Lawyers investigating claims of sexual abuse during British army medicals

Defence sources have told the BBC medical examinations at the time were carried out by contracted doctors.

Wiltshire Police is carrying out a nationwide investigation relating to medical checks at several Army locations in the UK, which the Ministry of Defence is supporting.

A previously undisclosed 2022 British Army report on misogyny and sexual harassment was released to the public earlier this year following a Freedom of Information request. The report shed further light on the culture and systemic issues surrounding women’s treatment within the forces.

Leigh Day, which has significant experience representing survivors of sexual abuse in institutional and recruitment settings, is now investigating these allegations and considering potential claims for compensation and accountability on behalf of those affected.

The investigations are being led by leading abuse lawyers Alison Millar, who specialises in healthcare abuse cases, and Andrew Lord.

Alison previously represented the majority of survivors in a similar case involving police recruits who had been assaulted by Dr Reginald Bunting during medicals, which resulted in compensation settlements for the victims. 

Alison Millar said:

“I am aware from the previous cases in which I have been involved that, even though in other aspects of their lives they may well not have considered themselves vulnerable, the army recruits undergoing enlistment medical examinations will have been in a vulnerable position.

“Passing these medicals will have been very important to them so that they could achieve their goals and dreams. They will not have wanted to say or do anything that could have affected their chances of joining the military. It is consequently likely to have been very difficult for them to speak up at the time even if they were concerned that something was untoward.

“I know from doing many cases arising out of abuse by healthcare professionals that it also can be difficult to know whether or not a particular medical examination is justified, especially if you are not given enough information about what to expect. Those who have come forward now have been very brave to do so. We know that those who experience abuse can have persistent feelings of shame, guilt and embarrassment, even though it must always be emphasised that abuse is never their fault.

“The Army doctors who allegedly abused this situation and their position of power for their own sexual gratification are guilty of a huge breach of trust. There needs to be a proper investigation now about whether there were any warning signs or concerns expressed about their behaviour that went ignored. Safer systems need to be put in place so that aspiring Service personnel in future can be protected. This must never happen again.”

Survivors who suffered abuse or believe they have information about allegations relating to sexual harassment and discrimination claims in the Army can confidentially contact Leigh Day’s abuse team at AbuseClaimEnquiries@leighday.co.uk