A Falklands War veteran who left the Royal Navy amid bullying related to his sexuality has criticized a government compensation scheme for excluding those who resigned voluntarily rather than being formally discharged. Duncan Turnbull, 63, of Redcar, North Yorkshire, served from 1980 to 1989 and was assigned to HMS Hermes during the 1982 conflict. He says his naval career was effectively ended after peers suspected him of having a relationship with another serviceman, leading to continuous harassment and abuse.
Turnbull describes enduring name-calling and humiliation before deciding to submit his notice in December 1987, following a prolonged interrogation by the Special Investigation Branch that lasted several hours and involved homophobic treatment. This experience, he said, left him traumatized and feeling forced to leave a career he did not want to abandon. After departing the navy, Turnbull retrained as a mental health counselor.
At the time, Britain's armed forces prohibited homosexuality, a ban lifted only in 2000. In recognition of past injustices, ministers introduced the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme in 2024 to compensate veterans discharged due to their sexuality. The scheme offers up to £50,000 for wrongful dismissal plus £20,000 designated for discrimination-related claims. However, compensation is limited to those with formal discharges linked to sexual orientation, excluding individuals who resigned under pressure, like Turnbull.
Turnbull has received £19,000 in discrimination damages but argues the sum is insufficient and the compensation rules fail to encompass others similarly compelled to leave the service. He estimates there are several veterans who, despite enduring comparable treatment, do not qualify for full reparations. “I never wanted to leave. I may as well have been dismissed,” he said, emphasizing the scheme's shortcomings.
The Ministry of Defence acknowledged regret over the historical treatment of LGBT personnel between 1967 and 2000 but affirmed there are no plans to extend the compensation window beyond its current deadline of December 12. Meanwhile, the charity Fighting With Pride, which supports individuals affected by the gay ban in the armed forces, continues to advocate for broader recognition. Peter Gibson, its chief executive, stated that the scheme’s design perpetuates discrimination by excluding those forced to resign.
Turnbull’s ordeal extends beyond financial loss; it also involves personal hardship. Though no longer with his former partner, who was also a victim of the navy’s policies, the two remain in contact. Reflecting on their experiences while completing compensation paperwork, Turnbull recalled his former partner’s poignant remark: “They took away my first love, and I still love you,” underscoring the lasting impact of the navy’s past discrimination.