Poor kit 'did not kill soldier'

An Army report into the death of a soldier in Afghanistan has said that kit shortages were not to blame.

Captain James Philippson died in a firefight with the Taleban in 2006, and the coroner at his inquest criticised the "lack of basic equipment".

But an Army Board of Inquiry report said the issue did not directly contribute to his death.

Capt Philippson's father said he was seeking compensation for the alleged failings that led to his son's death.

Tony Philippson, of St Albans, Hertfordshire, said he was frustrated by the report's findings.

"They now claim he had sufficient equipment," he said. "It's not unexpected. I know what they're up to, and frankly my lawyer has already got them in court."

'Breach of trust'

The inquest into the death of Capt James Philippson, of 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, was held in Oxford in February last year.

"There is no evidence that a lack of training, or a lack of equipment, was an issue which directly contributed to the death of Captain Philippson"

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It heard that before his death, soldiers complained repeatedly about a lack of proper equipment, including night-vision goggles.

Oxford assistant coroner Andrew Walker said: "They (the soldiers) were defeated not by the terrorists but by the lack of basic equipment.

"To send soldiers into a combat zone without basic equipment is unforgivable, inexcusable and a breach of trust between the soldiers and those who govern them."

He recorded a narrative verdict in which he said Capt Philippson was unlawfully killed.

The Army Board of Inquiry report concluded: "There is no evidence that a lack of training, either collective or individual, or a lack of equipment, was an issue which directly contributed to the death of Captain Philippson."

This was the second report into Capt Philippson's death. The first found that tactical decisions taken by his commander, Major Johnny Bristow, had contributed to his death.

But the new report - drawn up after "procedural and fairness issues" were raised about the first investigation - cleared the major of making errors and commended his "tenacity and courage".

Armed Forces Minister Bill Rammell said: "Although the service inquiry has found no evidence that a lack of equipment contributed to the death of Captain Philippson, I acknowledge that shortages were identified and these shortfalls have been addressed."

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