内容摘要：Experts say there's not enough research into why only some people - around one in seven - are affected, or what can actually help.

Experts say there's not enough research into why only some people - around one in seven - are affected, or what can actually help.

It wasn't until Mr Williams had a chance conversation with his brother-in-law Ronald Oswell, that he says he realised what had happened.The two men had almost identical service records and both applied for redundancy when the UK armed forces looked to reduce numbers in 1969.

But while Mr Williams, who lives in King's Stanley, Gloucestershire, was given a discharge date in 1970, his brother-in-law was allocated one in 1972."He said 'What do you think of the pension, Ernie?'," Mr Williams told BBC West Investigations."I said, 'Well £440 a year is not very good, is it?'

"And he said 'No it's £880 a year'."It transpired that during the intervening two years, military pension rules had changed and had Mr Williams been given the later discharge date he would have got a much better pension.

The Ministry of Defence said it cannot comment on individual cases, but during his time campaigning Mr Williams has been told that his pension reflected his "full and correct entitlement".

Mr Williams enlisted in the navy aged 18 in 1952, eventually becoming a Chief Petty Officer. He served many years overseas, including on aircraft carriers in the far east."We never had a brief on pensions. We were never given any insight and probably we didn't have any interest because I was a young man."

The Equalities for Veterans Association was disbanded a few years ago – because of a lack of success and the dwindling number of surviving veterans from that period.Mr Williams says he feels "very bitter" about his experience but hopes that by speaking out publicly for the first time, he can bring more attention to his case.

He also hopes any other servicemen still alive and affected by the same issue will come forward.He added he intends to continue his campaign by contacting the current Stroud MP, Labour's Simon Opher, in the hope he will take up the case.