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MoD calls soldier training deaths from heat exhaustion 'unacceptable'

The MoD has published its response to the damning report on the deaths of James Dunsby from Trowbridge and 2 others.

Earlier this year a coroner ruled that neglect played a part in the deaths of the three Army reservists, who collapsed during a 16-mile SAS test march.

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Army apologises for deaths of soldiers during training process

James Dunsby, from Trowbridge, suffered multiple organ failure from overheating. Credit: Ministry of Defence

The Army has apologised for the deaths of three soldiers who died during an SAS training process, after the coroner ruled that neglect contributed to their deaths.

Speaking outside the coroner's court, spokesman Brigadier John Donnelly described James Dunsby, Craig Roberts and Edward Maher as "fine soldiers", though incorrectly referring to Corporal Dunsby as James Dunsford.

Cpl James Dunsby, from Wiltshire, collapsed during the march in the Brecon Beacons in July 2013, and died from multiple organ failure in hospital two weeks later. His wife has challenged the Ministry of Defence to accept responsibility and make the right changes.

Lance corporals Edward Maher and Craig Roberts were pronounced dead on the march after suffering heatstroke.

Brigadier Donnelly said changes had already been made to the particular training procedure that led to the men's deaths, but that the Army would study the coroner's conclusions closely.

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