FORMER Devizes schoolboy George Drysdale, who joined the army as a boy soldier, has risen through the ranks to become a Lieutenant Colonel.

His father Brian said: “George is a former Devizes School pupil and worked his way up in the Royal Engineers to the highest possible rank he can achieve.

“His family are all very proud of him.”

Lt Col Drysdale, 50, comes from an army family and always dreamed of joining up. As a teenager he became a member of Devizes Army Cadets.

After leaving school he became a boy soldier based at Dover and in 1985 he became junior regimental sergeant major.

His father said: “George has served in Northern Ireland, Germany, Angola. Bosnia, Kosova, Iraq and Afghanistan. He is currently based at HQ Land Andover.”

Lt Col Drysdale, who lives in married quarters at Ludgershall serves in the Royal Engineers and has seen action all over the world.

He is married to Susan and they have sons Dan and Alexander and daughters Emily and Pippa.

His father said: “George has reached the highest rank for a late entry officer a bit short of the top army rank.