'Rules talk' held up fatal battle

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An operation in which two UK soldiers died in Afghanistan stopped for an hour while officers discussed rules of engagement, an inquest has heard.

Maj Jamie Nowell, leading the operation, was told his air support was not permitted to fire at the Taleban.

"I could not understand how it had happened," he told the court.

South African-born Pte Johan Botha, 25, was killed during the mission and Sgt Craig Brelsford, 25, of Nottingham, shot dead trying to recover his body.

Sgt Brelsford was later awarded a posthumous Military Cross (MC) for bravery.

'Operation Certain Death'

The inquest heard that the troops had been behind Taleban lines attempting to destroy enemy vantage points on 8 September 2007.

Maj Jamie Nowell said the confusion began when he told his air support to open fire at four militants who had been seen in a trench.

He said his soldiers were under "429 A" rules of engagement, which permitted them to engage identified enemy, while the airmen were on "Card A", allowing them only to fire in self-defence.

"I could not understand how it had happened," Maj Nowell told the inquest in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.

"Eventually the aircraft was put on 429 A but it took 60 minutes. The opportunity to engage the Taliban was lost."

He added that the episode "dented the confidence of commanders on the ground" but had "no real impact" on the outcome of the operation.

The impression I get is one of fear David MastersWiltshire coroner

But Wiltshire coroner David Masters said it would have "put lives at risk".

"It seems to me fundamental that those who are being asked to deal with an operation like this should be on the same rules of engagement.

"That should be known from the outset."

Shortly afterwards, one of Maj Nowell's platoons was confronted with heavy Taleban fire.

The ensuing fight lasted several hours.

Three MCs, a Conspicuous Gallantry Cross and five Mentions in Dispatches were given to troops as a result of the battle.

Sgt Brelsford, 25, from Nottingham, and Pte Botha, 25, from Pretoria, South Africa, were both serving with the 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters).

Two other soldiers were seriously injured and a number of the Taleban fighters were killed.

Coroner Masters asked why not all the troops were carrying night-vision goggles.

Maj Nowell said: "The ideal was that every soldier had their own monocular but not every soldier had them.

"We did not have enough for every man."

Looking at soldiers' statements, the coroner remarked: "The impression I get is one of fear.

"One describes the operation as 'Operation Certain Death'."

Maj Nowell said: "I've not heard that one."

The inquest also heard from 2nd Lt Michael Lockett, who was awarded the MC for leading a team to help four wounded soldiers.

He said: "During this incident my life, and that of my colleagues, were in danger more times than I can remember."

The inquest continues.