By Steven Bell

THE ARMY last night played down a report that soldiers from The Black Watch have again headed for the baking heat of Iraq without the necessary kit.

The mother of one Tayside soldier said she had been told squaddies were tramping about in temperatures of up to 50C in leather boots and without water bottles.

Military bosses insist that they have learned lessons from recent experience in the Gulf and that all troops were issued with high-tech kit before they left.

However, the mother, who asked not to be named to protect her son’s identity, told The Courier, “We got a phone call from him to say that they haven’t got their desert gear.

“They went out earlier this month but my son was telling me that he wasn’t able to wash his clothes this week because he can’t get other clothes.”

Soldiers from The Black Watch, which traditionally recruits from Tayside and Fife, have returned to Iraq having played a crucial role in the capture of Basra just over a year ago.

The hundreds of soldiers are expected to spend six months in southern Iraq helping to keep the peace following the transfer of sovereignty.

Added the soldier’s mother, “It is very hot out there and yet they’re still wearing leather boots and they haven’t got any water bottles.

“They are also still wearing their green uniforms. Apparently some have got their desert gear, but others haven’t.”

The claim echoes problems encountered by soldiers when the war in Iraq first broke out. The lack of kit at that time was described as an “outrage.”

An official report said that some squaddies spent their entire first tour in the in their regular green camouflage fatigues and black boots.

The Army conceded recently that kit issued during the early days of Britain’s commitment in Iraq was “what they needed to survive.” Those heading out now, it was claimed, receive better gear, including hot and cold weather items, several pairs of boots and even sunglasses.

An Army spokesperson said last night, “There are standard packs issued to all soldiers now, which they didn’t have last year because there wasn’t enough time.

“Everybody was asked about kit after the first operation and wish lists were put forward which have been taken on board.

“The standard set of equipment issued to everybody going out to Iraq includes things like desert combat jackets, high-tech boots and even a ‘camel-back’ water carrier. Nobody goes without it.”

She added, “In the case of boots, if it is a non-standard size they may have to order it, but there shouldn’t be any problems.

“Water bottles have never been a problem and now the nuclear, biological and chemical threat has been lifted, they can take standard bottles rather than just the ones which attach to gas masks.”

* The public are being invited to take an active part in bolstering the morale of Tayside and Fife’s own regiment, The Black Watch, writes Mark Mackay.

The regiment is asking people to send messages of support by letter or Email to troops currently on active service in Iraq.

A 140-strong lead company from the 1st Battalion The Black Watch of the Royal Highland Regiment left for Iraq last month and they are now being joined by more than 400 of their fellows.

The 1st Battalion should be fully operational, equipped with Warrior armoured fighting vehicles, by the beginning of August.

The return to action in Iraq comes just a year after The Black Watch completed a three-month role in the capture of Basra, in the south of the country.

North Tayside MP Pete Wishart urged members of the public to support the initiative.

He said, “Constituents can show their support for troops in a difficult situation.

“Whatever we may think of Tony Blair’s decision to follow George Bush into the war in Iraq, we should all support our soldiers who are being sent into a war zone.”

Mr Wishart said the regiment was at the heart of the community in Perthshire.

“The Black Watch are one of Scotland’s traditional regiments. At a time when these men and women are serving their country and as their very existence is being undermined by proposed government cutbacks, it is vital that they know there is support for them here at home.

“The people of Perthshire are rightly proud of the traditions of the regiment and the sterling work they have done in many parts of the world. At this difficult time they need our support and encouragement.”

Anyone wishing to contact the regiment can write to Lt Col J. M. Cowan or A Soldier of The Black Watch, 1BW, BFPO 645, or by sending an “e-bluey” online from www.bfpo.org.uk.