Bomb expert was 'under pressure'

9 February 2011 Last updated at 15:05 GMT Staff Sgt Olaf Schmid made safe 64 bombs during a five-month tour of duty A bomb disposal expert appeared "under pressure" and "rushed" on the day he died in a bomb blast in Afghanistan, an inquest has heard.

Staff Sgt Olaf Schmid, from Truro in Cornwall, died disarming a roadside bomb in November 2009.

Cpl Thomas Stace told the inquest the "inspirational leader" appeared "somewhat impatient" as he defused explosives on the day of his death.

The inquest at Truro Coroner's Court is expected to last two days.

Staff Sgt Schmid, who had diffused 64 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Afghanistan, had made a comment to a colleague about speeding up, Cpl Stace said.

However, in written evidence he told the inquest the pressure was not imposed by Army chiefs.

'Pulled wire'

"I think he was under pressure to deal with them all and that it was a self-imposed pressure," he said.

Sapper Craig Butterworth, who witnessed the death, described Staff Sgt Schmid as a "total inspiration" but said he had also noticed signs of stress.

The IED which killed the disposal expert instantly was the fourth device tackled that day, the inquest was told.

Colleagues said he pulled a wire from the ground, before turning round to them and saying "you didn't see me do that, did you?".

This was "very unusual" they said, but they trusted him completely because of his professionalism and experience.

Sapper Butterworth added: "On that day it occurred to me that he was slightly rushed.

"I could only think that this was because it was his last day before going home for rest and recuperation."

'Come home'

L/Cpl Gary Parsons told the inquest about a telephone conversation between Staff Sgt Schmid and his five-year-old stepson, Laird.

During the conversation, Laird had said "Daddy, time to come home", he added.

The inquest also heard evidence from pathologist Nicholas Hunt that Staff Sgt Schmid had fainted while on duty on 14 September - two months before he was killed - but was in good health.

The 30-year-old soldier, who had made his home in Winchester, Hampshire, died the day before he was due to return to the UK.

Known as Oz, Staff Sgt Schmid had been part of the 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, based in Didcot, Oxfordshire.

He was awarded a posthumous George Cross, which his widow Christina accepted in a ceremony last June.

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