Two Welsh Guard soldiers 'forced to rape each other' during initiation ceremony
The incident was reportedly filmed and the footage shared throughout the barracks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Two rookie soldiers were allegedly forced to rape each other during an initiation ceremony at Pirbright Barracks in Surrey.
Within weeks off joining the Household Division regiment of the Welsh Guards, the men were reportedly made to perform sexual acts on each other by members of their company.
They had just finished seven months of training before returning to Pirbright for their first ceremonial rotation at the Tower of London.
This "initiation" was allegedly caught on video and passed around the barracks via WhatsApp and SnapChat.
A source told the Sun on Sunday: "What happens on the footage is disgusting.
"It was totally out of control and the older and more senior guys were obviously ordering them to do what they did.
"The two guys must both have been terrified.
"They had no choice in what they were doing, it was bullying at its absolute worst. People should be in jail for this."
Since the incident, one of two soldiers has reportedly been discharged from the army as a result of the distress caused.
The source added: "It is outrageous what has happened to these two. All the Companies have initiation ceremonies but none like this."
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has denied the incident took place during an "initiation ceremony" or those involved being forced to do anything.
The MoD issued a statement, which read: "We can confirm an incident did take place and details were referred to the Royal Military Police for an initial investigation.
"No allegations of coercive or criminal behaviour were made.
"However this behaviour is unacceptable and administrative action was taken against those present, with disciplinary measures taken against one individual."