A newborn baby's tiny skull was fractured by medics who used 'poor technique or excessive force' to deliver him with forceps.
The trauma caused a bleed on Frank Gamble's brain and he died hours later.
His parents John and Tracey released a heartbreaking photograph of them cuddling and kissing little Frank just minutes after the bungled delivery.
An inquest heard that Frank's head was found to be in the wrong position for the labour.
Doctors had attempted to deliver him with forceps on three separate occasions but were forced to move to an emergency Caesarean section when the infant's heart stopped beating.
The inquest into the baby's tragic death at Chelmsford Coroners' Court heard that doctor Consultant Professor Mohammed Khaled, who was holding the forceps, should have overseen a safe birth.
But instead he used 'poor technique or excessive force' which he should have ensured did not happen, independent experts told the hearing.
The senior medic, who has been on restricted duties following the death, told the inquest Frank's head was in a rotated position causing the forceps to unlock.
Recording a narrative verdict, Coroner for Essex Caroline Beasley-Murray said Frank could have been saved if 'appropriate' action had been taken earlier in the labour.
Mrs Beasley-Murray said: "There were very serious failings in the care of Tracey Gamble and baby Frank received at Colchester hospital.
"If appropriate care had been provided baby Frank might have survived.
"It is encouraging to read from the trust's own investigation report how seriously it has taken these events.
"It is to be hoped that there has been learning from this experience.
"No one else should be allowed to endure the anguish that the Gamble family endured in April last year."
The coroner said to Mrs Gamble: "At the end of the day of evidence I said it had been a real ordeal for you, but you had all showed such dignity and you are continuing to show that.
"Frankie would have been a much loved little boy and I would like to express my condolences to you."
In a statement on behalf of the family Fran Pollard, from Gadsby Wicks Solicitors, said: "The family wish to convey that the night of April 18 last year will haunt Tracey and John and the extended family for the rest of their days.
"They are disappointed with the coroner's verdict, but hope lessons will be learned from this tragedy so that no other family has to experience the devastated that they have endured."
Following the inquest a spokesman for Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust said: "We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Mr and Mrs Gamble for the sad death of their son, Frank.
"The 15 months since Frank's death will clearly have been an unbearable time for the whole family and we appreciate that the inquest will also have brought back very difficult and distressing memories.
"Whilst nothing can now change the sad events of 18 April 2012, it is our hope that the action we have taken to understand why this happened and the steps we have taken to achieve as much learning as possible from this tragic event indicate how seriously we have taken Frank's death."