A former Royal Marine recruit is taking the Ministry of Defence to the High Court, seeking £236,000 in damages after a gruelling training exercise left him with permanent injuries and ended his military career.
The Collapse on Dartmoor
Charlie Gould, who was 23 at the time, collapsed during a demanding five-hour march, known as a 'yomp', in full kit. The incident occurred in June 2020 as part of the notoriously tough Exercise Hunters Moon on the high ground of Dartmoor. Gould, a new recruit who had joined the Royal Marines just three months prior, was described as 'extremely fit' after passing initial commando tests.
His legal team argues that during the march, burdened by heavy equipment including a large Bergen backpack, he began to feel unwell and suffered 'exertional heat stroke'. He collapsed at the top of a hill. Lawyers claim there was a critical delay in providing him with appropriate emergency medical care, which was available roughly 30 minutes away by vehicle.
Allegations of Negligence and MoD Defence
In court documents, Gould's barrister, Jonathan Dingle, accuses the MoD of negligence on two key fronts. Firstly, for allegedly failing to provide adequate pre-exercise training about the risks of 'climatic injuries'. Secondly, for the purported failure to properly assess and treat Gould promptly after his collapse, leaving him in a safety vehicle for hours.
The delay, his lawyers state, turned a serious heat illness into a permanent injury, leading to an adjustment disorder, anxiety, and his eventual medical discharge from the service.
However, the Ministry of Defence is robustly contesting the claim. Represented by lawyer Annie Brookes, the MoD asserts that the yomp was a standard and vital part of necessary military training. The defence argues that Gould suffered from 'exertional heat exhaustion', a milder condition than heat stroke, and that the response was 'entirely appropriate'.
The MoD states Gould was removed from the heat, provided with rehydration, and monitored in a recovery vehicle—actions it says were in line with best practices. It also disputes the characterization of 'summer heat', noting temperatures were around 14°C during the march.
Long Road to a 2027 Trial
The case had a preliminary hearing last month to discuss evidence and is currently scheduled for a full trial in 2027, unless a settlement is reached out of court. The outcome will hinge on the court's interpretation of the duty of care owed during arduous but essential military training versus the allegations of systemic failure in risk management and medical response.
Now 29, Gould's claim for substantial damages underscores the severe and lasting impact the incident has had on his life and career prospects outside the Royal Marines.
