SAS trek victim ‘not allowed to go to civilian hospital’

A SOLDIER with severe heat illness after a fatal SAS selection march was refused transfers to civilian hospitals because ‘the Press would have a field day’, an inquest heard yesterday.

Recruits were also allegedly ‘barked at’ on the timed trek and told they were ‘wasting time’ by instructors as they refilled water bottles on one of the hottest days of the year, it was claimed.

Three soldiers died after the 16.4-mile march around Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons as temperatures hit 80F. Up to ten more candidates – all Army reservists carrying 49lb rucksacks – became unwell and failed to complete the exercise, on July 13, 2013.

The candidates, who cannot be named, gave evidence on the third day of the inquest into the deaths of Cpl James Dunsby, 31, L/ Cpl Edward Maher, also 31, and L/ Cpl Craig Roberts, 24.

The hearing in Solihull, West Midlands, heard how Cpl Dunsby collapsed on the 2,900ft mountain and died two weeks later.

Soldier 4E, who started one place behind Cpl Dunsby, recalled his colleague struggling from the heat, adding: ‘His face was very red. He was wearing trousers and a shirt but did not have a hat on.

‘It was a combination of heat, lack of water and lack of shade.’

Soldier 2D told Coroner Louise Hunt there was an ‘egregious, outright failure of common sense’ during his treatment for heat illness in an Army medical centre.

He claimed to have been given a packet of Mini Cheddars and told doctors were otherwise engaged. He said he drifted in and out of consciousness but overheard officers saying ‘two, possibly three people’ had died.

He added: ‘I was agitated. I kept asking if I could go to a civilian hospital. I remember them saying the Press would have a field day if they sent me to hospital.’

When he was transferred to a civilian hospital, he was diagnosed with acute kidney injuries.

Soldier 4C, who was withdrawn part-way round the course with diarrhoea and vomiting, said: ‘I did hear lads being rushed to fill their water up. I heard “Hurry up, you’re wasting time”.’

The inquest continues.