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On 24 June 2003 six military policemen, serving in Iraq were murdered by a mob that stormed the police station the men were visiting. In April 2006 the Coroner of Oxfordshire concluded the "red caps", as they became known, had been unlawfully killed. In a letter to the then Secretary of State the Coroner expressed concern about the lack of ammunition issued to the men, inadequate communications and the road-worthiness of the vehicles the men were driving. A dossier of…

On 1st May at Catterick Military Court Private Hawksley of 2 Mercian Palace Barracks was acquitted by the Board of the charges of disgraceful conduct of a cruel or indecent kind, and conduct prejudicial to good order and service discipline . In 2012 a coy smoker took place in which 15 (soldiers)attended. Drinking games commenced one which was known as the ‘arse crack beer’. It was during this game that one soldier was urinated upon and another thought he might…

January 31 2014: Ray Singh of Military Lawyers 4U successfully applied for an anonymity order on behalf of Marine E before the military court at Bulford. 5 Marines had initially been charged with the murder of an Afghan insurgent. After submissions made on behalf of Marine E proceedings were successfully discontinued. The military court initially lifted anonymity against Marine E but a successful challenge to the Court of Appeal against that order meant that it was remitted for consideration to…

High Court throws out the Ministry of Defence Application to have all the soldiers deafness claims transferred to the High Court and three test cases taken to trial. Good news for soldiers who are seeking damages as a result of noise induced hearing loss due to service. Had the application been allowed it would have meant a delay running in to years for claimants whilst the three test cases were taken to trial and almost certainly to an appeal irrespective…

We have become increasingly aware of widespread problems in some military accommodation abroad. In particular, the Heidmarkt Estate in Bad Fallinbostel, Germany. Problems would appear to stem from lack of ventilation in the properties leading to various health issues including, respiratory problems, flu or hay fever like symptoms. Runny or blocked noses. Children seem to be particularly badly affected. Should you be affected by way of these issues and would like to discuss them please contact Stuart Lowrey on 01274…

We are aware that many personnel are suffering from hearing loss or Tinnitus as a result of live firing, particularly assault rifles, this is almost certainly a condition known as Acute Acoustic Trauma. Acute acoustic trauma (ATT) is the consequence of short term noise exposure to impulse noise. Recent research in the field of Acute Acoustic Trauma has provided a greater insight in to the circumstance of hearing and tinnitus in military personnel. A detailed study carried out by the…

You’ve joined the Armed Forces and you know there is a good chance you are going to are going to be put in harm’s way and it is accepted that injury and worse are part and parcel of the job. Because of this there is a special relationship between the Armed Forces and the nation known as… …the Military Covenant Britain has a ‘duty of care’ to its armed forces. This began as an unspoken pact between society and the…

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme This is a Non-Fault Scheme for injuries on or after 6 April 2005. You are not required to show that there was any fault on the part on the MOD in order to receive an award under the scheme. It is only necessary to show that your injury, illness or death was caused mainly by your service. Accepting compensation under the scheme does not disqualify you from making a civil negligence claim against the MOD. The…

Common Misconceptions Contrary to what you may have been told, soldiers do NOT have to wait until you have been discharged before making a claim. Claims must be brought within three years of the accident occurring. Making a claim will have no effect on your career prospects. Even if you are no longer serving in the British Army, you may still be entitled to compensation Over the years our lawyers have advised and assisted hundreds of service personnel. Subject to…

Money Matters The way the level of compensation is arrived at is as much an art as a science. Compensation is paid for various losses e.g. Pain and suffering. Awards for pain and suffering are not as high as you would think. Future Losses. When you see massive awards reported in the media, the vast amount of the award comprises of future care and future loss of earnings and pension rights. Below are details of various awards made in very…