Attention! Entire archive of Soldier Magazine goes digital to celebrate 80th anniversary

Soldier, the British Army’s official magazine, is marking its 80th anniversary by sharing its entire archive online for the first time. 

Established by Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery in March 1945, Soldier Magazine was originally published to inform and entertain and serve as a morale-boosting magazine for troops of the British Liberation Army fighting across Europe during the last months of the Second World War.

Fast forward to 1997 and it had evolved into a glossy monthly magazine catering to every branch of the British Army. 

• National Army Museum tells story of Soldier as Army's official magazine turns 80
• Reflect, rejoice and remember: How you can commemorate VE and VJ Day 80
• 80 years of BFBS: The story of innovation

And about 1,300 editions later, it continues to keep personnel up to speed on military news around the world. 

Steve Muncey, managing editor of Soldier Magazine, said: "The title remains an essential piece of kit in 2025, communicating for an Army facing new challenges in a changing world. 

"We hope our mission to bolster the moral component of fighting power, by giving a voice to British soldiers, will continue for many years to come."

Soldier Magazine journalists have reported on every conflict the British Army has been involved in and the magazine describes itself as the Army's primary means of internal communication outside the chain of command.

Each edition includes a wide selection of not-to-be-missed news, features, sports, reviews and letters. 

Milestones of the publication include the Soldier reporter who was one of the first to record the horrors of the Bergen-Belsen Nazi concentration camp and the unearthing of Operation Pluto – the mission by British engineers, oil companies and the British Armed Forces to build submarine oil pipelines under the English Channel to support the Normandy invasion. 

Later, it would publish several iconic images to come out of the Falklands War, highlight the soldiers' perspectives of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and put the Army's first openly gay soldier on its front cover, generating significant media attention. 

And as part of a major digital upgrade, Soldier Magazine's complete back catalogue is now available via the British Army website, meaning veterans, family members, serving troops and the public can look up articles dating back 80 years. 

This archive provides a fascinating window into the British Army's operations, training, and the ups and downs of military life since the end of the Second World War.

Mr Muncey said: "We've also introduced a new online version of the magazine optimised for reading on mobile phones and tablets – ideal for those on the move. 

"It's our hope that these improvements will help Soldier to continue shining a light on hot topics, views and opinions that matter to serving personnel."

To mark 80 years of Soldier magazine, a short documentary film and exhibition have been launched at the National Army Museum in London. 

Some of the earliest editions of Soldier Magazine, including an original first edition (March 1945) and a VE Day special issue (May 1945), are displayed along with magazine covers from across the decades.  

Brigadier (Retired) Justin Maciejewski, Director of the National Army Museum, said: "For 80 years, Soldier Magazine has covered every major conflict and explored issues at the heart of the soldier's world. 

"As the national home for the Army's history and heritage, we're delighted to partner with the magazine's committed team to reveal the remarkable story behind this much-loved publication.  

"In the year we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we're proud to celebrate the wartime birth of a magazine which still does so much to enrich Army life."  

A small group of civil servants who are trained journalists uphold Soldier Magazine's finest traditions today, with letters and news articles talking openly about the very best and worst aspects of military life dominating its pages. 

Most importantly this trusted title continues to keep soldiers, informed, educated and entertained in the same manner that Field Marshal Montgomery intended. 

The Story of Soldier Magazine will be at the National Army Museum until 6 July 2025.