Death blamed on lack of equipment

Corporal Mark Wright, 27, was killed when a mine exploded as a Chinook helicopter attempted to rescue a stranded platoon of Paras.

Coroner Andrew Walker, who recorded a narrative verdict following a two-week inquest in Oxford, said a catalogue of serious failures had contributed to his death.

He highlighted three factors - the lack of appropriate UK helicopters in Afghanistan fitted with a winch, the downwash from the Chinook sent to the minefield, and the administrative delay in sending a suitable helicopter.

Mr Walker said the lack of suitable helicopters was "lamentable" and "simply about money". He added: "That a brave soldier is lost in battle is always a matter of deep sadness, but when that life is lost where it need not have been because of a lack of equipment and assets, those responsible should hang their heads in shame.

"This tragedy has its roots in the expectation that a small force of dedicated professional soldiers would be expected to extend the scope and number of their operations without the necessary support."

The inquest heard the Chinook was sent in to rescue troops from the Parachute Regiment's 3rd Battalion who were injured by explosions after a sniper strayed into the unmarked danger zone. The marooned soldiers requested a helicopter with a winch be sent to extract the sniper, whose leg had been blown off, but were told none was available.

Instead the Chinook, which was not fitted with a winch, was dispatched but was waved away for fear of causing further explosions as it tried to land. As it took off, a mine exploded, causing Cpl Wright, who was trying to help injured comrades, severe shrapnel wounds from which he later died.

Cpl Wright, from Edinburgh, was posthumously awarded a George Cross medal - the highest military honour for actions which are not in the face of the enemy. He was described by Mr Walker as an "exceptional soldier" who acted with "unhesitating courage in the most desperate circumstances".

Six others were hurt, including three who lost limbs, during the incident in the region of Kajaki in Helmand Province on September 6 2006. The MoD has agreed to pay compensation to the Wright family and five of the soldiers involved in the incident.