Lance Corporal of Horse Matty Hull, 25, from Berkshire, England, died in an attack by US warplanes in Iraq in March 2003.  It was a “Blue on Blue” incident, and not one of malice. But, the inquest into his death is causing quite a bit of news over here, primarily because of the cockpit footage (with sound) from the A10 Tank Buster, which the Ministry of Defence (MoD) denied the existence of.  And then, when the video did come to light, the MoD refused to enter it into evidence at the hearing because it was classified Secret (within the collective agencies).  Things being as they are, the video entered the public domain soon after when a tabloid managed to get a copy of the footage and the video was subsequently declassified by the US in order for it to be viewed at the inquest.

Well, apart from the egg on the face of the MoD, which is not the most trusted office at present (in the eys of the public), and whether it will have to answer for its denied stance, is whether the pilot(s) of the aircraft involved will face a court regarding their actions.  Allegedly, the pilot(s), not yet named, are still serving, have been promoted (one to colonel) and are teaching novice pilots how to fly.  Bear in mind that the same pilots were apparently novice in 2003 also.

Having watched part of the footage, heard the recorded voices and read the transcript of the incident, I don’t suspect anything above and beyond a blue on blue, which although tragic and sad is an unfortunate occurrence in war.  But, I do harbour other concerns regarding the way Britain willingly handed over four bankers to US courts for trial on some money/fraud incident, yet when the shoe is on the other foot the US doesnt appear so willing to show openess.  Now, I understand it can be fragile, but I very much doubt the classification of the footage served to protect any deeper operational need other than to perhaps avoid what may (hopefully not) move on to a hunt to identify the pilots.

The important part. The only part is putting to rest an incident whereby soldiers of the same coalition happened upon each other and a death ensued.  Perhaps we can learn why.  Perhaps we can learn how not to let it happen again.

If you are interested in reading up on this story and keeping abreast, follow the BBC.  Strangely, I didn’t find mention of it on a US Site, but I am probably mistaken.

Whilst the Americans cannot be legally obliged to help, they should do so, bearing in mind they are our allies

Constitutional Affairs minister Harriet Harman