England and Wales High Court (Queen's Bench Division) Decisions

"The objective of trying the lead cases is to assist the Court in the resolution of the generic issues of Detection and Culture.

…. the following do not need to be resolved in the trial of the lead cases:

Adequacy of clinical care/treatment for the individual once actually or hypothetically detected

Individual causation in the sense of –

[1] Outcome of treatment for the individual once actually or hypothetically detected

[2] Eventual loss of career, job or career opportunity, whether military or civilian

[3] Social or marital consequences once actually or hypothetically detected

[4] The eventual effect on the individual of the presence or absence of any particular intervention – briefing, debriefing, training, care or treatment etc.

[5] The condition and prognosis of the lead claimant

Any quantum issues

…the following issues will need to be resolved in the trial of the lead cases:

Evidence illustrative of detection

Evidence illustrative of culture

Whether the lead claimant was suffering from any relevant condition during his/her service.

To the extent that these matters are relevant to the issue of Culture and Detection: what interventions – whether briefing, debriefing, training, care or treatment – were as a matter of fact brought about in the individual case.

The margins of the above and the limits of any other evidence to be at the discretion of the Court, following submissions in the individual cases, in the absence of agreement."

"Having considered the written evidence and documents across the range of lead actions the parties have come to the view that the evidence in the Lead Cases relevant to the generic issues could properly be tried on paper. To do so would mean an enormous saving of cost. It would not be possible to edit the oral evidence piecemeal by agreement so as to reduce its ambit and so the invitation to the Court from both parties is that the Lead Actions, so far as is relevant in determining the generic issue, should be tried on paper alone. In reaching this position the parties are agreed that they do not see the necessity for oral evidence in any of the Lead Cases in order for the Court to determine the generic issues.

The parties are not aware of any conflict of evidence which

[1] cannot adequately be resolved on consideration of the written evidence, whether statements or documentation, and

[2] is relevant to the generic issues, and

[3] is of sufficient weight and materiality to the generic issues (as opposed to the issues in the individual cases) to require resolution by oral evidence."

"From this line of authority I derive the following principles in the context of the present case:

1. In certain circumstances a court may be entitled to draw adverse inferences from the absence or silence of a witness who might be expected to have material evidence to give on an issue in an action.

2. If a court is willing to draw such inferences they may go to strengthen the evidence adduced on that issue by the other party or weaken the evidence, if any, adduced by the party who might reasonably have been expected to call the witness.

3. There must, however, have been some evidence, however weak, adduced by the former on the matter in question before the court is entitled to draw the desired inference; in other words, there must be a case to answer on that issue.

4. If the reason for the witness’s absence or silence satisfies the court then no such adverse inference may be drawn. If, on the other hand, there is some credible explanation given, even if it is not wholly satisfactory, the potentially detrimental effect of his/her absence or silence may be reduced or nullified."

"This young man has fairly classical post-traumatic neurosis, occurring after exceptional severe stress in a person of what we must call normal personality… He also demonstrates the extreme guilt described as the survivors syndrome after the second world war, when concentration camp survivors found it hard to come to terms with their lucky survival when all their friends and relatives had been wiped out. He finds it especially hard to adjust to his totally uninjured state when people next to him were killed or badly burned, and feels especially bitter about his survival as a single man when his friend next to him was killed leaving a wife and young child whom he has visited.

There are also elements of a pathological grief reaction as he feels it is not a manly thing to break down and cry over his lost friends, and he has the delayed bereavement reaction found in these circumstances. He is, at present, using alcohol as a sedative, and a lot of his vomiting and weight loss can be attributed to his taking 9 pints a day plus several measures of spirits. "

"2/12 "Nerves" Difficulty with concentration – difficulty sleeping, wakes during the night. No lethargy ? or drowsiness today. Relates "nerves" to Falklands situation. He was only one in platoon uninjured, but in fact symptoms only present 1/12 five months after leaving Falklands. Some (indecipherable) around Christmas in Wales. Admits to no family or girl-friend problems. Says he likes army and has five more years to do. Seen by G-P in Wales – no notes. Given Fe tonic. Requested three wishes – could think of nothing he wanted to improve his life – big grin! Says he is fed up and depressed – does not seem so. He seems somewhat anxious. Eventually said he would like everyone "off his back". No battalion problem elicited. Discussions with Coy Commander to see own RMO and liase(?) with Coy Commander. "

"Much improved today. A different person. Sleeping much better. Working well. Made lots of friends in his platoon. Tends not to wander off anymore by himself. Will continue to review him."

"There does not seem to be much change since last year. He still makes quiet progress. He is still helpful and hard working but without that spark of initiative. I trust that his course of heavy duty driving will act as the spur he requires."

"still seems to be a very quiet and shy person although now that he is a driver his progress has increased somewhat. His turnout in barracks is sometimes very low but when he wants to he can have a very high standard. In the field he tries hard although forgetfulness seems to set in during a long exercise. He has got a very good sense of humour and when he comes out of his shell I’m sure that his usefulness to the platoon will increase tremendously."

"(Davies) has rather let himself down this year which, considering his capability when he does try, is rather sad to see. Being a driver has been a very responsible job but he did not pull his weight at the start, often being rather idle and forgetful. Now however he is beginning to get to grips with his vehicle. He is still rather quiet and his general attitude and dress has been rather slack at times. I know if he tries he has the potential to be a real asset to the platoon."

"…he had a relatively good period during the mid-to-late 1980’s, but had problems in 1989 and again during his last two years in the Army in Northern Ireland."

"21 April 1986 – Davies is one of the more mature Guardsmen in the platoon…He has started off well in Ireland, proving to be reliable and hardworking…He is at last beginning to come out of his shell and is more outward going. A very pleasing improvement which will be rewarded with a promotion course at the end of this year. Well done."

"11 November 1992 – L/Sgt Davies has been a team and multiple leader during the latter half of this report – since Dec 91. During that time he has gained in stature and confidence considerably. He now has a wealth of experience and is a valued member of the Company in Northern Ireland. For much of the time he has been standing in as Platoon Sergeant. He has been well up to the job. L/Sgt Davies falsely believes that he has reached his ceiling & would be unable to complete the PSBC (Platoon Sergeants Battle Course), due to lack of fitness. The weakness boils down to a lack of ambition. I believe that he has the ability to be a substantive sergeant and pass PSBC if he wishes. L/Sgt Davies is applying for redundancy with a view to joining a private family business. He deserves every success."

"35. By 1984 to 1985 Clive’s reputation was very bad. Welsh Guard soldiers would be caught up in fights in bars in town on at least one occasion every week. Clive would always be the first person to be blamed for these incidences (sic), even if he had not been involved. This goes to show how bad his reputation was at the time.

36. Clive was not pulled up about his bad behaviour by our superior officers as they were trying to ignore the Falklands and the way it had affected the Welsh Guards. There was positive efforts by superior officers, many of whom by now had not served with us in the Falklands and gone through the same experiences, to try and put the Falklands well and truly behind us…we were positively discouraged from talking about the Falklands amongst ourselves and our superior officers."

"Mr. Davies suffers from severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as defined in…ICD 10. This has arisen as a direct result of his military service in the Falklands conflict and I note this is accepted by the War Pensions Agency in their adjudication of Mr. Davies’ pension claim. Mr. Davies has also suffered from marked alcohol dependency and a major depressive disorder which are common concomitants of PTSD."

"Of course it is possible to suffer from PTSD and to be able to work, but the diagnostic criteria highlight the importance of impairment in social or occupational functioning as a constituent of the syndrome. It seems unlikely to me that Mr. Davies suffered from more than mild PTSD from 1985 until mid-1994."

"It is difficult for me to imagine how a doctor could be viewed as negligent if he provided treatment and support to a patient when they reported symptoms, then followed the patient up until they said that they were no longer experiencing symptoms. There is no sensible case for referring patients who claim that they are asymptomatic to a specialist for further evaluation or treatment."

"This man has just come out of the Army. Ten years ago he had a problem with aggression especially when inebriated. This behaviour pattern altered after joining the Army and marrying. He is now suffering post-traumatic syndrome since serving in the Falklands in 1982. He has nightmares, periods of deep depression and again is losing control of his temper."

"It is entirely wrong to suggest that the Battalion was insensitive to those suffering with psychological difficulties. All of the senior officers had operational experience from several tours in Northern Ireland and most of the Company Commanders were graduates of the Staff College where they had received instruction in the realities of war. Everyone was conscious that you could not possibly go through the experiences of war without being affected by it. We were not therefore surprised to find individuals suffering psychologically on our return. I can recall the case of one guardsman in my company who was one of the few who had been promoted in the field during the Falklands campaign. He was promoted to Lance Corporal there and served with considerable distinction. When he returned from post operational leave it became clear that he had lost his former confidence and was showing signs of depression. I do not now remember how he was referred for psychiatric examination but I assume that he was referred in the first instance to the Battalion’s Regimental Medical Officer who would have recommended to the Commanding Officer that he was seen by an Army psychiatrist. I visited him on several occasions in the military hospital at Woolwich where I believe he spent three to four months. Unfortunately he was unable to come to terms with the trauma he had suffered and after treatment he was eventually discharged from the Army on the grounds that he was unfit to continue his service. I have had no contact with this soldier since his discharge. However, I felt that we had been quick to recognise his difficulties and supportive to him whilst he was in hospital.

I have heard the suggestion that has been made by some of the Claimants that the view of the Regiment was that "if there was nothing to put a bandage on, then there was nothing wrong". I am appalled by that suggestion. In my experience all officers took their responsibility for their soldiers extremely seriously and carried it out highly conscientiously. "

"Kift has worked hard in the platoon and has proved to be a most effective member of the company…Despite his continued quiet approach he has developed a dry sense of humour. A fit, ambitious guardsman, if he capitalises on his experience and ability he should do well in the future."

"He has settled into life in BAOR. Kift is a proficient and experienced soldier. He did well on his PT course and has since shown an ability to lead guardsmen…If Kift maintains enthusiasm and consistency he will do well"

.

"Kift is a mature and experienced soldier who certainly has the ability to be a good NCO. He is very fit and concentrates on his job as a PTI…he has been posted to the Guards Depot as a PT L/Cpl instructor."

"Kift has had a disturbing six months due to family problems. He was subsequently disciplined and reduced to the ranks and transferred from being a PTI to a storeman in the Training Wing. He has done well as a storeman and proved his overall ability as a conscientious guardsman.

I am glad to say that his family have overcome their tragic loss. Gdsm Kift now wishes to return to his Regiment and win his tapes back. I feel sure he will succeed and hope he has a sound future."

1 March 1990

"LCpl Kift has completed a very large number of courses all with reasonable to excellent reports."

21 March 1991

"LCpl Kift has impressed a great many people, His work for the company has been excellent…He must now get himself fit in order to finish SCBC as I am in no doubt that he is ready for promotion."

November 1992 (relating to a period of service in Northern Ireland)

"LSgt Kift has been a team commander in Northern Ireland during the period of this report. Recently he has completed and passed the arduous recce platoon selection. His supreme fitness undoubtedly assisted him greatly. He continues to be well motivated and gives much effort to all tasks set for him."

"Michael completely changed after he came back from the Falklands and has never got back to the Michael I knew before the Falklands"

"The course lasted 6-8 weeks and was extremely demanding. It was one of the best courses that I have ever done in the Army. On the basis of my experience I can’t believe that someone would pass the course if they had psychological problems; certainly if they did they would have to be very good at disguising their difficulties. Passing the course meant that Mr Kift was mentally up to joining the platoon. There are exercises involving sleep deprivation with mental recall tests that test out how mentally able you are to withstand a large amount of stress."

"15.2 During the Falklands campaign Mr. Kift started to develop psychological difficulties characterised by distressing intrusive memories and nightmares, avoidance behaviour, and particularly agoraphobic symptoms with associated anxiety, affective constriction and emotional detachment, alcohol abuse, sleep disturbance, difficulty relaxing with hyper arousal hyper vigilance, impairment of concentration and disturbance of mood. At interview I was struck by the change in demeanour when he began talking about his experiences in the Falklands War. Mr. Kift is in my opinion suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia. I believe he also had a depressive illness and engaged in abuse of alcohol. "

"From a psychiatric viewpoint there is a striking paradox at the heart of Mr. Kift’s claim, namely that his psychiatric symptoms should have been detected and treated at an early stage, yet he did not bring these symptoms to the attention of his doctors in the army, and even after leaving the army, he has declined offers of treatment from the doctor who has provided a report in support of his claim"

"The contemporaneous medical and employment records provide little or no support for the proposition that Mr. Kift has suffered from disabling post-traumatic symptoms from the time of his experiences in the Falkland Islands.…furthermore it is noteworthy that Mr. Kift presents a normal appearance on psychiatric interviews (conducted by Dr Bisson and me), and I think that it is implausible that the army doctors witnessed any obvious evidence of psychiatric illness during his consultations with them. A similar point can be made about Mr. Kift’s conversations with his civilian GP, who has not recorded any observed abnormalities in Mr. Kift’s mental state presentation to him. Mr. Kift’s army annual reports and course reports provide detailed commentary on his performance at work, and, in general are extremely positive about his abilities and achievements. These reports are not insensitive to psychological issues, as there are occasional references to Mr. Kift being shy, or even introverted.

In conclusion, the account given by Mr. Kift in his interviews with doctors preparing medico-legal reports is compatible with a diagnosis of PTSD of moderate severity until 1986, then of mild severity until the late 1990’s, followed by mild or borderline clinical severities. However a review of the contemporaneous medical records and army service reports paints a more complex picture, failing to provide any specific support for the diagnosis of PTSD, but suggesting the presence of some emotional and behavioural problems following the death of Mr. Kift’s son in 1986….Mr Kift has maintained a good employment record both during his army service and since leaving the forces. Furthermore he has not sought help for psychiatric symptoms during his time in the forces, and he has requested a psychiatric review on only one occasion (in 1997) following his initial medico-legal assessment by Dr Bisson in 1996. From a clinician’s viewpoint, it strikes me as most unlikely that anything other than mildest syndrome of PTSD could be concealed from competent medical advisers and close working colleagues over 12 years of army service and beyond this time into civilian life.…I cannot rule out the possibility that he suffered from mild fluctuating PTSD symptoms since 1982. It seems unlikely to me that his symptoms have ever been of moderate severity and it is plausible that there have been periods, which they have been lengthy ones, when his symptoms were very mild sub-clinical or non- existent "

"My view is that these references were infrequent, the symptoms were associated with specific physical signs on examination (e.g. pleural rub) all had an association with specific behaviours (e.g. running) which suggested an underlying organic cause. Following investigation of the abdominal complaints, a physical abnormality was identified and treated successfully…in my view it is unrealistic to suggest that a small number of consultations for abdominal or chest pain (even in the absence of abnormal physical signs or symptoms suggestive of underlying organic disease) could be viewed as a useful predictor of underlying PTSD. Using such highly non-specific symptoms as a marker for PTSD would result in an enormous over-estimation of the frequency of PTSD, with many false positive and false negative conclusions.

"Gets muddled with numbers and feels unable to concentrate." "Came in at my request following a letter from Dr Alan Jones…suffered mental problems since Falklands, quick tempered, jumps to conclusions before hearing what people say. Never sleeps well so drinks excessively at times.

"… competent platoon sergeant however he appears to increasingly lack motivation in his day to day work; his interests and flair have both declined and he relies more and more on experience alone to sustain him. Of late he has been pre-occupied with personal matters. Newly married and with a posting imminent, this has to some degree been justified. However it has perceptibly eroded his commitment to his present responsibilities to the extent that he cannot enjoy the full confidence of his superiors…

In summary X is unsettled at present … will need to generate a more obvious enthusiasm for his work if he is to demonstrate suitability for promotion…

He is knowledgeable fit and industrious yet he has permitted his personal interest to affect his overall enthusiasm. He has had a long period in the battalion and needs a change… "

"X is an intelligent and sophisticated man, and I have no doubt he must have been affected by his experiences in the army. It is clear he became disillusioned with the army, and that his limitations as a soldier became more obvious as his career progressed. He has sought an explanation for his personal and his inter-personal difficulties, and his understanding of his problems has been influenced by doctors and therapists who have not scrutinised his records in a careful or thorough manner. These advisers have reinforced an inappropriate diagnosis of PTSD while providing no specific effective treatments. Indeed X’s own formulation of his psychological problem is considerably more sophisticated than the formulation provided by the PTSD clinicians and experts: "I have changed. I am not the person I was then. I was happy go lucky, now it’s upside down. I can’t talk to people. Is it that I’m a grumpy old man? I don’t know. Is it lack of sleep? Is it drinking too much? I don’t know". In many respects I agree with X’s own assessment, i.e. that he has been harmed by his drinking behaviour and that his character …is an important contributor to his mental state. In addition, he has endured remarkable experiences in the army, and these continue to reverberate in his thoughts in a manner which is unsurprising, but is far from impairing his general function and which do not constitute a psychiatric illness."

"After the battle was over, X had changed. He no longer joked anymore. He appeared withdrawn. We talked together as we got further supplies and details of the battle. We were still busy working. I did not see X crying but he was clearly shaken as we all were. "

"We had to rush to the shoreline to meet the Welsh Guard casualties as the came ashore. X was in a terrible state. None of us were prepared for the horrific experiences we had to try and deal with."

"I was struck by how vacant he looked. I could see a change in him just by the vacant look in his eyes. I now know this vacant look is now called "thousand yard stare" by people in the army. I spoke to X. He used black humour to try and make light of the horrific sights he had just experienced and witnessed. He was strangely giggling but his eyes remained vacant. He talked to me for a few minutes about two para colleagues and Argentineans he had seen being killed. He appeared to be deeply affected by what he had witnessed."

"I spoke to X after the battle was over but only briefly. All of us, including X, was still pumped up. X still had vacant eyes. I thought to myself at the time that he was different. In fact we had all been profoundly affected by the battle and we had all changed. "

"He said that the most upsetting incident was the death of the soldier in the explosion which also injured him. He said that he coped with his other experiences without becoming distressed or intensely fearful and he said that he felt prepared and able to cope with the duties that were required of him as a front line soldier during the conflict."

"The way that I dealt with my emotions after the Falklands was first of all to start drinking to try to numb and blot out my feelings…I got very drunk at least three or four times a week…Often I easily drank over 10 pints in one session, far more than I drank before the Falklands. My pattern of drinking heavily on a regular basis continued from 1982 for many years."

"I managed to hide my panic attacks and my emotional problems at work. I completed my 10 mile run exercises and I made sure that I did not turn up late hung over for a parade. I channelled all my efforts into working hard."

"He told me that he felt bitter, kept his feelings to himself and ‘put on a brave face’"

"He told me that he was no different to anyone else around him and told me that everybody who was in the Falklands with him seemed to be experiencing the same sort of things as he was and that everybody had increased their alcohol intake."

"It is my opinion that X has suffered from PTSD since 1982 and continues to suffer from it at the present time to a moderate degree. X’s PTSD is however a fluctuating condition and is likely to be more prominent during anniversary periods."

"Subsequent to the conflict and his exposure to a number of traumatic events, X rapidly developed intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks related in content to his experiences during the conflict. He also developed an exaggerated startle response and hyper vigilance. He exhibited signs of over arousal including irritability and deterioration in his temper. He experienced marked feelings of guilt about the death of comrades. He began drinking more heavily than hitherto in an attempt to reveal these feelings (up to 12 pints of lager per night) and also took steps to avoid any reminders of the conflict."

"revealed him to be suffering from mild to moderate re-experiencing phenomena, "moderate" avoidance and numbing of general responsiveness phenomena and moderate to severe hyper-arousal phenomena. He fulfilled the full DSMIV criteria for a diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder. "

"…he has minimal symptoms that can be specifically related to his experiences in the Falklands, i.e. irregular flashbacks and nightmares, and he lacks the behavioural and cognitive avoidance, which are classic features of the condition. He has problems with poor sleep, irritability, and reports subjective impairment of concentration (which is not evident on interview or in his work). These are not specific symptoms which, in my view, are related to X’s personality and long history of alcohol abuse. "

"His medical records make it clear that alcohol was a problem prior to the Falklands. His alcohol abuse was heaviest during his German posting when alcohol was very cheap, and there was a strong culture of heavy drinking. During the German tour X was alcohol dependant, and had at least one episode suggestive of delirium tremens. After leaving the army his alcohol consumption reduced, but his intake remains far in excess of the recommended upper limit of safe drinking. It is well recognised that such a pattern of alcohol abuse is a risk factor for depression, cognitive impairment, sleep problems and emerging personality problems. "

"The fact that X was successful enough in the mid-eighties to be promoted to the rank of sergeant, is in no way dissonant with the diagnosis of PTD. Mr. X himself states that he made a deliberate effort to concentrate on his work and this, in my experience, is a common coping strategy used by individuals with PTD. As a result of this their symptoms are often only evident in their social and domestic lives, or in the case of older individuals (such as former Far East prisoners of war) following retirement. In my experience, there is a poor correlation between the extent of PTD related symptoms and social and occupational functioning, and the fact that the individual appears to be coping at work does not mean they are not suffering from significant PTD."

"One must not forget that the purpose of a Parachute Battalion is to be an effective fighting formation; that is what is expected of it and that is what it is. Everyone in it knows this otherwise they would not be there. It is not a nursery school. Toughness of body and mind are a prerequisite for success and not to have them, or to fail, is ‘letting down your mates’, the worst possible thing you can do when their lives are dependant on you."

"I would agree that the Army has a macho culture. This is however counter balanced by the fact that there is a great deal of mutual respect for people as individuals. This was something highlighted by Robert Fox in one of his dispatches from the Falklands when he referred to the men caring about each other passionately as individuals – which is why they are such good fighting troops. I believe that if someone had been suffering, people would have taken heed."

"Whilst the concept of post traumatic stress was not then formally appreciated, I nevertheless believe that there was a widespread realisation that we had been through some trying times, that people’s reactions would differ, and that some might not cope as well as others. In that context, any medical situation has an impact but I feel it is wrong to say that psychological difficulties would automatically have meant the end of a soldier’s career – particularly at this time. In my view, any soldier with such difficulties would have had a sympathetic hearing. He would have been treated and the aim would have been to get him back into his peer group as quickly as possible. Equally, therefore, it comes as no surprise that there are cases of psychological injuries still emerging."

"…Mr Connor was involved in a situation in which his life was at risk, in which others were killed, and in which he was involved in caring for others who were killed. He felt horrified and at times helpless. This was an event which would be capable of causing psychiatric injury and capable of causing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in a person of normally robust personality."

"I believe they took the view that we had all been through a lot in the Falklands and that we were just releasing our aggression."

"…I can only say that this is utter rubbish and ask to what possible purpose. Rather, the view of the chain of command was that these men had more than proved their worth and should be held in the highest esteem for continuing to uphold the proud traditions of the Regiment. To have imposed such a regime for such objectives claimed by Lambird would have flown in the face of all reason, logic and justice."

"The Regiment were going to great lengths to make sure full justice was done to these event and to the next of kin who were involved. I viewed this as an important and essential part of naturally needed grieving process for lost comrades in arms – and there are few relationships that are closer and more tested than that. Frankly anything else would have been unthinkable and simply not accepted. We were paying due respects and each and every funeral was a moving experience."

"It was very hard to talk about my emotional problems in an atmosphere in which the Battalion was very hyped up and quite rightly proud of its achievements in the Falklands. Showing any emotion within this macho culture would have been impossible. I would have been humiliated had I tried to talk to my Superior Officers or my Medical Officers about my experiences. I would get some relief and comfort by talking to some of my colleagues of the same rank as me who had served in the Falklands as we drank in pubs. I could see that a lot of my colleagues were having relationship problems and their families were breaking up since they had come back from the Falklands. It did not occur to me that any of us had suffered psychological injuries in the Falklands."

"I would agree that the Army has a macho culture. This is however counterbalanced by the fact that there is a great deal of mutual respect for people as individuals…I believe that if someone had been suffering, people would have taken heed. On top of that, there was an acknowledgement that we had had a harrowing number of weeks in the Falklands and that therefore there could have been a price to pay. On our return, there was a degree of maturity exhibited by the men. They no longer needed to prove themselves by beating up Aldershot – they had done something more testing and proving. They were more sensitive and responsive. There was also an understanding amongst the NCOs that a number of the soldiers had been very young and I believe they would have kept an eye on them.

Whilst the concept of post traumatic stress was not then formally appreciated, I nevertheless believe that there was a widespread realisation that we had been through some trying times, that people’s reactions would differ, and that some might not cope as well as others. In that context any medical situation has an impact but I feel it is wrong to say that psychological difficulties would automatically have meant the end of a soldier’s career – particularly at this time. In my view any soldier with such difficulties would have had a sympathetic hearing. He would have been treated and the aim would have been to get him back in to his peer group as quickly as possible."

"Connor is due out in May 1983 after a 3 year engagement. If he gets selected for the Red's 1983 season, he would sign on probably for another 3 years and we in the end would get some more soldiering out of him. Otherwise I fear that he will leave in May. Recommended for immediate transfer to Red Devils. Is currently on a freefall course with the Reds and Cpt Nunn considers him promising."

"Pte Connor is a steady and hardworking soldier. His weapon handling, fieldcraft and bearing are all of a good standard.

At present however Connor appears to have lost his enthusiasm for the Army and has declared his intention to leave. I sincerely hope that his enthusiasm returns and with more experience he should be considered as a potential NCO."

"extreme PTSD, ex parachute regiment and Falklands. Under Dr Medley. Stressed, anxious and depressed is having to move out of rented accommodation. Housing Officer home (sic) said will have to make himself homeless before they will house him.

Not eating ulcers playing him up…

Has felt suicidal but emphatically refuses any help from present psychiatrist or our ? team, or any medication offered. ? admission."

"In my opinion Timothy Connor is a 35 year old man with a history of PTSD resulting from combat-related trauma. In addition he has a history of interpersonal violence unrelated to PTSD. There is no evidence of mental illness or psychopathic disorder and I have no medical recommendation to make to the Court. The offence for which he has been found guilty has no medical or psychiatric associations".

"He remains well and seemed very fit today. His mood is good, he is sleeping well and is now working full time. He is actually working as an electrician in Nottingham and is still doing 3 days a week with a security firm in the evening. He has an occasional pint but is not drinking or using any illegal drugs otherwise.

Occasionally his sleep is disturbed with nightmares, if he sees war films, but otherwise there really are no signs of PTSD and I would not currently regard him as clinically affected by this."

"It may well have been that if Mr Connor had been asked direct questions relating to sleep disturbance, nightmares, flashbacks etc he would have denied them. It is impossible to know that, but in my opinion if he had been asked such questions in an appropriate and sensitive way and in culture where fear and distress were acknowledged and not a source of stigma, then it would have been much more likely that he would have responded positively."

"It was very hard to talk about my emotional problems in an atmosphere in which the Battalion was very hyped up and quite rightly proud of its achievements in the Falklands. Showing my emotion within this macho culture would have been impossible. I would have been humiliated had I tried to speak to my Superior Officers or my Medical Officers about my experiences."

"When I came back from the Falklands, I no longer wanted a career in the Paras but it was still not the done thing to talk about weakness. We were taught throughout out training not to show weakness. This affected me in the Falklands and upon my return, up to my discharge."

"I cannot recall any of my colleagues being referred to a psychiatrist but the stigma about psychiatric injuries certainly existed. If I had reported my unusual symptoms of anger and aggression, concentration problems, nightmares and flashbacks etc to any of my superiors, I do not believe my disclosure would have been kept confidential. It would have been reported up the chain of command and details would have been inserted on my reports. Again, this was not a particular problem to me as I wanted to leave but I still had the best part of a year to live with the Parachute regiment after my return. If I had revealed my weakness, my remaining months would have been even more unhappy."

"I think it unlikely Mr Sutherland continued to meet the diagnostic criteria for post traumatic stress disorder for the whole of the 1980’s though he certainly continued to have some symptoms."

"I could hear voices in the smoke in the level below me and some of these voices were in distress. I recognised some of these voices. At this point, I froze, transfixed, and for a few seconds thought I was going to die as the smoke crept towards me. Then one of my colleagues rushed passed me, spoke to me and I snapped out of this state."

"Sutherland joined Dulverton with little experience of small ships and found it difficult to respond to command requirements. Compassionate problems proved him to be somewhat emotionally unstable when put under pressure by his wife. After continued demands by command, and finally scrutiny by squadron staff his dept now runs on an 'even keel', a close working relationship with DWED has assisted the team effort. As a senior rate Sutherland is not a particularly strong character and finds his leadership awkward to a point of embarrassment. This is improving slowly as he settles into the ship. He will [word illegible] with the right guidance, eventually provide command with all that is expected of a CPOWE [Chief Petty Officer Weapons Engineer]."

"…you must get help from either the Navy or NHS, because what you are suffering can be stopped before it is too late…"

"Smoking 2 cigars a day

Alcohol 2 pints, 6 shorts per week

No persistent medical problems"

'[he] decided to sign on to complete his 22 year service only a few days before he was due for release on completion of his CS1. His complicated personal life has been finally resolved as he and his wife have separated and have started divorce proceedings…'.

"His history is relevant in that he was brought up in a small Highland village and experienced the strict Church of Scotland upbringing with caution, conformity and Christian values being the norm. He has always worked very diligently and professes high ideals and a need to help others. He is a small Scot with bushy beard who talked rapidly and in a very stereotyped fashion with little show or admission of emotion and much rationalisation and defensiveness. However, it is evident that he married quite late after seeking the perfect partner in anticipation of a permanent relationship. He chose a younger partner who, after 4 years and without prior warning, having mothered his son, stated that she was no longer able to accept married life and sought higher education and a different way of life. After specifically exploring his response to this, it became evident that he was very hurt emotionally, despairing, thinking about ending it all and resorting to heavy rum drinking in January 1987. He never expressed his emotions to her apparently and contained his feelings and anger…"

"On the present evidence, and in the absence of formal psychiatric illness today, he remains S2 M2 but should be reviewed in 3 months at the Scottish Psychiatric Clinic to be assured that he has remained symptom free and that he is coping with the breakdown of his marriage. Medication is contra-indicated and he has been warned off excessive alcohol usage."

"I did not mention my experiences in the Falklands to Group Captain Rollins because he did not ask me and also because I did not then relate my mysterious physical problems and a lot of my emotional problems to the Falklands. I still had little insight into the fact that I had sustained psychiatric injuries in the Falklands".

"I was determined not to show any signs of weakness, because I feared that what I told Gp Cpn Rollins would be passed to my superiors and this would then damage my career."

"I felt that throughout the half hour examination Gp Cpn Rollins was not listening to me properly. I kept on referring to various problems I was having in my life, yet he always tried to turn the conversation around and to focus on my marriage problems.

"At paragraph 50, the Claimant says that I did not ask him any questions about his experiences in the Falklands and I took no details of his service history. Once again, the report dated 11/2/88 refers to the fact that in the absence of service certificates 'I can only accept his statement that his career has been blameless and exemplary to date though as an aside he informed me that he had attended an AIB in the past but felt that he should reject them for their somewhat irrelevant and poor standards.' This indicates to me that we did discuss his service career and also that he did not consider any part of it, including his service in the Falklands, to be of particular significance."

"He is a satisfactory technician however his overall performance would improve if he approached defects in a calmer manner and controlled his impetuous nature. His reaction to pressure situations gives rise to a considerable change in his character from normally placid but enthusiastic man to one of agitated eccentricity"

"He is at present serving 18 months notice but his keenness and loyalty to the service give the impression that he wishes to continue in the RN. It would be a pity if the Service were to lose such a diligent Senior Rating and he must be encouraged to withdraw his notice. He has recently suffered marital upheavals but now that things have settled down he would be well-advised to re-assess his aims in life."

"He envokes (sic) a commendable enthusiasm for the service and indeed has recently withdrawn his 18 months notice for discharge.

He has had a fairly stormy private life during the past 12 months but to his credit he has not allowed this to interfere with his work on board. He appears to have settled his personal affairs now and is looking forward to more stable home life with his new fiancee.

Although occasionally outspoken Sutherland enjoyed a good rapport with peers and superiors alike, and was generally well respected by his subordinates.

Sutherland is a mature and sensible Senior Rating who has grown in stature."

"Of average intelligence, he has made great efforts in all his areas of responsibility, demonstrating a tenacious and determined approach. Acting both as DWEO and WEO, he has provided constant support to the Command and become a reliable and worthy Divisional Officer. A knowledgeable Duty Technical Senior Rate, he is totally dependable, striving for answers until a problem is solved. His paperwork still requires attention but he shows encouraging signs of improvement. A most pleasant man, his naturally friendly manner and infectious good humour have made him a popular member of the Ship's Company. Sutherland has much to offer the Service and is recommended now for promotion and 2OE."

"somatic symptoms - gets to sleep OK but wakes many times during the night, and wakes early. Appetite ¯ ¯ . Lost weight, 1/2 stone since Xmas.

NB. Has now admitted he has a problem"

"For some years he has suffered from flashbacks to situations that happened to him in the Falklands War and after the Gulf War which centre around being surrounded by smoke and fire, which he experienced during an episode in the Falklands War when he remembers standing at the top of a hatchway helping people up the ladder as smoke billowed from the hatch and started to engulf him. A second experience which keeps coming back to him is an episode after the Gulf War when involved in mine clearance. At this time he was asleep in his bunk when an explosion occurred near the ship, causing him and his mess mates to be thrown from their bunks.

He has had these flashbacks for some years, but in the past they have been very occasional and he has brushed them off without giving them any serious thought. However, recently they have been occurring with increasing frequency and are especially bad at night when he may wake up 3 or 4 times after these flashbacks. He says that they are also worse when he is on his own, and he occasionally sleeps with his TV or bedside light on to reassure him. They have also resulted in an uncontrollable fear of smoke and fire, such that this week he has panicked twice during fire exercises, to the extent of being faecally incontinent. He has also broken down in tears in front of his First Lt and another member of the ship's company on 2 occasions.

I have discussed his experiences in the Falklands War with him and he places emphasis on an episode a week after his return from the war when his mother-in-law was mugged and murdered in Inverkeithing. This has led to his constantly thinking 'where the justice of it all lies'. He also cites the D Day celebrations and VE celebrations over the last year as provoking strong emotions, including inadequacy that he is suffering from flashbacks when involved with war for a relatively short period of time, when WW2 veterans endured hardships lasting for 6 years and were able to cope…

CPO Sutherland is short and stocky, and indeed describes himself as a 'roughie toughie'. He was neatly dressed and spoke with a gruff Scottish accent. His mood appeared to be low and he was indeed tearful at times, although he was at other times able to smile and joke about his problems. He did not display delusions or hallucinations. He seems to have an insight into his problem, and indeed does recognise that there is a problem. I think that this is a major step for him since he previously believed that a big bad chief in the RN could not possibly suffer from stress and anxiety.

He is a strong character and is very keen to get his problems sorted out…"

"With hindsight his original presentation in 1988 may well have been the first indication of his PTSD coming to the fore. However, the symptoms with which he presented at that time did not meet the criterion for arriving at a diagnosis of PTSD."

"Pre Gulf History. He said that he had no real problems prior to Gulf service. He served in the Falklands aboard HMS Plymouth, which took hits by bombs and he well recalls the fire-balls aboard the ship. On the way back from the Falklands he had a disturbed sleep pattern, perhaps this was the beginning of his PTSD having returned to base. Three days later his wife's mother was murdered and this upset him quite a lot and he took charge of all the subsequent investigations. But he is still coping quite well.

Gulf History. He served aboard HMS Bicester in the Northern Gulf from February to August 1991 in the mine hunting, sweeping and surveillance patrols role. He said he was well whilst in the Gulf. He took NAPS tablets 3 times a day for about 6 weeks with no side effects. He had all the usual military vaccinations…and can recall no side effects from that either. He had no emotional or physical trauma of any kind. The ship was covered for a lot of the time with debris and oil fall out from the smoke and the burning oil wells.

Post Gulf History. There was a major engine room fire one day from the home port and this really upset him. He coped well with this he said, but he is beginning to feel inadequate to the task.

In March 1992 he began to have psychological problems and a feeling of inadequacy, but still was just about coping with his role as CPO. In early 1995 he began to go down the hill fast with what was subsequently diagnosed as PTSD relating to his experiences in the Falklands and he was admitted to the RNH Haslar for 4 weeks…

Since approximately 1995 he suffered numerous symptoms, much of which are related to his psychological condition…the remainder of his other symptoms, and perhaps some of these can be related to his ongoing PTSD which however is very much improved. He was well until March of this year when things began to get on top of him again and he was put off sick and has not worked since then…

Examination. A well looking man who presents himself vociferously. He had a good sense of humour and appeared neither anxious nor depressed….

Opinion. A man who has suffered PTSD as a result of his service experience. This seems to have originated in the Falklands War and was exacerbated by service in the Gulf…"

"Counselling with friend… both been in Falklands War. Terrible experiences? Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome…"

"Mr McNally does however suffer from both a depressive illness and post traumatic stress disorder. The depressive illness appears to have been of more recent onset, but he has had symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder for many years. His symptoms of depression have included feeling low in mood, lack of energy, irritability and suicidal thoughts. His headaches are also probably related to his depression. His symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder have included sleep disturbance, nightmares, flashbacks to his time in the army, feelings of guilt about surviving the Falklands War and forgetfulness.

His symptoms of poor concentration and loss of interest in things he previously enjoyed and anxiety symptoms occur in both depression and post traumatic stress disorder. "

"Started the year under something of a cloud… developing into a keen young soldier who is becoming an increasingly valuable asset…"

"He decided to leave…having made his decision…tends to forget he is still a soldier subject to orders…"

-"…settled in quickly and well…mature and confident attitude…good potential…"

"British ex-Falklands vet seeks soldiering employment. Only genuine offers."

"On his return from the Falklands War, he had undergone a total character change. From being a normal happy go lucky lad he turned into a drunken, loud mouth, violent thug who on a number of occasions smashed up my home and threatened his family and friends with violence.

In my opinion the person who went to the Falklands and the person who returned are two different people. I feel I lost my boy in the war only he didn’t die."

"…it is very hard retrospectively to make a diagnosis. Whether Mr McNally continually met the diagnostic criteria of PTSD, whether this fluctuated or whether he had sub clinical syndrome is difficult to say. Nevertheless he had clear psychiatric symptoms directly related to his Falklands experience and not related to anything else, and there is evidence that the behavioural changes such as increasing drinking getting into fights, were stable and consistent and are supported by witness statements.

There was clearly a worsening of symptoms around 1994. Dr O’Brien attributes it to a depressive illness related to interpersonal events and social stresses. There clearly were some social stresses, his mother had developed Alzheimer’s disease and was deteriorating, and his father had heart attacks and a CVA, his marriage was not working, his army career had not really worked out and his employment prospects were poor.

I agree that these further setbacks and losses caused a worsening of symptoms and the development of a Major Depressive Disorder on top of his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder."

"…symptoms (of PTSD and associated alcohol abuse dependence) were present on his return from the war and had fluctuated in intensity over the years. He has remained a heavy drinker over most of the last 14 years and would have continued to fulfil the DSM IV criteria for a diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder for most, if not all of the time since his return. The symptoms were at their worst in 1994 when I believe he also developed a major depressive disorder in addition."

"It is not entirely clear whether Mr McNally had formal PTSD for some or all of the time between 1982 and 1994"

"As with all other regiments in the British army, the Royal Artillery had a macho culture. We were expected to be very tough and physically fit. It was a "dog eat dog" atmosphere. You simply could not show any signs of weakness. People who came last in physical training exercises were constantly ridiculed."

"I asked for a troop commanders interview and ended up in the BSM’s office. My story was my father, who travelled regularly to Dublin, was worried about certain people finding out his son was a British soldier and asked me not to go again. The BSM, Micky Finn, just laughed and told me how his parents were Irish and it was just one of those things. I was going to Ireland, end of chat. March out.

Plan B. I asked for an interview with the padre and told him the same story only I did the true part about my mother’s illness. The padre, having the rank of major, went to see our BC on my behalf. End result–my name on rear. And they say you can’t beat the system. "

"In conclusion Mr. Flynn’s symptoms and psychiatric difficulties have fluctuated from 1978. I have no evidence to suggest that his symptoms were clinically significant prior to his last year in the Army. The evidence that his symptoms were troublesome during his final year is largely based on his own account and I view this information with some reservations. Taken at face value, his symptoms during the last few months in the army, which included irritability, anxiety, arousal and a range of other mood symptoms, were of clinical significance. …

The diagnostic formulation in Mr. Flynn’s case depends on three critical issues:

Personality structure including his ability to cope with normal responsibilities and stresses

The validity of Mr. Flynn’s account of his experiences in Northern Ireland

The role of relationship problems in his clinical symptoms

In my view, he is a vulnerable personality, and has had difficulties coping with personal responsibilities, relationships and ordinary as well as exceptional stressors. He is a rather paranoid man, and tends to project his anger (and seek explanations for his personal limitations) on to external foci. It appears to me that he is also a worrier, with a tendency to ruminate. I have no difficulty accepting that the type of experiences described by Mr Flynn would have been a considerable stress for an individual with such a personality type. It is also clear that he found other aspects of Army life stressful, including coming to terms with his role as a soldier who occupied a difficult position between hostile terrorists or civilians and his military and political bosses. It seems likely that some of Mr Flynn’s symptoms, including his exaggerated startle response and his flashbacks and nightmares were specifically related to his experiences in Northern Ireland. His other symptoms are less specific, and may relate to a general problem with coping and mood regulation as much as any traumatic experiences in Northern Ireland. Finally, his deterioration in 1993 would appear to be related to the break-up of a relationship. In terms of diagnosis, Mr Flynn’s clinical history is compatible with the diagnosis of PTSD covering his last few months in the Army and for the period from December 1993 until mid-1995. In the absence of a traumatic incident, Mr Flynn’s diagnosis would be compatible with a mixed picture of depression and anxiety. From mid-1995 onwards it is difficult to disentangle the effect of Mr Flynn’s personality from his mood symptoms. The diagnostic criteria for PTSD are not difficult to satisfy, and, despite the marked reduction in nightmares and flashbacks, and the evidence from the General Practice notes of fluctuations in Mr Flynn’s condition, he would continue to satisfy the diagnostic criteria, albeit at a milder level of severity. However, his residual symptoms are strongly influenced by his personality type, including his poor general coping abilities, impulsiveness and paranoid traits."

"Unfortunately after a long hard period of activity LCPL Flynn’s concentration slipped and his performance as an NCO plummeted. After a series of offences he was reduced to the rank of Private Soldier. Flynn has plenty of ability and personality and can, when he wants to, work to his full capacity. This not as often as it should be as he is idle."

"Flynn was demoted several months ago, and posted to me from B Coy. He has not been a success; he is clearly switched off, and at his own admission does not enjoy his soldiering any more – he says he believes this to account for his poor performance as LCpl. He does not enjoy our tasks over here, finding the majority of them, like PVCPs, boring. He states he has been offered a job by a security firm, and that they are holding it for him. I recommend he be allowed to go."

"There is no point in denying some in the army were very much of the "stiff upper lip" school, and some NCOs might tell a soldier who was not performing well to pull his socks up. But can one change this easily? I doubt it – these will, in the individuals I am talking about, be ingrained attitudes to life generally."

"… I would have faced emotional pressure that I was "letting my mates down" and affecting the morale of the unit by reporting my psychological problems."

"As soon as my superiors were aware that I was suffering psychological problems, I do not believe that they would have been concerned with any treatment for me but instead they would have viewed me as a hindrance to the rest of the regiment and they would have then begun to take steps to either pressurise me to leave the army or else sideline me to administration jobs. This was the culture within the 1^st Queens Regiment at that time. If you were not 100% physically fit, then you were considered useless and a waste of time. The regiment did not want to know you.

Faced with this culture and attitudes, I had to" soldier on" and hide my problems and try to continue with my duties. "

"McLarnon does not treat his work seriously, preferring to act the clown and let his own standards drop. He is a capable man and has occasionally shown that he has the ability to do very well. McLarnon needs to apply himself more, especially at SAA and in the field where his results were disappointing. At present he needs constant supervision and continual motivation to ensure that he does produce competent work. "

"Pte McLarnon is an immature person with little confidence in himself. He has been unable to concentrate on his job and has felt that criticism by his superiors has been "bullying". He went absent before and during the NI tour but returned of his own accord. His punishment seems to have settled him and he has been working well in the Sergeant’s Mess of late. He now keeps himself fit, well turned out and it seems his bad start is now passed. He must make a determined effort to go forward and realise that everyone is inexperienced at the start but through hard work and confidence comes knowledge."

"Pte McLarnon is still acting the clown and shows little chance of changing this side of his nature. However he can act responsibly when he applies himself. He earned considerable praise in the Falklands and was chosen to meet HRH Prince Charles. If he was to put his mind to it he could do better (illegible) man with a good sense of humour."

"Pte McLarnon has not applied himself well during this supervision period. Any standard of work attained has been only through maximum supervision. He too often takes the law into his own hands and suffers the consequences. He cannot be relied on to carry out the simplest of duties and there is no indication that his performance or attitude will improve. "

"long history of alcoholism. Started drinking age 16 - a bottle of beer/week. 1980 - joined the army - 10 pints of beer at weekends. Left Army 1983 ® wife left him for another man ® took to the bottle. 8 pints of beer/day + 1/2 bottle of vodka/day, 1983-1990. Brief period of abstinence, 1991-1992. Started again 1992 - drinks with friends.

"unemployed for 5 years ® income support. Building trade prior to that."

"…his excess of alcohol consumption may have started following his return to the UK from the Falklands after service with the British army. He continues to suffer from some intrusive imagery and flashbacks of his experiences in the Falklands war and suggests this is something of a driving force for his continued drinking."

"On examination he presented as a man who looked older than his years. He was lying in bed and looked very jaundiced. He was slightly disinhibited but co-operative and achieved good rapport. His moods subjectively he described as being "fine". Objectively he appeared neither depressed nor anxious. His speech was normal in rate, flow and form although he uses a number of obscenities which may reflect a mannerism or disinhibition he shows in his behaviour and social interaction. His speech content concerns his worries about the past and his continued phobic avoidance of any reminders of the Falklands war… his insight is reasonably good, he is able to link his current physical problems with his history of alcohol abuse and his alcohol abuse with possibly his experiences during the Falklands war. "

"Alcohol seemed to numb my emotional problems and make me forget about the Falklands. I could only get to sleep if I was drunk, otherwise I would have nightmares. But after drinking heavily, I would wake up still drunk or at least hung over, causing me to be late for parades or for work in the mess."

"If I had tried to approach any of my superior officers after the Falklands war to try and discuss with them the ways in which the war had affected me, I believe they would have completely dismissed my concerns. They would have said I was talking nonsense."

"My initial impression of Anthony was that he was very enthusiastic and had a 100% commitment to his job. He never let me down. He was always punctual, arriving at work on time every day prior to the Falklands war. His appearance would be best described as scruffy but his lack of care for his personal appearance did not reflect his commitment to his work. "

"Anthony was back late from leave. I immediately noticed his behaviour and mannerisms were very different. I am certain about this. He returned to his pre-Falklands duties, working behind the mess bar. He was erratic in his job and he lacked punctuality. He was always late for duties and I often had to send a colleague to try and find Anthony. This happened as soon as we came back from disembarkation leave. I was always pulling him up for his lateness and erratic behaviour …his sense of humour had completely disappeared. I did see Anthony drink heavily and get drunk at mess functions, in front of our superiors, and I would get annoyed because he couldn’t do his job properly when drinking…Anthony physically had changed in appearance after the Falklands. He was a lot thinner and he had lost a lot of weight. He did not put this weight back on throughout the time up until discharge. He looked bedraggled and untidy. He looked depressed and withdrawn. He was still keen to help out whenever he could, when he did arrive at work. "

"A lot of senior NCO’s also noticed a change in Anthony as they used the mess bar. One of them was John Weeks. I often had discussions with him and he would often comment on how withdrawn Anthony looked and the problems we had with Anthony’s timekeeping."

"Even though I did not actually see Anthony drink much alcohol after the Falklands, he was clearly drinking alcohol almost every day. The alcohol was aging Anthony rapidly. He looked tired and haggard. He was always yawning. He was naturally very fit but was not maintaining his physical fitness. He looked very old for his age after the Falklands. He often argued and snapped with other staff members. There was never any physical aggression but he was suffering from mood swings. He often snapped if we approached him for being late."

"There were a few occasions when Anthony was reported by me to his superiors, which resulted in Anthony being placed in a cell for a day or so as punishment. He was often not formerly charged despite being placed in a cell."

"I knew that Anthony had been seriously emotionally affected by the Falklands… if I had been trained to report the change in him I would have done. As it was the attitude in the regiment made it difficult and I did not. I couldn’t report Anthony’s problems as that would have damaged his career."

"…some time in September 1982. This is when I first saw Anthony again after the Falklands. I immediately noticed that Anthony had changed. He looked very withdrawn and depressed, as I had seen him during the battle for Mount Longdon. He had lost all confidence in himself. He was moody and irritable at times. He was always late for shifts and his colleagues behind the bar had to cover for him. Anthony started to drink heavily after his shifts in the mess. He drank alcohol from behind the bar. Anthony let his appearance go. His uniform was always scruffy and neglected. There were a few occasions when Derek Allen, Anthony’s superior in the mess, had to send him away when he arrived for his shift because he had not yet shaven. We would have to cover up for him while he returned to his room to shave. Anthony lost weight in the Falklands, but never put it back on. After the Falklands Anthony looked permanently tired. He was aging very quickly. It was obvious he was not getting his because his face looked very tired and sullen. "

"Anthony was often pulled up for petty matters and, instead of being formerly charged, our superiors just locked him up in a cell. This happened on a few occasions."

"It was obvious that he was having problems just by looking at him. It was incredible that none of our superiors properly pulled him up and tried to get to the bottom of why he had changed so much."

"Mr McLarnon states that it was the culture within the parachute regiment not to show any emotion as it would be seen as a sign of weakness. He says that for this reason he tried to hide his feelings. I would agree that there is such a culture in the parachute regiment. It is an organisation which is male dominated and the mentality of the regiment is such that it would be difficult to show weakness. For that very reason the soldiers are trained to overcome their weakness. Everybody would have had their own way of dealing with how they felt following the battle for Mount Longdon."

"Although I do not recall Mr McLarnon in the Falklands, I can recall him serving in the sergeants mess with me. I also recall speaking to Sergeant Allen in relation to his drinking. I told him that he would have to watch him. I do not however recall commenting on any change to his personality or his physical appearance."

"Battle was something that was new to all of us. The mixture of character and personal pride which took us through. I myself had nightmares for approximately a year following the conflict but I did not feel I needed to speak to anyone. I felt this was a personal problem and I decided to sort it out my own way, I think it was something to do with my pride. If I had felt the need to speak to someone I would have gone to the padre who was very approachable. That is what the padre is there for. I would also have been quite happy that any conversation with him was confidential."

"The bottom line is that when Mr McLarnon came back from the Falklands he was serving out his notice and he continued to behave in the same way as he had done before he went to the Falklands with no physical or psychological complaints whatsoever. "

"The allegation is that immediately on his return Mr McLarnon suffered severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms and began to drink very heavily. There is no contemporaneous evidence seen to support either of these claims. His army personal records do not show any significant change in his behaviour. I have not seen a record of any charges or adverse reports concerning alcohol consumption. The medical records do not contain any post Falkland entries which are even suggestive of alcohol related problems. There is no suggestion of psychological symptomatology in his medical records and no complaint of any problems on his discharge medical."

"The allegation is that immediately on his return Mr McLarnon suffered severe post traumatic stress disorder symptoms and began to drink very heavily. Some of the witness statements support the latter, although some are less definite. There is talk of further deterioration in behaviour but not of any report of specific symptoms. His army personal records do not show any significant change in behaviour compared with before the Falklands, or record of any charges concerning alcohol consumption. It is alleged that his misdemeanours were covered up in an attempt to be supportive but this is somewhat at variance with the observation that he was put on a warning order."

"As it was the attitude in the regiment made it difficult and I did not. I couldn’t report Anthony’s problems because that would have damaged his career."

"When Anthony returned to Manchester, he was always late on the Monday. Derek Allen fortunately gave him a bit of leeway…"

"An extremely good JNCO who is doing an exceptional job in Belfast and was an above average section commander in the BAOR. He has a tremendous future in the army and with a little more experience should be considered for accelerated promotions."

"Cpl New has fully justified his selection as Ppl Sgt despite his relatively junior seniority as Cpl. He is a fit, robust and demanding leader and at his best when faced with a challenge. During a recent border operation in South Armagh of nearly three weeks duration and in the most appalling weather conditions, Cpl New commanded a first class defensive position clearly demonstrating his leadership and strength of character. I have no doubt that he is ready for promotion now. "

"During this period Sgt New received the award of BEM for his performance as a PlSsgt NI. I was not the least surprised by this. Sgt New’s all round performance and attitude were excellent. He has actively, and with measurable success, pursued recruiting prospects outside office hours in youth clubs and AFC’s. He takes on executive roles in such organisations where his example shines for the benefit of the Army. In every way he has approached his recruiting duties in a manner which borders on OUTSTANDING… I have no qualms whatsoever in recommending Sgt New for accelerated promotion to SSgt. " (Lieutenant Colonel Watson)

"Finally I would like to comment on my army personal files. It doesn’t say anything about the problem which I was experiencing. However, it is necessary to appreciate the way the army culture works. Something happens one way, something completely different actually gets written down. It’s always been like this. Regimental pride is everything. If possible, any incident or scandal is covered up."

"He feels that he is under a certain amount of stress as he is a man "without portfolio" at work at the moment and he feels he has nothing to occupy his mind. He has also been quite worried about his wife who has had a breast lump."

"The physical and psychological stress was unbelievable"

"Only when I got to Northern Ireland did I realise how incredibly stressful it really was. In "Tin City" (the mock-up Northern Irish village in Germany) we were never taught how terrified we would really be when we were patrolling the Bogside. We got through it because of training and comradeship, but we were all scared by it"

"… the unrecognised post-traumatic stress condition that New probably suffered from since 1983-4 may go a long way towards explaining some of the discrepancy in his accounts of several events that occurred during service years in Northern Ireland."

"People kept on telling me that I would not get my promotion as I was too young. I felt like I was treading water. I am not usually a drinker, but I came off Christmas leave in early 1984 and went out in Tenby. I got drunk. A taxi driver wouldn’t take me back home. When he left his vehicle I took his car and drove back home."

"They weren’t as vivid as the flash-backs I started suffering later. At first I assumed they would disappear in time. They didn’t, and it became something I just had to deal with."

"Because of regimental pride, I didn’t specifically talk to my superiors about my drinking and flashbacks. However they were well aware of it."

"I had an extremely high opinion of the Claimant as described at para 20 of exhibit DA1 in which I say that he should have been selected for early promotion and that I expect him to be particularly successful as a recruiter. Only high-grade non commissioned officers would have been selected for such posts. I recall that the Claimant was keen to take up this post otherwise he would not have specifically requested this posting. I regarded this post as a logical career move, which would strengthen the Claimant’s profile for further promotion. There would be no question of appointing a soldier to be a recruiter if he did not wish to go. To do so would have been counterproductive to the recruiting effort. "

"Aggressive behaviour and nightmares are consistent with depression, post traumatic stress disorder, or may occur during heavy drinking. Whilst there is no independent evidence that he had a psychiatric disorder, his reported abrupt removal to Bangor is consistent with the detection of a problem and the solution appears to have been his removal from the context. He tells me he did not seek help for alleged psychological symptoms."

"This course of events is not compatible with a mild psychiatric disorder associated with work conversational or other incapacities".

"…the Claimant had distress with intrusive memories of time in Northern Ireland, flashbacks probably provoked by stressful events and alcohol, but generally coped, and it is arguable whether he had a recognized psychiatric disorder, except an acute stress reaction… after catching his wife committing adultery."

"…the Claimant had tension headaches, with considerable anxiety that he too had a brain tumor, in the context of an acrimonious divorce, new wife’s lack of enthusiasm for army life, his hopes for children with her, as he requested a vasectomy reversal, as well as distress about return to a fifth tour of duty.…On the balance of probabilities, the diagnosis was then mild-to-moderate depressive episode…with marked anxiety features, probably generalized anxiety disorder (including tension headaches) in a setting of harmful alcohol consumption."

"On the balance of probabilities, he probably had a fluctuating depressive episode between mild and mild-to-moderate with anxiety features."

"…by and large coped until a particular incident when he had to walk unarmed through hostile streets. This probably provoked an acute stress reaction or acute stress disorder."

"… Significant fluctuating post traumatic stress symptoms, probably reflecting moderate post traumatic stress disorder, associated with fluctuating depression, varying between depressive symptoms and moderate to severe depression at times, with suicide attempts, considerable anxiety symptoms, in the setting of very heavy drinking, but no alcohol withdrawal symptoms."

"When our battalion began NITAT training prior to our deployment in 1990, the Claimant was placed in Captain Gilbert’s multiple. Towards the end of the training, Captain Gilbert moved him into my multiple. I remember Captain Gilbert discussing him with me during our assessment of how our men had managed during training. It was our job to identify the weaker members of the platoon and ensure that they were placed with a strong leader who might be able to get the best out of them. The Claimant was identified as one of the weaker in our battalion. He was not good at retaining information."

"I had placed the Claimant in Corporal Hartshorne’s team within my multiple. I did this because I rated Cpl Hartshorne as an extremely good NCO who I knew would keep an eye on the Claimant without barking orders at him. Cpl Hartshorne and I had grown up together. We were very good friends and I trusted him to look out for the Claimant."

"The Claimant suffered an ASR shortly after the shooting involving Corporal Heartshaw (sic). He broke down in tears in barracks at the prospect of a patrol to Blackrock. Both Heartshaw and the Claimant’s Platoon Sergeant were involved in calming the Claimant down and the patrol was cancelled.

Thereafter the Claimant was troubled by increasing symptoms of PTSD, including nightmares, flashbacks anxiety and hypervigiliance."

"Within days of the initial shooting I broke down….Corporal Heartshaw (sic) came to see me to calm me down. My Platoon Sergeant, whose name I cannot recall, spoke to me and I told him I wanted to go home. My involvement in the Black Rock patrol was cancelled. I am not sure whether the patrol itself was cancelled"

"I recall shortly after that I became extremely concerned about the attitude of Melvyn West. I must say that I always thought Melvyn was an unstable strange lad even before the incident with Cpl Hartshorne. He seemed to have wild eyes, permanently tense and on edge and tended to volatile behaviour. I am not sure whether these were due to any problems he had at home or to the stress in Northern Ireland or a combination of both. He seemed not to be able to cope with the stresses of Northern Ireland…

I cannot remember the exact time but I do remember one particular incident with Melvyn West after the Hartshorne incident. The intercom system was on and I could hear Melvyn was effectively talking and screaming to himself. I genuinely thought he had gone mad. He was having a conversation with himself. I reported him to the unit head at that time who I think was a chap called Wood. I am not sure if it was reported further up the line. I think the Multiple Commander was a chap called Gilbert. I don’t know what happened to Melvyn thereafter but he remained within the unit. He was not FMed 8 referred. I have no doubt in my own mind that he should have been."

"He was always very concerned about being shot but so were I and every other member of the platoon. Some people did not seem to be able to cope with their anxieties and this was how I viewed the Claimant. I identified him to Captain Gilbert as something of a worry and indeed a liability".

"I spoke to him in the TV room because this was the easiest room to shut off and talk without interruption. I remember that the Claimant told me that he was scared to go out on patrol for fear of being shot at or blown up. I did my best to try to reassure him that it was highly unlikely that he would suffer another attack the next time he went out on patrol. I pointed out that was the first time any of us had come under fire on this tour. This was the exception, not the rule. I told him also that we were all scared. We had all swallowed hard after the incident with Cpl Hartshorne. I told him to think about this incident as a one off. He should try to think why we were out there. I believed that he would get more comfortable once he was out on patrol and saw that nothing was happening. I did say however that if he still did not want to go out on patrol, I would see if I could replace him with someone else. I spent about twenty minutes talking to him. I believe that I then discussed him with our company operations officer and OC. "

"Every platoon has a quota and Captain Gilbert and I would have sat down to run through likely candidates from our men. These people might be our best soldiers who we thought could do with a rest or others like the Claimant who we thought ought to return early because of his state of mind. We knew that he was unhappy in the province…"

"He describes dissociation, overwhelming fear, and then tearfulness. His description of being almost incapacitated with fear from this point on would be a surprising story if it were not true. From his account only it would appear Mr. West suffered an acute stress disorder at this time. There is no evidence that he complained. It is perhaps unsurprising that at this stage his peers thought that he was simply scared and did not respond. Mr. West does, however, then describe the planned patrol to Black Rock, his apparent absolute conviction that he would be killed, and his tearfulness and his inability to move. Again I have seen no corroborative evidence whatsoever. Again, however, this is a story which does not put him a good light and it would be surprising if he were to fabricate such a story. If it were true that a series of increasingly senior managers were called to see him in that state because it was felt that he was unable to manage the patrol, then I would have expected him to have been referred for a medical opinion there and then. I have seen such things happen. If his story is correct then not to have referred him in my opinion was, negligent.

"I never told anybody about my particular concerns or symptoms because I was fearful of being downgraded medically. This would have reduced my monthly pay dramatically and increased the amount of stress that I was already under. Being medically downgraded would have also meant that I lost all my weekend leave. I was fearful that my platoon mates would taunt or tease or try and humiliate me."

"After his release from Colchester he began to have nightmares about Ireland. He said he would wake sweating and his girlfriend said that he moaned in his sleep."

"Feels men starting to make his life difficult for him. Sleep OK no EMW (early morning waking) tense in day. No crying (or possibly " no energy"). Mood up and down app(etite) normal."

"He has psychiatric injuries which he describes as depression, sleep loss and nightmares. These latter appear to be turbulent dreams about imaginary combat situations. He feels these may have some origin when shot at on patrol but also agrees that he has yet to come to terms with his recent court martial, detention (where he says he was intimidated), dishonourable discharge, lack of job lack of home to go to with girlfriend and son etc. He has been prescribed anti-depressants by his GP who wants to refer him to a psychiatrist, but so far he has refused to go."

"What I can remember is that it came up at interview that there was a problem associated with an experience or experiences in Northern Ireland and I thought she might well have PTSD. "

"Acute Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome."

"I was reluctant to mention anything about Northern Ireland because although I knew it was very real, there was an embarrassment factor in being medically discharged from the army. My employment prospects would be limited."

"Applies for classified special duties; "Having served in 176 Pro Coy RMP, I became aware of the existence of such specialist units within the Province and developed a keen interest in the roles of these units, however, the opportunity to join such a unit never arose. This interest stayed with me after leaving the Province and now that this opportunity has arisen I feel that if I do not attempt it now, the chance may not arise again for a considerable time.

I feel that my personal abilities and qualities would be conducive to the requirements listed and I relish the thought of such a challenging yet rewarding opportunity, which would, no doubt, be of the utmost benefit to myself and the Corps." Interview noted to be arranged for 23 April. Subsequent note to "reapply in 1 month if she is still interested"."

"I feel that having enjoyed my previous experience in Northern Ireland as a female searcher I would like to be given the opportunity to expand my knowledge in this field."

Supported by her RSM and Platoon Commander; the latter noted that this was a prelude to likely application for close protection work.

Application supported by all those asked to comment."

"At the time of the first meeting with the Claimant, I had gained experience of general practice psychiatry, in particular having been instructed in the recognition of depression, stress and post traumatic stress disorder after returning from the Gulf war, four months prior to meeting the Claimant. "

"I was therefore very well aware that witnessing or experiencing terrorist acts in Northern Ireland which was something that could result in development of PTSD."

"I consider it most likely that Mr Kelly suffers from an Adjustment Disorder (International Classification of Disease Code F43.21).

There have been multiple contributing life events towards the development of Mr Kelly’s adjustment disorder. His adverse army experience has contributed only a small amount.

Mr Kelly has a number of inherent personality characteristics which have predisposed towards the development of his psychological difficulties.

The main factor in the development of Mr Kelly’s psychological difficulties has been the development of his knee problems and the subsequent limitation upon his army career.

I could find no evidence that Mr Kelly had suffered psychiatric damage as a result of his Northern Ireland experience.

Mr Kelly had begun to develop significant psychological difficulties during the three or four years before his Gulf War experience.

Mr Kelly’s Gulf War experience was a significant stressor and will have had some impact upon his psychological presentation.

Mr Kelly’s prognosis remains poor and on the balance of probabilities there is little likelihood of significant improvement."

"My diagnosis under this classification system would be adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood."

"Diagnostic differences between Dr Freeman and myself would seem to center round our differing views of Mr. Kelly’s overall character. There are more academic differences between us but the specific application of the classification systems which represent a legitimate argument within the psychiatric profession and which I would prefer to avoid discussing here in too much detail, as they would only detract from the issues facing the court. We both would seem to agree that Mr. Kelly’s presentation consists mainly of symptoms of anxiety and depression."

"3rd March 1989

Long chat. Symptoms pouring forth. Agitated, tearful, anxious. Long history of epigastric problems on Zantac maintenance. Has been extensively investigated for [ENT?] problems and downgraded because of knee. Feels depressed, tearful at times for no apparent reason. Wakes early morning. Must keep himself active. Not suicidal. Impression. Depression with anxiety. No physical cause for symptoms. Plan Prothiaden 75 mg at night."

"3^rd April 1989

Quite (can’t read) agitated, depression – (can’t read) agitated, pressure of speech and so forth. ? could this be a psychosis? Watch for serious signs of psychosis. Feels a bit better on Prothiaden, but still very agitated and tearful. Not actively suicidal. Problems with right knee (can’t read) need to get off F7X – I agree. Not to drive (agitated state). This man has a history of anxiety/nerves and mild hypochondria/hysteria Clearly in need of careful (can’t read). Diagnosis hysterical personality with affective disorder."

"7^th March 1990

Didn’t take amitriptyline – zombie. Not sleeping. Quite wound up. Burst into tears. Ashamed. Can’t cope with pressures at work. Nervous cough. Accident in past (September). Three years in army left. Fed up. Stays for the money. I need to be needed. Doesn’t want unit to know. Lofepramine 75 mg (an antidepressant). See CPN (community psychiatric nurse)."

Whilst waiting for the unit to return from the Gulf, SSgt Kelly successfully attended a Mess Supervisors course and on completion was employed in the SSgt Mess in his supervisory capacity. With his natural enthusiasm and zest he took on the task of transforming the Sgts Mess from its then low but acceptable level to producing an efficient Hotel like concept, with good management, catering and domestic levels but without upsetting the present staff.

Although a quiet man, he exercises leadership through example rather than discipline, and is always ready to accept new responsibilities, especially those out of the ordinary. His ability to get things done, coupled with his organising ability and resourcefulness make him a prominent figure in Workshop life.

SSgt Kelly is medically downgraded but what he lacks in physical fitness he makes up for in his ever present willingness to help in all unit functions, social or sport."

"Tense, irritable and ill tempered. Headaches have come and gone. Left arm aches and leg paraesthesia after flexion. Lethargic by day. Not sleeping by night. In last year injured in Gulf, trapped in hospital on fire. Told laryngeal cancer (benign polyp). Wife (can’t read) operation changed lifestyle. Reduced feelings of worth, lifestyle and support, job done in army. Stress. Discussed all. Temazepam 10 mg. (NOT AGAIN (taken in past).)"

"Had RT in Germany, told he had cancer. Both led to stress. Feels he was labelled. Burst into tears at interview (insurance) this morning. On disability. Single parent family. Interview YMCA. Off Fluanxol 1 week now didn’t feel good. Clinical psychology soon. Remembers fear in Gulf (if on T.V.) many aspects upsetting. Extrovert in army and worked ++ involved in everything. He was there for everyone else. Feels been let down. Had position of high responsibility in army." (emphasis added)"

"He further stated that he had smoked drugs prior to being deployed to the Gulf. Since returning from the Gulf the frequency of smoking drugs has increased."

"3rd September 1991

"Letter to Lambert’s mother and step-father from 2^nd Lt Fraser:

"Dear Mr and Mrs David

Firstly I must introduce myself. I am Darren’s Troop Commander and therefore take a close interest in his work and well being. As I am sure you are now aware, due to a drug related incident he is now being held in close arrest by the Regiment pending court martial proceedings.

I am able to visit him every day or whenever he requests my presence, and can assure you that his condition and welfare are of the a high standard, and he is being treated properly whilst under detention.

I spent the weekend with him after his initial arrest and during questioning at his own request, to oversee proceedings. He has maintained a very co-operative manner throughout as have the other soldiers under arrest with him.

Darren was under my command during the Gulf War, so we understand each other well. He has no worries about talking to me, almost as a friend.

I hope this letter has made you feel a little more aware of what is happening, and reassured you that he is being well looked after.

If you have any questions or worries, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above address or telephone number."

"Still feels he is missing something. Crying a lot. Relates to Dad dying. Gets drunk at weekends to make him smile. Can cope he thinks. Feels he’s not getting anywhere. Can’t formulate ideas. Nightmares. Bit tearful today. Arrange CPN Psych FMed 8."

"Interviewed at CO’s request last week ... For drugs charges. Referred because he still feels he is "still missing something + (it isn’t Cannabis)?" Crying a lot. Gets drunk at weekends to feel happy. Can cope. Not suicidal. Admits to Cannabis twice a week for 4 months. Six beers at weekends and more now. Feels indecisive and confused. Expecting six months in Colchester. ... Father died when he was about 12/13. He feels a father to his brother (18) whom he has let down by drug charges. Feels guilty about leaving Iraqi children fatherless because he helped to fire guns in the war. ... Denies suicidal ideas. Feels he is not getting anywhere at present. Cannot formulate ideas. Bit tearful today. Please see. Diagnosis - ? PTSD +/- bereavement reaction."

"Has had psychological problems in the past. Diagnosed as PTSD. Seeing CPN at BMH. Absent without leave for 6 days. Says he couldn’t take any more. Awaiting charge for drug offences. Cannabis and 1 x whiz. no intravenous. Sleeps well, appetite good, no suicidal ideas, not clinically depressed. No more nightmares. ..."

"... This young man is already on your books. He is still much the same and has recently served a sentence for I think being AWOL. He is still awaiting Court Martial for his drugs offence. Having seen him for a couple of times last week I feel he is depressed. Please can you see him soon after you return from your course? ... I have told him that I will update you on his condition."

"This 20 year old man was reviewed in the out-patient department today.. He gives a history of feeling empty and thinks that he may be depressed. He is currently pending a number of drugs charges regarding his Cannabis use. He is anticipating six months at the MCTC and then discharge from the Army. At initial interview he said he felt low and empty. He describes poor concentration and having a poor memory. He has some feelings of anger towards individuals for no apparent reason and is often quite irritable. He has no suicidal ideation and no thoughts of deliberate self harm. He does though have a poor appetite and wonders whether he may have lost some weight. He has a poor sleep pattern and often wakes up between 6-7 in the morning. He describes a number of feelings of guilt with regard to the Gulf.

... He was part of a gang. He also truanted. He nevertheless obtained 7 GCSEs. At the age of 14 he performed 10 burglaries. He was only prosecuted for 6 and received a suspended sentence. ... He was posted to BAOR in August 1990. ...

He signed off from the Army in October 1991 and is due to leave in October 1992. He was a Gunner in the Gulf and can remember one particular episode of being extremely scared, when there was a threat of tank contact. He remembers driving through damaged Iraqi troop positions and was appalled at the damage the Allies had inflicted. He felt that this reality of war was quite staggering. He denies any nightmares, dreams or flashbacks. He feels profoundly guilty about his whole experience and yet was proud of being a part of the British Army. He thinks that he has changed since the Gulf and remembers drinking quite considerable quantities of alcohol upon his initial return from the experience. He thinks that everything that has happened to him happened since his Gulf experience. ...

Smokes 20 a day. No medication. Now drinks very little alcohol. He admits to illicit drug use. He had his first two experiences prior to the Gulf for pure interest. This consisted of smoking two joints. As mentioned previously, he initially drank heavily for three months upon return from the Gulf. He then switched to cannabis as it was cheaper and better. He is now smoking a joint most days and usually out of camp. This does not make him feel better but it helps him forget things. He has been caught three times by SIB. He is pending prosecution for only two occasions. He admits to experimenting with amphetamines and ecstasy, although currently he has not used them. ... He thinks that he worries about things, yet previously he was a confident person. He also quite clearly describes feelings of irritability and anger often over trivial matters. ...

His speech and behaviour were normal. He described his mood as empty. His affect was appropriate. He described no suicidal ideation. I could elicit no abnormal thoughts or beliefs. Insight: he thought that his problems "may be related to the Gulf, maybe my father’s death, I don’t know". ...

My impression was that this was a 20 year old man who described elements of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder related to his experiences in the Gulf. He is almost certainly experiencing an adjustment reaction to the drug charges and his potential future that is all pending. I also feel to a certain extent that he has an unresolved bereavement reaction to his father’s death. I intend to see him again on the 13^th March for review. In the meantime he is to write an essay describing his Gulf experiences, detailing his thoughts and feelings and what actually happened. He will also write a letter to his father to say goodbye."

"I saw this young man again today in the Psychiatric Out-Patients. Unfortunately he was unable to write his letters. He found it far too difficult to concentrate on either of them. He claimed that he didn’t know how to start and he didn’t really know what to say to his father. He described still feeling low and he now thinks that he is depressed. He continues to have poor appetite and sleep pattern. He has had no further thoughts of self harm and has no intentions regarding suicide. I felt that on this interview he is beginning to tie in his experiences in the Gulf with the way that he is feeling now. I intend to see him again on the 18^th March. He will produce a plan for both letters and hopefully will produce a tape recording of this ...."

"As a member of 23 Bty Gnr Lambert was employed as a gun layer during the Bty’s service in the Gulf and is very proud of the part he played. His number one thought very highly of him. On his return from Operation Granby he became disillusioned with soldiering in BAOR. He is now seeing the psychiatrist and is suspected to be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder."

"Shortly after his return to (sic) the Gulf he spent a period of leave at home. I cannot now exactly recall whether it was on this specific occasion or whether it was over a number of occasions when he was on leave in the following months or years but I recognised a dramatic change in Darren’s personality. "

"Lambert seemed little different from before. The only change I recall was that he seemed to socialise more with the group I mentioned earlier. He certainly did not appear down, or introverted, nor otherwise behaved out of character. He got on with his job fine. He certainly never mentioned being upset by the Gulf. I never heard about any problems with his sleeping…."

"…the apparent change in Mr. Lambert’s behaviour, after the Gulf war as compared to before the Gulf war, should have indicated the very real possibility that this was a manifestation of post traumatic disorder. Such a connection with his combat in the Gulf war does not appear to have been made."

"Whilst the troops were in the Gulf I attended a weekend seminar at Church House organised for all the welfare agencies… in preparation for the casualties which is was expected would be suffered from the ground war. This addressed aspects of grief and trauma."

"The question is whether somebody that trots to all of the psychiatric symptoms that Mr. Deo does, has a post traumatic stress disorder caused by specific or a number of specific psychological events, or whether it is a diagnosis which has been iatrogenically and legally created over a period of time. I have expressed puzzlement that this man should have developed such apparently severe symptoms after such a period of time. As Dr Deahl reinforces, the diagnosis was not made until 1994, and this was "particularly surprising". One interpretation of this is that he was not suffering from post traumatic stress disorder at all. "

"(i) The Claimant had suffered serious sexual, physical and emotional abuse in childhood.

(ii) He spent much of his childhood in the care of the Local Authority and has a history of epilepsy, behaviour disturbance, educational failure and nocturnal enuresis.

(iii) He had been seen by a Child Psychiatrist and had required placement in a special school."

"No fits since age 6

No bedwetting since age 10 – went to special school

Arguing at home"

"Recruiter’s notes

Mother: divorced 10 years. Boyfriend… alcoholic Physical abuse... still sees mum

Father: no contact since 13 years old

Support: good

Relationship: good

School: no trouble. No truancy.

Examination Results

English ‘C’; Maths ‘B’; Geography ‘F’; T.D ‘D’

Crime/Pol

Theft 270589 120 hrs Community Service

Report by Army Recruiter - S/Sgt Stanley (26.10.89)

A young man who attended interview scruffily dressed in casual clothes. Gary has not had the happiest of home life. Parents divorced 7 years ago, Gary was rejected by both parents. He wanted to live with his father… father refused to take him and mother placed him into a Special Boarding School. He remained in special schools for all his secondary schooling… He states 4 CSE exams taken, above average results obtained, but can offer no proof. Certainly not born out by his AET score.

On leaving school moved back with his mother until mother’s boyfriend moved in. The end result was that Gary was thrown out to live rough… now in voluntary care, and living with temporary foster parents…

Both brothers are serving members of HM forces, and he would like to follow in their footsteps… No police trouble…

I feel that Gary deserves a chance, and I recommend him…

Recommendation by Army Careers Officer - Lt Col Duxbury (30.10.89)

A very likeable lad who I feel will find the army a [..illegible] existence in comparison with […] of his […] life. He has two brothers in the Army, both of whom have told him of the life style… I consider him to be a good candidate and recommend him for his choice.

Personnel Selection Officer’s Report

…a pleasant personality and can express himself quite openly and clearly. He has had a rough upbringing in the form of his parents divorcing 10 years ago, he was sent to residential schools because his mother could not cope with all the children. When he left school and returned home he walked straight into trouble in the form of his mother’s boyfriend who was an alcoholic and would beat him and his brother and throw them out on the street regularly. After one occasion of living rough for 3 weeks he ended up in trouble with the police and appearing in court which resulted in him being placed with foster parents where he is now settled and enjoying life. He sees his mother regularly but has had no contact with his real father for 5 years…

I feel he will make a go of the Army, he is certainly physically capable of basic training."

"Recruiter’s notes

Section 2.1: parents. Father still living: not seen since 1982

Section 3: 2 brothers both in Army

Section 7: Upbringing. Question a: "By whom were you brought up? Mother - was on Vol care order for a year"

Interviewing Officer’s Notes

Foster care 1 year. Back Mum 2/3 weeks… Vl care 1 yr. M-OK… Fam – OK… Resident school – 10 yr old – Mum couldn’t cope

Examination Results 5 GCSE’s

Interviewing Officer’s Notes

Age 16. Court 27.5.89. Theft – 120 hours C Service. Sleeping rough kicked out … rough 2/3 weeks

Report by Army Recruiter - WO2 Perry (24.4.90)

Gary was smartly dressed for the interview. He attended APSC on 27 Nov 89 and was allocated Kings Dn 070190 incorrectly as he had an outstanding waiting period of one year. The NCO would not consider a 203 to the CRLS because he had blatantly lied about it. There was at the time a pregnant girlfriend, this turned out to be incorrect and to date the girl is living with the true father of the baby. He was under Vol Care order at the time, since then he has moved back with his mother and the care order was revoked 180490. To date he works in a fast food restaurant in Warrington market. He wants Kings Dn intake 270590 (the date his waiting period is up). To make this date a 203 from the CRLS would be required for enlistment.

Interviewing officer’s report - Capt Mepnam (2.5.90)

…He now lives with mum and step dad and sister in 3 bedroom semi. Has 2 brothers in army. Parents divorced 10 years ago. Mum could not cope & put him in residential school where he stayed until age 16. Mum remarried 4 years ago. S/Dad is alcoholic and he has not always got on with him. Last year he was kicked out of family home and lived rough for 3 weeks. During this time he was taken to court and lived with foster parents for 1 yr on voluntary care order. Has recently returned home. He has no home worries & family support enlistment. No current girlfriend and no children…

Has GCSE from school – certs not seen – 1xB, 1xC,1xD, 2xE …

Has 1 police contact – waiting period not yet finished….

No health problems or phobias..

He was polite, pleasant and talkative. He appears self-reliant and confident with some maturity. Appears to have some spark & go, is alert & expresses himself adequately. He appears to have coped with a very disruptive upbringing and not been affected by it.

I accept him for enlistment, he appears motivated & keen despite being rejected on 2 occasions – tests & waiting period."

" Gary’s behaviour in his last year was extremely foolish and immature reflecting to a certain extent problems arising from home. Though Mrs Owen was always very supportive towards the school. Gary absconded several times, bullied other younger and weaker children so much that I did suggest he left school earlier than May 88 to give us some respite.

His only interests were games – he was of average ability in football and cricket.

He was not the most honest or reliable of students.

Unless there has been a noticeable change in attitudes and behaviour I could not recommend him."

"115 Sat 20.11.93 Walking back from town; past Woolwich bat; heard glass breaking (saw 6 people); people stared didn’t say anything, just as walked past but behind ..heard glass break.

Was pushed from behind, started to run off, had feet swept from under him, remaining 5 caught up with him, holding legs down, remaining bloke moved… [illegible] from behind by glass; laceration…"".

"Diagnosis: Pharyngitis and vomiting

Vomiting settled with Prochlorperazine

Pharyngitis resolved on soluble Aspirin"

"Returned from Bosnia 14 months ago, since then nightmares of his time out there, drinks up to 80 units per week, smoke 20/day, irritable and has been aggressive towards spouse. On one occasion about six months ago tought [sic] about suicide but not in detail. Appetite and sleep alright."

"This 22 year old soldier was in Bosnia approximately 14 months ago. Since then he has been having nightmares of his time out there. He has become quite aggressive with his spouse. He is drinking up to 80 units per day, smoking 20 cigarettes per day. Because of this I believe he would greatly benefit from an interview with you.

Could you therefore please see him and advise.

Psychiatry DV done, MRS Tidworth, Routine"

"[the Claimant] has experienced a deterioration of mood, motivation, morale and general well being in the past 12 months and more or less coinciding with the end of his 6 months service in Bosnia in 1993 and the posting back to the UK of his unit and his marriage in early 1995…

He was somewhat traumatised in Bosnia because of two particularly nasty atrocities that he saw and he has dreamt about them. During this session we discussed the Bosnia situation and I hope that some of his problems in this respect have been satisfied. He will need some medication: I have prescribed Temazepam 20mgs nocte for a week and tabs Multivite 2bd. We meet again on April 11^th for further assessment and psychotherapy. Diagnosis: (1) Depressive Reaction Secondary to Alcohol abuse. (2) Military Stress Reaction to Service In Bosnia

"… Pte Owen started his reporting year well. He is a soldier who if given the enthusiasm will do a job to a high standard. He must now try to generate his own enthusiasm towards his career… He is a smart and cheerful soldier with a good sense of humour and if he combines all of his attributes with enthusiasm he will go far."

"Most of us would spend all our time off duty in the pubs. We would drink as much as we could before closing as this would help us cope with what was going on. I did not think this was anything abnormal as all the soldiers did the same. We would finish duty and go straight to the pub. We would come home at closing time as we couldn’t drink anymore and we would be up in time for duty the next day. I now understand that I became more quiet and withdrawn after my second tour in Northern Ireland. At the time, I did not notice the change. It is only with the benefit of hindsight that I know something wasn’t right."

"Outside the base was a twenty four hour bar. Myself and some of the lads who had served in Bosnia would spend all their free time in the bar. We would drink alcohol and as much coffee and tea as possible to stay awake so that we did not go to sleep."

"The beginning of the alcohol problem preceded his experiences in Bosnia. As already stated in my report, and as also acknowledged to Dr O’Brien, he did not report any experience of a traumatic nature in Northern Ireland that caused him distress. Therefore, in my view his alcohol problem cannot be attributed in any manner to the effects of trauma he experienced in the army. "

"My comments on the reports are that there seems to be a good degree of agreement between Dr O’Brien and myself. Both of us agree that he has PTSD symptoms but these could not have been particularly severe as they did not functionally handicap him. Both of us recognise the importance of background personality factors and his alcohol abuse as the genesis of his ongoing problems."

"We were all shown what warning signs we ought to be looking out for in ourselves and our colleagues such as erratic behaviour, drowsiness, mood swings and paranoia. We saw video footage about PTSD and types of scenarios in Bosnia and received a lecture from the Cheshire Regiment who had just returned from Bosnia …it was made clear to us that their would be CPN to us throughout the tour. "

"We all received a further talk on PTSD from Captain Webster. Leaflets were handed out at the lecture setting out warning signs to look out for. It was called "Coping with Stress – The Homecoming" and we also watched a video about PTSD. The platoon sergeant ensured that everyone in the platoon including QLR received the leaflets and attended the video screening."

"… the two community psychiatric nurses one male and the other female in theatre with us regarding PTSD and generally encouraging people to come forward if they felt themselves or others would benefit from discussing particular events".

"After I had been attending army psychiatrist (Brigadier Wickenden) for a few weeks, the 36 guys that had served in Bosnia with me were called together and we were given a presentation of the battle shock video. This was the first time I had ever seen this video."