The head of the Army, General Sir Roly Walker, has condemned “shameful behaviour” within the ranks after over 1,000 women came forward to share their stories of harassment, abuse, and sexual assault.
This comes following the tragic suicide of 19-year-old Gunner Jaysley Beck, whose death has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of women in the military.
General Walker, in a letter sent to senior officers, expressed his disgust at the new allegations, which he said directly contradict the Army’s values.
The Heartbreaking Story of Gunner Beck
The tragic story of Gunner Beck has shone a light on a culture of harassment within the military.
Gunner Beck, who was stationed at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire, was found dead on December 15, 2021.
Just before her death, she had reported incidents of harassment, including an assault by a senior colleague who pinned her down and tried to kiss her.
She also feared another colleague was hacking her phone.
An Army report revealed that these distressing experiences were likely a contributing factor in her tragic death.
Women in the Military Share Their Painful Experiences
Since the inquest into Gunner Beck’s death began, hundreds of women have stepped forward to share their own stories of abuse.
Many have described shocking incidents of male officers trying to force their way into their rooms or even physically assaulting them.
One woman revealed that she would hold her breath in her room at night to make it seem like she was not home when men tried to break in.
Another described a frightening encounter where she was pinned against a wall by a man who then exposed himself, telling her he “knew exactly what she needed.”
General Walker’s Strong Statement
In response to the disturbing stories, General Walker sent a letter to senior officers on Valentine’s Day, condemning the appalling behaviour of some in the Army.
He expressed his shock and disgust at the accounts of abuse that had surfaced online and emphasized the importance of leaders taking action.
He urged senior officers to not only speak out but also lead by example in preventing further incidents.
“It is even worse if the Chain of Command is not doing enough or is actively complicit,” he warned.
A Mother’s Heartbreaking Tribute
The mother of Gunner Beck, Leighann McCready, shared a deeply moving tribute to her daughter after her death, describing her as more than just a soldier—she was a daughter, sister, and friend.
McCready spoke out about the silence surrounding the abuse Beck faced, saying, “Her voice was silenced, but her story speaks louder than ever.”
More than 700 women have come forward with similar stories, and McCready has vowed to continue fighting for justice.
The Investigation into Gunner Beck’s Harassment
The police investigation into the harassment Gunner Beck endured revealed unsettling details.
The inquiry examined over 4,000 WhatsApp messages sent to Beck by Bombardier Ryan Mason, who had been harassing her in the weeks leading up to her death.
Despite this, the police concluded that the evidence did not meet the threshold for criminal charges.
They also found that a harassment complaint made by Beck’s mother was dropped due to the time limits for prosecution under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Disturbing Revelations About Mason’s Behaviour
Further details from the inquest revealed that Mason, who has since left the Army, had a disturbing fixation on Gunner Beck.
He sent her thousands of messages expressing his love and even booked hotel rooms for the two of them during a work trip.
Beck was alarmed when she realized he had paid for their rooms and confronted him about it.
She later confided in her father, expressing how Mason’s behaviour had taken a toll on her mental health.
Army Response and Leadership Accountability
The inquest has also shed light on other incidents involving military personnel.
Warrant Officer Michael Webber, accused of attempting to kiss Gunner Beck, was only given a minor reprimand and was later promoted.
Similarly, George Higgins, a former sergeant, declined to answer questions about his relationship with Beck, raising further questions about how the Army handles such accusations.
General Walker’s letter has called for a reevaluation of leadership standards, urging senior officers to take stronger action against misconduct.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
As the inquest into Gunner Beck’s death continues, the military faces growing pressure to address the toxic culture of abuse and harassment that has been exposed.
The stories shared by women who have suffered in silence highlight the need for real change, and General Walker’s call for accountability is a crucial step forward.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the military will take meaningful action to protect those who serve.