History Today

The huge area of Australia, writes R.J. Unstead, has been served by a remarkable variety of transport since the foundation of the British colonies in a new continent.

Michael Langley analyses the achievements of a great explorer of early colonial Australia.

From the 1830s until the end of British rule, Simla was the summer capital of successive Governors-General and Viceroys.

William Seymour describes how independence for India in 1947 put an end to the long and close association of the Indian princes with British power.

At a discouraging time during the Second World War, writes Geoffrey Evans, British and Indian troops gained a spectacular victory over the Italian forces in East Africa.

Admired by Haig and Lloyd George, General Monash was one of the most capable commanders on the Western Front during the First World War, writes John Terraine.

Amid the disasters of the first Afghan War, writes James Lunt, the successful defence of Jellalabad, beyond the Khyber Pass, stands out as a well-deserved battle-honour.

Every generation, writes E.E.Y. Hales, will have to consider afresh the principles of selection and the paths that may be usefully followed.

Once acclaimed as an “enchanter on the throne” Gustavus was both loved and hated; but, writes Oliver Warner, those who loved him were better men than his enemies.

J.T. Ward describes how romantic views of the Middle Ages and a dislike for the horrors of industrialism inspired an able group of young Conservatives in the House of Commons during the 1840s.