Shameful neglect of PTSD hero

It is bad enough that the MoD shirks its duty of care to veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

But it’s unforgivable not to tell a war hero he is suffering symptoms of PTSD then send him back to the front line.

It is as if Whitehall penpushers who send courageous young men and women to war have learned little in 100 years.

In the First World War PTSD sufferers who cracked up were shot for cowardice.

Today the MoD just sits back not caring whether they live or die.

And Military Cross winner Sean Jones very nearly did die. He had even selected the tree from which he would hang himself last Monday.

But thoughts of his family brought him back from the brink.

And now, despite being a serving soldier, the colour sergeant has chosen to speak out.

That will upset his Army superiors and anger his ultimate bosses at the MoD but given their behaviour they can take a running jump.

Sean will need to show the same bravery in taking them on which won him his MC fighting for the lives of his comrades.

He is fighting for their lives now, because Sean’s case may not be unique and other PTSD sufferers may have been put at similar risk.

In no other occupation would mental illness caused by work be treated in this cavalier manner. Defence minister Tobias Ellwood is responsible for military mental health and family welfare but has not lifted a finger to help.

Another of his duties is enforcing the Armed Forces Covenant. The former head of the Army, General Lord Dannatt, says mistreating PTSD sufferers breaches it. Ellwood, then, is failing at three jobs.

That’s why there must be an independent inquiry to force the MoD to do more for veterans and serving soldiers with PTSD.

This would be best carried out by MPs on the Defence Select Committee.

But so far they’ve not shown much inclination to help either. Our heroes feel abandoned. They must not be.