Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
20 die in SAS selection
Memorial call for those killed during endurance tests on Brecon Beacons
DEFENCE chiefs have admitted as many as 20 soldiers have died on a rugged Welsh mountain range, mostly during SAS fitness tests.
That is how many have lost their lives on the Brecon Beacons, where twice a year regular military personnel try to pass Special Forces selection.
Figures going back to 1984 obtained through a Freedom of Information request reveal that almost one soldier has died every two years.
The majority of military deaths in the Brecon Beacons are thought to have taken place during SAS training.
Among those who died were Cpl James Dunsby, 31, L/cpl Edward Maher, 31, and L/cpl Craig Roberts, 24 , who died near Pen y Fan mountain in the Brecon Beacons in 2013.
Roberts and Maher died from heatstroke during a 16-mile dash and Dunsby died from organ failure during extremely hot conditions.
Also Cpl Joshua Hoole, 26 died in 2016 during a test, triggering calls for an enquiry.
SAS training takes place in South Wales with an average of 100 personnel from units all over the armed forces facing a four-week test. This includes a gruelling 16-mile march carrying a 45lb back pack and rifle over Pen y Fan.
One man who lost a friend during selection has called for a memorial in the area to those who have died.
In a letter to the MOD he said: “I’ve had some discussions with local politicians about a memorial for service people.”
But last night a former SAS soldier said: “A stone cairn with no names may be the way ahead. Anyone who dies is remembered. A named memorial may attract the wrong attention.”
An MOD spokesman said: “Our sympathies remain with the families and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives. The health and safety of our personnel is a priority, we continually review training and methods to ensure they are as safe as possible.”