Out in the Army-Plates

My granddad, James Crumlin, in 1938. He was seventeen years old and serving in the Royal Navy.

With my dad, Ronnie, on a snow-covered Christmas morning in Gwersyllt, 1995.

Mum and I on our annual holiday to Butlins, Pwllheli, 1996. Not sure about the jumpers.

Playing the side drum with the 4^th Cadet Battalion, Corps of Drums in Wrexham town centre. I’m on the left-hand side, third from the front.

Aged sixteen, on my second day in the army, September 2003. Alongside me are Junior Soldiers Reucker and Perryman; Reucker would go on to receive the Military Cross.

Basic training: boys will be boys!

4 Section, 6 Platoon in 2004. Back row: Shickle, Warren, Cpl Hayhurst (Section Commander), Rutter and McDonald. Front row: Abraham, Vella, Wharton and Williams.

Liza, me, Mum, Paul and Nan at my passing out, 13 August 2004.

Drill ride with the boys at Hyde Park barracks, October 2004. From left: Smith, Elliot, Hendy, Whitehead, Wharton, Warren, Perryman, Evans, Johnstone, Reid, McAllen, Tate and Ibbetson.

Kit ride, March 2005. I’d ‘come out’ to the boys two days before this photo was taken.

Nan tries on the kit for size at my passing-out parade, St Patrick’s Day 2005. There would never have been a more loyal guard!

The one that got away. Steven was the first guy to ever take a real interest in me.

Regimental barbecue at Hyde Park barracks, spring 2006. The regiment often enjoyed moments of relaxation during the preparations for state ceremonies.

Me and Thom on our second date. I’d told Mum I was gay only hours before.

With my sister Liza on her wedding day, October 2006. She looked every bit a princess.

Basra, 2007. At the COB awaiting a helicopter for our first trip to Maysan. Trooper Hodges and I try to get used to the overwhelming heat. © Byron Kirk

On the general-purpose machine gun, with Scoffy driving and Lance Corporal of Horse Danny Abbott commanding. The three of us were extremely close during our months in Iraq. © David Penny

Making the most of the hot weather.

Posing with Kirky and looking a little grumpy. © Byron Kirk

Ibbo and I attempt to entertain some of the local kids, who were all too used to seeing soldiers and guns.

Driving the battered WMIKs across the open desert was great fun though not without risk.

At Mum and Phil’s wedding in May 2008. I was honoured when Phil asked me to be his best man.

A Squadron in Canada, September 2008. HRH Prince Harry stands at the far right.

With Thom in New York, Christmas 2009.

Thom and I meet Prime Minister David Cameron at a Downing Street garden party, July 2010.

Moments before the regimental dismount of the Sovereign’s Escort at the royal wedding, 2011. It would be the last time I ever escorted Her Majesty the Queen.

With Sir Ian McKellen and Daniel Winterfeldt at the Inter-Law Diversity Forum Winter Carnival. © Inter-Law Diversity Forum