War Office facts for kids

The War Office was a special government department in the United Kingdom. Its main job was to manage and control the British Army. Think of it like the army's headquarters!

In 1963, some big changes happened. The War Office, along with two other departments – the Admiralty (which looked after the navy) and the Air Ministry (which managed the air force) – all joined together. They formed a new, bigger department called the Ministry of Defence. Today, the Ministry of Defence is in charge of all of Britain's armed forces, including the army, navy, and air force.

What Was the War Department?

Inside the War Office, there was a special part known as the 'War Department'. This name was used for the military's own transport services. For example, the 'War Department Fleet' was a group of ships used by the military. The 'War Department Railways' were special train lines and trains also used by the military to move soldiers and supplies.

Images for kids

• 

  This is what the old War Office building looked like from Whitehall in London.