A British Army soldier who helped train Ukrainian forces to fight Russia died on a night-time military exercise in the Brecon Beacons, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

Police have launched an investigation into the death of Corporal Chris Gill, 35, of 4th Battalion, The Ranger Regiment, who lost his life in a “non operational incident” on Wednesday.

The MoD has not provided further details on the circumstances, but Cpl Gill’s commanding officer described him as a “remarkable Army Special Operations soldier” who had served in Afghanistan before volunteering to train Ukrainian soldiers.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed it is investigating the death “during a military exercise in the Crickhowell area of Powys”.

Cwrt-y-Gollen training base, two miles away from the town, is used for training special forces soldiers and firing with live ammunition.

Police investigation

A spokesman for the force said: “Police were notified at just after 1am on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, and a joint investigation is underway, supported by the Health and Safety Executive.

“Our thoughts are with Cpl Gill’s family, who are being supported by a family liaison officer.”

In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Bairsto, the regiment’s commanding officer, paid tribute to Cpl Gill, known also as ‘Gilly’, as a “strong and natural leader” who was “dedicated to his family”.

“Corporal Gill’s professionalism and commitment to service inspired those around him and left him held in the highest regard.”

Lt Col Bairsto said Cpl Gill’s readiness to volunteer to train Ukrainian soldiers in the UK was “testament to his commitment to service and preservation of our freedoms”.

“His relentless, quick wit became central to the morale of the teams he led. In the face of adversity, he could always be relied upon to get everyone chuckling no matter the situation.”

The statement added: “The death of Cpl Gill is sorely felt. His family has 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.”

Period in Afghanistan

Cpl Gill joined the British Army in 2011 and was first deployed to Helmand Province in Afghanistan, where he trained allied forces.

He was later redeployed to the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, in the north of the country, and he went on to serve in Belize, the US, Kenya and Morocco.

In 2021, he volunteered for the Army Special Operations Brigade, the formation responsible for training foreign combatants.

A spokesman for the MoD said: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

An inquest is due to be opened by the South Wales coroner’s office in Pontypridd next week.