Falklands vet to talk about ‘mental scars’

A VETERAN of the Falklands War is to give a lecture next week talking about how “mental scars of warfare” affect soldiers.

Brigadier Ian Gardiner, a former Royal Marine, has been named as the guest speaker for the Merchant’s Hall event which will also help to raise funds and increase awareness for Combat Stress – the UK’s leading charity specialising in veteran’s mental health.

After a military career culminating in his appointment to Secretary to the Military Committee at Nato headquarters in Brussels, Brig Gardiner now speaks on leadership and is the author of three military history books.

He said: “The work that Combat Stress delivers cannot be underestimated and this is a fantastic opportunity to ensure it gets the recognition it deserves and remains in the spotlight.

“With 2012 marking the 30th anniversary of the Falklands, it has become increasingly evident many veterans are still suffering from the mental scars of the warfare.

“Without the support of charities such as Combat Stress these men and women will 
suffer in silence.”

His latest book, The Yompers, describes a Royal Marine’s perspective of the Falklands War. The event is set to take place on October 25.