Investigation into soldier's death finds armoured vehicle crew lacked training

An investigation into the death of a soldier killed in a training incident involving an armoured vehicle on Salisbury Plain has found the crew lacked the proper qualifications to operate it.

Private Jethro Watson-Pickering died after the gun turret of the Scimitar he was driving struck him on the head after hitting a tree in October 2021.

Private Watson-Pickering was serving with 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment on Exercise Iron Storm when the incident happened.

A service inquiry ordered by the Defence Safety Authority (DSO) said that Pte Watson-Pickering had not successfully completed all the parts of the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) Driving & Maintenance course necessary to be a driver, but that record keeping was inaccurate leading to confusion about his, and others', qualifications.

The findings of the report also stated that two other soldiers also travelling on the vehicle lacked the necessary training for their roles.

The DSO has recommended that only fully-trained personnel are given a qualification in future.

The Army has accepted all 52 recommendations from the report.

The vehicle is no longer in service but the recommendations from the investigation will be applied to armoured platforms currently used by the Army.

An Army spokesperson said: "Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Private Jethro Watson-Pickering’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time.

"The welfare of our personnel is of the utmost importance.

"The Army has accepted all 52 of the recommendations in this report.

"CVR(T) Scimitar is no longer in service, but where the recommendations are applicable to other armoured platforms, they will be implemented as soon as possible.

"Any sudden or unexpected death is a tragedy and the impact on families and friends is devastating.

"All deaths in service are thoroughly investigated by professional bodies independent of the Army chain of command.

"Any lessons identified are used to make the chances of similar tragedies occurring as low as possible."