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Fewer Falklands War suicides than feared, study suggests Fewer Falklands War suicides than feared, study suggests
(about 1 hour later)
The claim that more Falklands veterans have killed themselves since the war ended than died in action is not borne out by statistics, a study says.The claim that more Falklands veterans have killed themselves since the war ended than died in action is not borne out by statistics, a study says.
Some 255 UK personnel died in action, but a veterans group has said the suicide toll since 1982 exceeds that.Some 255 UK personnel died in action, but a veterans group has said the suicide toll since 1982 exceeds that.
However, the Ministry of Defence has found 95 deaths were recorded as suicides or open verdicts.However, the Ministry of Defence has found 95 deaths were recorded as suicides or open verdicts.
In fact, veterans were 36% less likely to die than the general population over the same period of time. The MoD said every suicide was a tragedy and urged veterans of any conflict needing support to seek help.
In 2002, The South Atlantic Medal Association, which represents veterans, said it was "almost certain" the number of suicides exceeded the conflict death toll.In 2002, The South Atlantic Medal Association, which represents veterans, said it was "almost certain" the number of suicides exceeded the conflict death toll.
It placed the blame predominantly on a lack of care for those suffering post traumatic stress disorder.It placed the blame predominantly on a lack of care for those suffering post traumatic stress disorder.
'Self-harm''Self-harm'
But the MoD has now investigated the circumstances of 21,432 Falklands veterans three decades after the end of the conflict, and found that as of 31 December 2012, some 1,335 had died.But the MoD has now investigated the circumstances of 21,432 Falklands veterans three decades after the end of the conflict, and found that as of 31 December 2012, some 1,335 had died.
That compares with an estimated 2,079 deaths that would have been expected among veterans if they had experienced the same mortality rate as the general UK population. That compares with an estimated 2,079 deaths that would have been expected among men of a similar age and background who did not serve in the forces, according to the MoD.
Of those Falklands veterans, 7% - or 95 deaths - were due to "intentional self-harm and events of undetermined intent (suicides and open verdict deaths)". Of those Falklands veterans, 7% of deaths - or 95 individuals - were due to "intentional self-harm and events of undetermined intent (suicides and open verdict deaths)".
Overall, for each year between 1982 and 2012, the study concluded the risk of dying as a result of suicide for the Falkland veterans was no different to the UK general population. That finding means that on average across the whole 30-year period, veterans were actually 35% less likely to kill themselves than the equivalent group of British men with no military background.
An MoD spokesman said: "Every suicide is a tragedy and our thoughts remain with the families and relatives of all those lost who bravely served in the Falklands conflict."An MoD spokesman said: "Every suicide is a tragedy and our thoughts remain with the families and relatives of all those lost who bravely served in the Falklands conflict."
He said the government had committed £7.2m to improving mental health support for military personnel, including creating a 24-hour helpline in conjunction with charity Combat Stress.He said the government had committed £7.2m to improving mental health support for military personnel, including creating a 24-hour helpline in conjunction with charity Combat Stress.
The spokesman added: "We would encourage any Falklands veterans or serving personnel who need help to come forward to access the wide range of support available."The spokesman added: "We would encourage any Falklands veterans or serving personnel who need help to come forward to access the wide range of support available."
The study also found:The study also found:
The MoD said military personnel were likely to have higher levels of fitness and lower levels of ill health than the general UK population, which could account for the lower incidence of death from disease observed by the study.
The death toll of 255 from the Falklands War includes 237 UK servicemen, along with four personnel from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, six from the Merchant Navy and eight Hong Kong sailors.