Help for veterans

Soldiering is a noble vocation, but witnessing war, death and destruction can exact a terrible toll. Last year, Johnny Mercer MP gave a maiden speech in the House of Commons that moved many to tears. He told the story of Lance Sergeant Dan Collins of the Welsh Guards, a man who struggled to settle back into civilian life and, overwhelmed by demons, took his own life. The Telegraph also reported that the number of veterans requesting help to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder had jumped by a quarter in just one year.

That statistic came with a silver lining: it means that more men and women feel able to talk about their problems. We therefore commend Lt Col Janet Pilgrim for the brave interview she has given this newspaper. The senior army medic, who was decorated by the Queen, returned home from war unable to eat, sleep or concentrate. She felt suicidal – and wondered if she would have received better treatment if she had lost a limb. She found Army medical units to be poorly funded and equipped, and the NHS unable to deal with the problems faced by veterans. Lt Col Pilgrim now receives counselling in a rundown building near an RAF base, where the sessions are interrupted by the roar of aircraft.

The MoD insists that while it cannot comment on individual cases, its mental health treatment “remains good”. Sadly, anecdotal evidence suggests that it is insufficient – and that society is currently failing to deal with the traumas specific to those who have seen combat. This is shameful. If Britain asks people to make such enormous sacrifices, it must show gratitude and care towards those living with the scars. Our veterans deserve better.