12 December 2003
Soldiers were sent into combat in Iraq without essential equipment such as body armour and protective suits to guard against chemical weapon attacks, according to the National Audit Office.
The NAO found that, while overall the operation was a success, there were 'gaps' in the logistics planning that meant that supplies did not arrive. Boots, combat clothing, medical supplies and mechanical spare parts were all in short supply and the problems led to a loss of confidence among troops.
Edward Leigh, chair of the Public Accounts Committee, was scathing. 'It is an outrage that they [soldiers] could not expect all of the proper equipment, protection and even clothing to do the job we ask of them,' he said. 'They were shamefully let down.'
PFdec2003
