A SOLDIER had removed his body armour prior to being killed by Taliban forces in Afghanistan, an inquest heard.

Captain Sean Dolan, 40, of Archers Way, Great Sutton, died instantly from fragmentation wounds to the chest caused by a mortar round on June 30 last year.

He was assisting US forces in his role as liaison officer for the 1st Battalion, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, in Helmand Province when they came under attack.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Westley, who was on his second tour of duty with Capt Dolan in Afghanistan but was not part of the operation, told the inquest how speaking to US soldiers afterwards had helped him picture in his own mind what happened.

He said Capt Dolan and the US forces had advanced on a fertile area of land, known as a Green Zone, in order to push Taliban forces away from Gereshk when the enemy opened fire at about 11am.

Capt Dolan moved into a higher position to observe where the Taliban fighters were located but this was unsuitable.

He then tried to get onto another piece of high ground but was restricted by his armour and made a “conscious decision” to remove it.

Two mortar rounds were then launched in quick succession, with the first landing 150 metres away.

But the second, described as a “lucky” round by Colonel Westley, landed just a metre away from Capt Dolan who died instantly.

Lt Col Westley said Capt Dolan had integrated very quickly with the US forces, instantly gaining their trust, and was held in such high esteem by them that they have remained in touch with the battalion and his family.

He added: “Any decision he made on the ground was based on his intuitive experience and professionalism to do his job even at his own risk.

“He was immensely fit and hugely strong.”

Mechanical engineer Alan Hepper told the inquest that after examining the armour he found no holes in it, confirming that Capt Dolan had removed it.

Captain Philip Neville, who investigated Capt Dolan’s death, said his first point of contact was with the American military police to make arrangements for them or his officers to interview the US soldiers involved.

More than a year on Capt Neville said he is yet to receive any evidence from them but remains “very confident” that a report will be received, adding that it was a common hold-up with casualties that have involved other nations.

Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg said: “He was a very experienced and well-respected soldier who was assigned the vital task of acting as a liaison between British and US soldiers.

“He was very much at the sharp point of operations with the American contingent of soldiers.

“The open desert region made them particularly vulnerable. He went over the crest of a hill in order to provide eyes for the unit and assist in the operation and help spot for a sniper.

“The first position was unsuitable so it was a question of seeking alternate high ground.

“Tragically, Capt Dolan discovered he could not properly undertake his duties. He was restricted by his body armour trying to crawl into a restricted space.”

Capt Dolan, who had served in the army for more than 20 years, leaves behind his wife Michaline and son Ashley, 18.

Verdict: Unlawful killing while serving his country as a soldier.