Born in Plymouth. Joined the Junior Leaders Regiment RA at Bramcote Barracks in 1971. On completion, passed P Company at Aldershot and then the parachute training course at RAF Abingdon. Joined 7th Parachute Regiment RHA, F (Sphinx) Battery in December 1973.

Served two operational tours of Northern Ireland (1974 & 1978) as well as training events/exercises in Malaysia/Singapore, Norway (twice) and Canada, before being posted with the Regiment to Osnabruck (BAOR) in 1977.

Left the service 1978.