The Para Betrayed by Britain ; Coroner Brands Afghanistan Officer's Death 'Unforgivable and Inexcusable''they Were Sent Into Battle Defenceless'

Summary

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A PARA officer died in Afghanistan because of the Army's 'unforgivable and inexcusable' failure to provide basic combat equipment, a coroner said yesterday.

Captain James Philippson, 29, was the first soldier to be killed in battle after UK forces moved into the Taliban stronghold of Helmand Province in 2006. His patrol was 'totally outgunned' in a firefight with the enemy.

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The Para Betrayed by Britain ; Coroner Brands Afghanistan Officer's Death 'Unforgivable and Inexcusable''they Were Sent Into Battle Defenceless'

At his inquest yesterday the coroner made a ferocious attack on the Ministry of Defence, condemning 'a breach of trust between the soldiers and those who govern them'. The hearing was told the delivery of vital operational kit including night vision goggles, light mach...

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