It has recently been reported that the The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has acknowledged that a decorated RAF pilot’s death from cancer was related to his military service, thereby awarding his widow a pension.

The pilot, a squadron leader, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of blood vessel cancer while still serving in the military. He passed away three weeks after his diagnosis at the age of 53. The illness was linked to exposure to toxic exhaust fumes during his extensive hours of flying Puma and Chinook helicopters over two decades, supporting special forces operations.

His widow, convinced that the fumes from the helicopters caused his cancer, pursued recognition from the MoD. Her belief was supported by other former pilots experiencing similar health issues. This month, Veterans UK, the MoD’s support organisation, confirmed that her husband’s death was service-related, entitling her to a war widow’s pension and consideration for an armed forces pension.

Despite this recognition, the MoD has not admitted fault, prompting the widow to continue a civil case against it for failing to inform her husband of the risks and not providing protective equipment. She stated that this acknowledgement provided a sense of closure and vindication.

The MoD’s admission could potentially lead others who have lost loved ones to similar circumstances to apply for the pension. Over 100 individuals are suing the MoD, alleging exposure to toxic fumes caused cancer in them or their loved ones. Lawyers assert that carcinogenic gases from helicopter engines were inhaled by the aircrew, who were not provided with masks or informed of the dangers.

The pilot joined the RAF in his early twenties and was first exposed to the fumes in the 1990s. He ceased flying in 2012, moving to an air liaison role. Diagnosed with cancer in February last year, he died in March.

Representing Families

We are a firm of solicitor actively representing the affected families and continue to support the cancer claims in service against the MoD, asserting that MOD service men were not adequately protected from the dangers they faced during their service.

An MoD spokesperson reiterated their commitment to valuing service personnel and veterans, continuously reviewing policies to protect them from harm.