TV SAS star Billy Billingham has declared war on the MoD over veterans left stricken by PTSD following the death this week of another ex-colleague.
Davie Penman – who told the Sunday People just seven weeks ago how his life had spiralled out of control since leaving the Army – was found dead at his home in Thailand.
His brother, Billy Penman, told how Davie had often “self-medicated” his PTSD lows with alcohol and cigarettes and “always got through to fight another day”.
But he said: “After a period of significant lows, he didn’t come through.”
SAS: Who Dares Wins star Billingham served in the Paras with Davie.
They passed SAS selection together and went on to serve in Mountain Troop B Squadron.
He told the Sunday People: “What happened to Davie was a tragedy. He was a nice guy and a great soldier.
“We’d spoken a few times recently and I knew he had problems. His death is very sad and my thoughts are with his family.”
Mr Penman stressed his brother had not taken his own life.
He said the former sergeant, who was well-known for his bravery and had once pulled a comrade from a burning plane, had “on numerous occasions indicated he would ‘end it’.”
But he added: “That is NOT what happened here. There was absolutely no indication of any deliberate intent.”
Former comrade Billingham said: “Davie was one of a number of veterans who are in a bad way and need help. The MoD needs to do far more to help veterans suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues.”
Davie’s death came in the week that six veterans and a member of the Royal Navy are believed to have taken their own lives. At least 45 serving or former members of the armed forces have killed themselves this year.
Billingham continued: “Veterans are taking their own lives every week and the MoD is doing nothing. It’s a disgrace.
“This country owes every veteran a debt. There’s meant to be an Armed Forces Covenant to help these guys but nothing is done. The suicide rate among veterans is getting out of control.”
Davie, 56, came from Falkirk in Scotland and served with 22 SAS. He left the Forces in 2000. He was diagnosed with PTSD by Billy Connolly’s wife Pamela Stephenson becoming a bodyguard for the comedian. He told the Sunday People last month of his unauthorised book, Shooting Straight, in which he accuses the SAS of failing to help traumatised troops.
He said: “The Covenant exists on paper only. Once you’re out of the Army, it’s a case of, ‘Thanks, cheerio’.”
He put his mental health issues down to the 1999 Kosovo War, when he dragged a trapped colleague with a smashed-up leg out of an exploding Hercules.
Jeff Williams, of Veterans United Against Suicide, said: “Davie was a great supporter of what we are trying to achieve. How many have to die before the Government acts?”
Davie’s brother added on Facebook : “David made no secret of how difficult he found living with the images of atrocities he witnessed in various conflicts.
“He was funny and strong, and always gave more than he took.
“He thought the world of his partner, Mu. She supported him through thick and thin.”
The SAS Regimental Association said it had been advised Davie died of natural causes.
An MOD spokesperson said: “We take the mental health of serving and former personnel extremely seriously and are working hard to ensure our people know where to turn in times of need.
“Every part of the UK now has a dedicated mental health service for veterans and we encourage anyone who is struggling to come forward and access the wide range of support available.
“Anyone wishing to seek support can call the MoD Veterans UK helpline on 0808 1914 218.”
