ALLEGATIONS a Warminster soldier lost his leg because of a lack of equipment has added to mounting pressure on Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon.

This week war widows Samantha Roberts and Tracey Pritchard have called for the resignation of the MP after the death of their husbands.

On Wednesday Lt Col James Cowan of Black Watch, who are to be based in Warminster from March, has admitted his troops were 'woefully unprepared' for combat.

West Wilts MP Andrew Murrison has called for ministers to hold an inquiry into the Thomson family's claims.

Dr Murrison said: "We have heard some serious allegations about the preparations of the medical support in the early stages of the conflict.

"I have requested that the Secretary of State holds an investigation and I believe in some respects we were clearly not prepared."

The family of Lance Corporal Tom Keys, 20, of North Wales, who was killed by an Iraqi mob after faulty radio equipment meant no-one could warn him they were approaching, have pledged support to the Thomson family.

Speaking to the Wiltshire Times his father Reg Keys said: "She has our family's whole-hearted support.

"I am meeting Geoff Hoon in February and I urge Mrs Thomson to do the same."