WHENEVER a barbaric act is perpetrated against British soldiers in Afghanistan the public is understandably outraged.

However, we should be just as angry if it is proved that our own troops have operated outside the rules of engagement.

Five Royal Marines have been charged with murder over an incident that took place in Afghanistan last year.

Terrible things can, and do, happen in battle – and the Taliban can hardly take the moral high ground when they so blatantly disregard the rules of war – but in order to win the battle for hearts and minds our troops have to respect the rules of engagement.

And when the rules are broken it is entirely proper that the circumstances should be thoroughly investigated.

Otherwise the impact on the wider campaign will be devastating.

No one doubts the courage of our Armed Forces fighting an unwinnable war against a devious, cowardly and bloodthirsty enemy.

But if these charges are proved they will strengthen calls for British troops to come home immediately.

The retreat from Basra, leaving the Iraqi city in the hands of murderous militiamen, was the Army’s lowest point since the humiliation of Suez.

Our Armed Forces can still return from Afghanistan with their heads held high – but these allegations sully the Army’s reputation and they are an affront to memory of hundreds of men and women who have given their lives for the mission.