A coroner has concluded that the death of a 26-year-old Army officer during a training exercise was contributed to by flawed training and a faulty alarm system. Second Lt Max George died on Salisbury Plain on 21 June 2022 after he became entangled in equipment while exiting a Warrior armoured vehicle, which then reversed into him.
Inquest Findings
During the inquest at Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner's Court, Coroner Ian Singleton recorded a narrative conclusion. He stated that the training of the student commander who ordered the vehicle to reverse had been flawed. The court heard that George was standing by the open rear door of the Warrior when the order to reverse was given. He died at the scene near Everleigh from multiple traumatic injuries.
The inquest also revealed that an alarm on the Warrior, designed to sound when the rear doors were open, had been faulty since 2018. Lt Col Graham Watson, who led a service inquiry, told the court that if the alarm had been working, the driver would have almost certainly stopped. The coroner noted that there had been no effective maintenance regime for the vehicle.
Family's Response
Victoria Neale, representing George's family, said the inquest provided "important answers" and a "degree of accountability". She added: "Whilst nothing can undo the family's loss, it is hoped that these measures, if implemented and adhered to, will reduce the risk of a similar tragedy occurring in the future."
Army's Apology and Safety Improvements
Brigadier Giles Malec, head of the Army Safety Group, apologised to the family on the second day of the inquest. He said the Army recognised "the seriousness of the failures which led to Max's tragic death" and would "look to rectify any additional failures identified". The Ministry of Defence (MOD) said it had already made several safety improvements, including banning Warrior vehicles from reversing with the rear door open and requiring visual checks before any movement. The MOD also plans to replace its entire Warrior fleet from 2027.
A Promising Officer
The court heard that George, from Durham, was a well-respected officer who earned the Queen's Medal for best cadet at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. His commanding officer, Lt Col Jim Hadfield OBE, described him as "a star that burned bright" with "selfless compassion". George had been head boy at Durham School, studied Russian at Newcastle University, and obtained a Distinction in his Masters in Eastern European and Eurasian Studies with Russian at Glasgow University. He was part of the 5 Rifles and was taking part in Exercise Combat Spirit on the day of the incident.
The coroner will decide whether to issue a prevention of future deaths note at a later date.
