In these films Robert Ely, a veteran of military music who served with three different regiments talks of his progress through the ranks of army musicians, of his service in Northern Ireland and of how his army career was cut short by personal tragedy.

Robert Ely

Robert Ely, had reached the rank of Warrant Officer First Class in the Parachute Regiment when he was thrown out of the services after his sexual orientation was discovered. His case, which went to court in the 1980's was supported by LGBT rights group Stonewall and helped to change British military attitudes to homosexuality for ever.

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1950-1953
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