Growing Number of Military Aircrew Pursue MoD Over Cancer Claims

At least 180 current and former aircrew from the British Armed Forces are seeking compensation from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) after being diagnosed with various forms of cancer, which they attribute to exposure to toxic fumes from military helicopters. The issue gained prominence following the death of Flight Sergeant Zach Stubbings, who succumbed to multiple myeloma in January 2023 at age 47. Stubbings, renowned for training the Prince of Wales on Sea King helicopters, is among six aircrew members who have reportedly received out-of-court settlements from the MoD, although the agency has not admitted any liability.

This alarming surge in cancer diagnoses among military personnel has prompted a call for urgent action from advocacy groups and legal representatives. The law firm Hugh James, which represents many of the affected individuals, has confirmed that it is pursuing claims related to four types of military aircraft: the Sea King, Westland Wessex, Puma, and CH-47 Chinook. Notable diseases reported among these aircrew include lung cancer, throat cancer, testicular cancer, and rare forms of blood cancer.

Anna-Louise Stubbings, Zach's widow, has been vocal in raising awareness about the potential health risks associated with military aviation. "Zach started to think, 'hang on a minute, I’m a 33-year-old man who’s had this diagnosis of a blood cancer that isn’t common in men in their thirties… I’m going to look into it,'" she recalled. She continues to advocate for a cancer screening program for current and former aircrew, emphasizing the importance of early detection in improving survival rates.

The MoD has stated it believes that engine exhaust emissions from the helicopters pose no risk to health, but it is conducting monitoring to support this claim. A recent review by the Independent Medical Expert Group, which advises the MoD, found insufficient evidence to decisively link exhaust emissions from Sea King helicopters to rare cancers, such as multiple myeloma and leiomyosarcoma. Nevertheless, the MoD acknowledges the gravity of the situation, stating, "We take the health of our personnel extremely seriously and regularly review our processes to ensure that we’re doing our utmost to keep our people safe."

Legal experts like Louisa Donaghy, a senior associate at Hugh James, have expressed concern over the potential for more cases to emerge. "I do feel that is just the tip of the iceberg," she stated, noting that many individuals may remain unaware of their cancer diagnoses or the need for screening. Donaghy has submitted 50 claims to the MoD and has noted that for each settled case, establishing a duty of care from the MoD and proving its breach was crucial.

Graham Jones, chief executive of the charity Woody’s Lodge, has echoed calls for the MoD to proactively inform veterans and current aircrew about the potential risks associated with their service. He argued for a more aggressive outreach strategy to ensure that individuals are aware of their health risks and the availability of screening. "We all knew when we served in the armed forces there were going to be certain risks, but they were from conflict. You don’t expect it from the equipment that you’re using," Jones stated.

Political representatives, such as Julie Morgan, Member of the Senedd for Cardiff North, have also urged the MoD to expedite its investigations and consider implementing a screening program for personnel and veterans. "It’s really important to remember that there are human beings at the end of this, there are families at the end of this who are very anxious… and my constituent has died," she remarked, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability from the MoD.

As the number of claims continues to rise, the implications for military health policies and the treatment of veterans could be significant. The ongoing discussions highlight the critical need for comprehensive health screening, increased awareness, and perhaps reevaluation of safety protocols in military aviation as the MoD grapples with the mounting evidence of health risks associated with toxic exposures.

In conclusion, the plight of military aircrew facing cancer diagnoses raises vital questions about the health and safety of those who serve. With advocacy growing and legal action underway, the coming months may reveal more about the extent of the issue and the MoD's responsibilities towards its personnel.