John Keohane

Military Service & Rank: 27 years in the army: Sergeant Major The Royal Corps of Signals

Yeoman at the Tower Since: 1991

Interests & Hobbies: Preserved steam railways, Computers

Yeoman Warder John Keohane is fortunate in the fact that his army life has taken him to the four corners of the globe including Singapore, Holland, Thailand and Oman to name but a few. For this reason alone it seems quite clear that for him to apply for a post as a Yeoman Warder was a natural progression. Now, after spending 27 years of his life travelling the world he has the world coming to him, via the Tower of London's massive tourist input.

Being settled in the UK within the confines of the Tower has enabled John Kahan to nurture his love for preserved steam locomotives by joining the South Devon Steam Railway Organisation. On his days off he is often to be found participating in their annual events and attractions. One event in particular has him taking on the persona of Sir Topham Hat, the fat controller in the Thomas the Tank Engine stories. During the festive season he often dons a woolly red suit and a hat, whitens his beard and becomes Santa Clause. Even though he changes his Beefeater's uniform to that of fictional story book characters his duties always appear to run along similar lines as they do within the Tower of London. In his own words I always feel as though I'm on a busman's holiday when down in Devon. The fact is, although I go initially for recreational purposes somehow I always wind up putting on a uniform and looking after the public. It's obviously my vocation in life but I must say, I thoroughly enjoy it.

John's other main interest, computers is the result of seeing them develop throughout his military life. He now owns his own PC and like most computer owners finds it to be an invaluable addition to the home.