BBC Sci-Fi 1984
Synopsis -
Bill is a peaceful farm boy, until he is lured by the martial music of a passing regimental band, drugged by the recruitment Sergeant, and pressed into the service of the Empire's Space Corps. His basic training is sheer hell, but somehow he manages to stay alive, and in the process achieves the rank of Fuse-tender 6th Class.

On route to an engagement with the lizard-like Chingers, Bill's battleship is involved in a supreme test, and by accident Bill saves both the ship and the day. A grateful Galaxy awards him its highest accolade, the Purple Dart, to be presented by the Emperor himself on the fabulous aluminium-covered capital world of Helior.
And then his adventures really start to take off... in the most bizarre, and nastily surprising, ways.