A UNIQUE record was established last month, when Angus Tilney was commissioned into the King's Royal Hussars, becoming the fourth consecutive generation of his family to serve in the same regiment.

Second Lieutenant Angus Tilney's great-grandfather, Harold 'Swipes' Tilney, began the tradition when he was commissioned in 1896.

His grandfather, Harold 'Freckles' Tilney, followed in 1924 and then his father, Godfrey Tilney, in 1971.

Another remarkable coincidence is that the last three family members have all had the same first posting. In a period stretching over almost 80 years, they all began their regimental careers in Aliwal Barracks, Tidworth.

Amalgamations have changed the name of the regiment over the years.

Angus's great grandfather joined the 14th Kings Hussars, but by the time of his grandfather's commission, the regiment had become the 14th/20th King's Hussars.

Amalgamations in the 1990s gave the regiment its current name.

Colonel Godfrey Tilney said: "Throughout these changes, the regiment has retained the Prussian Hawk as its cap badge.

"And since the present amalgamation, we have been proud to wear the colourful crimson trousers."

Col Tilney commands the Tidworth Garrison, which is where Angus is now posted.

When the two met recently while on duty, Angus had to formally salute his father for the first time. Asked whether this would happen at home, Col Tilney said: "Certainly not!

He added: "I am very proud of Angus, however, and of the family tradition extending more than a century - although I suspect Angus might feel less comfortable having me as his garrison commander!"