Father-of-two John Donald is the latest to join the elite band of 36 beefeaters at the Tower of London.
He has been running the Combined Cadet force at Weymouth in Dorset, commanding 180 cadets and 15 adult volunteers, since leaving the Army in 2008 after 23 years.
But now fancies a turn as a tour guide around London’s most famous pile of ancient bricks.
“It was a big decision to leave my life in Dorset,” he said. “But to be a Yeoman Warder is an iconic role and to be part of The Tower’s history is a great opportunity.
“I hope to know enough eventually to field any tricky questions about The Tower—I want to stand on the block to give the famous Yeoman Warder tour.”
But Beefeater Donald has to learn word-for-word the story of The Tower over the next few months before being allowed to lead a tour himself. He also has to become familiar with each of the 21 separate duties Yeoman Warders carry out every day.
John served with the King’s Royal Hussars in Germany, Canada, Northern Ireland and Iraq before settling back in Britain.
It is his first time living in London. He and his wife Kim have been married 24 years and have two grown-up sons.
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