More British soldiers and veterans committed suicide last year than were killed in battle, it has been reported.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that in 2012 seven serving soldiers were confirmed to have killed themselves, while a further 14 died in suspected suicides but inquests had yet to be held.
The Government does not record suicides among former soldiers but an investigation by the BBC’s Panorama found at least 29 veterans also took their own lives last year.
The 50 suicides compares with 40 soldiers who died in action in Afghanistan during the same period.
A spokesman for the MoD said suicide among members of the armed forces remains “extremely rare” and is lower than comparative rates in the civilian population.
He added: “Our thoughts remain with the families of all those who have sadly taken their own lives.
“Mental health of our personnel and veterans is a top priority for the Government. That is why we have committed £7.4 million to ensure there is extensive mental health support in place for everyone who needs it.”
The Panorama special Broken By Battle is on BBC One at 9pm on Monday.
