§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether all front line unit personnel serving on Operation Telic had body armour before combat operations started; [126096]
(2) what kind of body armour was issued to soldiers serving with the Seventh Armoured Brigade in Basra; whether there was a reissue; and if he will make a statement. [112026]
§ Mr. IngramThe majority of 7 Armoured Brigade had full combat armour at the start of combat operations. Body armour consists of a fabric cover and filler which confers a level of ballistic protection, and additional ceramic plates which provide an enhanced level of protection.
Over 36,000 fill sets of Enhanced Combat Body Armour were delivered to theatre, enough for all personnel who needed it. However, not all units received ceramic plates due to supply difficulties within theatre. To minimise any operational risk that might have resulted, approximately 500 sets of Enhanced Combat Body Armour were reallocated to units assessed to have higher operational need.