Lieutenant General James Bashall CBE – Portrait Sitting

Lieutenant General James Bashall CBE – Portrait Sitting © Rory Lewis Non-Profit 2016

The Rory Lewis Non-Profit was privileged to sponsor a portrait sitting for Lieutenant General James Bashall CBE, a distinguished leader in the British Army. Conducted at his headquarters in Aldershot, the session captured the essence of a man whose career reflects unwavering dedication to service, courage, and command excellence.

Lieutenant General Bashall stands as a towering figure in both stature and reputation. A veteran of the Iraq War, he commanded the 1st Mechanised Brigade in Basra in 2007, leading with courage and distinction. Earlier in his career, he commanded the 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment (2 PARA) in Afghanistan, earning recognition as one of the British Army’s most experienced combat commanders. Deeply proud of his service with the Parachute Regiment, his career exemplifies leadership, resilience, and devotion to duty.

Lieutenant General James Bashall CBE – Portrait Sitting © Rory Lewis Non-Profit 2016

For this portrait, I directed him into a side-on pose to elegantly showcase his paratrooper wings—a symbol of his airborne heritage and military journey. The composition employed a low-angle perspective to emphasize pride, duty, and the formidable presence that defines his leadership. The resulting image conveys not only his authority but also the humanity and reflection of a lifelong soldier.

This portrait, created under the mission of the Rory Lewis Non-Profit, represents more than an image; it preserves a vital chapter in British military history. Lieutenant General Bashall’s distinguished service spans pivotal deployments, including command roles in Iraq and Afghanistan, participation in a Noncombatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in Libya alongside the Special Air Service (SAS) in 2011, and his current leadership as Commander of Personnel and Support Command. His operational experience across multi-national missions, complex theatres, and cultural landscapes stands as a testament to modern British military leadership.

Through the ongoing work of the Rory Lewis Non-Profit, this portrait contributes to a growing archive that celebrates the stories of those who have dedicated their lives to service. Lieutenant General James Bashall’s portrait is both a tribute to his leadership and a visual legacy for future generations—embodying the courage, discipline, and honor of the British Armed Forces.

© Rory Lewis Non-Profit 2016 – Lieutenant General James Bashall Portrait Sitting