The death of Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, a 19-year-old soldier found dead at her base camp in Wiltshire, UK, in December 2021, has left many puzzled due to the strange and troubling circumstances surrounding it. Her case has raised questions, particularly in light of unsettling coincidences and reports of inappropriate behavior by senior officers.
Months before her death, Beck made a phone call that raised concerns. She contacted her base camp after feeling frightened by what was described during her inquest as the "psychotic and possessive" behavior of her commander, Bombardier Ryan Mason. Beck reportedly felt uncomfortable and trapped at work, even suspecting that Mason had hacked into her mobile phone.
In October 2023, a service inquiry report shed further light on the situation, describing an "intense period of unwelcome behavior" that was considered a contributing factor in her death. The report highlighted the distressing environment Beck endured, which may have played a role in the tragic outcome.
Further details emerged about a complaint Beck had made against another senior officer, Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber. The incident occurred during an adventure training exercise on Thorley Island in Hampshire in July 2021. Lance Bombardier Kirsty Davis, who trained with Beck, recalled receiving a distressing phone call from her in the early hours of the morning. Beck confided that during a social gathering where drinks were involved, someone had tried to make unwanted advances toward her.
Davis recounted Beck’s words: "Something happened that night. They were all having a few drinks, and someone tried it on with me.” Beck described how the individual had attempted to kiss her, pinned her down, and persisted despite her efforts to push him away. Davis received around 20 missed calls from Beck before finally speaking to her, as Beck was on a "sleeping guard" duty at the time.
Beck reportedly did not want to end the phone call that night, expressing a desire to stay on the line "all night.” Davis shared, "I think she was afraid he was going to come to the car. I remember him saying she was amazing and beautiful. I know this because Jaysley hated compliments—it made her feel awkward.”
Beck also revealed to Davis that the individual had tried to force himself on her multiple times, and though she repeatedly said no and tried to escape, he remained persistent. Davis added, "Jaysley was in tears, she was upset. I think she was just frightened at what was going on, and she was crying, just a little bit.”
Following the incident, Webber wrote a letter of apology to Beck, but he only received a "minor sanction” for his actions. Dissatisfied with the outcome, Beck lodged a complaint. Davis explained, "Jaysley wasn’t happy with what had happened, but if you’re in the Army and a lower rank, no one will believe you, especially against a higher rank. She didn’t want to get into trouble or cause drama.”
The circumstances surrounding Beck’s death, combined with the allegations of inappropriate behavior and the lack of accountability, have left many questioning the culture and accountability within the military. Her case underscores the challenges faced by junior personnel when reporting misconduct, particularly when it involves higher-ranking officers.
