THE COLD WAR
PAYOUT BID TROOPS MAKE LEGAL CLAIMS I was left in the exercise despite pain Black and Asian soldiers seek compensation for injuries caused by low temperatures
BLACK and Asian Scottish soldiers could be in line for bumper cash windfalls over claims they have been left prone to injuries from cold conditions.
Army bosses have been swamped with compensation claims from more than 1000 soldiers suffering non-freezing cold injuries (NFCIs), similar to trench foot conditions suffered by soldiers on the frontline during World War I.
About one in 10 soldiers in Scots regiments are foreign-born and legal experts say they’ve been failed by Army bosses as they are more vulnerable to such injuries while on exercise or deployment.
Lawyers acting for the affected personnel say research has uncovered black soldiers, for example, are at a 30 per cent greater risk of suffering from an NFCI.
The news comes as record numbers of foreigners from nations such as Fiji, South Africa, New Zealand, St Lucia and Uganda have joined Scotland’s frontline troops.
Foreign soldiers based in England have already received undisclosed payouts and claims have been made in one case for up to £200,000 in compensation for the life-changing injuries.
Ahmed Al-Nahhas, partner in military claims at legal firm Bolt Burdon Kemp, said soldiers from ethnic minorities were often told to ignore their symptoms and “man up”. He said the MoD were failing servicemen and women across the UK.
He added: “With significant numbers of soldiers from the Commonwealth and frequent low temperatures and wet conditions in the country, the Ministry of Defence must do everything in their power to ensure Scottish Army
Black soldiers are 30 per cent more likely to suffer cold injuries AHMEDAL-NAHHAS
regiments are provided with adequate equipment and training to prevent cold injuries.
“Black soldiers are 30 percent more likely to suffer cold injuries than their Caucasian counterparts and black servicemen and women suffered 40.1 percent of recorded cold injuries in the British Army.”
The number of overseas troops in the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Scots Guards and tank unit the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards has rocketed.
Ongoing problems recruiting and retaining soldiers from Scotland mean there has been a rising international feel to the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Hundreds of claims for this injury are occurring every year and are on the rise, showing the MoD have yet to learn the lessons of the Falklands conflict 35 years ago, where soldiers suffered with injuries caused by cold, wet conditions.
Claims for debilitating cold injuries from servicemen in the British Army have risen significantly.
In 2015/16, the Government paid out £1.49million to servicemen for nonfreezing cold injuries under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme – a 20 per cent rise on the previous year.
Since 2006, 1235 armed forces personnel have received compensation from the government for this injury. Last year saw a 16.7 per cent rise in the total number of service personnel awarded compensation and, over the last 10 years, claims have risen by 1650 percent.
The condition affects the hands and feet, and sometimes genitals, causing chronic pain, numbness and swelling. Soldiers can be medically downgraded or discharged from duty as they can no longer take part in outdoor activities.
An MoD spokesman, said: “Our people get regular training and education as well as the right kit for cold conditions, but this type of injury can affect anyone. We carefully consider all claims.”