First Thank You very much for all your interest to the last Blog. We had 1020 hits the most so far on a single Blog. Remember and WEAR RED on FRIDAY.
Private Robert Costall of the 1st BN PPCLI was killed by friendly fire on 29 March 2006. The US investigation has determined it was friendly fire, and has recommended that no charges be filed. As an old soldier in one way I can understand that during the adrenilin filled moments of a firefight. These unfortunate things happen. Unfortunately to the wife and son these words will be of no comfort. We detest friendly fire incidents, however this paragraph from the report sums it up.
The report said fatigue, a lack of supplies, a lack of communication from headquarters and an inadequate defence plan for the small base contributed to the tragedy.
Costall's platoon Edmonton's 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry was rushed to the base on March 29 to reinforce the Americans stationed there. Soldiers expected the base to be attacked in retaliation for a coalition attack on Taliban fighters in the area.
Soon after the battle, Costall's wounded comrades had raised the possibility that friendly fire was to blame. The U.S. and Canadian armies have been probing the incident separately.
Perhaps the report of Fatigue, lack of supplies, and poor coms from HQ. Will help the people who moan about our soldiers understand how difficult battlefield conditions are These men and women and their families are under stress at all times while their loved ones are apart, trying to make a better world.
The other thing is the thwarted attacks in the UK. a big WELL DONE to the UK police and security services, for all their dedication and hard work in fighting this battle of Mindless terrorism. Together we can and we will defeat these arrogant evil fanatics.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
