article: Corporal Christian Walmsley was found dead in his flat in Bolton after struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder following tours of duty abroad . A soldier who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after a series of tours abroad wrote suicide notes before taking a fatal overdose, an inquest has heard. Corporal Christian Walmsley was found dead in his flat in Bolton, Greater Manchester wearing five war medals after struggling to adapt to civilian life, a coroner was told. The father-of-three had served in the First Gulf War, Bosnia, Angola and Northern Ireland in the Royal Engineers from 1989 until 2000. The 42-year-old had witnessed the 'significant violence only soldiers experience', the hearing at Bolton Coroners Court was told. After retiring from the army, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition causing deep muscle pain. His family members told the court that Cpl Walmsley's two marriages had ended divorce. He had spent some time in Germany over the last decade before returning to the UK to rebuild relationships with his family, relatives said. Stepfather Michael Richards told the hearing: 'He'd always been such a fit lad. But when he came back he had to use a stick because he was so fatigued.' Mr Richards said his stepson had questioned the support given to former servicemen and women. The inquest heard he had previously taken an overdose and told his family he had tried to take his own life. But he discharged himself from the hospital before he had a mental health assessment. In the weeks leading up to his death, his family said Cpl Walmsley had seemed optimistic. Yet on November 4 last year, he had appeared distressed to friends and sent text messages to his mother telling her he was in pain. He was discovered dead on November 6. Police officers found a notebook with several suicide notes inside, the hearing was told. Cpl Walmsley was among British troops in the First Gulf War (pictured in file photo), as well touring Bosnia . The coroner ruled that, without dates on the notes, he could not be certain Cpl Walmsley had attempted suicide. Recording misadventure as a verdict, Coroner Alan Walsh said: 'During his service he would have experienced things only soldiers go through. 'I hope his children are reminded of the bravery he showed in serving his country.' On PTSD among soldiers, the coroner added: 'I do believe it is important that we acknowledge the stress the disorder causes and the total change it causes to someone's life. Those who do serve in the armed forces witness experiences beyond their imagination.' For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here.
highlights: Soldier had fought overseas in First Gulf War, Bosnia and Northern Ireland .
  Family say he had struggled to adapt to civilian life after 11 years in Army .
  He  previously took overdose and told relatives he tried to take his own life .
  Coroner records misadventure verdict and praises soldier's bravery .
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