Army chiefs snub soldier who lost leg

A WEST Lothian soldier whose leg was amputated due to the lack of vital surgical equipment in Iraq has been refused compensation by Army chiefs.

Sergeant Albert Thomson, who was hit when a fellow soldier accidentally fired a machine gun, has been told by the Ministry of Defence that it has no "duty of care" to him.

Army medics had to amputate Sgt Thomson’s left leg above the knee as they had not been issued the vascular repair kit that would have helped save his limb.

Today, the father-of-one from Whitburn, said: "I am stunned. I assumed the Army would look after me."

MoD officials have written to 35-year-old Sgt Thomson’s lawyer claiming the Army is not liable for any compensation, despite the fact his injuries were sustained while on active duty.

Sgt Thomson, of the Royal Highland Fusiliers, has also been told the soldier who shot him has does not have any duty of care. The man has been given a warning and fined two weeks’ wages.

A spokesman for the MoD said: "We cannot comment on this individual case."