Soldier inquiry recommends armour review

An Army Board of Inquiry (BoI) into the death of Fusilier Gordon Gentle in Basrah, Iraq has made a number of recommendations.

Nineteen-year-old Gordon Gentle of The Royal Highland Fusiliers was killed when the vehicle he was travelling in was attacked with a roadside bomb while on a routine patrol in August 2004.

The report identified several factors which influenced events on that day and made recommendations for the future. In the vast majority of instances the Army has already made improvements in line with these recommendations and, where it has not, it accepts any other recommendation without reservation.

Commenting on the findings of the Board of Inquiry, the Secretary of State for Defence, John Reid, said: "The loss of Fusilier Gentle is devastating for all who knew him, and I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. The death of any member of the Armed Forces is extremely serious - the safety of our personnel is and must remain paramount.

"Whilst every possible precaution is taken to protect Service personnel the unfortunate reality is that, despite the best training, tactics and equipment, military operations are dangerous. That is why I stand in awe of the bravery displayed by those who volunteer to take part in them.

"Sadly, nothing can change what happened to Fusilier Gentle, but I hope today's report will help his family and friends better understand the events of that day."

The BoI report made 12 recommendations, all of which have been accepted by the Army.

The report noted that Fusilier Gentle was wearing "the appropriate body armour" which was penetrated by bomb fragments. The BoI said: "It was accepted that full protection from a close quarter explosion cannot realistically be provided by lightweight body armour, however the BoI recommended body armour should be enhanced with extensions to protect the neck and armpit area."

Enhanced Personnel Protection Equipment with greater neck and shoulder protection and a larger body armour plate has already been delivered. A second body armour upgrade is in the process of being delivered.

While electronic countermeasures (ECM) equipment was fitted and working correctly, it was ineffective against the device used. Additional ECM equipment which was available, and had been ordered had not yet been fitted. The report recommended improved communication in relation to the issue of stores.

Also recommended were improvements to the protection in certain areas of the patrol vehicles, in particular by increasing protection provided by the top covers.

Brigadier Stephen Andrews, Director of Personal Services (Army), said: "Today's Board of Inquiry report is a comprehensive review put in place to scrutinize what happened and make recommendations to help us prevent a recurrence of the circumstances that led to Fusilier Gentle being killed.

"We therefore accept without reservation its recommendations and, where we have not already implemented changes in line with these recommendations, are working quickly to respond."

(SP/KMcA)