The death of a Battersea soldier whose tank veered off a bridge and plunged into a canal in Basra was a "tragic accident", an inquest heard last week.

Lance Corporal James Cartwright was just 21 when he drowned in Iraq in June 2007 after the tank he was driving became submerged in water.

An inquest at Westminster Coroner's Court heard how L Cpl Cartwright, who joined the Badger Squadron in 2003, was deployed to Iraq in May last year and was based at Basra Palace.

Major Mike Longman, the then officer commanding of the Badger Squadron, told the inquest how on June 15, L Cpl Cartwright and his colleagues were briefed about an operation the following day.

L Cpl Cartwright was "well rested on the day" and had completed all checks on the vehicle.

Narrow bridge

At 3am on June 16, he left Basra Palace with a gunner, his troop leader Lieutenant John Evans and three other soldiers, eventually reaching a narrow bridge.

Maj Longman told the court how there was no railing on the left side of the bridge and no street lights. The bridge itself, he said, was just wide enough to enable an armoured vehicle to pass.

"L Cpl Cartwright had a 45 degree viewing angle and was able to contact the rest of the crew by intercom. He gave no indication of any problems," he said.

"He was travelling at no more than 5kmph when he approached the bridge. The tank lurched slightly, forcing the troop leader to fall back into his seat, and then the back end slid to the left. The vehicle then fell into the canal, flipping on to its roof and the drivers compartment was left the lowest in the water."

Maj Longman said Lt Evans, who was travelling in the front end of the vehicle with L Cpl Cartwright and the gunner, managed to emerge from the water after two minutes with the three soldiers escaping from the back.

No response

"The troop leader dived down to the drivers compartment but he could not get past the driver's seat. Two other soldiers tried but neither could get through. L Cpl Cartwright was upside down in his seat and there was no response from him," he said.

Maj Longman explained how none of the military convoy could tow the weight of the vehicle and that the soldiers still attempting to rescue their colleague got burnt as the diesel of the engine leaked into the water.

L Cpl Cartwright was eventually freed at around 8am after being found by divers lodged under the steering wheel.

He was taken to a mortuary before being flown back to England on June, 22.

Maj Longman said the margin for error with the tanks was "narrow" and that there were a number of pressures on those inside - the heat, insects, lack of lights and "people trying to kill you".

Very popular

Lt Evans added: "The bridge was difficult to see and he didn't know the terrain. The driver had a very difficult job and I think part of the bridge gave way."

The inquest heard how toxicology reports on L Cpl Cartwright were clear with a postmortem examination stating he died by drowning.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Dr Paul Knapman said L Cpl Cartwright was "very popular, would have done very well and did do very well."

He added: "This was a terrible tragedy that happened to a young man in Iraq who was doing his duty for his country. It all goes to show, with the dangers inherent at all times, those who serve are worthy of our gratitude."

Verdict: Accident.

  • Two Tooting men are to appear before Kingston Crown Court charged with assaulting a traffic warden outside of L Cpl Cartwright's wake. Steven Pratley, 24, and Lee Jones, 22, were both granted unconditional bail. The pair deny ABH after a 38-year-old man was left with serious head injuries after being attacked outside the Gardeners Arms in Chatham Road, Battersea on June 27 last year. They are due to appear before Kingston Crown Court for trial on July 21.

To see a video of L Cpl Cartwright's funeral click here.