A soldier who went to fight in Iraq on his 18th birthday took his own life after developing post traumatic stress disorder following his time on the battlefield.

Kevin Williams died aged 29 after he was found hanging in a stairwell outside his home in Basildon, Essex, in March.

Mr Williams, who served in The Royal Green Jackets, had suffered flashblacks and said he felt 'pretty much useless' as he struggled to adapt back to civilian life after his time in the military.

Kevin Williams, a former soldier who once met the Queen, took his own life after developing PTSE following his return from Iraq

Mr Williams signed up for the Army when he was 16. He was one of the youngest soldiers to fight in Iraq and was part of Operation Telic 9, which saw some of the toughest fighting and involved 46,000 personnel at its peak.

In 2006, he met the Queen when his unit The Royal Green Jackets was being absorbed into The Rifles.

Speaking at the time he claimed to be more worried about meeting the monarch than heading to Basra.

Mr Williams signed up for the Army when he was 16 and flew to Iraq on his 18th birthday

He was discharged from the army after failing a drugs test when he was 22 and spent some time on the streets.

However, the veteran was getting help from charity Combat Stress before his death and hoped to work as an electrician.

In a short documentary recorded before his death he said: 'Returning to civilian life was a big shock.

'The skills I learnt especially being in the infantry regiment was all combat based, so civilian life doesn't have any combat. I was pretty much useless.

'Not too long after coming back from Iraq I just felt sad all the time, I lost a friend out there and I didn't really grieve till I got back.

'I didn't know how to handle normal everyday tasks, having that soldier's mentality it makes you think you are stronger than this, you are better than this. I was diagnosed with PTSD by a charity called Combat Stress.'

His sister, Katherine, said: 'He would talk about his problems at times, but it was very hit and miss.

'Sometimes you could be having a good time with him and then something could trigger it.

'A loud noise could go off and then you could see his mind shut down. All he could talk about then was the war.'

He struggled to adapt to civilian life and had flashbacks from his time on the battlefield

The coroner heard a note was found in his home following his death.

Kevin's sister, Jennifer Williams, said in a statement: 'Kevin's death was a shock to us all and despite the pain of a great loss, we feel it would not be classed as a surprise.

'I think Kevin intended to take his own life and he was obviously upset that his mother was unwell.'

Giving her verdict of suicide, coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said: 'I have come to the very, very sad conclusion that Kevin intended to take his own life.

'I am sure beyond reasonable doubt that he took a telling action knowing it would result in his death.'

His sister said he often talked about the war and would react to loud noises

Addressing his family she added: 'It's quite clear he was much loved and that shines through by you being here and Jennifer's letter.'

After the inquest, Mr William's father Robbin and uncle Ralph said in statement: 'Kevin was much loved by friends, family and comrades.

'The family would like to say a big thank you to all that attended Kevin's funeral.'

Combat Stress chief executive Sue Freeth said: 'Every veteran's death is a tragedy, and our heartfelt condolences go out to Mr Williams' family.

'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a very serious mental health condition that affects a small but significant number of veterans.'

Commenting after his death, a MoD spokesman said: 'We are committed to tackling the stigma of mental health, and have launched our mental health and wellbeing strategy alongside partnering with the Royal Foundation to improve our mental health services.

'We have spent £20 million this year on mental health services and encourage anyone who is suffering to come forward to access the care and help they deserve.

'We take the mental health of our veterans extremely seriously and work tirelessly to ensure they receive the care they deserve.

'We are committed to tackling the stigma of mental illness and last year launched a partnership with the Royal Foundation to improve training and education, alongside a range of other support available through the Veterans Gateway.'

For confidential support on suicide matters, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here.