 The Hercules has a reputation for reliability |
The bodies of the 10 servicemen killed when an RAF Hercules crashed in Iraq may not be flown back into Britain before next week. It is not yet known when the nine RAF men and one soldier will be repatriated following the incident 25 miles north-west of Baghdad.
Investigators who have ended work at the scene are unable to confirm claims that insurgents shot the aircraft down.
Militants have released a video apparently showing the strike.
The troop carrier was flying low in clear conditions when it crashed last Sunday.
"Work is still being done to ascertain if we have recovered bodies, or remains of those who were killed," said a Ministry of Defence spokesman in Basra.
'Loss of life'
"Because of this, it is not yet known if repatriation will take place before next week.
"We hope it will be as soon as possible to help the families of the men."
The incident caused the largest single loss of life for UK forces since the start of military action in the Iraq.
Eight of the men were based at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, one in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, and the 10th was a soldier.
Before an aircraft carries them back to the UK, troops will hold a service on the tarmac at Basra International Airport.
An act of remembrance for the servicemen was held at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire on Friday at 11am.
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