He has dodged bullets in Bosnia and survived the jungles of Belize and the baking deserts of East Africa.

Now Bradford-born Frank Devaney has reached the top position of Regimental Sergeant Major in the Duke of Wellington's Regiment after 21 years' service.

The former pupil of St Bede's Grammar School, Heaton, signed up soon after his 16th birthday under the Junior Soldiers Scheme, having left school without a qualification to his name. His first posting was to Minden in Germany and his career has taken him across the globe to some of the world's most notorious trouble spots, including Northern Ireland and Kosovo.

His rise through the ranks has been characterised by his strong leadership under pressure, with the most extreme example being a tour of duty in Bosnia in 1994, according to his senior officers.

RSM Devaney, who grew up in Lidget Green, Bradford, described how he and his men had been caught in crossfire between warring factions.

"The Duke's mission was to protect the Bosnian Muslims in the Gorazde Enclave. It was very stressful, but in a strange way it was also extremely rewarding and enjoyable.

"I was part of the Reconnaissance Platoon. We were constantly monitoring confrontation lines. When we were not being fired at directly, we were caught in crossfires between the Croats, Bosnians and Serbs."

The position of RSM is the highest rank a non commissioned officer can attain in the British Army and candidates are identified early on in their career.

RSM Devaney is currently serving in Kosovo. He said: "Next year will be my 22 year point. I can either stay on as an officer or leave on a full Army pension and pursue a career."