34s, and the following day led a successful counterattack against the Kroll Opera House directly opposite the Reichstag. Their efforts though, merely postponed the inevitable and by the end of the day the order was given to abandon the position and prepare to break out of Berlin.Defence of the Reichstag, Berlin, 1st May 1945 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1109
After Edward 1st proclaimed himself King of Scotland Sir William Wallace rallied Scots in the South West and began attacking English occupying forces around Scotland. Edward I ordered the Earl of Surrey to put down the rebellion, after taking the surrender of rebel forces at Irvine the Earl of Surrey marched against William Wallaces forces at Stirling. He ordered his army to cross the narrow bridge over the Forth River near the Abbey of Cambuskenneth on September 11th. From a vantage point overlooking the bridge William Wallace watched and waited until the English army of 5,000 had crossed Stirling bridge and with the bridge being crowded with troops he launched his attack with his entire force wiping out the entire bridgehead. The rest of the English army fell back but William Wallace pursued. After this defeat English forces were evacuated south as far as the River Tweed. The Battle of Stirling Bridge by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1129
The Battle of Marathon 490 BC during the Persian Greek Wars. King Darious I of Persia sent his son in law Mardonius to invade Greece in 492 BC. The Persian Forces conquered Thrace and Macedonia before their fleet was devastated by a storm. Mardonia was forced to return to Asia. A second Persian invasion force crossed the Aegean sea. After conquering Eretria, the Persian Army under Datis (15,000 strong) landed near Marathon. (Marathon is 24 miles northeast of Athens.) General Miltiades, general in the Greek army gathered a force of 10,000 Athenians and 1,000 Plataean citizen Soldiers.Battle of Marathon by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1131
The 13th Light Dragoons cross a small river as part of Wellingtons armies advance on Vittoria in June 1813 during the Peninsula Campaign. Advance on Vittoria by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1132
Last stand of the 24th South Wales Borderers at Isandhlwana during the Zulu War. The battle of Isandhlwana, a Zulu victory over the British forces on 22nd January 1879 about 100km north of Durban. Lord Chelmsford led a column of forces to seek out the Zulu army camped at Isandhlwana, while patrols searched the district. After receiving a report, Chelmsford set forth at half strength, leaving six companies of the 24th Regiment, two guns, some Colonial Volunteers and a native contingent (in all about 1,800 troops) at the camp. Later that morning an advanced post warned of an approaching Zulu army. Shortly after this, thousands of Zulus were found hidden in a ravine by a mounted patrol but as the patrol set off to warn the camp, the Zulus followed. At the orders of the Camp Commander, troops spread out around the perimeter of the camp, but the Zulu army broke through their defences. The native contingent who fled during the attack were hunted down and killed. The remaining troops of the 24th Regiment, 534 soldiers and 21 officers, were killed where they fought. The Zulus left no one alive, taking no prisoners and leaving no wounded or missing. About 300 Africans and 50 Europeans escaped the attack. Consequently, the invasion of Zulu country was delayed while reinforcements arrived from Britain.Battle of Isandhlwana, 22nd January 1879 by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1133
M2A4 and M3 tanks of A Company, 1st US Marine Tank Battalion. move out from Henderson Field to support the perimeter from Japanese attacks. Guadalcanal by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1141
The Duke of Wellington was blockading the fortress of Ciudad Rodrigo with 32,000 troops. The French sent a force of 45,000 troops under Marshal Andre Massena to relieve the fortress. Wellington took up a strong position at Fuentos DOnoro and the French attacked on May 5th with superior numbers. The British army held their ground with the cost of 1,500 casualties, the French suffered higher losses of 2,200 troops and finally withdrew. The Duke of Wellington quickly seized Almeida.The 95th Rifle Brigade at the Battle of Fuentes De Onoro, 5th May 1811 by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1160
Sturmtigers of Sturmmorser Company 1002, commanded by Lieutenant Zippel, take on ammunition in preparation for the battle to come. These fearsome monsters 38cm rocket projectors could penetrate up to 2.5m of reinforced concrete. Luckily for the Allies only 18 were completed by the wars end.Preparing for the Day, the Reichswald, February 1945 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1162
General Major Erwin Rommel leads the vanguard of his vaunted 7th Panzer (Ghost) Division past an abandoned French Char B tank on its epic drive from the Ardennes to the English Channel.Blitzkrieg, Northern France, May 1940 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1164
DHM1166PC. General Erwin Rommel with the Africa Korps before the Battle for Tobruk by Chris Collingwood. General Erwin Rommel with the Africa Korps before the Battle for Tobruk by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1166
King Harold defeats the Viking invaders at Stamford Bridge before his long march south to face William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings.Battle of Stamford Bridge by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1168
Robert the Bruces Scots army stand fast as the English knights attack. Robert the Bruce succeeds in defeating the English army at Stirling. With the full might of Englands army gathered before the besieged Stirling Castle, Edward II Plantagenate is confident of victory. To the west of Bannockburn, Robert Bruce, King of Scots, kneels to pray with his men and commends his soul to God. Patiently awaiting the coming onslaught in tightly packed schiltroms, his spearmen and archers are well prepared for battle. Unknown to the English, the open marsh of no mans land conceals hidden pits and calthrops, major obstacles for any mounted charge. Despite Cliffords and Beaumonts premature and unsuccessful attempt to relieve Stirling the day before, years of victory have caused the brave English knights to regard their Scottish foes with contempt. So, without waiting for the flower of the forest (archers) to weaken the enemy formations, the order is hurriedly given to attack! With one rush, hundreds of mounted knights led by the impetuous Earl of Gloucester, thunder headlong through the boggy ground straight for the impenetrable mass of spears, hurling themselves into defeat and death. With dash and courage the knights try to force a way through but the infantry stand firm. There is no room to manoeuvre. Everywhere horses and men crash to the ground. Casualties amongst the English nobility are horrific. Bruce seizes the moment and orders the exultant army to advance. The English recoil and are pushed back into the waters of the Bannockburn where many perish in the crush to escape the deadly melee. Edward II, his army destroyed, flees with his bodyguard for the safety of the castle but is refused refuge and has to fight his way south to England. For Robert Bruce and Scotland, victory is complete. The Battle of Bannockburn by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1169
P1170. Liberation - Sherman Tanks of the Guards Brigade by David Pentland Liberation - Sherman Tanks of the Guards Brigade by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1170
A Provisional IRA bomb left outside the Unionist Party Headquarters, exploded prematurely injuring several police, army and civilians. At the same time it devastated the recently repaired Grand Opera House and Europa Hotel. Business as Usual, Glengall St, Belfast, December 1991 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1172
In the year 1070, Saxon England lay under Norman oppression. Only one last centre of resistance remained. The Isle of Ely in the Fenlands of East Anglia. Here, Hereward Leofricson, son of Earl Leofric and Lady Godiva, emerged as a warrior leader. Struggling against overwhelming odds in his defiance of the Normans. The legend of Hereward the Wake was born. Fire from the Fens, c.1071 by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1173
Alexander the Greats Victory at Hydaspes River During the Macedonian conquests in 326BC at the tributary at Hydaspes (now Jhelem) of the Indus River, King Porus and his Indian army blocked Alexander the Greats advance with some 50,000 troops leaving 40,000, the bulk of his army, on the west bank of the river. Alexander the Great crossed the Indus river using makeshift pontoons with 14,000 picked cavalry and infantry. The following day he attacked the flank of King Porus position, after 8 hours of hard fighting, Alexander the Greats army routed the Indians, taking 9,000 prisoner including King Porus and killing 12,000. The Macedonian army lost 980 men and this was the last battle of the Asian conquest as Alexanders army rebelled and refused to go further.Alexander the Greats Victory at Hydaspes River by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1174
A Tiger I and PAK 40 anti tank gun of the Müncheberg Division, field a final defence of the capital in front of the Brandenburg Gate under the shattered remains of the famous Linden trees. The under-strength division had just been formed the previous month from a mixture of ad hoc units and various marks of tank. Despite this it put up a spirited fight until its final destruction in early May.Tiger at the Gate, Berlin, 30th April 1945 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1178
Unterscharfurher Karl-Heinz Turk of the Schwere SS Panzerabteilung 503, in one of the units few remaining Kingtigers, defends the Potsdammer Platz along with elements of the Munchberg Division against the rapidly encroaching Soviet forces.The Last Battle, Berlin, 30th April 1945 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1179
Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them, Volleyd and thunderd; Stormd at with shot and shell, Boldly they rode and well Into the jaws of death, into the mouth of hell rode the six hundred. The following is part of a letter from an officer of the Light Brigade who was camped near Balaclava on October 27th: ...there was no hesitation: down our fellows went at a gallop, through a fire in front and on both flanks, which emptied our saddles and knocked over our horses by scores. I do not think that one man flinched in the whole brigade, though every one allows that so hot a fire was hardly ever seen.Stormd at with Shot and Shell, 17th Light Dragoons (Lancers) Oct 25 1854 at Balaclava by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1185
British light cavalry and horsemen of Skinners Horse fight Pindarn and Maratha 1826. Sabres and Dust by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1186
Two days into Operation Desert Storm (G+2), and the allied VII Corps had wheeled through southern Iraq towards the Kuwait border. In the centre of the advance were the men and tanks of the US 3rd Armored Division and 2nd Cavalry Regiment supported by the 1st Infantry Division. The greatest glory though, went to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, who after an initial encounter with 10 Iraqi T72 tanks all of which were destroyed near longitudinal line 60 (Easting 60), moved on until the bulk of the battle occurred at 73 Easting. Despite having to fight in almost zero visibility due to dust storms and nightfall, the regiments M2A2, M3A2 Bradleys, and M1A1 Abrams decimated the opposing elements of the Iraqi crack Tawakalna Republican Guard Division and 12th Armoured Division. Their success was followed up by the 1st Infantry Division who carried on the attack to take Objective Norfolk the following morning, and by the 3rd Armored Division to the north who engaged and destroyed other brigades of the Tawakalna and 12 Armoured Divisions. Battle of 73 Easting, Iraq, 26th February 1991 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1194
Under pressure from Stalin to open a second front in Europe, Operation Jubilee was designed ostensibly as a reconnaissance in force on the French coast, to show the feasibility of taking and holding a major defended port for a day, in this case Dieppe. The plan devised by Lord Louis Mountbatten failed due to inadequate naval and air support, carrying out the landing in daylight and general lack of intelligence of the target. Here new Churchill tanks of the 14th Canadian Tank Regiment (The Calgary Regiment), with men of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry and Fusiliers Mont-Royals, struggle to fight their way off the beach. Only a handful of men penetrated into the town itself, and eventually the remaining troops were ordered to withdraw. Out of 5086 soldiers who landed only 1443 returned. Disaster at Dieppe, France, 19th August 1942 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1195
Below the vast bulk of the Zoo Bunker one of three giant Flak towers designed to defend Berlin from air attack, some remnants of the citys defenders gather in an attempt to break out of the doomed capital. Amongst which are troops from the 9th Fallschirmjäger and Münchberg Panzer Divisions, including a rare nightfighting equipped Panther G of Oberleutnant Rasims Company, 1/29th Panzer Regiment.Panther at the Zoo, Tiergarten, berlin, 2nd May 1945 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1196
Men of the 24th of foot, or 2nd Warwickshire regiment (later in 1881 to become the South Wales Borderers) repel the massed Zulus attempting to smash through the mealie bag entrenchment. At the conclusion of the battle, hundreds of Zulus lay dead. According to official figures the British lost 25 men, 11 Victoria crosses were awarded. This Heroic Little Garrison, defence of Rorkes Drift by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1197
While King Henry VIII was invading France, King James IV of Scotland crossed the Tweed into Northern England with a Scots Army of 50,000. With the majority of the English army away in France, the defense of England was left to Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey with an army of 25,000 men. The murderous storm of arrows from the English longbow men cut though he Scottish Schiltrons (dense circles of Spearman). The English cavalry exploited this, cutting through the Scots infantry. this was followed by hand to hand fighting, with the English infantry slaughtering the surviving Scots. At the end of the battle King James IV was dead, along with most of the Scottish nobles. The battle was the last battle to be won by the longbow.Battle of Flodden 9th september 1513 by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1198
After an unsuccessful attempt to invade Britain the previous year, Caesar returned in force. Included among his large ranks was one Indian elephant, a beast unknown to his enemy, and as it transpired a dramatic psychological weapon which succeeded in breaching the Britons defensive position on the River Thames. Julius Caesar Crossing the Thames, Summer 54BC by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1202
Ernst Barkmann of the Das Reich 2nd SS panzer Division holds his position near St lo, Normandy 26th July 1944. against an American Armoured breakthrough.Barkmanns Stand by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1203
Sturmgeschutz IIIF of Stug Battalion Grossdeutschland, and supporting infantry from GD Regiment 1 battle against Soviet forces defending the strategically important city of Voronezh on the Don. Combined arms operations such as this proved the value of the assault gun, which took a terrible toll on enemy armour and men alike.Assault on Voronezh, Russia, 2nd - 7th July 1942 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1218
LVT Mark II and IV Buffaloes of 79th Armoured Division carry the men of 3rd Canadian Infantry Division through the flooded lower Rhine valley to secure the left flank of the Anglo-Canadian operation.Operation Veritable, Eastern Holland, 8th - 22nd February 1945 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1220
Sturmgeschutz IIIg and Paratroops of the 4th Fallschirmjager Division, driving to the front line, pass one of the two giant 28cm K5 (Eisenbaum) railway guns responsible for the shelling the Allied beacheads at Anzio and Nettuno.Anzio Annie, Italy, 29th January 1944 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1225
Samurai Warriors of the Sekighahara campaign 1600. The most important and decisive battle in the history of Japan, Sekigahara was the culmination of the Power struggle triggered by the death of the great warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The two rivals for power were Ishida Mitsunari and Tokugawa Ieyasu. The contest was ultimately settled by force of arms in a small mountain valley in central Japan. By the end of the day 40,000 heads had been taken and Ieyasu was master of Japan. Within three years the Emperor would grant him the title he sought - Shogun. Samurai Warriors by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1230
When Portuguese traders took advantage of the constant violence in Japan to sell the Japanese their first firearms, one of the quickest to take advantage of this new technology was the powerful daimyo Oda Nobunaga. In 1575 the impetuous Takeda Katsuyori lay siege to Nagashino castle, a possession of an ally of Nobunagas, Tokugawa Ieyasu. An army was despatched to relieve the siege by Nobunaga and Ieyasu, two of the most influential figures in Japanese history, and the two sides faced each other across the plain of Shidarahara. The Takeda samurai were brave, loyal and renowned for their cavalry charges, but Nobunaga, counting on Katsuyoris impetuosity, had 3,000 musketeers waiting behind prepared defences for their assault. The outcome of this clash of tactics and technologies was to change the face of Japanese warfare forever.Battle of Nagashino by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1235
So Tell The Spartans, Stranger passing by that here, Obedient to their laws, we lie. In 480 BC the Spartans tried to defend the pass at Thermopylae against the Persians led by Xerxes. The Persian fleet had sailed along the coastline from northern Greece into the Gulf of Malia on the eastern Aegean Sea towards the mountains at Thermopylae. The Greek General and King Leonidas led the Greeks and tried to defend the pass of Thermopylae. All the defending Spartans were killed during the Battle of Thermopylae. Their defence and courage provided inspiration to the Greeks, and the following year the Greeks won battles against their old enemy the Persians.Thermopylae 480BC, Spartan and Thespaian Hoplites. By Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1243
After coming out of the British Square The 17th Lancers charge by the 58th Regiment.  The Battle of Ulundi took place at the Zulu capital of Ulundi on 4th July 1879. Ulundi became the last battle to be fought during the Zulu war and the British victory finally broke the military power of the Zulu Nation. The battle began at 6 a.m. when Buller led out an advance guard of mounted troops and South African irregulars. The British force comprised of five companies of the 80th regiment in square in four ranks, with two Gatling Guns in the centres, two 9-pounders on the left flank and two 7-pounders on the right. The 90th Light Infantry with four companies of the 94th regiment made up the left face with two more 7-pounders. On the right face were the 1st Battalion of the 13th Light Infantry, four companies of the 58th Regiment, two 7-pounders and two 9-pounders. The rear face was composed of two companies of the 94th Regiment and two companies of the 2nd Battalion of the 21st Regiment. In the middle of the square were headquarters staff, No. 5 company of the Royal Engineers whhich was led by Lt John Chard who had commanded the troops at Rorkes Drift, the 2nd Native Natal Contingent, fifty wagons and carts with reserve ammunition and hospital wagons. Bullers horsemen protected the front and both flanks of the square. A rearguard of two squadrons of the 17th Lancers and a troop of Natal Native Horse followed. In total the British force stood at just over 5300 against the Zulu warrior regiments in total over 15000. The Zulu warriors charged again and again at the square but with the strong British firepower of tifle and gatling gun, they could not get close. As the Zulu warriors strength weakened, Lord Chelmsford ordered the cavalry to mount, and the 17th Lancers and the 1st Kings Dragoon Guards along with colonial cavalry were ordered to charge the now fleeing Zulus. The Zulus fled towards the high ground with the cavalry in pursuit. The Lancers were checked at the Mbilane stream by the fire of a concealed party of Zulus, causing a number casualties before the 17th Lancers overcame the Zulu resistance. The pursuit continued until not one living Zulu remained on the Mahlabatini plain, with members of the Natal Native Horse, Natal Native Contingent and Woods Irregulars slaughtering the Zulu wounded, done in revenge for the massacre at Isandlwana. Battle of Ulundi by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1244
The taking of Stirling Bridge over the Forth by the Scots marks the point where the first great battle of the Scottish wars of independence was won. The heavily equipped English army, now divided into two, struggle to fight in the heavy ground of the river plain. In the centre the Scots Captain Wallace can be seen slaying treasurer Cressingham, while to the right lies a fatally wounded Sir Andrew de Moray.The Taking of Stirling Bridge by Mike Shaw (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1246
With the Highland charge across the wide expanse of Culloden Moor easily repelled by the government army and the enemy advancing to the right. The Pretender, Prince Charles, hangs his head in concession as the realisation dawns on the Jacobite troops that defeat has been thrust upon them by their own command. Culloden, End of the 45 by Mike Shaw. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1247
At the Battle of Five Forks, April 1865. Major General George Armstrong Custer by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1254
Abram M1A1 tanks and Bradley APCs of Charlie Company, the Cobras, 1-64 Desert Rogues Armoured Battalion, US 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanised) drive into central Baghdad, through Saddams famous war memorial. Through the Hands of Victory, Baghdad, Iraq, 7th April 2003 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1272
Challenger II tanks of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and Warrior APCs of the Irish Guards, 7th Armoured Brigade, the Desert Rats supported overhead by US Marine Corps Cobras during their epic dawn attack to finally take and secure Basra. The Road to Basra, Southern Iraq, 7th April 2003 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1273
While other Tigers of his command struck northwest and decimated the tanks and half tracks of the Sharpshooters and Rifle Brigade parked along the road towards point 213 and Caen, Haupsturmfuhrer Michel Wittmann attacked on his own to the south east. Driving his panzer into the village of Villers Bocage. he proceeded to destroy the Stuart and Cromwell tanks of Viscount Arthur Cranleys 4th County of London Yeomanry the Sharpshooters RHQ. Although subsequently immobilized in the village center, the battle between the British 7th Armoured Division Desert Rats and Wittmanns 101st Heavy Tank Battalion continued for a full day, and blunted the British threat to the German line. Wittmann at Villers Bocage, Normandy, 0900 hrs, June 13th 1944 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1274
Abrams tanks with Bradley APCs charge Iraq positions during the 1st Gulf War. Battle of Eastings by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1277
British 15th Light dragoons (and Hussars) and 16th Light Dragoons engage the French 1st Provincial Chasseurs during the Peninsula War. Incident on the Peninsula by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1281
Battle of Crecy 26th August 1346. On 12th July Edward III landed in Normandy with his army and marching north plundered the countryside. King Philip VI assembled an army to stop Edward and tracked them across the Somme River. When Edward reached Crécy he stopped and ordered his army to take up defensive positions. King Philip surveyed the English positions and decided to postpone his attack until August 27th. However, the French vanguard pressed forward too far and so committed the entire army to the battle. The hired Genoese crossbowmen began the assault but came under severe attack from the English longbows and so fled to the rear. King Philip then ordered his cavalry to charge resulting in a huge loss of horse and man under the barrage of arrows which rained down on them. By the end of the night after several unsuccessful assaults the French army was reduced by a third and King John of Luxemburg was dead. Edward then turned towards Calais.Battle of Crecy by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1291
Following Hitlers death, the decision was taken by the officers and men of Sturmartillerie Brigade 249 to break out of the doomed capital. Shortly before midnight on the 3rd, what remained of the unit fought to the edge of the city at Spandau. By this time the brigade had been split into two elements, the first under Hauptmann Herbert Jaschke successfully punched their way out to the west. The second group was not so lucky, and its survivors fell into Soviet captivity. Escape to the Elbe, Berlin, 3rd May 1945 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1293
Oberscharfuhrer Ernst Barkmann in Panther 401 accidentally found himself as the spearhead of the 2nd SS Panzer Divisions night assault on the crossroads at Manhay. Initially mistaking a lone Sherman of US 7th Armoured Division as that of his own commander, he pulled alongside the enemy tank, and only realised his mistake when he noticed its unusual red interior lights. In a brief close quarter fight he managed to destroy the M4 with the Panthers anti-personnel mortar (Panzergranate) He then proceeded along the moonlit forest roads past a succession of surprised American units to Manhay and on towards Liege, having left several destroyed vehicles in his wake. His appearance caused havoc in the US defences, culminating in a rout. Night Drive to Manhay, Barkmann in the Ardennes, 24th December 1944 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1294
As allied forces pressed inland towards Caen, the 21st panzer Division launched a counterattack along a narrow three mile corridor between the Canadians on Juno beach and the British on Sword. the charge led by fifty tanks of 22nd panzer regiment and supporting Panzer grenadiers was engaged on its eastern flank by heavy British anti tank fire and the bulk of the force was pinned down or destroyed. ultimately only six PZ IVs and a company of infantry mannered to reach the coast at lion sur mer. their stay however was short lived and within a few hours the arrival of the transports and gliders of the British 6th Airborne directly overhead forced the entire division to pull back for fear of being trapped. Dash to the Sea, November 1944 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1310
After suppressing the initial German defences, a Sherman Crab flail tank of the 22nd Dragoons, 79th Armoured Division, clears a path through a minefield to allow tanks of 27th Armoured Brigade, and men of 3rd Infantry Division to breakout from the beaches. Fire support from surviving Sherman DD (amphibious) tanks of 13th /18th Hussars (QMO), proved invaluable in the initial push towards Caen.D-Day, Sword Beach, Normandy 1944 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1311
In 1485, the Lancastrian contender for the throne of England, Henry Tudor, sailed from France with a small force of mainly continental mercenaries determined to wrestle the crown from Richard III. Gathering many supporters along the way he eventually arrived at Bosworth with an army numbering 5000 against Richards 8000. Things began well enough for Richard but it became apparent during the battle that the neutral Stanley Brothers, Sir William Stanley and Lord Thomas Stanley and their men who had remained on the sidelines, had elected to fight for Henry. Richard charged for Henry in person but was overwhelmed and killed. He was the last English King to die in battle. Although not the final battle of the War of the Roses, the victory for Henry at Bosworth secured the crown and began the Tudor dynasty.Battle of Bosworth by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1315
During the Seven Years War (1756 - 63) a large French army of 52,000 men commanded by Marshal Contades moved from the Rhine to take Minden and threaten the Electorate of Hanover, one of Britains allies in the war. Ferdinand of Brunswick commanding an allied army consisting of British, Brunswick, Hanoverians and Hessen - Cassell troops numbering 42,000 stood in their way. The battle began at first light with the allies forming up in 8 columns preparing to advance. Due to a misunderstanding of orders two brigades, which included the 12th, went into the attack before the rest of the line had properly formed. With drums beating and colors flying they launched a frontal attack on French cavalry, and against all odds held firm and threw them back in confusion. By this time the rest of the infantry had arrived in support and the French army was routed. Minden is remarkable for this unique attack by infantry in line against a mass of cavalry.The 12th (Suffolk Regiment) at the Battle of Minden. 1st August 1759 by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1325
The Storming of the night of April 6th 1812 of Badajoz Castle proved to be Wellingtons bloodiest siege. Depicted here are soldiers of the 88th Connaught Rangers (famously the Devils Own) and part of Pictons 3rd Division, successfully escalading the high walls of the Castle. Storming of Badajoz by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1340
Trapped within a rapidly decreasing perimeter, the exhausted BEF along with elements of the French 1st Army appeared to be at the mercy of the mighty Luftwaffe. No one though had reckoned on the brilliant leadership of Admiral Ramsay nor the gallant and unstinting efforts of the military and civilians who managed to rescue over 330,000 troops in nine days. Operation Dynamo, Dunkirk, France 24th May - 4th June 1940 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1345
25th Anniversary of the SSU/HMSU Assault team 18th Febuary 2005.The Men in the Arena by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1355
The 17th Lancers in Flanders 1916. Death and Glory in Flanders Fields by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1361
In 1275 BC there were two superpowers in the ancient near east, in the south the Egyptians and in the north the Hittites from Anatolia in modern day central Turkey. A clash between these two powers was inevitable. The Egyptian Pharaoh Rameses II marched an army north into Syria to confront the Hittites and their allies under King Muwatallis. Reaching Kadesh Rameses camped under the walls of the city with his leading division, Amun, and awaited the arrival of the rest of his army. Poor intelligence had led Rameses to believe the Hittites were far to the north, in fact they were only 2 - 3 miles away. Muwatallis delivered a surprise attack against Rameses camp but the Egyptians managed to hold on until re-enforcements arrived. Despite retreating from the field after a day long battle it was Rameses who claimed a victory. The two armies never clashed again and eventually a peace treaty was signed between the Egyptians and the Hittites. The Battle of Kadesh - circa 127 BC by Brian Palmer (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1369
Stonewall Jackson with the Stonewall Brigade during the Valley Campaign of 1862. Thomas Jonathan (Stonewall) Jackson by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1389
Captain Fields 2 Scimitar and 2 Scorpion light tanks of 3 Troop The Blues and Royals along with the Milan platoon, provide vital covering fire for 2 Paras assault on the North Spur Wireless Ridge (Apple Pie) Following lessons learned at Goose Green additional support was available from artillery, mortars, machine guns and even HMS Ambuscade. Despite the attack being conducted at night, with frequent snow flurries, and minefields, all the objectives were taken, and at first light the road to Port Stanley lay open and unopposed. Battle for Wireless Ridge, Falklands, 13th June 1982 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1390
Leading 30th Corps assault across the Seine at Vernon, 43rd Wessex Division gained an initial foothold on the east bank. Heroic efforts however by the Royal Engineers of 71st, 72nd and 73rd Field Companies, succeeded in constructing a Class 9 Bailey bridge (David, shown left) and a Second Class 40 bridge (Goliath, shown right) Despite constant enemy fire this amazing feat was achieved in only 2 days, and allowed 15/19th Hussars Cromwells and 4.7th Dragoons Guards Shermans to cross just in time to repulse a serious German counter attack by Tiger IIs of SS Panzer Abteilung 101. David and Goliath, Vernon, France, 27th August 1944 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1391
Soldiers of the Yorkist cause c.1461. Crossbowman, Man at arms and knight with the standard of the Sun in Splendour. Sun in Splendour by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1393
Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade, led by Lord Lovat, are piped past the defenders of the Caen canal (Pegasus) bridge by piper Bill Millin. The bridge was originally taken in a coup de main attack by the gliders of 6th Airborne Divisions D Company, 2nd battalion Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, led by Major John Howard earlier that morning. Shortly afterwards the glider troops were reinforced by 7 Parachute Battalion, and together they held the area against German attacks until the main British forces landing at Sword beach could fight through to join them. Piper Bill, Pegasus Bridge, Normandy, 13.00hrs, 6th June 1944 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1394
Germany Infantry assault treoops and PzIV tank of the 24th Panzer Division are counterattacked by Soviet riflemen of General Chuikovs 62nd Army as they push towards the Red October factory works. Battle on the Volga, Stalingrad, Southern Russia, 30th September 1942 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1395
The crew of a late model Tiger I of the 3rd SS Totenkopf Division, manage to take a short break from the fighting around Warsaw, during the German assault, having pushed the Soviet forces out of the city and across the Vistula River.Tiger I of the 3rd SS Totenkopf Division, Poland 1944 by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1402
When 250 well armed and trained rebel tribesmen attacked the small SAS outpost at Mirbat few would have given good odds on their survival. At the height of the battle Corporal Labalaba and Trooper Savesaki, both Fijians and both wounded fought off relentless assaults by the attacking Adoo. Firing a World War II vintage 25pdr field gun at point blank range Labalaba finally fell to a snipers bullet just as Captain Kealy and Trooper Tobin reached the gunpit to aid its defence. Within minutes however Tobin was dead, but Kealy and the remaining defenders critical position was saved by the timely arrival of 2 Omani Strikemaster jets, and helicopters carrying 24 men of G Squadron. Sacrifice at Mirbat, Dhofar, Oman, 19th July 1972 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1413
After taking horrendous casualties during the infamous charge, the 17th lancers were the first to reach the Russian guns at the end of the Valley. From the 673 men who started the charge, 113 men were killed and many others wounded. The Light Brigade was made up of the 4th and 13th Light Dragoons, 8th and 11th Hussars and the 17th Lancers. A spectating French officer, General Pierre Bosquet proclaimed - It is magnificent but it is not war.Charge of the 17th Lancers at the Battle of the Balaclava by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1414
Mistaking the withdrawal of wounded troops from the plateau of Mount St John for a general retreat , Marshal Ney ordered 5000 heavy and light cavalry to charge the allied position. Far from retreating, Wellington was in fact reinforcing his beleaguered front line. Wave after wave of French cavalry repeatedly threw themselves at the allied squares for over an hour but failed to make an impact. Here we see the 30th Regt - now the Queens Lancashire Regt - formed in square repelling The Dutch (Red) Lancers of the Imperial Guard. Charge of the Dutch Lancers against the British Squares at Waterloo by Brian Palmer. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1415
Generalleutnant Hyazinth Graf Strachwitz von Gross-Zeuche und Camminetz, (nicknamed The Panzer Count), in the vanguard of Panzer Regiment Gross Deutchlands thrust towards Belogrod. One of the most spectacular armour commanders of all time he led his mixed force of PzIVs and Tiger 1s on a series of successful battles to form a northern pincer around Kharkov, vital to the retaking of the city. For his exploits he was awarded the swords to his Knights Cross. The Panzer Count by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1421
1st Lieutenant Otto Carius commanding 2nd Company of the 502nd heavy tank Battalion, with eight Tigers, advanced towards the village of Malinava (a northern suburb of Dunaburg), to halt the Russian advance. Following a reconnaissance Lieutenant Otto Carius explained his plan to take the village. He decided to attack using only two tanks because there was only one narrow road leading to the village. Six Tigers therefore remained in the reserve while Lt Carius and Lt. Albert Kerschers (one of the most decorated commanders of sPzAbt 502) tanks moved towards the village. Speed was the essence and afterwards, Otto Carius recalls that the entire battle did not last more than 20 minutes. in this short time, Carius and Kerscher knocked out 17 of the new JS-1 Stalin and 5 T-34 tanks. Following this he deployed 6 of his tanks in an ambush against the remainder of the Soviet tank battalion advancing toward him, unaware of their lead companies demise. Surprise was complete and a further 28 tanks were destroyed along with their supporting trucks and vehicles, the complete battalion had been wiped out for no loss. The Tigers Roar, Malinava, Latvia, July 22nd 1944 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1422
Following the capture of Orel, the German High Command ordered General Heinz Guderians panzers to push on towards Mtsensk, Tuila and Moscow. Alarmed at the situation Stalin deployed Major General Leyushenko to halt this advance. the battle was finally joined when when the 4th Panzer Division crossed the Lisiza stream at Kamenewo, pushing back the dug in defenders towards Mtsensk, but unaware they had entered a Soviet trap. at this point the T34s and KV1s of Colonel Katukovs 4th tank Brigade attacked from the woods on the Panzers left flank smashing the out gunned and weaker armoured PzIII tanks and half tracks. For the Germans the battle was a terrible shock, stalling their advance and an unexpected demonstration of Soviet armoured superiority. During the battle Lt Lavrinienko, with his platoon of four T34s supported by three KV1s under Sgt Antonov knocked out eleven enemy tanks, plus a pair of artillery guns (squashed under the tracks of the KVs) In his short two month career, Lt Lavinienko knocked out some fifty two enemy tanks! Red Steel at Kamenewo, Mtsensk, Central Front, Russia, 6th October 1941 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1423
As the spearhead of Army Group North, 6th Panzer Division had deployed two Kampgruppe across the Dubyana river as jump off points for the drive towards Leningrad. Prior to the ensuing battles for the bridgeheads General Solyalyankin, commander of 2nd Tank Division, infiltrated a single KV2 and some infantry across the river to interdict the German supply road to Rasyeinyia. For two days the Soviet tank fought off all attempts to clear it from the road (including a night attack by German sappers) in the process destroying a convoy of supply trucks, a battery of the new Pak38 anti-tank guns, and an 88mm gun. It was only the combined efforts of a platoon of PZ35(t)s who distracted the lone tank to its front while a 88mm AA gun scored some eight hits from the rear that finally knocked it out. as the Germans inspected the silent KV they were stunned as the turret once again began to move, a quick thinking engineer dropped a few grenades through the 88 holes in the turret and finally silenced the monster. The Roadblock, Dubyana River, Lithuania 23rd - 24th June 1941 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1424
During the battle for Rorkes Drift, 24th Warwickshires man the improvised ramparts of the inner barricade as the Zulu attack reaches its height. Stand Firm the 24th (Rorkes Drift) by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1494
In August 1808 the 2nd battalion of the 95th Rifles were part of the expedition commanded by Sir Arthur Wellesley to Portugal and covered the landings at Mondego Bay. On 15th August during a skirmish at Obidos, they had the distinction of firing the first shots of the Peninsular War against the French. The Rifles were trained to think quickly and by themselves in dangerous situations, they were also taught to work and fight together in pairs while firing harassing and well aimed shots at the enemy. The Baker rifle which the 95th used was an accurate weapon for its day, with reported kills being taken up to 270 metres away. During the Peninsular War, Rifleman Thomas Plunkett of the 1st Battalion, 95th Rifles, shot the French General Auguste-Marie-Francois Colbert at a range that may have been even greater. Rifleman Thomas Plunkett then shot a second French officer who rode to the general's aid.Tribute to the 95th Rifles by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1498
PC1499. Capemounted Rifles against Shakas Zulu Impis c.1827 by Chris Collingwood. Capemounted Rifles against Shakas Zulu Impis c.1827 by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1499
With assault troops on board, a king tiger from Schwere Panzer Abteilung 511 leads a Jagdpanther down a morning misty road May 1945. Konigstiger Ausf B by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1501
In his 50s with 30 years experience, who has now attained High Centurian rank and commands the entire 1st Cohort. Primus Pilus by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1504
1 Border Regiment (1st Airborne division) unload their Horsa gliders, and push on to the next stage of the operation, forming a defensive perimeter around the LZs and DZs, ready for the next lift. LZ S-17, Operation Market Garden, September 1944 by Jason Askew. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1506
I am the commander here, take your men back to hell, sir! I allow no surrenders :- Lt Colonel Alexander Thorneycroft, of the Thorneycrofts Mounted Infantry, and the 2nd Battalion, Middlesex regiment. They then charged Boer skirmishers in support of the beleaguered Lancashire Fusiliers on the summit of Spion Kop, at 13.00 on the 24th January 1900. Spion Kop - South Africa, 24th January 1900 by Jason Askew. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1507
In 1296 an English convoy escorting a shipment of looted gold was passing through the Irvine valley to the port of Ayr. It was led by an English Knight by the name of Fenwick, who in 1291 had killed the father of William Wallace, Sir Malcolm. Wallace, who was fighting a guerilla war on the English invaders, planned an attack at Loudon Hill where the road on which Fenwicks convoy was travelling had to pass through a steep gorge. Wallace had about fifty men and Fenwick close to one hundred and eighty. The Scots blocked the road with debris and attacked on foot. The English charged, but the Scots held firm. Fenwick armed with a spear, turned his horse in the direction of Wallace, who in turn felled Fenwicks horse with his claymore. The unhorsed Englishman was no match on the ground where he, along with one hundred of his convoy, met their deaths. The Battle of Loudon Hill 1296 by Mike Shaw. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1508
Private Wassall, whilst escaping the debacle of Isandhlwana, was being pursued by Zulu warriors as he made his way down the Buffalo River, the border between Zululand and Natal. Wassall rode his Basuto pony into the river, but upon hearing a cry for help and seeing a man from his own regiment drowning, he turned and made his way back to the Zulu side of the river, Quickly dismounting he tied his horse to a tress, swam into the river and rescued a private called Westwood as the Zulus were sweeping along the riverbank just at the moment the Zulus rushed forward. For his act of valour in the face of the enemy Private Samuel Wassall was awarded the first of the Zulu War Victoria Crosses. Private Samuel Wassall of the 80th Regiment of Foot (Staffordshire Volunteers) at Fugitives Drift by Jason Askew. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1528
Battle of Isandhlwana. Zulu victory over the British forces on 22nd January 1879 about 100km north of Durban. Lord Chelmsford led a column of forces to seek out the Zulu army camped at Isandhlwana, while patrols searched the district. After receiving a report, Chelmsford set forth at half strength, leaving six companies of the 24th Regiment, two guns, some Colonial Volunteers and a native contingent (in all about 1,800 troops) at the camp. Later that morning an advanced post warned of an approaching Zulu army. Shortly after this, thousands of Zulus were found hidden in a ravine by a mounted patrol but as the patrol set off to warn the camp, the Zulus followed. At the orders of the Camp Commander, troops spread out around the perimeter of the camp, but the Zulu army broke through their defences. The native contingent who fled during the attack were hunted down and killed. The remaining troops of the 24th Regiment, 534 soldiers and 21 officers, were killed where they fought. The Zulus left no one alive, taking no prisoners and leaving no wounded or missing. About 300 Africans and 50 Europeans escaped the attack. Consequently, the invasion of Zulu country was delayed while reinforcements arrived from Britain.Isandhlwana 22nd January 1879 by Stuart Liptrot. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1529
P2500. Last of the Honved, Eastern Hungary, Autumn 1944 by David Pentland. Last of the Honved, Eastern Hungary, Autumn 1944 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM2500
German infantry take cover in a shell hole during the blitzkrieg through Southern Russia towards Stalingrad.Cross of Iron, Russia, Summer 1942 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM3001
On the 16th April 1746, the Jacobites mounted their last Highland Charge. Wet, hungry and weary, the Jacobites charged into the guns and bayonets of the Duke of Cumberlands army. Raked with cannon fire, rifle shot and grapeshot the survivors closed in. This painting shows the charge as the Redcoats would have seen it, and features Jacobites from the left wing, the Atholl Brigade, the Camerons and the Stuarts of Appin. The Last Highland Charge by Richard Moore. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM4129
To commemorate the first use of Factor VIIa by British Forces. Dawn Casevac, 16 Close Support Medical Regiment - Iraq 2003 by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM9966
Soviet troops advance at lightning speed through Manchuria against a crumbling Japanese defence. August Storm by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDP0012
After almost two months Sherman tanks and armoured infantry of the US 2nd Armoured Division eventually broke through the German defences south-west of St Lo. Pushing aside the shattered remnants of Panzer Lehr Division, their rapid advance forced a general German retreat. This would ultimately spell disaster for the German armies in France.Operation Cobra, Normandy, 28th July 1944 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDP0018
At the moment of the crowing triumph of his career, Brian Boru, the high king of Ireland is struck down after a final desperate attack by one of his enemies. Death of Brian Boru - Clontarf by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDP0023
Soviet guards launch a Human Wave attack on beleaguered German defenders at Stalingrad, Autumn 1942.Valour of the Guards by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDP0026
Rallying his men the young Pharoah Rameses II leads the Egyptian force in the decisive counter attack against the Hittite foes. Kadesh (Egyptians v Hittites) by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDP0032
By about 6pm the Zulu attacks had extended all around the front of the post, and fighting raged at hand-to-hand along the mealie-bag wall. Lieutenant Chard himself took up a position on the barricade, firing over the mealie-bags with a Martini-Henry, whilst Lieutenant Bromhead directed any spare men to plug the gaps in the line. The men in the yard and on the front wall were dangerously exposed to the fire of Zulu marksmen posted in the rocky terraces on Shiyane (Oskarsberg) hill behind the post. Several men were hit, including Acting Assistant Commissary Dalton, and Corporal Allen of the 14th. Surgeon Reynolds treated the wounded as best he could despite the fire. Once the veranda at the front of the hospital had been abandoned, the Zulus had mounted a determined attack on the building itself, setting fire to the thatched roof with spears tied with burning grass. The defenders were forced to evacuate the patients room by room, eventually passing them out through a small window into the open yard. Shortly after 6pm Chard decided that the Zulu pressure was too great, and ordered a withdrawal to a barricade of biscuit boxes which had been hastily erected across the yard, from the corner of the store-house to the front mealie-bag wall. In this small compound the garrison would fight for their lives throughout most of the coming night.Rorkes Drift 22nd January 1879 - Defending the Hospital by Jason Askew. (PC)Click For DetailsJA0002
By about 6pm the Zulu attacks had extended all around the front of the post, and fighting raged at hand-to-hand along the mealie-bag wall. Lieutenant Chard himself took up a position on the barricade, firing over the mealie-bags with a Martini-Henry, whilst Lieutenant Bromhead directed any spare men to plug the gaps in the line. The men in the yard and on the front wall were dangerously exposed to the fire of Zulu marksmen posted in the rocky terraces on Shiyane (Oskarsberg) hill behind the post. Several men were hit, including Acting Assistant Commissary Dalton, and Corporal Allen of the 14th. Surgeon Reynolds treated the wounded as best he could despite the fire. Once the veranda at the front of the hospital had been abandoned, the Zulus had mounted a determined attack on the building itself, setting fire to the thatched roof with spears tied with burning grass. The defenders were forced to evacuate the patients room by room, eventually passing them out through a small window into the open yard. Shortly after 6pm Chard decided that the Zulu pressure was too great, and ordered a withdrawal to a barricade of biscuit boxes which had been hastily erected across the yard, from the corner of the store-house to the front mealie-bag wall. In this small compound the garrison would fight for their lives throughout most of the coming night.Rorkes Drift 22nd January 1879 - Defending the Store House by Jason Askew. (PC)Click For DetailsJA0005
Lt Roberts K.R.R. with Captain Schofield and Congreve, with all their ammunition used, they drew upon the emergency rounds of Case (their last shot) They stood to attention beside the gun and in an instant later fell pierced through by Boer Bullets. Lt Roberts earned his VC. The Last Shot at Colenso by Richard Caton Woodville. (PC)Click For DetailsVAR0125
P279. Up Guards, and at Them by Richard Caton Woodville. Up Guards, and at Them by Richard Caton Woodville. (PC)Click For DetailsVAR0279
Calling the Roll after an Engagement in the Crimea by Lady Elizabeth Butler (PC)Click For DetailsVAR0310
28th Gloucester Regiment shown in square repelling the French cavalry.Quatre Bras (detail) by Lady Elizabeth Butler (PC)Click For DetailsVAR0311

Aviation Art Postcards

The balance of maritime power in the Mediterranean was transformed at a stroke by the British air attack which disabled three Italian battleships in a few minutes. The target was the core of Mussolinis fleet, tucked away in Taranto Harbour, in southern Italy. The attack, codenamed Operation Judgement, took place in bright moonlight by twenty-one Swordfish from the British carrier HMS Illustrious. In the confined space of the harbour, their torpedoes had a devastating impact, at least nine torpedoes struck their targets. In all, seven ships were severely damaged, including the battleship Caio Duilio (left), Littorio (right) and Conte Di Cavour. Raid on Taranto by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0519
Wing Commander Roland Beaumont in his personal Tempest V, intercepted and downed his first V1 Buzzbomb on the night of June 22nd, 1944, over south east England. As Commander of 150 wing and others he went on to shoot down a total of 30 V1 flying bombs, 8 enemy aircraft and 35 locomotives destroyed plus one minesweeper sunk. A Buzz for Beamont by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0577
A pair of ME109 G-14s of 9th Staffel, Jagdgeswader 54 (Greenheart Wing) make a final sortie during the last days of March 1945.The Last Patrol by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0581
Oberleutenant Schalls ME 262 of JG7 catches the Australian crewed Lancaster from 5 group dead astern as it lines up for its bombing run on the Hamburg U-Boat pens. Even at this angle the speed of the jet made it difficult to get off more than a few bursts of cannon fire before it passed through the British formation. The episode was witnessed by navigator Cecil Keys in the leading Lancaster QR/Y from 61 squadron on his last raid of the war. Lt. Schall, an ace with 117 kills, and 2nd highest jet ace of the war with 14 victories was killed the following day when his aircraft hit a bomb crater on landing at his base of Parchim. Jet Attack by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0582
A C130 Hercules MK1 from RAF Lynham Transport Wing, delivers a low level Brigade drop of Airbourne forces over Salisbury Plain. The C130 Hercules is the workhorse of the Royal Air Force Air Transport (AT) fleet and is based at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, where it is operated by Nos 24, 30, 47 and 70 Squadrons. The fleet totals 50 aircraft and is a mixture of C1/C3 aircraft and the new C-130J aircraft, designated C4/C5.Dawn Descent by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0589
Gloster Gladiators flown by Flt. Lt. M.T. Pattle and Flying Officer Johnny Lancaster surprise a flight of Breda 65s from 59A Squadriglia over Bit Taob El Essem, North Africa. Pattle went on to be top Commonwealth Air Ace of all time. Pattles First Victory, 4th August 1940 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0590
Dauntless Dive Bombers Dive on the Battleship Musashi in the Sibuyan Sea, October 1944. Pressing Home the Kill by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0713
CVN 65 USS Enterprise on her first deployment in the Gulf of Tonkin. On this day she flew 165 sorties, a carrier record! Two A4 Skyhawks head towards a bombing mission while an F4 phantom rides escort.Yankie Station by Randall Wilson (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0737
Depicted late in her long serving deployments Ark Royals Bricks make a pass as they return from a low level interdiction exercise.Arks Angels by Randall Wilson (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0739
On 27th November 1950, thousands of Chinese troops swarmed over the frozen Yalu river on the North Korean /Chinese border, cutting off US Marines in the Chosin Reservoir area. Over the next ten days the marines with air support from both the Navy and Marine Air Wings fought their way out of the trap to Hungnam and safety.Frozen Chosin, Korea, December 1950 by David Pentland (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0785
A swordfish from HMS Warspite on patrol off the coast of Egypt, near the port of Alexandria. Out of Alex by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0790
Depicting the short S45 Solent 2 G-AHIS (Scapa), BOAC Flying Boat, passing over the Queen Elizabeth on Southampton Water, Late 1940s The Golden Age by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0935
Two F14 Tomcats of VF-1 pass in close formation over the stern of the veteran USS Ranger (CV-61) USS Ranger by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0985
A pair of F18 Hornets overfly the Nimitz-class carrier USS Dwight Eisenhower (CV-69) with the surface combatant USS Arleigh Burke (DDF-51) off her port bow. USS Dwight Eisenhower by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0986
USS Coral Sea (CV-43 being replenished by fast combat support ship USS Seattle (DE-3) as two of the carriers compliment of F.4s of VF-111 The Sundowners makes a low pass. USS Coral Sea by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0987
A Vought A-7 Corsair of VA-146 makes its final approach to the sprawling deck of the USS America, (CVA-66) as she skirts Vietnamese waters in company with a little Rock-class missile / command cruiser. The A-7 became the Navys prime weapon toward the end of the war, playing a vital role in the anti-radiation Linebacker Raids. USS America by Ivan Berryman (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1018
In a 40 knot gale, Lt Col. Doolittles B25 hauls itself into the air. The first of a 16 strong strike force en route to Tokyo. USS Hornet. Doolittles Raiders by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1106
A pair of 272 Squadron Bristol Beaufighters roar over the extensively rebuilt battleship HMS Valiant as she lies at anchor at Alexandria late in 1941, accompanied by the cruiser HMS Phoebe and Valiants sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth (in the extreme distance)HMS Valiant and HMS Phoebe at Alexandria, 1941 by Ivan Berryman (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1176
At 0154am, Pilot officer Les Knight in Avro Lancaster AJ-N transmitted the codeword Dinghy, the signal that the Eder Dam had been successfully breached. Although the target was undefended by flak, its location made it extremely difficult to hit. In fact, four of the five aircraft involved in the attack failed in their attempts and Knights was the last available aircraft carrying the last available bomb! Target Y The Eder Dam Raid, The Ruhr Valley, 17th May 1942 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1217
With HMS Warspite keeping a watchful eye off her port bow, the Illustrious class carrier HMS Formidable prepares to recover a Fairey Albacore TB MK1 of No. 826 sqn. following a vital sortie against Italian shipping at the start of the Battle of Cape Matapan in march 1941. Led by Lt Cdr W G H Saunt DSC, Formidables Albacores launched torpedo attacks on the battleship Vittorio Veneto, seriously damaging her, despite coming under intense anti aircraft fire and a splash barrage of 15-inch shells.HMS Formidable by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1252
High above the trenches in April 1918, 74 Squadron engage the famed JG 1 led by the renowned ace baron von Richthofen in his distinctive bright red DR 1. Edward Mick mannock flying a SE5.a diving down top engage another Fokker Dr1 as the red baron flies past momentarily catching each others eyes. The new CO of 74 squadron, major Grid Caldwell MC (bar) New Zealands top ace can be seen above entering the dog fight. But it would be Mannock who would go on to great fame. with 61 confirmed victories and to win the VC, DSO (bar) and MC (bar) After 74 squadron he replaced Billy Bishop of CO 85 Squadron on the 3rd July 1918, scoring 46 victories in the Se5.a He was killed by ground fire near Lestram, France on the 26th July 1918. his Victoria Cross being gazetted on the 18th July 1919. The red baron CO of the Richthofens Flying circus didnt survive the month, also killed by ground fire on the 24th April, he was buried by the Allies with full military honours. Dawn Dog Fight, Mick Mannock VC by Graeme Lothian. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1296
Germanys primary fighter during World War II, the Daimler-Benz DB601A powered BF109E-4 was much loved by its pilots, combining good speed and manoeuverability with a powerful armament, namely two 7.9mm MG17 machine guns in the top decking, two wing mounted 20mm MGFF/M canon and a further 20mm MGFF/M canon mounted in the engine, firing centrally through the propeller spinner. Nearest aircraft is that of the 109s greatest exponent, Major Adolf Galland, Gruppenkommander III/JG26 Schlageter, Luftflotte 2, depicted during a sortie from Caffiers, France in 1942.Adolf Galland / Messerschmitt Bf109 E-4 by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1321
USS Kearsarge CV33, USS Princeton and USS Rochester CA124 in Korea 1952 with bearcats over the top. USS Kearsarge by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1328
USS Independence launches multiple aircraft, RA5C Vigilante from the waist cat, and a Crusader from the bow while deployed in the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam. USS Independence by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1341
Swordfish of 825 Sqn led by Lt-Cdr Esmonde begin their heroic attack on the battlescruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen as they make their way up the English Channel from Brest during Operation Cerberus on 12th February 1942. Although all the aircraft were lost and no significant damage was done to the German fleet, all the pilots were decorated for their bravery and Lt-Cdr Esmonde received the first Fleet Air Arm VC to be awarded, albeit posthumously. The painting depicts the first wave of Swordfish attacking the Scharnhorst with Gneisenau taking avoiding action in the distance. A German torpedo boat has turned to confront the attacking aircraft.Attack on the Scharnhorst by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1349
Junkers JU87 R-1 Stukas find a gap in the cloudbase en route to their target during the Norwegian Campaign of 1941. Dawn Raiders by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1405
Following the initial parachute drops at Maleme (West) and Canea (Middle) Group East, comprising of Fallschirmjager Regiment 1 and 2nd battalion FJR2, prepared for their descent on Crete. Charged with the capture of Heraklion and its aerodrome, their departure was postponed until late afternoon due to the repairs and refuelling needed for the returning Junker 52 transports. The Second Wave, Greece, 20th May 1941 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1412
The night of the 16th May 1943 saw 19 modified Lancasters of the specially formed 617 squadron set out to breach the Ennepe, Eder, Mohne and Sorpe dams in Westphalia, Germany. The mission was led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson. The Dambusters by Graeme Lothian. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1419
Paratroopers of the 1st Battalion sort their kit out and get ready to enplane the waiting American Dakota C-47s of the 14 and 59 Squadrons/61st Troop Carrier Group. The paratroops took off simultaneously from Saltby and Barkston, commencing at 1121. All planes were in the air by 1155. A relatively uneventful trip over the northern route to the Netherlands resulted in not a plane being shot down; only five were slightly damaged. The 1st Battalion were dropped at 1403, 2nd Battalion at 1353 and the 3rd Battalion at 1356, all at DZ-X, west of Wolfhezen some eight miles west of Arnhem. The Battalion orders were for three different routes to the Arnhem Bridge. 1st Battalion took the Leopard route, 2nd Battalion Tiger route and the 3rd Battalion Lion route. Only the 2nd Battalion, commanded by Lt colonel John Frost managed to fight their way to the bridge. Market Garden. Arnhem by Graeme Lothian. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1453
Eight minutes after the gliders had touched down at LZ-Z the first of the paratroops started to arrive at 1353. Thirty six C47s over DZ-X dropped the 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment at 1403. On the ground are the discarded chutes of the 2nd Battalion dropped ten minutes earlier. In the middle distance can be seen the blue smoke used to identify DZ-X, left by the 21st Independent Para Company. Dropped by the 14 and 59 Sqn/ 61 Troop Carrier Group which had taken off from Barkston Heath, Lincolnshire, the 2nd and 3rd Para Battalions, which dropped slightly earlier had enplaned at Saltby airfield. Between 1353 and 1408 2276 paratroops jumped at an altitude of between 700 to 900ft. Arnhem - September 17th 1944 by Graeme Lothian. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1454
Germanys greatest First World War fighter ace, Baron Von Richthofen, known as the Red Baron is shown departing his Fokker DR.1 Triplane 425/17 after yet another successful sortie. 425/17 was the aircraft in which the Red Baron finally met his end in April of that year. No fewer than 17 of his victories having been scored in his red-painted triplane. Baron Von Richthofen, March 1918 by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1457
Standing his aircraft at the height of just 60 feet above the waters of the Mohne, Flt Lt Maltby braves a hail of anti-aircraft fire just seconds before the release of the bouncing bomb that would at last breach the dam on that historic night of the 16th/17th May 1943. Third Time Lucky by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1482
Guy Gibsons Lancaster having unsuccessfully dropped its bomb, draws enemy fire from the aircraft of Sqn Ldr Young as his bomb explodes spectacularly on the Mohne Dam during the audacious Dams Raids of 16th/17th May 1943. Operation Chastise - The Night They Broke the Dams by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1483
Sopwith Camels of 45 Sqn, Istrana, are shown on an early patrol on a crisp morning in the Winter of 1917-18. B6238 was an aircraft shared by Lts E McN Hand and H M Moody, whilst B6354 was the mount of Lt J C B Firth. A Hand of Aces by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1509
RAF De Havilland Mosquito FbIVs of 107 Squadron, 2nd Tactical Airforce on a night bombing mission of the French Railways, as part of the allied preparations for D-Day. Overture to Overlord by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDP0006
Boeing B29 Superfortresses of the USAAF 40th Bomb Group come under attack from a Kawasaki Ki64 Hein (Tony) of the Japanese Army Airforces 244th Sentai. Mission to Yokohama by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDP0008
Rumanian IAR 80c on a tactical reconnaissance mission is intercepted and shot down by a Soviet YAK3 over the river Dnepr. Duel on the Dnepr, Southen Russia, Summer 1943 by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDP0013

Naval Art Postcards

HMS Hotspur is shown on Convoy protection duties during 1942 / 1943. HMS Hotspur, the H class destroyer, was built by Scotts at Greenock and launched 23rd March 1936. Participated in the first Battle of Narvik, April 1940 and the Battle of Cape Matapan in March 1941. In April 1941 took part in the evacuation of Greece and sank the German U-Boat U79 in the Mediterranean north of Sollum on 23rd December 1941. Sold to the Dominican Republic on 23rd November 1948 and renamed Trujillo.Hotspur by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0414
The Pedestal Convoy of August 1942 was one of the most heavily protected convoys in the history of sea warfare. Fourteen of the fastest cargo ships of the time were protected by 4 carriers, 2 battleships, 7 cruisers and 32 destroyers. The destroyer HMS Ashanti is in the foreground of the painting. Also depicted are the carrier HMS Indomitable, with her Hurricanes cirling the convoy overhead, and the cargoe ship Port Chalmers to the right of the picture.Pedestal Convoy by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0438
Late October 1942 in the waters east of Guadalcanal, the Battle of Santa Cruz saw the sinking of the US carrier Hornet, in what proved to be the last major carrier battle of the South Pacific theatre. USS Hornet, Eye of the Storm by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0447
By June 1944 the US Fleet had made a huge leap across the Pacific to the Marianas, a small group of Japanese held islands of which Saipan would prove the most difficult to overcome. The landing were supported by the US 5th Fleet, which included USS North Carolina together with an increasingly powerful armada of battle hardened warships.USS North Carolina ,Saipan Bound by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0448
To increase the strength of the US fleet in the Pacific during the critical early months of the war, USS Indiana went through the Panama Canal. On the 28th of November 1942 USS Indiana joined Rear Admiral Lee's aircraft carrier screening force. For the next 11 months, USS Indiana helped protect USS Enterprise and USS Saratoga, which had been supporting the US invasion on the Solomon Islands. On the 21st of October 1943 USS Indiana went to Pearl Harbor, but after only a couple of weeks left to support forces designated for the invasion of the Gilbert Islands. The battleship protected the carriers which supported the Marines during the bloody fight for Tarawa atoll. Then, in late January 1944, she bombarded Kwajalein for eight days prior to the Marshall Island landings on 1st February 1944. USS Indiana collided with the battleship USS Washington while refuelling destroyers, killing several men. Temporary repairs to her starboard side were made at Majuro and USS Indiana returned to Pearl Harbor on 13th February 1944 for additional repair work. The painting shows USS Indiana with one of the two carriers she protected.USS Indiana, First Tour of Duty by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0517
The balance of maritime power in the Mediterranean was transformed at a stroke by the British air attack which disabled three Italian battleships in a few minutes. The target was the core of Mussolinis fleet, tucked away in Taranto Harbour, in southern Italy. The attack, codenamed Operation Judgement, took place in bright moonlight by twenty-one Swordfish from the British carrier HMS Illustrious. In the confined space of the harbour, their torpedoes had a devastating impact, at least nine torpedoes struck their targets. In all, seven ships were severely damaged, including the battleship Caio Duilio (left), Littorio (right) and Conte Di Cavour. Raid on Taranto by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0519
P520. Enter the Prince by Anthony Saunders. Enter the Prince by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0520
The Last of the heavy Cruisers built by Germany (5 in total) The picture shows Admiral Hipper making her first sortie on the 18th February 1940, accompanied by the Scharnhorst and the Gneisenau on Operation Nordmark. (Search for allied convoys on the route between Britain and Norway) The Narvik Squadron by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0524
Artic Convoy. Forcing their way through adverse conditions bordering on the limitations of human endurance, The Allied convoys faced appalling odds of survival in the endeavour to supply raw materials to Russias only ice free port of Murmansk. The Arctic Run by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0529
HMS Ramillies and Warspite manoeuvre into position off the coast of Normandy. The major battleships of the Home Fleet, with their massive guns which could deliver gunfire with pinpoint accuracy to 17 miles. they proved invaluable on the day of the biggest seaborne land invasion in history. HMS Ramillies and HMS Warspite at Normandy by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0536
Bismarck anchored at No.5 buoy takes on main armament ammo in Gottenhaven, before sailing to Norway and the Atlantic.Operation Rheinubung by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0710
The Tirpitz showing her last paint scheme, she sailed from Kaafjord to Hakoy island, Tromso Fjord it was to be her final resting place. Hit by tallboy bombs she capsized and sank. Floating Fortress by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0711
Under attack from HMS Ajax, HMS Exeter and HMS Archilles. The German Pocket battleship Graf Spee os shown at speed returning salvos, December 1939. The Battle of the River Plate by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0712
Dauntless Dive Bombers Dive on the Battleship Musashi in the Sibuyan Sea, October 1944. Pressing Home the Kill by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0713
With ssalvos landing close, the Bismarck with Prinz Eugen is shown loosing off the salvo that destroyed HMS Hood.Battle of the Denmark Straits by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0714
The Japanese ship Takao at Flank speed, riding shotgun for the carrier. Flank Speed by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0715
H.M.A.S Hobart glides past Mount Fiji for the surrender ceremony with Missouri in the Background. Tokyo Bay 1945. Slow Ahead by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0716
Westland Wyverns go vertical over HMS Eagle during the Suez Crisis of 1956Up and Over by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0717
HMS Valiant on Officer of the Watch Manoeuvres off the south coast.HMS Valiant , Battle Wagons by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0718
P719. HMS Duke of York by Randall Wilson. HMS Duke of York by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0719
Passing Port Said, HMS Nelson is shown transversing the Suez Canal after her tour in the pacific at the end of World War Two. Nellie by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0720
As Flagship Battle Cruiser Squadron HMS Hoods bow down about to take it green on the Med, Station October 1936. As Flagship Battle Cruiser Squadron HMS Hoods bow down about to take it green on the Med, Station October 1936. The Mighty Hood by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0721
HMS Tiger is shown under full steam. Battle of the Dogger Bank 1915 by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0722
H.M.A.S. Shropshire at speed, bound for Sydney after being stationed with the US Fleet in Tokyo Bay 1946. Home Bound by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0724
Hawker Sea Furies buzz the stern of HMAS Sydney during fleet exercises off Jervis Bay 1956. Fly Past by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0725
USS Long Beach became the first ship to ever shoot down aircraft using missiles. She is seen firing two Talos Missiles that downed two MIGs at a range of 80 miles in May 1968. Birds Away by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0726
HMS Warspite is shown in action during the 2nd battle of Narvik, April 1940.HMS Warspite, Shooting from the Hip by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0728
The USS Colorado holds the all time record of 37 consecutive days of firing at an enemy and the record of 24 direct enemy air attacks in 62 days both while at Okinawa. USS Colorado Okinawa by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0730
In February 1945, 850 square miles of volcanic rock became the most strategically important island in the South Pacific. From Iwo Jima heavy bombers would be able to raid Japanese cities almost at will. Even with its overwhelming military might, the Americans would have to pay a heavy price for such a seemingly small island. USS Tennessee During the Landings at Iwo Jima by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0731
With the harbour under attack, HMS Express casts off having embarked troops of the British Expeditionary force (B.E.F.) Leaving with her are the trawlers, which were part of the small boat armada which played such a major part in the evacuation of Dunkirk.Evacuation Dunkirk by Randall Wilson (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0732
Under lowering arctic skies HMS Belfast (Admiral Burnets Flagship) leads HMS Sheffield and HMS Norfolk in the race to protect convoy JW55B from Scharnhorst.HMS Belfast During the Battle of North Cape by Randall Wilson (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0734
Gneisenau returns to Kiel harbour after participating in Operation Nord Mark. With number one bowline secured crew crew prepares to bring the ship alongside.KMS Gneisenau - Stand by the Bowlines by Randall Wilson (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0735
USS New Jersey seen battling her way through a Hurricane in 1944. USS New Jersey, batten down the Hatches by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0736
CVN 65 USS Enterprise on her first deployment in the Gulf of Tonkin. On this day she flew 165 sorties, a carrier record! Two A4 Skyhawks head towards a bombing mission while an F4 phantom rides escort.Yankie Station by Randall Wilson (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0737
In support of the American landings at Utah and Omaha beaches, the USS Texas slugs it out with German heavy gun emplacements during the D-Day landings. Gunline Omaha - USS Texas by Randall Wilson (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0738
Depicted late in her long serving deployments Ark Royals Bricks make a pass as they return from a low level interdiction exercise.Arks Angels by Randall Wilson (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0739
Harriers prepare to enter the landing pattern as Illustrious steams in company with HMS Bristol with dusk closing in on day.HMS Illustrious by Randall Wilson (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0740
Emerging from a smokescreen SMS Baden surges ahead of her sister ship SMS Bayern to resume battle speed in these fleet manoeuvres in the Baltic, during 1917. The Kaisers Ship by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0768
A swordfish from HMS Warspite on patrol off the coast of Egypt, near the port of Alexandria. Out of Alex by David Pentland. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0790
HMS Broadsword and the aircraft carrier Hermes battle their way through the storm on their way to the Battle for the Falklands. Storm Force to the Falklands by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0812
At dawn on the 7th December 1941, 350 Japanese warplanes flew from their carriers and attacked the US pacific fleet at Pearl harbor, on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. the attack concentrated on Battleship Row which included USS California (Left) and USS Nevada (Right) which was the only battleship to get underway during the attack. However coming under intense bomb attack she was later beached. For the Japanese the success was not total, as the US carrier fleet was out on manoeuvres on the day of the attack.Pearl Harbor, USS California, by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0814
October 1941, U203 approaches her mooring on the western bank at the French port of Brest. Her fate would be sealed by depth charges from the destroyer HMS Pathfinder and aircraft from the escort carrier HMS Biter while attacking the convoy ONS 4 south of Greenland on April 25th 1943. U-203 Under Cover of Darkness by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0853
P854. HMS Courageous by Randall Wilson. HMS Courageous by Randall Wilson (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0854
Blackbeard the Terrible, otherwise known as Edward Teach, Thatch or Drummond. Circa 1718. Damnation Seize My Soul by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0897
The first light of dawn silhouettes the massive outline of the Yorktown class carrier USS Enterprise, in mid April 1944 she was partnered by the new Essex Class carrier USS Lexington. Dawn Enterprise by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0930
BB61 Iowa, was commissioned in February 1943 at the New York Navy yard. her first mission was to the North Atlantic in August 1943 to neutralise the threat of the German Battleship Tirpitz. By early 1944 she joined the Pacific fleet taking part in many of the major battles including Saipan, Leyte Gulf and Okinawa. She was re-commissioned in 1951 for the Korean war and again in April 1984. USS Iowa leaving New York by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0931
Fairey Swordfish I, L9726 4M of 818 Sqn, HMS Ark Royal pulls a tight, climbing turn through a hail of anti-aircraft fire as its torpedo strikes home, jamming the steering gear of the mighty Bismarck and setting in motion the beginning of her dramatic end. Bismarck by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0933
Depicting the short S45 Solent 2 G-AHIS (Scapa), BOAC Flying Boat, passing over the Queen Elizabeth on Southampton Water, Late 1940s The Golden Age by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0935
HMS Dido was launched on 18th July 1939, she took part in the evacuation of troops and defense of Crete, where she was damaged on B gun, killing 46 men. HMS Dido took part in the second Battle of Sirte during 1942, she sank three supply ships off North Africa. She also took part in the Anzio landings and the invasion of Southern France in August 1944. HMS Dido by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0936
HMS Ramillies took part in the bombardment of Bardia, August 18th 1940. She also took part in the Battle of Cape Teudada. On the 7th May 1942 in the bombardment of Diego Saurez (Madagascar) it was here she was torpedoed by Japanese midget submarines on the 30th May 1942. After repairs she took part in the bombardment of German positions during D-Day, as well as in August bombardments of Southern France.HMS Ramillies by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0937
Lother Gunther Buchheim based his famous novel The Boat on his voyage aboard U96 in the early days of World War Two. During this operation on 13th February 1941, U96 sank the straggling tanker, Arthur F Conwin, which had dropped back from the westbound convoy, HX106, after being hit by another U-boat, U103.Das Boote by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0968
17th February 1943, U-201 with U-69 were ordered to intercept the westbound convoy ONS165. With fuel low U-201 was eventually forced to surface following a depth charge attack and rammed by the Destroyer HMS Fame. U-201 Deadly Chase by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0969
None among Rackams crew Were more resolute or ready to board or undertake anything that was hazardous. Quote taken from Captain C. Johnsons book. A General History of the Robberies and murders of the Most Notorious Pirates. (1724) Anne Bonney, Mary Reid and Calico Jack Rackam by Chris Collingwood. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0974
HMS Glorious flying off a Fairey Swordfish at sunset with HMS Ardent off to Starboard. HMS Glorious by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0983
HMS Renown viewed from a passing Sunderland Flying Boat.HMS Renown by Ivan Berryman (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0984
Two F14 Tomcats of VF-1 pass in close formation over the stern of the veteran USS Ranger (CV-61) USS Ranger by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0985
A pair of F18 Hornets overfly the Nimitz-class carrier USS Dwight Eisenhower (CV-69) with the surface combatant USS Arleigh Burke (DDF-51) off her port bow. USS Dwight Eisenhower by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0986
USS Coral Sea (CV-43 being replenished by fast combat support ship USS Seattle (DE-3) as two of the carriers compliment of F.4s of VF-111 The Sundowners makes a low pass. USS Coral Sea by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0987
USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) refuels an Adams class Destroyer during a dusk operation off the Vietnam coast as a pair of E8 Crusaders are readied for launch on the forward catapults. USS Kitty Hawk by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0988
Pride of the Royal Navy, the mighty Hood rolls majestically in the north Atlantic swell as HMS Prince of Wales holds station off her starboard bow.HMS Hood by Ivan Berryman (PC)Click For DetailsDHM0989
HMS Lion with her sister ship HMS Princess Royal are shown firing on the German High Seas Fleet which can be seen in the distance during the Battle of Jutland.HMS Lion at the Battle of Jutland by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1002
The Battle ship HMS Barham in company with the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle between the two World Wars. Both fell victim to German U-Boats during World War Two.HMS Barham with HMS Eagle in Valetta Harbour in Malta during the 1930s by Ivan Berryman (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1003
Over 150 years of the Royal Navy are encapsulated in this view of the mighty HMS Nelson, moored at Portsmouth in 1945. Beyond the 16in guns of A turret, the masts of Admiral Nelsons flagship at Trafalgar, HMS Victory rise into the skyline whilst in the foreground MTB 507 cruises past on its way to the Solent.HMS Nelson by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1006
The Queen Elizabeth class battleship HMS Malaya is pictured at Capetown in April 1942 en route to Durban from Gibraltar. A veteran of the First World War, Malaya took part in the Battle of Jutland, receiving eight hits, and going on to serve throughout World War Two, surviving a torpedo off Cape Verde in 1941. She is seen here about to recover her Fairey Swordfish floatplane beneath the dramatic outline of Table Mountain.HMS Malaya at Capetown, South Africa. by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1009
Grand Harbour, Malta, April 1932. The R-Class battleship HMS Revenge slips majestically past the carrier HMS Furious as she lies at anchor as three of her Fairey IIIFs fly overhead on a routine training sortie. HMS Furious with HMS Revenge by Ivan Berryman (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1010
Wearing her unusual black and white disruptive colour scheme, HMS Repulse is pictured as part of Force Z in company with HMS Prince of Wales and the destroyer Vampire. These two mighty battleships were to be lost within hours of each other, the victims of intense Japanese air strikes. Vampire and the destroyer Electra were on hand to pick up survivors from both ships. HMS Repulse by Ivan Berryman (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1011
HMS Ocean is the sixth ship to bear this famous name and is ably equipped with 12 Sea King HC Mk4s, 4 Landing Craft, 2 Griffon Hovercraft, plus enough equipment necessary to provide support for a Commando battlaion of over 800 Royal Marines. She is depicted here in company with HMS Chatham, flying off Royal Marines from 42 Commando during operations off Sierra Leone.HMS Ocean by Ivan Berryman (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1017
USS Forrestal in preparation to launch an F14 Tomcat while in the Mediterranean , 1991, on her 21st and final operational deployment. USS Forrestal by Ivan Berryman (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1019
Mitsubishi G4Ms of 27 Kanoya Kokutai begin their devastating attack on Force Z off the north east coast of Malaya on 10th December 1941. Both Repulse and prince of Wales were lost in the attack, while their accompanying destroyers remained to pick up survivors among them HMS Express which can be seen off HMS Repulse starboard quarter.HMS Repulse with HMS Prince of Wales Under Attack by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1028
The Yamato was sunk on the 7th of April 1945 by torpedoes and bombs from carrier-borne aircraft while she was on a Kamikaze mission to Okinawa.Tenichigo by Randall Wilson (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1040
Under tow, HMS Vanguard having left John Brown shipyard, passes Dalmuir ship docks, Clydebank, 1946. HMS Vanguard would be the last British battleship to be built.HMS Vanguard, Away the Vanguard by Randall Wilson (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1041
HMS Renown shown at full speed operating in Norwegian waters on the hunt for Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. HMS Renown by Randall Wilson (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1042
Flanked by destroyers, Tirpitz departs Altafjord, July 1942. Passing her port bow is a Focke-Wulf FW200 Condor C3, outbound for Recon duties. Fighter escort was performed by Me110s.Tirpitz by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1043
HMS Duke of York passes Heaven gate, Scapa Flow, on her return from the battle of North Cape. Following astern is HMS Belfast and HMS Jamaica. HMS Meteor is already at anchor to the left of the painting.Return the Victor, HMS Duke of York entering Scapa Flow by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1044
In February 1944, USS Baltimore and Saratoga make up part of the formidable Task Force 58, forcing their way through the central pacific to attack the Japanese bases in the Marshal Islands in support of Operation Flintlock. USS Baltimore and Saratoga in the Pacific by Anthony Saunders (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1047
USS Mississippi rides at anchor. A brief rest for the crew at the port of ADM Oldendorfs T.G. The ship is preparing for the Invasion of Okinawa.USS Mississippi BB41 by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1049
The time is 1.35pm. (ten minutes after Admiral nelson had been fatally shot) HMS Temeraire and HMS Victory, are seen broadside to the redoubtable, which by 2pm had lost most of her crew, (out of a crew of 643 - 487 were dead, 81 died soon after, and only 25 were fit to crew)HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar by Graeme Lothian. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1052
Shown here flying of Wessex HU MK5s of No. 846 Squadron A veteran of the Suez crisis during which time she operated of Grumman Avengers and sea hawks, HMS Bulwark was reduced to training status during 1957. but re emerged as a Commando carrier. Further modifications in late 1970 saw her refitted as a full ASW carrier in which guise she served until the introduction in 1980 of HMS Invincible.HMS Bulwark at Hong Kong by Ivan Berryman (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1053
Launched in January 1915, the Revenge-class battleship HMS Resolution was to enjoy a 33 year career during which she served in the Atlantic, home and Eastern Fleets as well as serving repeated spells in the Mediterranean, being both bombed and torpedoed along the way. She is depicted off Gibraltar with HMS Wolverine, the destroyer perhaps best remembered for destroying the U-47 which sunk Resolutions sister ship Royal Oak in Scapa Flow.HMS Resolution at Gibraltar by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1087
The entry of the United States into the war opened up vast new hunting grounds for the German u-boat fleet. Operation Paukenschlag (Drumbeat in English) began in January 1942, bringing the U-boats their easiest pickings of the war. Over 300 allied vessels were sunk during the Paukenschlag along the US coastline, ranging from New York harbor, to the Straits of Florida. This period, also known as the second Happy Times to the men of the U-boats, was only brought to an end in mid 1942 by the formation of allied convoy systems. On the evening of April 5th 1942, U552, commanded by Kapitanleutnant Erich Topp, sealed the fate of the British tanker MV British Splendour east of Cape Hatteras. The U-boat was part of the fourth wave of boats of Operation Paukenschlag, she returned to Saint Nazaire on April 27th 1942 having sunk seven ships during the patrol.Operation Drumbeat by Anthony Saunders (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1088
Portrayed in the southern lock at the French port of Saint Nazaire during the Autumn of 1941 are from left: U552, commanded by Kapitanleutnant Erich Topp, U567, commanded by Oberleutnant zur See Engelbert Endrass and U93, commanded by Oberleutnant zur See Horst Elfe. Saint Nazaire was home for two U-boat flotillas: 7. U-Flotille, the Wegener Flotilla and 6.U-Flotille, the Hundius Flotilla. It produced some of the top U-boat commanders including Topp, Endrass, Prien and Kretschmer. The base reached a peak of activity in mid 1943, however, by the end of the war the entire port had been flattened by the allied air forces. The only buildings to survive the onslaught were the bomb proof U-bunkers which can still be seen to this dayWolves at Saint Nazaire by Anthony Saunders (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1089
USS Yorktown seen accompanied by her destroyers including USS Hammann shown under attack by Japanese Torpedo Bombers (Kates) during the battle of Midway. It was in this action that USS Yorktown was lost. USS Yorktown at the Battle of Midway by Anthony Saunders (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1097
In a 40 knot gale, Lt Col. Doolittles B25 hauls itself into the air. The first of a 16 strong strike force en route to Tokyo. USS Hornet. Doolittles Raiders by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1106
The King George V class battleship HMS Anson is pictured in Sydney Harbour where she joined the Pacific Fleet in July 1945, viewed across the flight deck of HMS Vengeance, where ten of her Vought F4.U Corsairs are ranged in front of a single folded Fairey Barracuda.HMS Anson at Sydney Harbour, July 1945 by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1107
The French battleship Richelieu with the Royal Navy cruiser HMS Cumberland, shown during Operation Crimson after bombarding Sabang during July 1944. Grumman Avengers from the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Vengeance shown overhead. Richelieu and HMS Cumberland 1945 by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1108
Depicted off Capetown with the distinctive skyline of Table Mountain providing the backdrop, the King George V class battleship HMS Howe and her destroyer escort began their journey home having visited New Zealand as well as South Africa following the end of hostilities in 1945.HMS Howe by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1110
Fuso, launched 28th March 1914, underwent major reconstruction between 1930-33. Shown here during world war II, Fuso took part in the Leyte Gulf operations and was sunk by two torpedoes from US destroyers on 25th October 1944. Japanese Battleship Fuso by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1118
Nagato was launched on 9th November 1919. Shown here during world war two operations, the Nagato survived the war and was expended as a target at the Bikini A-Bomb tests on 29th July 1946. Japanese Battleship Nagato by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1119
Having played a vital part in the battle for the Mediterranean for over two years, HMS Ark Royal finally succumbed to a U-Boats torpedo in November 1941. She is shown here with a pair of Swordfish Mk1s of 821 Sqn ranged on the deck, passing the cruiser HMS Sheffield off the Mole, Gibraltar, earlier that same year.HMS Ark Royal and HMS Sheffield off the Mole - Gibraltar by Ivan Berryman (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1120
The view across Battleship Row, viewed from above Ford Island as the USS Nevada gallantly makes her break for the open sea, coming under heavy attack from Japanese A6M2s from the carrier Hiryu. The Nevada was eventually too badly damaged to continue and was beached to avoid blocking the harbour entrance. In the immediate foreground, the lightly damaged USS Tennessee is trapped inboard of USS West Virginia which has sunk at her moorings, leaking burning oil and hampering the daring operations to pluck trapped crew members from her decks, while just visible to the right is the stern of the USS Maryland and the capsized Oklahoma. The Raid on Pearl Harbor, 7th December 1941 by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1121
HMS King George V and HMS Rodney chase down the crippled German battleship, Bismarck, and within hours they will go into action. The Chase, 27th May 1941 by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1122
HMS Queen Elizabeth with other Royal Naval Battleships, Revenge and Ramillies. Surrounded by cruisers and destroyers ride at anchor for King George Vs last Jubilee Review of 1935.Sunset at Spithead by Randall Wilson. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1123
The pride of the Royal Navy, HMS Hood, leaves Portsmouth on her way to the Fleet Review of King George V in July 1935. HMS Hood is followed by the destroyer HMS Express.HMS Hood and HMS Express Departing from Portsmouth 1935 by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1126
Undoubtedly the most famous and decisive battle in the history of naval warfare. The battle of Trafalgar was fought on a calm, almost windless day, on 21st October 1805. Nelsons revolutionary battle plan was to cut apart the larger Franco-Spanish fleet of Vice-Admiral Villeneuve by sailing in two single column divisions directly at right angles into the combined fleet and thus rendering almost half of the leading ships useless until they could turn and join the fight, which in such calm conditions could take hours. The battle raged for five hours in which time not one British ship was lost, however, Nelson would tragically lose his life at the very moment of his triumph, a triumph which rendered the British Navy unchallenged in supremacy for over a century. Here, Nelsons flagship, HMS Victory, followed by HMS Temeraire is seen breaking the Franco-Spanish line and commencing her murderous hail of gun fire into the stern of Villeneuves flagship, Bucentaure. Meanwhile the Victory herself is being fired upon by the French Neptune. Redoutable can be seen at the far right.Nelsons Victory at Trafalgar by Anthony Saunders. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1127
HMS Euryalus, a Dido class cruiser, shown off the Bay of Naples.HMS Euryalus by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1140
One of the most decisive battles in the history of the Royal Navy, Nelsons defeat of the French fleet took place on 21st October 1805 off Cape Trafalgar and was conducted with not a single British ship lost, although few ships escaped severe punishment and loss of life on both sides was tragically highThe Battle of Trafalgar, 21st October 1805 by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1165
HMS Illustrious slips quietly away from the docks at Devonport, Plymouth with the Fiji class cruiser in the middle distance, 1941.HMS Illustrious and HMS Kenya at Devonport by Ivan Berryman. (PC)Click For DetailsDHM1175
A pair of 272 Squadron Bristol Beaufighters roar over the extensively rebuilt battleship HMS Valiant as she lies at anchor at Alexandria late in 1941, accompanied by the cruiser HMS Phoebe and Valiants sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth (in the extreme distance)HMS Valiant and HMS Phoebe at Alexandria, 1941 by Ivan Berryman (PC)Click For Details