Soldier's death due to shortages

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An Edinburgh soldier who died in Afhganistan may have lived if a properly-equipped helicopter had been available, it has been claimed.

A military inquiry into the death of Cpl Mark Wright blamed his death on incompetence and equipment shortages.

The 27-year-old died after being seriously injured by a landmine.

According to reports, the RAF Chinook sent to pick him up did not have a rescue winch so he had to wait five hours to be rescued by a US helicopter.

Cpl Wright died before it reached a military hospital.

Landmine injury

The corporal, who helped an injured colleague despite serious landmine injuries, was posthumously awarded the George Cross for his bravery in Helmand province.

Major General Andrew Farquhar, who presided over the inquiry, said his wounds may not have proved fatal had a British helicopter been equipped to get soldiers out of a minefield.

Cpl Wright's father, Bob, was said to be furious with the MoD, which he accused of "trying to hide the truth".

The MoD claimed that, because of a fault with another system at the time, all of the winches had been returned to the UK for inspection.