Thursday, 11am - FRIENDLY fire was the probable cause of Royal Marine Jonathan Wigley's death in Afghanistan, an inquiry has concluded.
The 21-year-old, from Grantham, was fatally wounded on December 5, 2006 during a fierce battle with the Taleban in Helmand Province.
An investigation by a Royal Navy Board of Inquiry said it was likely Jonathan, of Zulu Company 45 Commando, was killed by an unexploded round from an American plane but the pilot, known only as XXX 01, had acted in "good faith".
The report added: "The friendly fire incident was a tragic accident, which occurred in a highly charged environment where lives were at risk.
"Though implementation of all normal peacetime procedures should have prevented it, this was not peacetime.
"War is a very different environment, where risks must be taken to achieve one's aims."
Jonathan's company was sent to clear an area near Garmsir and 'generally disrupt enemy forces' and was met with fierce resistance from enemy troops.
They called in air support provided by two aircraft which were in direct contact with the unit and attacked the Taleban five times before the friendly fire incident.
Jonathan was probably hit by a 'dud' round and another Royal Marine was injured before the aircraft were called off.
Both received medical attention and Jonathan was evacuated to Camp Bastion but a military doctor pronounced him dead before they arrived.
In its report the board said the incident was caused by a number of factors including the pilot misidentifying the target and a failure to use his target designator diamond.
The situation was made worse by the heavy incoming fire which made it impossible for the Royal Marines to see the aircraft.
As a result of the inquiry, the board recommended that a mechanism to highlight friendly force positions be developed.
Jonathan, a former Central Sports and Technology College and King's School pupil, joined the forces when he was 17.
His commanding officer Lt Col Duncan Dewar described him as an 'outstanding' Royal Marine who died doing the job he loved.
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