A decorated war veteran who survived being shot in Afghanistan has become at least the 29th member of the Rifles Regiment to die by suicide since 2013, exposing a profound mental health crisis within the UK's armed forces community.
A Regiment's Heavy Toll
Lance Corporal Andrew Borthwick, a 41-year-old father of two from Reading, was found dead at his home last month. Known as 'Borth' to his friends, he had served with distinction in both Iraq and Afghanistan. His death is part of a devastating pattern identified by veterans' groups, which have recorded at least 29 suicides from the Rifles Regiment in the last decade.
The Rifles, which saw intense combat in Helmand and Basra, sustained more casualties than any other British regiment during the conflicts. Official records show 66 soldiers were killed and 344 wounded. However, the hidden toll from mental health conditions like PTSD and depression, often compounded by substance abuse issues, continues to climb long after soldiers return home.
Survivors of War, Lost to Peace
LCpl Borthwick's story is one of remarkable physical resilience. In 2009, he was shot through the chest during a Taliban ambush in Sangin, southern Afghanistan. After taking cover, he calmly informed his comrade, Brett Campbell, that he was the 'man down'. He underwent emergency surgery, which involved having part of his lung removed.
Refusing a medical discharge, he fought to regain his fitness and returned to duty in Afghanistan in 2013. In 2020, he helped raise money for the charity Combat Stress. Despite this strength, the invisible wounds of service ultimately proved overwhelming. "The man survived what should have taken his life," said Brett Campbell. "Borth was given a second chance once, but life became too heavy in the end."
Another tragic case is that of Captain Gary Case, who took his own life in 2019, just weeks after receiving an MBE for his 28 years of service. He had witnessed the horrors of the Bosnian War and narrowly escaped death in Iraq.
Calls for Action Ignored
Former Army Warrant Officer Jim Wilde, who campaigns for better veteran support and collates suicide figures, stated bluntly: "There is clearly a problem with the number of suicides in the Rifles. We have told the MoD and the government about this, but we have been ignored and in the meantime the death toll from suicide continues to mount."
The issue extends far beyond a single regiment. Since 2017, at least 600 serving and former military personnel are known to have died by suicide. The profound psychological impact of combat has even touched the highest ranks. General Sir Patrick Sanders, a former Rifles officer, revealed in 2021 that he had contemplated suicide after a violent tour, urging others to seek help.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "Any death by suicide is a tragedy that is felt across our community." They highlighted a £25 million annual investment into the Op COURAGE NHS service for veterans and a £50 million VALOUR programme to improve care access.
For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit samaritans.org.
