MY MENTAL HEALTH & OPERATION JACKDAW 

This Channel Lets Tab 59 does wonders for my mental health 🔥

After serving 23 years,, personally never really experienced any major deaths or whatever. Was involved in quite a few explosions, a few shootings, but not witnessed anything to my comrades. Was about 7 years short of retirement from the military, at the turn of 2000, not long back from Kosovo, i contracted something called Guillaume Barre Syndrome. Went through the wringer, for roughly a year or so. Basically ended up paralyzed for about 6 months. Stuck in hospital on my back. Then the getting back to fitness, was still frontline infantry. Had to learn to walk again, it took all my stamina, which I never got back. Twats, then posted me to a rifle company on going back to the Battalion 😮. Oh hello, I was just about walking, and could barely pass the BFT. This is how they treat you. During that time of my illness, i was posted to Northern Ireland, had bought a house, had a new baby, but I was messed around from pillar to post. First diagnosis was in the RVH in Belfast, was there about 3 weeks, under police guard in a side ward, CCTV etc, but that was too manpower intensive, and no doubt cost a few bob. So ended up in Musgrave, they really couldn't deal with my illness properly, as i was rapidly losing my ability to function from the neck down. So eventually they flew me over to Brize, after a Puma flight from Musgrave to Aldergrove, then onto the Radcliffe hospital in Oxford. So there's me on me tod, no family etc, getting poked and prodded, hadn't a clue what was going on. Eventually they said well he is a soldier, we can't do anything for him here, and i was taken to that military hospital in Gosport, can't remember the name atm. You can imagine my mental health at this point. They sort of sorted me out, at this point i was in the various hospitals about 5 months, got me a degree of rehab etc. Eventually my mother in law, who was quite a senior nurse in Swansea, arranged for me to go to a rehab hospital in Cardiff. The missus and child, she's from Wales, also went home to mum and dad at this time. That rehab hospital was great, lovely people, looked after me better than all the others, as they had dealt with my illness for a quite a few people. They understood what i was going through. Anyway 20 odd years later, notwithstanding the shite i seen when in the Army, this was by far the worst experience I ever had. No help from my Regiment, they claimed they didn't know 😮. Personally, mentally, i feel fine today, but I look back on that period, as the worst part of my life. Sorry for the long rant, was thinking this morning how i was treated by the military, before your video popped up. They just couldn't care less about you or me. Just a number.

We lost a good bloke in Bosnia, and that hit me really badly. The way the army dealt with it was to send me on R&R to Brac for a few days. No help offered and I was told to crack on and man up by the OC. Shite situation and the lowest point of my life. I left the army soon after and that tour has definitely left it's mark. It shouldn't be left to charities to pick up the pieces for vetrans and the government needs to do way more to help. The NHS is fecking useless.

Your videos are extremely interesting, and although I haven’t served, members of my family have done so since my great great grandfather joined the Cameron Highlanders just in time to be shipped off to the Crimean War. Our son joined Junior Leaders aged 17, and at age 18, he was off to Iraq - Operation Granby. When he returned, he was evidently affected by the experience, but there was an incident which we have since laughed about. He was staying at home with us on leave, and he asked to be woken up early the next morning, because he had arranged to see some of his mates in the village. My wife duly went up to his room at the time he’d requested and came promptly back downstairs, flushed with indignation. Apparently, he had half-woken, given her an earful, told her to “F… off”, and gone back to sleep. This was the only time he had ever sworn in front of, let alone at, one of us (it still is), hence her shock. She said to me something along the lines of “You go and wake him up, because I’m not going up there again!”, so I duly climbed the stairs, pondering how I should do it, especially since I’m 5’ 10”, and he’s 6’ 4”. He’d never been aggressive to us before, but I wasn’t keen to repeat what my wife had just experienced. I decided on a course of action, and arriving at his bedside, shouted “Stand TO!”. That woke him alright, and he was out of bed like a shot, looking alarmed to say the least. I felt remorse, but it was certainly effective. I’m pleased to say that despite what he experienced during 22 years in the Army, he’s a lovely, well-adjusted guy, of whom we’re very proud. I think that Op Jackdaw sounds brilliant, and I hope that you enjoy your visit next year.

As a humble civilian I love your posts .It's shocking that our brave men and women past and present are not looked after as well as they should be and indeed deserve .It is a brilliant thing your doing highlighting this topic .Thank you again Keith ,Look forward to your next video.

My late father serving in the RN - Murmansk convoy’s Mediterranean, D-Day and Burma, Asia. his Brother a regular in the Cheshire Regiment wounded at Dunkirk and got a bullet down the spine by a counter sniper in Italy (I believe) My father said little about the war but the two issues that left its mark were the orders not to stop to pick up survivors from torpedoed ships on the Murmansk runs and the state of allied POW’s when on a shore party taking the surrender of the camps from the Japanese (he hated the Japanese with such anger that he never bought anything Japanese ) I remember in the 70’s I found an unopened brown cardboard box about 4x4x6 inches marked W:D address to my father, I asked him what it was, he replied “oh, yes my medals” as far as he was concerned he volunteered, did his bit and that was it, the medals and citations were just to him ‘not that important’ An amusing story he told me was that his buddy received the VC and RN tradition was the VC holder was ‘piped onboard’ and the officer of the watch called out the guard - having had a few drinks (when in Sydney ?) he and his buddy returned and were ‘piped on board’ the two tipsy sailors thinking this was fun went back for another drink and again got piped on board, upon the third occasion the Officer of the watch had a quiet word and pointed out the the guard was getting less than amused and tomorrow they may express an opinion in a different way than the present, If this continues, however ‘you have a choice’ so they packed it in and went to sleep it off. Unfortunately his brother was medically discharged from the Army and was placed in a mental hospital (he was generally OK but needed care) the guys had jobs gardening, painting and general work dependant upon ability. They returned for lunch and tea and had pocket money for a pint in the local pub. Thatcher brought in ‘care in the community’ and closed the hospitals - it actually was no care, no support with guys brought up in the 1920’s cared for in institutions for years now expected to look after themselves, all it did do was make them suffer through a failed concept. The military I found were ‘hit and miss’ in medical mental care, a guy in the Royal Signals had way too much to drink (Germany and cheap DF booze) slit his wrist (he was well bladdered) he was taken to the medical Center then RAF Wegburg (hospital) had some surgery and replacement (ligaments ? ) and sent back to unit. Six months later someone reading his file overreacted and he was taken away never to be seen again ! Unfortunately lost a few buddies to PTSD in that one hung himself and one ended up on the streets then in prison and threw himself down the stairwell. I can see how for some military service and operational duties can leave metal scarring I must admit it did with me but years after leaving, helping in a RTA seeing one person after going through the windscreen was beyond help, brought back a flashback on an incident when I (and one other) was tasked to recover two bodies who were unfortunately in pieces- it did trouble me for some time and worked to not forget but deal with the incident as I never had done just did the usual services way go down the NAAFI and get bladdered. However this has gone askew, so endex and off to bed Great vlog and as usual you learn something new every episode Take care, keep up the good work.

Fascinating video Keith. We are of a similar age, in fact I think I am a few years older, I did all my service in BAOR so was never fired on in a life or death situation but did witness several really bad accidents, losing a very good mate in one and was actually involved in one myself, rolling a 4 tonner off an icy autobhan and into a field, in the cab it was akin to being in a washing machine. Your recollection of cleaning your gat, handing it in, getting yourself cleaned and off to get hammered was so true, it was simply the routine for single guys.

A number of our lads came from terrible backgrounds and had been severely damaged as children. I heard some appalling stories of domestic violence, abuse and neglect. There were blokes arriving in the army with major problems - that was before they ever went to Ireland or Bosnia etc. The army sorted some of them out and gave them a structure and a new family, but others went completely off the rails and got court-martialed. Tragically, I can think of a few who wound up dead.

Brilliant Keith mate I remember coming of tour of Belfast . Went on the beer with a civvy mate I froze and my legs started shaking like mad , before we went into the pub . I managed to hide the fear and got smashed.

It’s not a weakness to hold your hands up and ask for help! Trust me I know. Thanks for your uploads Keith always a great watch😊 kind regards❤❤Talking is a great medicine😊👍👍

I remember in my time there was no such thing as PTSD, it was sort of "Pull your socks up" and nobody admitted that they had mental problems. Only giveaway was when they´d been out drinking they got arrested for GBH and going ballistic etc. For me personally (64) I´ve still got PTSD, but learned to control my emotions over the years, and getting older is sometimes a "Godsend.........."

Great natter today Sgt Major, as always. The laughter you will all have at Jackdaw next year will be a tonic in itself. I hope everyone will benefit on a personal level. Regards.

We love your stories......my dad was a gunner in the army on our ships.....he saw,some terrible stuff ..we lost him age 73.....he had seen some horrid sights it never left him....

Thank you Keith for your service sir

I'm a new subscriber, and I really think the veterans need all our support more than ever. Best wishes to you.❤

I'm in Mr Potter 28/06/2025...Thank you for this video Mental Health is nothing to be ashamed of.I have PTSD as you know Kieth and you where there first person I opened up to about my Mental health it was in the Ponderosa after a Remembrance parade and that chat made a big difference to me you got me to join the shooting club and twice a week I'd have something to look forward too and to shoot some awesome weapons...I Thank you for that..and you seem to have forgotten about Karl,Chris Steffan and myself went up to Pant Y Ffynnon farm camping and shooting we had an amazing time😂

Brilliant stuff mate, thank you!

Love to come meet you Sir and Get involved with a meet up of followers 💂🏽‍♂️

Hope we can finally meet up next year RSM !! Touching subject I have to say...

I think its important to realise we ard all just numbers. You are spot on with this.

My Dad seems to thing I have PTSD from my days of service. I don't think I have as I didn't see much really, two back to back summer tours of Boz and that was it, which I loved 97 and 98 TSG, GV and RR cover at the Bus Depot at MG. I was Downgraded and had a good few restrictions on my Biff Chit, yet I was still sent. It just meant on Pre Boz training I didn't run around like the others from my Unit did. Instead they would put me in the position of enemy. The last training session was a close call as were were doing Causality Extraction under fire, Not something Workshop Personnel do going by the near miss of one of our own lads going up whilst the fire team were laying down fire, he got a bit carried away. They got a short sharp riffing for that one. Probably wasn't the only time something like that happened in Pre Boz Training for those that simple don't normally do anything like that kind of thing. I have had my issues since leaving the Forces, wouldn't say if my time in the Army was totally responsible, with the exception of one incident, with a friend that died, whilst I was still in Trade Training. What I brilliant thing to set up for the Boys and Girls that have served our Country. I hope that those that go get a lot out of it, as I am sure they will.

I wish I could meet you there or anywhere, Keith! Much respect! I saw horrible things daily but on a much smaller scale and never thought about it again. We had no one to talk to anyway. I did as you said self medicate with booze! All the best Keith!

Good video sir carry on 🎉🎉

Very good chat mate 👍

Hi Keith well put across and hope it helps someone who needs it PS Love to Tracer round

Most of us have had a brush with this subject, myself included. I'm glad your man enough to involve it in your channel, and show we are all just people at the end of the day. Liking the sound of Op Jackdaw Great stuff buddy

Another great video Keith 👍

Back in the 1980’s there was always a huge stigma about mental health problems in the armed forces. Being sent ‘basket weaving’ as MH treatment was usually referred to as, was seen as both a personal weakness and a potential security risk! Who wanted labelling as such! It certainly didn’t help a mate who blew his own head off with a 9mm pistol as he feared being removed from the squadron and the shame of having a mental illness. I hope things have come on a long way since those dark times.

I served in the Scots guards in the 80, s and I can only remember one lad getting discharged through mental health issues and depression. It was frowned upon back in the day but I bet a lot were suffering on their own. We all had times when we felt down and I remember one particular tour to NI when I was on a downer after leaving my young wife and toddler son for a five month tour. It wasn't the fact of going to NI because I had already done a tour single it was the fact I was leaving my family behind and not knowing if I'd see them again. I can imagine it was a lot worse with the lads on the Iraq and Afghanistan tours, but separation is separation regardless of where you serve. Some lads did take their own lives for sure but it was quite rare.

You don't talk rubbish and you ain't a nutter. Keep it going bonny lad, keep it going.

Great video Keith, as always. PULLEEMS. Physical, Upper Limbs, Lower Limbs, Eyes Left, Eyes Right, Mental Stability.

Unbeknownst to me at the time, I had PTSD before I even joined the Royal Engineers at age 16 in 1988. In Biblical parlance, PTSD is known as an imprisoned soul.

Yet another brilliant video Keith this time covering a very important subject. I've spoken to comrades who weren't in the best place mentally at silly hours of the day and night a few times and as I always say to them, you're never alone! There's always someone out there willing to talk, listen, be shouted at but always there.

That outfit in Kent sounds like a good idea. Glad people are being more open about mental health now. PTSD can crop up years later, so I understand (only a civilian ) I imagine in the old days there was a lot of alcohol abuse and wife beating and family violence. People do not always realise they have changed. A bit like head injuries in civilians. (Obviously the military get them too) An excellent video. Strength in admission the problem exists.

Excellent and honest Video Keith well presented on a subject that can still be tabbo. Kev

Good on ya kieth good vid. Good work with scotty's and operation jack daw. Sounds like you've got some good programs in the UK and you're doing your bit to bring them up.

Great Keith until the next video..

The sound of Op Jackdaw intrigues me, I've never been in action, having been ex RAF and Army Reserves but I certainly am a bit radio. (Cockney slang for mental, radio rental, get it?) Love to be there and meet you and a few others, might be under-qualified!

I would say to anyone that feels off go and get help. If you do not want to talk to your MO or GP get in touch with one of the service charities. RAFBF have been great for me. i would say more so than the GP ever was. If you can talk to someone they will help or at least try to point you in the right direction. Would love to try this out but my old bones need a proper mattress in the motorhome these days LOL.

I'm not ex service, but I'm being to wonder if I had some problems for a while, I worked in a slaughter house as a kid , but also worked in a foundry and seen some bad accident including death. And for a few years and now and again. Had bad nightmares, waking up , scared sweating..? Never really thought about until recently, Like you I'm old school, was told as a kid just get on with it. Great video and thanks.

You've blanked out that on your return from Iraq, you were left outside Selly Oak Hospital, in your uniform and with no money and had to make a reverse charges call to Tracer Round to get you home! You needed help when you returned but it's good to see you return to normal ish 😂 Good to hear about Op Jackdaw!

We got back from op granby at 3 in the morning, in the pissing rain in Osnabruck and got told to be in the SQN bar the same night to get it out our systems. That was mental health back then.

My dad was in WWII, only ever spoke about it once, thts when we found out he had help liberate a concentration camp in southern Germany, but that is all he said apart from, "it was horrid". Sound like a great scheme they got going, wil try and make it, but cannot guarantee it. Thanks for another great video Keith

Im in!👍👍👍

Thanks mate

I gotta say Keith, cracking natter.. (lyne's sis here, Teresa) keep up the good work. Love to Trace x

Keith ,It's a shame that there isn't something like that closer North (Don't go that far on my holidays 😂 )

That was really interesting tab 👋

Thanks Keith ! The Same as For The R.N ! ( From a Cloudy North Kent )😊

Fantastic this love all the info spot on , top man tab

A very informative video mate of what service men and women sometimes go through. All the best.

My dad served as a sapper in the Canadian army during the Second World War North west Europe He never spoke of his time there. Until the end of his life he related two stories of his time there. I’ll never repeat them 😢

Things have changed since 78. Would be great to meet with like minded souls, the Midlands would probably be the best location.

One of the saddest things I ever witnessed was an ex Master Gunner (WO 1?) on leaving the army drink himself to death within a year.

100% hit the head on the nail

Not military just a 63year old woman that likes listening to other peoples lives. I love chatty folk 👍

Easy mucker looks mint m8ty u ok etc brother? Got a bit a of sun dw my way!! 😊😊 yeah I'll be there m8t 4ur RV next year!! I've got PTSD and survivors gillt. Its shit m8t. I have gd times n badtimes dont get out much cos of it etc!! Im same as the lad at the start of ur video etc... b y i cant b asked with it anymore!! List gouse on mucker!! Hoping ur all ok n well an family members brother hoping to c u soooooooon mucker AB ALL THE WAY BROTHER 😊😊😊

Spot on

Hi Keith you will have to come to Hull and have a look at H4H. We are trying to get a village built trips out,coffee morning.Just send us a message 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

This is what Pulheems stands for. P - physical capacity, U - upper extremity, L - locomotion, H - hearing, E - eyesight, M - mental capacity, S - stability of emotion

Great stuff pal, as always. Just a stupid question from a civilian, why do always have a Karabiner on your backpack?

Get yourself on NHS talking therapies. It help me a lot.

I think we become institutionalised , but in a great way but when we leave it’s all a bit empty hard to cope with .

Don't ask for the cheese in German 😂

Take the lid off. Just do the walk.