Inquest Reveals Misogynistic Culture in British Army Contributing to Gunner's Death
Testimonies during an inquest into the death of Gunner Jaysley Beck expose disturbing accounts of harassment and pressure faced by female soldiers.
An inquest into the death of Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, who was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire on December 15, 2021, has revealed alarming accounts of misogynistic behavior within the British Army.
The hearing, held at Salisbury Coroners' Court, included testimony from former soldier Tamzin Hort, now 23, who detailed the hostile environment faced by women in the military.
Hort described her experiences as the only female in her battery, stating that she received unwelcome attentions and ‘disgusting’ comments from male colleagues.
She highlighted the repercussions of unwanted advances and harassment, stating, "I couldn’t walk out of my block without getting nasty comments." Hort recalled a culture where derogatory remarks, such as ‘lesbian’ and ‘slag’, were commonplace, and described feeling humiliated by body shaming comments from a training instructor, accusing her of being ‘fat’.
During the coroner's inquiry, it was revealed that Gunner Beck had been subjected to unwanted advances, including being pinned down by a senior soldier and receiving numerous unsolicited messages from her supervisor.
This individual, Bombardier Ryan Mason, was described as exerting pressure on Beck, which was cited as contributing to her declining mental health.
Beck reportedly communicated her struggles to her family and acknowledged a need for ‘time out’ from the situation.
The inquest also examined interactions between Beck and her superiors, with testimony detailing an unsettling incident where Mason arranged accommodations that appeared suspicious and caused Beck distress.
Other former soldiers, including George Higgins, provided insights into Beck’s interactions with her colleagues, stating she was subjected to both inappropriate behavior and a toxic atmosphere that affected her well-being.
Assistant Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg questioned Hort regarding her experiences, noting the widespread nature of the harassment.
Hort affirmed that incidents of harassment affected many female soldiers, not only at Larkhill but across other Army regiments.
Higgins confirmed the existence of a relationship with Gunner Beck, stating that he was aware of the legal implications regarding sexual conduct involving personnel under 18, yet reported minimal training on the matter.
The inquiry examined how these dynamics and the prevailing culture may have contributed to the tragic outcome of Beck's life.
The hearing has continued to unpack the troubling realities of misogyny and harassment within the armed forces, as family and legal representatives seek accountability and reform in addressing the needs and safety of female soldiers in military environments.