An ex-soldier who took part in a critically acclaimed play to highlight the plight of injured and sick veterans killed himself following a night out with his partner, an inquest has ruled.
Gareth Crabbe, who featured in the play The Two Worlds of Charlie F, suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and at the time of his death was concerned about Brexit and upset after his flat was burgled.
Crabbe, 38, held the rank of bombardier in the Royal Artillery but was medically discharged after he was crushed under a two-tonne gun. He had served in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq.
He died after a night out in June last year in Swansea with his partner, Danielle Davies. She told the inquest how his mood changed during the walk back to their flat. Davies said she left him alone for a matter of seconds during which time he jumped from a balcony.
The inquest heard that Crabbe joined the army as an 18-year-old. While on duty, he witnessed incidents including a train collision. He had been involved in the rescue operation but had not been able to save those caught up in the accident.
He was injured in 2007 and diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in 2009 before being medically discharged in 2012. The inquest heard that he became addicted to painkillers.
However, he was delighted to take part in The Two Worlds of Charlie F, a play written by Owen Sheers and based on Crabbe’s experiences and those of other veterans. The play was performed in the West End in London and went on tour around the UK, receiving standing ovations and rave reviews. It also won an Amnesty International award.
His pen portrait on the show’s publicity material said: “Gareth was a bombardier in the Royal Artillery based in Larkhill, Salisbury. He has served in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. He was injured in 2007 whilst on exercise commanding a 105mm light gun which left him needing spinal disc replacement.”
Theatre director Sir Trevor Nunn said of seeing the play: “I was just swept away. I thought I was watching a professional experience and yet the authenticity of what was happening was more exhilarating than we can ever encounter when professionals are talking about the subject of war and the aftermath of war. The authenticity of this was so, so deeply emotional, it was a profound experience.”
Tina Jamieson, the mother of Crabbe’s child, told the inquest that he was worried about Brexit as she was originally from Germany. She said: “A week before he died, he phoned me and was very distressed. He was concerned about Brexit and that I would be deported.”
The inquest in Swansea also heard that Crabbe’s flat had been burgled in May last year, which also contributed to his anxiety. “He felt violated by this burglary,” said Jamieson. “He felt like he had lost the feeling of being a soldier or a man because somebody went into his flat and took some of his belongings.”
Coroner Colin Philips recorded Crabbe’s death as suicide.
After the hearing, Jamieson claimed he had been “neglected” after his 17 years in the army. “They just have nothing in place to look after their own people. It’s not just an employee, it’s a life,” she said. “When you’re discharged from the army you do not just lose a job, you lose your home, your friends, everything. That’s why we have homeless veterans, it’s because of the lack of care – they don’t learn to be civilians.”
An army spokesman said: “The mental health of everyone who serves our country is of the utmost importance. Help is readily available for those with health issues due to service and we encourage those that need help to come forward and get the assistance they deserve.”
