New Zealand Soldier's body returned home, with live grenade

NZ soldier's body sent home with live grenade
Source: ONE News
June 13, 2013

A Military Court of Inquiry report released today has revealed a Kiwi soldier's body was sent home from Afghanistan with a live grenade on them.

The Court of Inquiry examined the repatriation of Private Richard Harris, Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker and Corporal Luke Tamatea, who were killed by an Improvised Explosive Device in Afghanistan on 19 August 2012.

It criticised the failure of New Zealand and US forces to find a grenade on the body of one of the fallen soldiers, which sparked the evacuation of Christchurch Hospital when it was discovered.

"This was an unusual situation and the three soldiers were processed as best they could be given the situation and the resources available," Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman said.

In a rare move, the military also released footage of a battle in Afghanistan in which two New Zealand soldiers were killed in 2012. It says it wanted to illustrate the confusion of the firefight.
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