THE heroic Para feared shot dead by his own comrades in Afghanistan still deserves his Victoria Cross, military sources insisted last night.
Corporal Bryan Budd died in a hail of bullets while saving seven pals during clashes with Taliban fighters last summer.
His widow Lorena, 23 — a clerk with the Royal Artillery — is due to collect his posthumous VC from the Queen at Buckingham Palace next month.
She was said to be “totally devastated” yesterday after being officially warned his death was probably due to a “blue on blue”.
But last night it was stressed there was no suggestion that Cpl Budd’s VC would be withdrawn or downgraded if friendly fire is proven.
A senior military source said: “It increasingly looks like this is a terribly tragic case of friendly fire. However, there is no question of taking back Cpl Budd’s VC or downgrading it. Even if it is proved conclusively that his death was caused by friendly fire, he fulfilled all the credentials necessary to be awarded the VC.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to his widow and family who understandably were devastated after being officially informed of this possibility.”
The source added: “The harsh truth is that in close-quarter combat you are almost as likely to be killed by your own side as the enemy.”
A source at 3 Para in Colchester, Essex, where 29-year-old Cpl Budd was based, said: “The horrible truth that is dawning on us is that Bryan’s death was probably caused by friendly fire.
“Friendly fire is bad enough at the best of times — but when it claims the life of a VC hero it is unbelievable.
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On duty ... with Army on Afghan tour, and inset, the Victoria Cross
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“Yet our view is that whatever the circumstances, Bryan fully deserved his VC and died heroically while fighting to save his comrades. Obviously his comrades are extremely cut up after being warned that one of them may have unwittingly fired the fatal shots which killed him.”
A detailed investigation of the circumstances surrounding Cpl Budd’s death revealed the possibility of friendly fire.
An examination of his bullet-ridden body revealed that the ammunition used was of the calibre employed by British forces.
Pathologists who conducted a forensic examination of his wounds also concluded that they were inflicted by British bullets.
The only explanation other than friendly fire was that Taliban forces stole British weapons or bought Nato kit on the black market,
The 3 Para source added: “Although we’ve been told about the other possibilities, these seem highly unlikely. The fact the family have been told there is a possibility of a ‘blue on blue’ means that this is the conclusion to which the investigation is leading.”
The shocking revelation follows last week’s disclosure by The Sun of a cockpit video showing the moments a US pilot gunned down Lance Corporal of Horse Matty Hull, 25, with friendly fire in 2003.
The citation for Cpl Budd, of Ripon, North Yorks, listed two extraordinary acts of valour as he led a section of seven men in the dangerous outpost of Sangin.
He was last seen alive in August, sprinting towards approaching Taliban with his rifle blazing.
Last night Lt Colonel Stuart Tootal, CO of 3 Para, told The Sun: “Given the dynamics of close- quarter combat that we experienced in Afghanistan, there is always the possibility of casualties caused by friendly fire.
“However, this does not in any way detract from the utmost valour of Cpl Budd’s actions which led to the winning of his VC.
“As ever, my thoughts remain with his family and we remain in close contact with his wife Lorena.”
General Sir Antony Walker, former deputy chief of the Defence Staff, said: “Blue on blue or friendly fire engagements are more common on operations than people think.
“They are always tragic mistakes but are almost always made in good faith. If there is negligence involved that must be investigated. But if it was a ‘heat of battle’ incident I do not see the need for a witch-hunt. Whatever happened, nothing can detract from the valour and gallantry of Corporal Budd, who thoroughly deserved his posthumous VC.”
The Ministry of Defence said: “Cpl Budd’s death is currently the subject of a routine service police investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Cpl Budd left two daughters — baby Imogen, who he never met, and two-year old Isabelle.
A trust fund has been set up for them.
To contribute, send cheques payable to The Bryan Budd Memorial Fund, c/o RHQ PARA, Flagstaff House, Colchester, Napier Road, Essex, CO2 7SW.
