Earby soldier's Afghanistan death verdict (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Earby soldier's Afghanistan death verdict
10:00am Tuesday 27th September 2011 in Earby
unlawfully killed Jordan who died in Afghanistan
THE family of fallen soldier Jordan Bancroft got closure yesterday when an inquest ruled he had been unlawfully killed.
Lance Corporal Bancroft, of Earby, was shot dead while on duty in Sayedebad, central Helmand, on August 21 last year.
An inquest at Burnley Town Hall heard the 25-year-old was shot once in the head while protecting a meeting between peace keeping troops and Afghan elders.
The group came under heavy attack and a grenade was thrown towards them before several shots were fired at them.
L/Cpl Bancroft was trying to shield near a wall and make a small target when he was hit.
Speaking after the verdict, L/Cpl Bancroft’s dad Tony said: “It gave us a lot of answers.
"We only heard bits and bats of what happened and pieces of information, but coming here today has put those pieces to rest.
“We will never ever forget Jordan and there will be an empty seat at Christmas and birthday’s from now on.”
Mr Bancroft said listening to evidence from soldiers who had been there when L/Cpl Bancroft had died had helped the family.
He said: “They were there and listening to what they had to say helped understand what happened, it will never bring Jordan back but it helps.
“It was a job he gave 110 per cent in, he signed up to serve Queen and country but it is unfortunate that he died in Afghanistan while he was there to fight for Afghanistan in a political war.”
L/Cpl Bancroft’s nephew Jack has since signed up with the Armed Forces and he is currently doing his basic training.
He is set to pass out on December 22 on what will be a 'proud and emotional day', according to Mr Bancroft.
Recording his verdict, coroner Richard Taylor said: “It is clear he loved the Army and was much loved himself.
“His family will always be very proud of him and he will be missed by them and his Army colleagues.
“We have heard a glimpse of the brutality of warfare and can only be impressed by the dedication, determination and bravery of the Armed Forces of which Jordan was a part.”
