Seldomfitforpurpose
I hesitate to attempt to speak for John Purdey but, on this matter, I am certain that he would join me in saying "Thankyou".
I would, however, take issue over your description of the finding by the AOC, in which the AOCinC concurred, as a "Legal Decision". This description would suggest that some sort of trial had taken place which was not the case (and never could be with deceased Aircrew).
A Board of Inquiry is an investigative progress to establish the cause of an a particular occurence. Although evidence is taken on oath it is not taken under caution and cannot, therefore, be used in evidence in a court of law. If a BOI uncovers evidence that indicates that Formal Legal Action is justified then the BOI will be suspended; the Formal Legal Action will be initiated and will continue separately to its conclusion. The BOI will then reconvene to continue its deliberations. The finding of the BOI, including the remarks of the AOC and AOC in C, will be an administrative finding.
Last edited by cazatou; 7th Feb 2008 at 20:01.