
The most senior British officer to be killed in the Afghan campaign had warned about the risks posed to troops by a shortage of helicopters.Lt Col Rupert Thorneloe, 39, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards, died in a roadside bombing.In memos leaked by an official to Tory MP Adam Holloway, a former officer, Col Thorneloe said too many trips were by road, leaving forces vulnerable.The government had denied an absence of helicopters led to deaths.Jane Bennett-Powell reports.
