On July 20, 1982, the IRA bombings in Hyde Park and Regent’s Park left a lasting impact on Gareth Collett. The tragic incident, which resulted in the deaths of 11 military personnel and seven horses in London, motivated the 16-year-old Gareth to pursue a career in bomb disposal.
Reflecting on the bombings, Gareth expressed his shock and anger at the senseless loss of lives. This experience sparked his curiosity about aiding individuals in similar situations and led him to embark on a path dedicated to bomb disposal.
Over the span of 34 years, Gareth, now a retired Brigadier, has served in various conflict zones, investigated war crimes, engaged with notable figures like the late Queen, and successfully neutralized 75,000 explosive devices. While his efforts have saved numerous lives, the toll of his experiences manifested in PTSD.
At 59 years old, Gareth, a father of two, has penned a fictional novel, “Blasted Religion,” drawing from his own bomb disposal career. In a bid to process his challenging encounters, writing served as a therapeutic outlet. He aspires to document his life story, subject to the constraints of the Official Secrets Act.
With a family history rooted in military service, Gareth’s decision to pursue bomb disposal was unconventional. He was driven by a desire to protect lives, influenced by his familial anecdotes and his personal ethos.
His training journey, from attending Welbeck College to specialized ordnance training at the Royal Military Academy, equipped him with the skills essential for bomb disposal. Gareth emphasized the complexity and precision required in assessing and diffusing explosive devices, a stark contrast to fictional portrayals of such scenarios.
In actual bomb disposal operations, Gareth highlighted the solitary nature of the task, devoid of external assistance. His experiences in various conflict zones, notably in Iraq, posed unique challenges due to the unpredictable nature of the devices encountered.
Gareth’s tenure in bomb disposal, spanning regions like Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo, involved leading multinational teams in high-stakes missions. His strategic approach aimed at tracing the origins of bombs to uncover terrorism networks and their backers.
Despite accolades like a CBE for his service in Afghanistan, Gareth grappled with the psychological aftermath of his experiences, particularly evident in his struggles with PTSD. His journey to seek help, eventually finding support through Help for Heroes, marked a pivotal turning point in his healing process.
Currently serving as an Executive Director at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Gareth imparts his expertise in ordnance, munitions, and explosives through an integrated degree apprenticeship program. Despite the harrowing challenges he faced, Gareth remains resolute in his commitment to his life’s work.
Research conducted by Gareth into the correlation between high explosives and bladder cancer revealed alarming trends among bomb disposal personnel. His own battle with bladder cancer underscored the importance of addressing health risks faced by individuals in similar occupational roles.
Gareth’s advocacy for support systems for veterans facing mental health challenges, coupled with his academic pursuits, exemplifies his enduring dedication to improving the well-being of those who have served in high-risk roles.