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Probe into video of shot soldier
The army has launched an investigation about how a video featuring a Wigan soldier being shot has found its way on to the web.
A six-minute film captured under fire by Royal Marine Commando Jonny Hart, from Hindley, and colleagues has been posted on Youtube without the Wiganer even knowing about it.
A camera was attached to Jonny's combat helmet while he was out on patrol in Garmsir, south of the Hellman province.
During the film, which has been seen almost 44,300 times on the website, Jonny is shot in the backside by a Taliban fighter.
Movies captured by marine commandos in the line of duty are only intended for use by senior officers.
A spokesman for the MoD said: "The process of wearing helmet cameras for analysis of the action/engagements is common on operations.
"However, it is not usual practice to publish this type of video material without authority and we are obviously concerned that this material has reached the public domain in this manner."
Jonny, 23, said: "I have no idea who has posted the footage on Youtube.
"Watching the video, and looking back at the situation, I can laugh at what had happened, but I am still understandably a little annoyed about how the video has been made public."
Jonny is currently at home and is scheduled to fly back to the Hellman Province in September next year.
Helmet cameras are sometimes used by marines on patrol to record combat situations.
The footage captured is reviewed by senior officers when the servicemen return to base in order for them to monitor if correct practice was followed.
The footage features Jonny standing beside his patrol vehicle before being shot in the backside, jumping into the vehicle, and then being taken to a safe location for the wound to be assessed.
According to Jonny, who received an honour for gallantry this year, the video recorded at the time runs to 15 minutes.
He said: "In the full version of the video the Afghan soldiers fighting alongside us start firing their weapons against the Taliban soldiers aiming at us.
"My adrenaline was pumping, It was a worrying experience."
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 14 C to 25 C
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