United Kingdom casualties of war facts for kids

The United Kingdom casualties of war lists the brave people from the United Kingdom who died in conflicts where the UK was involved. This includes both members of the British armed forces and British citizens. It's a way to remember those who lost their lives serving their country or as a result of these conflicts.

Wars After World War II

After the massive World War II, the United Kingdom was involved in many smaller conflicts around the world. These often involved peacekeeping, fighting against rebellions, or supporting allies. Here's a look at some of these important events and the lives lost.

Conflicts in the 21st Century

In recent times, the UK has been part of major international efforts.

What happened in the Iraq War?

The Iraq War (also known as Operation Telic) took place from 2003 to 2009. During this conflict, 179 British military personnel and 43 civilians lost their lives. This made the total number of British deaths 222. You can learn more about all the deaths in this war at Casualties of the Iraq War.

What was the War in Afghanistan?

The war in Afghanistan (called Operation Herrick by the British) lasted from 2001 to 2014. In this long conflict, 457 British military members and 101 civilians died. This brought the total British deaths to 546. More details can be found at British Forces casualties in Afghanistan since 2001.

Other Recent Conflicts

• Sierra Leone Civil War (Operation Palliser, 2000): 1 British military person died.
• Balkans (Bosnia/Kosovo) (1992–2009): 72 British military personnel died in these peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts.

Conflicts in the Late 20th Century

The end of the 20th century saw the UK involved in significant conflicts, including a major war in the Middle East and a long-running conflict closer to home.

What was the Gulf War?

The Gulf War (1990–1991), known as Operation Granby for the British, was a conflict in the Middle East. In this war, 47 British military personnel died.

What were The Troubles in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland (Operation Banner) was a long and difficult period from 1969 to 1998. During this time, 763 British military personnel and 1,854 civilians died. The total number of deaths was 2,617.

What was the Falklands War?

The Falklands War (Operation Corporate) was a short but intense conflict in 1982. It resulted in the deaths of 255 British military members and 3 civilians, totaling 258 lives lost.

Other Conflicts in the Mid-to-Late 20th Century

• Aden Emergency (1963–1967): 90 British military personnel died.
• Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation (1962–1966): 16 British military personnel died.
• Dhofar Rebellion (1962–1975): 24 British military personnel died.
• Suez Crisis (Operation Musketeer, 1956): 23 British military personnel died.
• Cyprus Emergency (1955–1959): 371 British military and 16 civilians died, totaling 387. This was a fight against a Greek Cypriot group called EOKA.
• Kenya (Mau Mau Rebellion) (1952–1960): 63 British military personnel died.

Early Post-War Conflicts

Right after World War II, the UK was involved in several conflicts as the world changed.

What was the Korean War?

The Korean War (1950–1953) was a major conflict where 1,109 British military personnel died.

What was the Malayan Emergency?

The Malayan Emergency (1948–1960) was a long fight against communist rebels in Malaya. 519 British military personnel died during this period.

Other Early Post-War Events

• Operation Valuable (1949–1954), including the 1946 Corfu Channel Incident: Over 300–400 people died, including Americans.
• Yangtse River Incident (1949): 46 British military personnel died.
• Indonesian National Revolution (1945–1949): 1,200 British military personnel died.
• Operation Masterdom (Vietnam, 1945–1946): 40 British military personnel died.
• Palestine Emergency (1944–1948): 784 people died.

Wars from 1900 to 1945

This period includes two of the largest and most devastating wars in human history, which had a huge impact on the United Kingdom.

What was World War II?

World War II (1939–1945) was a global conflict that caused immense loss of life. The United Kingdom suffered greatly, with 383,700 military personnel and 67,100 civilians dying. This means a total of 450,900 British lives were lost. This number also includes deaths from the Crown Colonies. You can find more information at World War II casualties#Total deaths by country.

What was World War I?

World War I (1914–1918) was another terrible global war. The United Kingdom lost 887,858 military personnel and 107,000 civilians. The total number of British deaths was 994,858. More details are available at World War I casualties.

Other Conflicts in the Early 20th Century

• Anglo-Irish War (1919–1921): 776 military personnel (including police) and 898 Irish civilians died, totaling 1,674. During this time, Irish civilians were considered British citizens.
• Third Anglo-Afghan War (1919–1921): 1,136 military personnel died, including those from the British Indian Army.
• Russian Civil War (1918–1920): 1,073 British military personnel died as part of an Allied effort.
• Second Boer War (1899–1902): 27,000 British military personnel died in this conflict in South Africa.
• Iraqi Revolt against the British (1920): Around 1,000 British military personnel died.
• Arab Revolt in Palestine (1936–1939): 262 British military personnel died.
• Anglo-Aro War (1901–1902): Between 700 and 800 British military personnel died.
• Boxer Rebellion (1899–1901): 33 British military personnel and over 30 civilians died.

Wars from 1815 to 1898

This period saw the British Empire expanding and dealing with conflicts in various parts of the world, especially in Asia and Africa.

Major Conflicts in the 19th Century

• Indian Rebellion of 1857 (1857–1858): Over 11,021 British military personnel died in this major uprising in India.
• Crimean War (1854–1856): 22,182 British military personnel died in this war fought against Russia.
• First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826): 15,000 British military personnel died.
• Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880): 9,850 British military personnel died.
• Anglo-Zulu War (1879): 1,900 British military personnel died in this conflict in Southern Africa.
• First Boer War (1880–1881): 408 British military personnel died.
• First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–1846): 1,989 British military personnel died.
• First Opium War (1839–1842): Over 69 British military personnel died.
• First Anglo-Afghan War (1839–1842): 5,062 British military personnel died.

Other Conflicts in the 19th Century

• Second Sudan War (1898): 700 British military personnel died.
• Anglo-Zanzibar War (1896): No British deaths, but 1 sailor was wounded. This was one of the shortest wars in history!
• Second Opium War (1856–1860): 134 British military personnel died.
• Anglo-Persian War (1856–1857): Over 1,535 British military personnel died.
• Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848–1849): 2,687 British military personnel died.
• New Zealand Wars (1845–1872): 560 British military personnel died.
• Lower Canada Rebellion (1837–1838): 32 British military personnel died.

See also

• List of disasters in Great Britain and Ireland by death toll