James Wharton has served in Iraq, participated in war games under Lt Wales’ command and was serving in London at the time of the 7/7 bombings.

He was also one of the British Army’s first openly gay soldiers.

Out in the Army is his candid account of his remarkable career and learning to cope with his sexuality in an armed forces that only abolished its ban on homosexuality in 2000.

Mr Wharton will be coming to Leatherhead library to discuss his autobiography as well as how the armed forces have adapted to the demands to end prejudice based on a person’s sexuality.

He says: "The book is about my experience as an openly gay man in the army but actually, it’s more about how the army changed over the period I served.

"Most of the homophobia I experienced occurred at the beginning of that period. Homosexuality has become extremely acceptable, even 10 years ago, that was not nearly the case.

"When I joined in 2003 there were lots of casual homophobic remarks. Sexism, racism and homophobia were a large problem.

"The army has had to get to the exact same standard as society, which has been reduced from a 50 year journey to a 15 year one, compared with societies’"

His  autobiography tracks this journey, along with his own in the forces, from touring Iraq aged 20, to having to cease an afternoon washing horses as a result of emergency action during the 7/7 bombings, to serving under Prince Harry in Canada in war games.

"I guess the royal wedding must be the icing on the cake. I remember stepping away from the ceremony and thinking ‘I’m not sure what’s going to top this’"

James’ visit is part of LGBT month and tickets can be bought in person from any Surrey library. Refreshments are included.

Out in the Army - James Wharton at Leatherhead Library; Leatherhead Library, Church Street, Leatherhead; Friday February 12; 7.30pm; £5; call 01483 543599 or text 07968 32414.