Nice Bust .. I live near Tapeley House in North Devon, once home to the Cleveland Family. Only son Cornet Archibald Cleveland of 17th Lancers (add 21st in 1922!). He was one of only three 17th Officers to survive charge. Sadly killed , days later, above near Alma during that battle by a stray shell .. while standing, dismounted with his men watching and waiting for any orders ... again!? Much Grief in the family .. only child .. many memorials and artefacts in and around the House as well as Westleigh and Instow Church. As a young soldier heading for RMA Sandhurst in 1954, I enlisted in the 17/21st for basic Training, remaining a Trooper until I was commissioned in 1956. Had I not made the grade I would gladly have gone back to the Regiment. Having admitted that I was a Grammar School lad and had no private income, was nicely informed the charming Cavalry Major who presented the Regiment at RMA, that I could not afford to be a Cavalry officer and would be Billy No Mates in the Mess and thus unhappy. That was not a good ideas was it? I had already worked that out and after threatening to leave , the Royal Armoured Corps being not an option, I was persuaded to stay. I was commissioned into the RASC ..where the first thing that happened was that I had to learn to ride a horse, daily before breakfast., for 3 months and again 3 years later! We had the Army Riding School and an Animal Transport element, then in Hong Kong. Transport (and supply) was our business and we had to be able to drive , ride a horse and a motorbike, I even went onto be a pilot in the Army Air Corps for 4 years. Did not regret my pathway as it was much fun!. had collected Toy Soldiers since age 11 and 17/21st Britains were my favourite .. and I still have them. I need this excellent bust , Santa! One point , young Cleveland did not sport such face fungus,being fresh-faced as most young officers were and are! Sorry Chaps! NOTE In my profile picture you see some large cold cast bronze both of the ASC and Royal Wagon Train. In between we had the Military Train,recrited from yhe Cvalry after the Crimean Way .. they even foaught as Lite Cavalry in New Zealand Maori Wars and Indian Mutiny, winning VCs. So we had a Calry backgound, tight overals w,blue wi double white stripes aka 17th ,with spurs. Worn to this day by the Royal Logic Corps though amlgamation havs change much of the uniform with Red Stripe ,ulll Wellington Boots and Calry Patter (!) Mess Jacket. Now theres another idea for a bust .. more mess kits. Then there is a Sarong .. but that is enough for this bedtime story! Yes, I do have a Welsh background!
