Police investigating death of soldier on Army training exercise

Police are investigating the death of a soldier on an Army training exercise in the Brecon Beacons.

The Ministry of Defence said Christopher “Gilly” Gill of the 4th Battalion, the Ranger Regiment, died during a “non-operational incident” on Wednesday 16 October, near Brecon, in Wales.

Police said they are investigating the special operations soldier’s death along with the health and safety executive.

Cpl Gill was described as a “remarkable” special operations soldier who helped train fighters in Afghanistan as well as Ukrainian soldiers in the UK during his 13 years of service.

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His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Bairsto, paid tribute to “a strong and natural leader”, who was “dedicated to his family”.

“The death of Cpl Gill is sorely felt,” he said.

“His family have lost a loving and doting father, husband and son. His friends and fellow Rangers will miss a much-loved and respected leader.

“The Army has lost a professional, capable, and loyal Special Operations soldier, whose contribution to the team made it much stronger than the sum of its parts; he made a real impact throughout his distinguished career.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly difficult time. A chosen man never forgotten.”

The Infantry Battle School in Brecon “delivers trained officers and soldiers to meet the operational requirements of the Infantry, the Army and Defence,” according to the MoD.