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Graven Hill Remembers

Lance Corporal of Horse Matty Hull

Lance Corporal of Horse Matty Hull

Street: Hull Lane
Rank: Lance Corporal of Horse
Full Name: Matthew Richard “Matty” Hull
Date of Death: 28 March 2003
Location: Southern Iraq
Operation: Operation Telic (Iraq)
Unit: The Blues & Royals, Household Cavalry Regiment (transferred from 23 Pioneer Regiment RLC)
Role: Cavalry Soldier
Brigade: 16 Air Assault Brigade

About Lance Corporal of Horse Hull

Section titled “About Lance Corporal of Horse Hull”

Lance Corporal of Horse Matty Hull was tragically killed on 28 March 2003 in southern Iraq during a friendly fire incident involving a U.S. A-10 aircraft. The coroner’s inquest later declared the incident unlawful. He had transferred into The Blues & Royals from 23 Pioneer Regiment RLC.

Full Biography

Section titled “Full Biography”

Lance Corporal of Horse, Matty Hull of The Blues & Royals, Household Cavalry Regiment, was killed on 28 March 2003 in southern Iraq. Matty had transferred into The Blues & Royals from 23 Pioneer Regiment RLC. The Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Mark van der Lande OBE, gave the following statement:

“It is with deep regret that the Household Cavalry Regiment learnt of an incident involving soldiers from D Squadron, The Blues and Royals, of this Regiment, who are serving on operational duty in Iraq with 16 Air Assault Brigade. An investigation is taking place in theatre but, because of the operational situation, the full facts of the incident have yet to emerge. We have been informed that one soldier is missing believed killed and four have been wounded.

The Squadron was in action at the time, but it is suspected this may have been a ‘friendly fire’ incident. The next of kin of all those involved have been informed, but they are not yet ready to release nor do we intend to release details of those involved at this stage.

This is a particularly difficult time for the Regiment and its families. I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and courage of these soldiers and to that of the rest of the Squadron. We are professional soldiers and our job carries risks, but any loss is a bitter blow. It is hard too for those families not directly involved in this incident. I would therefore ask that the Regiment and our families be left to themselves both to grieve and to support each other. When we are in a position to make a further announcement, we will do so.

In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and with D Squadron as they continue operations in Iraq.”

The Incident

Section titled “The Incident”

The incident involving Lance Corporal Hull occurred when U.S. A-10 aircraft engaged British vehicles in what was later determined to be a case of friendly fire. An inquest later ruled the killing unlawful. His widow, Susan Hull, campaigned for transparency regarding the circumstances of his death.

Further Reading & External Links

Section titled “Further Reading & External Links”

“For your tomorrow, we gave our today.”