Hundreds of women who joined the British Army over the past five decades have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse during medical examinations, according to reports obtained by The Times.
Wiltshire Police confirmed that the alleged incidents occurred at multiple army recruitment sites across the UK between the 1970s and 2016. The force has launched a full investigation, Operation Pianora, after several recruits approached officers earlier this year to report their experiences.
A defence source revealed that hundreds of women have now submitted complaints, claiming they were assaulted either during enlistment medical checks or while serving in the Army. The examinations were reportedly carried out by civilian doctors contracted to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Lieutenant General David Eastman, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, said there was “absolutely no place in the British Army for sexual abuse and misconduct”. He added:
“We encourage anyone who may have experienced criminal, inappropriate or unusual behaviour during their enlistment medical examinations to contact Wiltshire Police.”
Police said they are now in touch with a number of affected individuals and are coordinating with police forces across the UK to locate others who may have been abused.
It remains unclear whether a single doctor travelled between recruitment centres or if multiple medical practitioners were involved.
Veterans Minister Louise Sandher-Jones praised the courage of the women who spoke out, saying:
“I commend the bravery of those who have stepped forward to share these painful and appalling experiences. The MoD will fully support Wiltshire Police’s investigation. All those who serve must do so with dignity and respect free from abuse.”
The military is currently grappling with a recruitment crisis, as more personnel are leaving than signing up. Defence Secretary John Healey has pledged millions to improve housing in an effort to retain troops.
Campaigners say the latest revelations show the Army has failed to tackle deep-rooted misogyny and abuse, despite pledges made three years ago.
Former MP Sarah Atherton, who spearheaded a parliamentary inquiry into women’s treatment in the armed forces, said she continues to receive regular reports of bullying and harassment.
“It’s getting worse and I’m not convinced we’re making headway any more,” she warned.
More than 4,000 servicewomen responded to Atherton’s inquiry, sharing accounts of rape, bullying and intimidation. Earlier this year, another 1,000 women came forward through the Fill Your Boots military social media platform to share their experiences following the inquest into Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, 19, who took her own life after being sexually assaulted by a superior at Larkhill Camp in 2021.
