Shock spike in number of Afghanistan veterans killing themselves is a 'travesty'

The news comes amid a spate of suicides this year among former soldiers who took part in the bloodiest fighting during the war, which claimed 454 British lives.

Veterans ministers Johnny Mercer raised the alarm over the cluster of deaths as he vowed to speed up government plans for a new mental health service for forces heroes.

At least fourteen retired troops are known to have taken their lives in the past two months.

Afghanistan veteran Dan Arnold, who is the co-founder of Southsea-based military support network All Call Signs, was devastated by the figure.

The former Lance Corporal, who was left traumatised and suicidal following his military service, said: ‘The recent reporting of a rise in suicides from individuals who served in Afghanistan is a travesty and more needs to be done.

‘I have personally lost friends to Afghanistan. It was one of the last big conflicts our armed forces took part in so naturally accounts for a large number of individuals coming forward for help but not exclusively.

‘We are still seeing individuals getting support from the Falklands, Northern Ireland and Iraq, alongside those who have poor mental health that does not stem from combat.’

More than 70 former and serving personnel took their lives in 2018 and at least 50 suicides occurred last year, according to reports.

Among those to die included special forces veteran, Danny Johnston, from Bognor Regis. The elite soldier, who had post-traumatic stress disorder, was found dead in woodland near Chichester in May 2018, with a coroner later concluding Mr Johnston had taken his own life.

Speaking exclusively to The News at the end of last year, General Lord Dannatt, a former head of the army, branded veteran suicides an ‘epidemic of our time’ and said ministers and charities should have acted faster to address the issue.

He backed a campaign, spearheaded by The News, which called on coroners to record when people with a services background.

It followed an investigation by this paper which revealed the UK, unlike allies in the US, Canada and Australia, failed to record such data.

Former army officer Mr Mercer, who fought in Afghanistan, said ‘one suicide was too many’.

He pledged to roll forward plans for a ‘high intensity’ mental health programme for those who are ‘at their most poorly’ by two months.

Mr Mercer said: ‘Traditionally you are less likely to take your life if you have served. But recent events have concerned me significantly, and we are reacting accordingly. Services accelerated; data being gathered. Key message: help is available; do not give up.’

For help, call the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123 or the Veterans Gateway, which provides a range of support services, on 08‍08 80‍2 12‍12.