Tales of heroism from soldiers trapped in minefield

The minestrike which killed Corporal Mark Wright and injured six of his comrades is one of the most notorious incidents of the conflict in Afghanistan.

Out of the tragedy came extraordinary tales of bravery and heroism - not only of Cpl Wright but also his comrades who risked their own lives to help their fellow Paras.

Cpl Wright was posthumously awarded the George Cross medal, the highest military honour for actions which are not in the face of the enemy.

Three of his colleagues, two of whom lost limbs, were also awarded medals for their courage.

The inquest heard that once Lance Corporal Stuart Hale trod on a mine which blew his leg off, a team of his comrades immediately swung into action to try to rescue him.

Corporal Stuart Pearson told the inquest that as the group got closer, they realised they were in a minefield.

Despite the obvious danger, Cpl Pearson planned to try to clear a path to move his injured colleague to a safe position so that when a rescue helicopter arrived, they could try to throw him on.

He radioed in to his commanders, saying: "We are in a minefield, we are in deep s*** - we need a winch."

As Cpl Pearson cleared a safe route for L/Cpl Hale's extraction, he too stood on a mine, blowing off his left leg. He was later awarded a Queen's Gallantry Medal for his actions.

The inquest heard that Combat Medic Lance Corporal Paul Hartley threw his rucksack around the minefield and then jumped on it to clear a path to the wounded.

He screamed at the Chinook helicopter to leave for fear of the downdraft setting off further mines as it tried to land. He was awarded the George Medal.

As the Chinook flew away, Cpl Wright was shielding Cpl Pearson when the mine exploded, causing him severe injuries to his upper body.

Despite his wounds, he continued to joke and talk to his comrades to keep morale up.

Fusilier Andy Barlow called for water to give to Cpl Wright and Cpl Pearson to stop them getting dehydrated.

As he went to pick up a bottle thrown to him, he stepped on a mine which blew his leg off and also wounded Cpl Hartley with shrapnel.

Fusilier Barlow was forced to attach a tourniquet to his bleeding stump. He was also later awarded the George Medal.

Coroner Andrew Walker said he had "nothing but admiration" for the soldiers of 3 Para.

"You are courageous, you are brave and you are professional, utterly fearless in the face of these dangers," he told one witness, giving similar praise to each soldier in turn after they completed their evidence.

"I have no doubt that you will continue to be an inspiration to those soldiers who follow in your footsteps."