Two officer cadets studying at Sandhurst have been charged after allegedly waterboarding a fellow Army recruit.

The pair have been charged with battery by the Royal Military Police (RMP) in relation to an incident at the world-famous military academy in Berkshire, an Army spokeswoman confirmed to Sky News.

They will appear at Bulford Military Court near Salisbury, Wiltshire, next Tuesday.

It is alleged a cadet was pinned down before water was poured over a cloth covering his face to mimic the feeling of drowning - an interrogation technique banned in the UK and used by the CIA in the wake of the September 11 attacks in the US.

An Army spokeswoman said: "Following an RMP investigation two service personnel have been charged with battery in relation to an incident at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.


"This case is now with the Service Prosecuting Authority and it would be inappropriate to comment further."

It is not known if the waterboarding allegation is part of the battery charge.

An investigation into the claims was launched in mid-August last year by Brigadier Bill Wright, commander of the British military college, over the alleged incident on 7 August.

Image: Prince Harry with Prince William at Sandhurst in 2006

At the time, Brig Wright said: "I am aware of allegations about an incident at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst involving some of our officer cadets.

"I have ordered an investigation by the Royal Military Police.

"The Army and I expect the highest standards of behaviour at Sandhurst; anyone found to have fallen short is dealt with robustly, including dismissal, if appropriate."

Three cadets accused of being involved were placed on leave and moved to different platoons during the inquiry.

A separate investigation was launched two weeks ago after a 21-year-old female officer cadet was found dead in her room at the academy in a suspected suicide.

Sandhurst is the British Army's officer training centre, where all leading Army personnel, including Prince William and Prince Harry, pass through.

It also trains officers from other countries.

About 10% of cadets at the academy are female.

The British Army website describes it as "one of the world's toughest and most revered military training academies", and its motto is Serve to Lead.

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