A FAMILY’S proud military history is in the spotlight.

And the latest to wear the colours of his country is 19-year-old Daniel Lickess, of Rastrick.

He signed on for the Army at the recruiting office in Kirkgate, Huddersfield, to carry on a family tradition stretching back scores of years.

His family’s service history now spans four generations.

Daniel stood proudly to take his Oath of Allegiance with his two grandfathers alongside him.

He was also joined by his twin brother, Jason, who is also considering an Army career in the near future.

The brothers are following in the footsteps of one of their great grandfathers, who was serving on the Ascania troopship when it sank in 1918. He later went to become Captain of the Deck on the HMS King George V battleship.

And a great uncle, William Elcock, joined the Welsh Guards in 1950 until 1984, reaching the rank of captain.

Daniel, who has chosen to enlist as a design draughtsman in the Royal Engineers, said: “My family history was definitely a factor in wanting to join the Army.

“I grew up listening to my grandfathers telling me stories about the Army.

“I was initially interested in the RAF but after hearing about my grandad’s experiences with the Royal Army Medical Corps, I was swayed toward the Army.”

The importance of family was clear to see as he stood proudly with his grandfathers Keven Lickess and Eric Collins and his twin brother Jason.

Mr Collins, an infantryman who served in the Grenadier Guards, highlighted the benefits of learning a profession that the Army offers today.

He said: “The Army has changed since I first started. You can learn a trade, go abroad and have a career for life. It’s a great life if you get into it.”

Nick McConnell, of the Army Careers Office, Huddersfield, welcomed his new recruit.

He said: “Daniel’s career choice is a great demonstration of the variety of careers available in the Army.

“There are more than 140 careers available in the Army with the skills learnt being transferable to civilian life.

“The service history of this family is extraordinary and shows their dedication to serve the country.”

Daniel will start Army life at a training regiment in Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire, while Jason is looking to sign up in the near future for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.