Inquest told how soldiers died on night patrol

Published on Wednesday 11 August 2010 14:43

Two soldiers died when an improvised explosive device was set off while they were on night patrol in Afghanistan, an inquest heard yesterday.

Corporal Lee Brownson, 30, and Rifleman Luke Farmer, 19, both of 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, were killed instantly in the blast in Sangin, Helmand Province, on 15 January this year.

Cpl Brownson, from Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, had volunteered to lead the two-hour section night patrol, which included Rifleman Farmer, from Upton, West Yorkshire. Its aim was stop the Taleban from planting IEDs and intimidating the local population, the hearing in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, was told.

Platoon commander Lieutenant Palmer Winstanley, was back at base when he heard over the radio that the section had come under small arms fire north of the village of Chardah. .

He went out with another section to give fire support and it was moving towards their comrades when the "huge" explosion occurred, hitting the two men with the full blast.

Lt Winstanley - who has since been promoted to captain - arrived at the scene and found both men were dead and another injured.

He paid tribute to the men, saying: "Lee was exceptional, one of the best corporals I have ever come across. He was really inspiring and all the guys could rely on him.

"Luke was a really good young operator. He was very mature and reliable and hardworking."

Coroner David Ridley recorded verdicts of unlawful killing while on active service for both.