Thursday, 12 Jul 2007 20:23
Corporal Stephen Allbutt (left) and Trooper David Clarke
The death of two British soldiers in a friendly fire incident at the start of the Iraq war was today described as a "completely avoidable tragedy".
Oxfordshire assistant deputy coroner Andrew Walker ruled that the death of two soldiers from the Queen's Royal Lancers on March 25th 2003 represented a "serious failing" on the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) part.
Corporal Stephen Allbutt, 35, and Trooper David Clarke, 19, were killed when Black Watch tanks fired upon their position after being informed there were no friendly troops in their vicinity.
Mr Walker today stopped short of delivering an "unlawful killing" verdict in Cpl Allbutt's death as he died in combat, while an inquiry cannot be held into the death of Trooper Clarke as his body has never been found.
The tanks responsible for the two soldiers' deaths were under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay MacDuff and Mr Walker today insisted it would "fall to others to question the fitness of this officer to hold command".
The MoD has apologised for both deaths and pledged to consider if further action needed to be taken in light of the inquest's findings.
"Regrettably, this tragic incident happened in the confused and dangerous environment that characterises war," a statement said.
"We extend our thoughts and deepest sympathies to their families, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. The safety of our service personnel is of paramount importance and the MoD takes all available measures to minimise the risks through provision of the best equipment, training and procedures to meet our operational commitments.
"The MoD's internal board of inquiry identified failings that contributed to this incident and it made a number of recommendations, all of which were accepted and action taken to implement them."
But speaking outside the coroner's court earlier today, Cpl Allbutt's widow Debi demanded that Lt Col MacDuff, who has since been promoted, resign.
"Maybe the mothers, fathers, husbands and wives of the soldiers in that regiment should question whether they want this man in charge. I wouldn't," she said standing beside Daniel Twiddy, who was seriously injured in the explosion that killed Mrs Allbutt's husband and has since been medically discharged.