Booby-trap bomb killed Army disposal expert

Sapper David Watson took the full force of a blast from an improvised explosive device (IED) set by insurgents near Patrol Base Blenheim in the Sangin region of Helmand Province on December 31.

The 23-year-old, from Whickham, Gateshead, Tyneside, had volunteered to help make safe the area surrounding the base on the Afghan front line.

The inquest heard that Sapper Watson laughed and joked with medics battling to save his life, even though he knew he was mortally wounded.

Known as the Leg, for his outstanding fitness and long limbs, Sapper Watson was part of a four-man conventional munitions disposal (CMD) team stationed in northern Helmand as part of the Operation Herrick counter improvised explosive device task force.

On December 31, the CMD team started demolishing a series of low walls which were being used as firing positions by enemy forces. Sapper Watson was breaking down one wall when the explosion happened.

Recording a verdict of death due to unlawful killing while on active military service, Gateshead coroner Terrence Carney said Sapper Watson had suffered "irrecoverable blast injuries caused by the explosion".