EXCLUSIVE Figures going back to 1984 reveal almost one soldier has died every two years during fitness and endurance tests in the South Wales wilderness
Defence chiefs have admitted as many as 20 soldiers have died during on a rugged Welsh mountain range, mostly during SAS tests.
That is how many have passed away on the Brecon Beacons, where twice a year regular military personnel try to pass Special Forces selection.
Figures going back to 1984 reveal almost one soldier has died every two years during fitness and endurance tests in the South Wales wilderness.
Now there are demands to erect a memorial in the area to those who have died.
The proposal comes from a friend of a man who died during selection there and wants to see a permanent monument to remember all who have died in the Brecons.
The un-named soldier, who was a friend of a colleague who died while taking part in training has asked the MoD how many have died.
In a written letter to the MoD he said :“I’ve had some discussions with local councillors and politicians about a memorial for service people that lost their life in the Brecon Beacons.
“I lost a close friend and colleague there while he was training for special force selection some years ago and it is a topic close to my heart.”
The figures were revealed in a Freedom of Information Request.
Among those who died were Cpl James Dunsby, 31, L/Cpl Edward Maher, 31, and L/Cpl Craig Roberts, 24 , who died near Pen y Fan mountain in the Brecon Beacons in 2013.
Roberts and Maher died from heatstroke during a 16 mile dash and Dunsby died from organ failure during extremely hot conditions.
Cpl Joshua Hoole, 26 died in 2016 during another fitness test, triggering calls for an enquiry.
SAS training takes place twice a year in South Wales with an average of 100
personnel from units all over the armed forces who facing a four week gruelling test.
The most notorious test is a grueling 16 mile march carrying a 45 lb back pack and rifle over Pen y Fan.
The majority of military deaths in the Brecon Beacons are thought to have taken place during SAS selection or training.
Last night a former SAS soldier said:“A stone cairn with no names may be the way ahead. Anyone who dies is remembered.
A named memorial may attract the wrong attention.”
“The health and safety of our personnel is a priority and we continually review training environments and methods to ensure they are as safe as possible.”
daily n
