I’ve followed this thread with interest from the start. While the apparent slowness of the MOD and lack of action on the ground in Egypt seems to be the main, apparent, problem let’s consider the situation. Remains have been found and, thankfully, concealed and preserved for future recovery. However, we must bear in mind the current geo-political situation. Egypt has considerable problems with internal unrest, the North African region has seen turbulent times with westerners being targeted. You can be certain that the Egyptian authorities have more pressing commitments than to provide armed escort and safe passage for a recovery team – and they certainly would not countenance the prescence of an armed military expedition of a foreign power. While our good friend qattra has done so much to record and preserve what there is there must be an element of personal risk even in such a remote location once their continued presence is known. Perhaps that is why things are taking so long, to keep people away from the site and perceived dangers. Would we really expect the authorities to authorise an unprotected recovery and then take the flak if things went wrong. I, as much as you all, wish to see closure on this for the sake of Sgt Copping and his family but feel that we will just have to wait this out patiently.
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