A MoD statement on the shortage was released after the widow of a British soldier killed in Iraq demanded a public apology from Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon.

"The MoD has carried out an extensive review of Operation Telic, which identifies some areas of concern, particularly in the logistics chain," said the ministry, referring to the British deployment of 46,000 troops in the Gulf last year.

"Where shortages were apparent, equipment was prioritised and sent to those units identified as being most in need, eg, those soldiers who would be acting in the dismounted forward infantry role," the MoD statement added.

Hoon "is committed to ensuring that the MoD learns from these lessons."

Hoon on Monday refused to take responsibility for the fate of 33-year-old Sergeant Steve Roberts, killed four days into the Iraq war on March 24 without body armour, as he met his angry widow in London.

Samantha Roberts' husband died in a clash with Iraqi militants near the southern city of Basra, becoming the first British fatality.

Fifty-one British troops were killed during the Iraq campaign, according to the defence ministry.

An official report said last week that Roberts, who was serving with the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment near the southern Iraqi town of Al-Zubayr, was issued with special armour but was told to hand it back because other troops did not have enough. He was given less effective armour instead.

An investigation by the defence ministry concluded that the better armour would have saved his life.

Samantha Roberts said Hoon told her at a meeting last month that 98 percent of British equipment had reached Iraq in time for the war.

"That was clearly not the case, or he misled us," she told BBC radio.

Hoon "pretty much said that it (Roberts' death) was an isolated incident and there were not major issues with the supply to the troops.

"I want to know exactly what they (the defence ministry) are going to do and to admit that there are major issues with equipment shortages," said the widow.

Britain's National Audit Office said last week that insufficient numbers of special flak jackets were distributed to frontline troops, adding that there had been difficulties with distribution.

WAR.WIRE