New figures released by ministers following an inquiry by the Commons defence committee suggest that 47 recruits under 18 said they were sexually assaulted or raped last year. 

The inquiry concluded that female members of the military were being let down by senior officers. 

Armed Forces Minister Leo Docherty told MPs that 37 of the 47 victims were female, with one case proven, four ongoing and 11 transferred to the civilian police. 

Incidents within the force are usually dealt with by the Royal Military, which is responsible for the policing of service personnel. 

Of the complaints, 22 were based at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate at the time of the offence.