In a tragic turn of events, Harry Gregg, a 25-year-old British man, ended his own life after returning home from fighting in Ukraine. Gregg, who had no formal military training apart from a stint in the Army Cadets, made the decision to fly to Ukraine following the country's invasion by Russia in 2022. He experienced the horrors of war in the trenches, witnessing the deaths of fellow soldiers and the aftermath of Russian atrocities against civilians.

According to his family, Gregg's decision to go to Ukraine was influenced by former Prime Minister Liz Truss, who had claimed that those who fought in Ukraine would be joining a "battle for democracy." Truss, who was Gregg's local Member of Parliament and Foreign Secretary at the time, had publicly voiced her support for British citizens who wanted to travel to Ukraine to fight against the Russians.

Gregg's mother, Sandi Gregg, revealed that her son felt a sense of duty to help the Ukrainians, despite his limited military experience. She shared how he contacted the Ukrainian embassy, gathered the necessary information, and booked a flight within days. En route to the Ukrainian border, Gregg faced challenges but eventually made it to the front line with the assistance of aid workers.

During his time serving with the Ukrainian armed forces, Gregg was assigned to the 48th Battalion and earned the nickname "Eagle" from his comrades. In the trenches, he faced deadly gunfire and witnessed the loss of his fellow soldiers. These traumatic experiences haunted him upon returning home, resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Tragically, on December 14, Gregg's 25th birthday, he was found dead by hanging at his home in Thetford, Norfolk, the day after he was due to go go-karting and clubbing with friends. His family had become concerned when they were unable to reach him, prompting a welfare check that revealed the devastating news.

A narrative conclusion by Samantha Goward, area coroner for Norfolk, stated that Gregg had hanged himself, although his specific intent remains unknown. His untimely death highlights the mental health challenges faced by veterans who struggle to receive the necessary support.

Described as someone with a captivating personality who was beloved by many, Gregg's mother remembered him as loving, caring, and always willing to help others. She emphasized that Gregg went to Ukraine because he believed people there needed his assistance.

The tragic loss of Harry Gregg serves as a reminder of the profound impact that war and conflict can have on the mental well-being of individuals, particularly those who lack formal military training. It also raises questions about the support available to veterans struggling with mental health issues.