Harry Comley Collection: National Serviceman and Sculpturer
Harry was raised in Lichfield, Satffordhsire and in 1950 he was learning his trade as an apprentice at a Stone masonry and wood carving business in the city of Lichfield. Harry found he had a talent with carving materials and his work was becoming to be appreciated. A new apprentice had been taken on, whom Harry was set to help train. However, being in good health and of age, Harry received call up papers to complete National Service. It was assumed Harry would complete two years national service and then return to Lichfield to complete his apprenticeship. Harry requested to join the infantry and was posted to the Cheshire regiment. After completing National Service (the majority overseas) he left the Army. Harry wasn't altogether finished with the regular Army. He was obligated to complete a fortnight's training every year for three years, as part of the Territorial Army Z reserve force. It was Harry's desire to return to his apprenticeship. A nasty surprise awaited him. Upon reporting to his previous employer, he found that the Apprentice he met who had joined the firm two years previous, had in fact taken Harry's job. This left a bitter taste with Harry, who felt he had been penalised for serving his country.
However, Harry never let the setback of losing his apprenticeship hold him back. He went on to develop into an accomplished Sculptor. His work can be seen adorning historic places, such as Lichfield Cathedral, Cardigan Castle and many more buildings such as St Mary's church Cardigan. Photographs of his work can be seen in his collection on the West Wales Veterans Archive.
![Grapes [wood sculpture] by Harry Comley](https://www.peoplescollection.wales/sites/default/files/styles/pcw_entity_glance/public/images/2024/January/Grapes%20by%20Harry%20Comley.jpeg?itok=Dwhu4jlp)
![Antelope head [wood sculpture] by Harry Comley](https://www.peoplescollection.wales/sites/default/files/styles/pcw_entity_glance/public/images/2024/January/Antelope%20head%20by%20harry%20Comley.jpeg?itok=TLuzqhew)
