MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
News Release (185/2008) issued by The Government News Network on 15
August 2008
The Board of
Inquiry (BoI) report into the death of Lance Corporal (LCpl)
Mathew Ford has been published on the Ministry of Defence website today.
LCpl Ford died when Zulu Company of 45 Commando Royal Marines was
engaged in an operation against a major Taliban fort, south of
Garmsir in southern Helmand, Afghanistan on Monday 15 January 2007.
The operation involved the Royal Marine Commandos crossing a
river, disembarking from their Viking armoured vehicles,
assaulting a walled compound and engaging in close quarter
fighting. It was during the initial breach of the compound while
he was leading his team that LCpl Ford was tragically shot and
killed. Following a withdrawal from the fighting it was discovered
that LCpl Ford's body was missing. A successful recovery
operation was mounted after a four-man team flew into the area
strapped to the sides of two WAH-64 Apache helicopters. The actual
cause of death is for the Coroner to determine. The BoI was
convened to establish the circumstances that led to LCpl
Ford's death and identify lessons that can be learned to
prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
This process is now complete. The BoI was unable to confirm, with
certainty, which weapon fired the shots. However, the Board
concluded that the weight of evidence suggests that it is probable
that LCpl Ford was killed by 'friendly fire'.
Sixteen BoI recommendations were made. All of these
recommendations have been addressed either in theatre or as part
of the 3 Commando Brigade pre-deployment preparation in advance of
its forthcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
Commenting on the BoI's findings, Armed Forces Minister Bob
Ainsworth said:
"The 3 Commando Brigade action at Jugrum Fort in Afghanistan
in January 2007 saw incredible acts of heroism, courage under fire
and sacrifice. LCpl Mathew Ford of Z Company 45 Commando
tragically lost his life in this operation and my thoughts remain
with his family, friends and colleagues.
"The conduct of the brigade involved was exemplary
throughout its tour, typifying the professionalism, bravery and
swiftness of action that defines our Armed Forces. But that does
not mean that we should not learn lessons from the tragic loss of
LCpl Mathew Ford. The Board of Inquiry is the second of two
military investigations into the circumstances surrounding his
death. Action has been taken following these investigations and
improvements made against all of the Board's recommendations."
Major General Jerry Thomas Royal Marines, who commanded 3
Commando Brigade from October 2006 to April 2008 and is now Senior
British Military Advisor with US Forces in Florida, said:
"While the death of LCpl Ford was a tragic incident, the
courage and professionalism of those men that recovered his body
was exemplary and in the best traditions of the UK's Armed Forces.
"All operations carry an element of risk. The decision to
mount this offensive was made after careful judgement, accepting
that, while risk can be minimised, it can never be removed entirely.
"Throughout the tour of Afghanistan I was hugely impressed
by the bravery and conduct of all members of the Task Force, from
whichever cap badge or service they came."
Notes to Editors:
1. An electronic copy of the BoI is available at http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/CorporatePublications/BoardsOfInquiry/BoardOfInquiryIntoTheDeathOfLcplFord.htm.