DAVID Bowyer comes from a long line of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to serving their country.

He can trace his army roots back to his great grandfather, who fought in the Boer War, and not only that has the medals to prove it.

David — who served in the Army Air Corps from 1980 until 2002, spending some of that time attached to the SAS — is justifiably proud of his heritage.

His grandfather, Private Thomas Bowyer, was born in Ireland, in 1878, to a soldier. He joined the army in 1897 and fought in the Boer War.

His father (David’s great grandfather) was Private Richard Bowyer who served in the army from 1855 to 1879. Richard had four sons and one was David’s grandfather, Thomas.

Thomas left the army in 1919 and died in 1931, aged 53.

It was a sad fact of life that for most soldiers returning from World War One their lives would never be the same again.

If they had jobs before they left for battle some would not have them when they returned.

Although they returned as heroes to the general public, many would never work again and if they did they would suffer hardship and proverty.

Life was hard for Thomas. “He had no money and needed to feed his family so he sold his medals,” said David.

But David has ensured the sacrifices Thomas made have not been forgotten by his family as he has obtained copies of those medals and now displays them proudly alongside those of his great grandfather, father and his own.

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