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Labour MPs call for an inquiry into death of
soldier whose body went undiscovered for three weeks
Marcus Barnett
Wednesday, February 12, 2020 Morning Star
HORRIFIED Labour MPs have backed a family’s call for answers into the
death of a soldier whose body was left undiscovered at his base for
three weeks.
MPs Navendu Mishra (Stockport) and Paula Barker (Liverpool Wavertree)
have joined the calls for justice for Bernard Mongan, a 33-year-old
lance corporal and Iraq war veteran.
Mongan was found dead at Catterick army garrison, North Yorkshire, on
January 23. However, his family and local police say that he died
several weeks earlier.
Mr Mongan was last active on his phone on January 2, and authorities
said that his body was so badly decomposed that he could not be
recognised.
He was not reported as Absent Without Leave throughout this period.
The Star understands that Mr Mongan, who was an Irish traveller, had
been physically attacked because of his accent.
In an online petition, Mr Mongan’s mother Mary said that his family are
“hoping to get all the right answers.”
She said: “I am now left heartbroken and have to say goodbye to my
precious son without any answers or closure for myself.
“We are all completely heartbroken and are afraid we might never heal or
recover from this, especially with no answers.”
Mr Mishra told the Morning Star: “Lance Corporal Bernard Mongan served
his country with courage and calm, yet after his death is being treated
abhorrently by the authorities.
“His family and his community have lost a loved one in cruel
circumstances that have been made crueller by official silence.
“A full investigation must be held into the circumstances that resulted
in Mr Mongan’s death, which must take into the account instances of
anti-traveller bigotry and violence he experienced at the hands of some
of his colleagues, and how his body was left undiscovered until three
weeks after his death.”
Mrs Barker said: “I am horrified at the death of soldier Bernard Mongan,
who was serving his country.
“There must be a full investigation into Mr Mongan’s death. My sincere
condolences go to Mr Mongan’s widow and wider family.”
The
British Army is refusing to comment on the wider circumstances of Mr
Mongan’s death
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