Police are investigating the death of a soldier during an Army training exercise in the Brecon Beacons. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Christopher “Gilly” Gill from the 4th Battalion, the Ranger Regiment, died in a “non-operational incident” on Wednesday, 16 October, near Brecon, Wales. Authorities, including the health and safety executive, are looking into the circumstances of the special operations soldier’s death.
Cpl Gill, who served for 13 years, was described as a “remarkable” soldier. He trained fighters in Afghanistan and Ukrainian soldiers in the UK. His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Bairsto, honoured him as a “strong and natural leader” devoted to his family.
“The death of Cpl Gill is deeply felt,” he said. “His family has lost a loving father, husband, and son. His friends and fellow Rangers will miss a respected leader. The Army has lost a professional, capable, and loyal soldier who significantly strengthened the team. He made a real impact throughout his distinguished career. Our thoughts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time. A chosen man never forgotten.”
Brit soldier who trained Ukrainians killed in night-time army exercisehttps://t.co/Y3DI0t33Mw pic.twitter.com/NLhBa8F3dF
— Mirror Breaking News (@MirrorBreaking_) October 20, 2024
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to the soldier during the Army training exercise in the Brecon Beacons?
Christopher ‘Gilly’ Gill died in a ‘non-operational incident’ on 16 October.
Who was Christopher ‘Gilly’ Gill?
He was a soldier from the 4th Battalion, the Ranger Regiment, with 13 years of service.
What are authorities doing about Cpl Gill’s death?
Police and the health and safety executive are investigating the circumstances of his death.
How did Cpl Gill’s commanding officer describe him?
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Bairsto described him as a ‘strong and natural leader’ and ‘remarkable’ soldier.
What is the Infantry Battle School in Brecon?
It trains officers and soldiers to meet the operational requirements of the Infantry, the Army, and Defence.