A decorated former Household Cavalry soldier who once guarded Queen Elizabeth II is pursuing £1.2 million compensation from the Ministry of Defence over allegations that workplace racism and bullying at RAF Brize Norton destroyed his military career and mental health.
Paul Erhahiemen, 43, now residing in New Zealand following medical discharge last May, claims a colleague’s alleged hand gesture mimicking “black or painted face or skin” when referring to him—rather than using his name—formed part of a broader “culture of fear” that left him with depression, paranoia and suicidal ideation.
The MoD is vigorously contesting the claim, demanding Mr Erhahiemen prove racist incidents occurred whilst insisting it took reasonable steps protecting his mental wellbeing, with Defence barrister Dominic Ruck Keene stating allegations regarding the gesture are “not admitted and the claimant is put to strict proof thereof.”
Deputy Master Skinner has directed a 10-day trial for the “complex” case following last month’s costs hearing at London’s High Court, where the full scale of Mr Erhahiemen’s compensation demand emerged.
The claimant’s barrister Tara-Lynn Poole described how her client “experienced a culture of fear” at the RAF base between his September 2020 posting and November 2021 departure, with “discrimination, bullying, harassment, inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour normalised” throughout his tenure.
“Racist comments were made about the claimant, causing him to feel humiliated, degraded, isolated and ostracised, and intimidated on account of his skin colour and/or race,” Ms Poole stated, adding he was “subjected to daily micro-aggressions” between September 2020 and April 2021.
Before joining the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps as a mental health nurse in 2013, the Nigerian-heritage soldier spent four years with the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment from June 2009, serving in the prestigious unit guarding the late monarch.
His barrister detailed the dramatic lifestyle changes following the alleged workplace abuse: “Before the bullying and harassment, he was an avid polo player and flew planes. He stopped these activities and no longer receives any pleasure from them. He has a continuous low mood. He is now isolated and withdrawn and is reluctant to socialise.”
The MoD challenges multiple aspects of the claim, with Mr Ruck Keene noting: “The defendant avers that prior to September 2020 the claimant had a prior history of mental illness,” whilst demanding proof he has actually stopped playing polo.
Defence lawyers acknowledge that if Mr Erhahiemen’s former colleague committed acts “motivated solely by the claimant’s ethnic background” it would constitute harassment warranting MoD liability, though they dispute causation, injury extent and career trajectory claims.
Mr Erhahiemen was medically discharged in May last year after a brief 2023 reinstatement following his initial November 2021 departure.
