This is an archive of the NMS website

Active service

Experience six aspects of battle through the eyes of Scottish servicemen.

Find out about the personal experience of fighting, the ultimate task of any miltary organisation.

The extreme nature of this experience makes it difficult to imagine for those who have not gone through it themselves. Here is an opportunity to explore something of the reality of war and how it was represented to others.

Find out what it was like to face the enemy and even face up to death. Learn about leadership and morale, victory and defeat, loss and commemoration.

Things to see

This gallery offers a personal perspective of over 300 years of warfare through collections of medals, memorabilia and weapons relating to extraordinary individuals.

Click on the images below to see larger versions of some of the objects on display.