Two Moray-based RAF Gunners have been spared legal action over images they snapped in the aftermath of a Taliban attack in Afghanistan.
As reported in May by insideMoray it has now been confirmed that the airmen, who served with 51 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth, have been given official warnings but no further action will be taken.
The men caused a media storm when the images snapped following an attack on Camp Bastion in 2012 were widely distributed on Social Media sites. The pictures were taken shortly after a group of insurgents wearing US army uniforms broke through the camp perimeter, destroying several aircraft.
Members of 51 Squadron of the RAF Regiments were on protection duty at the Helmand Province base and were widely praised for their actions against the insurgents. Sergeant Roy Geddes from Elgin was awarded a Military Cross for leading his men despite suffering wounds from a rocket-propelled grenade.
The images that were subsequently posted on the internet featured at least one of the gunners involved in the action posing over a dead insurgent showing a thumbs up sign.
Confirming that no further action was to be taken against the gunners responsible, a spokesman for the RAF said: “The RAF has strict values and standards which all members of personnel are expected to adhere to at all times.
“The RAF Police investigation found no evidence of any criminal wrongdoing.
“However, the two individuals concerned with this case have been issued with formal warnings.”
Thousands of people throughout the world backed a campaign in support of no action being taken against the gunners. While many condemned their action as misguided most believed that under the circumstances they were understandable.
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