The unnamed veteran suffered painful “trench foot” or what medical experts call Non Freezing Cold Injury after plunging waist deep in icey water on a 2012 night exercise
The unnamed veteran suffered painful “trench foot” or what medical experts call Non Freezing Cold Injury after plunging waist deep in icey water on a 2012 night exercise
A former British soldier has landed a record £800,000 settlement from the MoD after getting cold feet and being ordered to “crack on” during a gruelling military exercise.
The unnamed veteran suffered painful “trench foot” or what medical experts call Non Freezing Cold Injury after plunging waist deep in icey water on a 2012 night exercise.
It is thought the massive payout could pave the way for further payments for trench foot suffered by many British service personnel whilst on gruelling exercises.
Tonight the soldier’s solicitor Simon Quinn, at Hilary Meredith Solicitors, said: “This is a particularly high value settlement and raises the bar in terms of the level of awards for NFCI cases.”
Despite complaining to senior soldiers about being cold during the three hour patrol he and others were told: “wind your neck in” and ordered to “crack on.”
Dubbed “Soldier D” because he wants to remain anonymous he was medically discharged in 2016 as a result of his injuries, made worse during his service.
In December 2012, Soldier D, then aged 22, attended an exercise at a location in England.
The temperature was very cold, falling below freezing, never rising above 5C and there was snow and frost on the ground.
The exercise started on Monday morning and during the early hours of Wednesday morning Soldier D was ordered to go on patrol across boggy ground.
He fell repeatedly through the ice into water below, often submerged up to just above his waist.
The patrol lasted for around two to three hours and ended at around 4am at a patrol base, where Soldier D was allowed to change his socks but nothing else. He kept on his wet boots and clothing.
At 7am he and comrades were able to change as the remainder of their kit was brought to the base.
The soldiers complained repeatedly to officers and more senior soldiers but they were told to “wind your neck in” and “crack on.”
At no point were their feet inspected and eventually all six of them suffered NFCI’s.
Soldier D was placed on restricted duties, working in a garage where a very cold concrete floor aggravated his problems.
Solicitor Simon Quinn added: “NCFI is a common injury suffered on military exercise in both the UK and abroad.
“Despite the advances in clothing technology it remains a serious problem for the Ministry of Defence.
“My client suffered stage 4 non-freezing cold injuries to the feet. Further exposure to the cold, during service, also provoked a Pain Syndrome disadvantaging him on the open labour market.
“The final settlement reflects the serious nature of his injuries.”
It is not known if the other soldiers have launched legal actions against the MoD.
An MOD spokesperson said: “The health and wellbeing of our Armed Forces is our utmost priority and all personnel receive the training and kit they need to deal with cold conditions.
“If required, commanders have the authority to adjust training and exercises to ensure safety.”
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Mirror.co.uk
