Army soldier dies in incident at Welsh base

The Ministry of Defence did not give details about how the soldier died at the Brecon army barracks

A soldier has died at a Welsh Army base. The Ministry of Defence has announced the death of Special Operations serviceman Corporal Christopher Gill in a "non-operational" incident at Brecon.

The exact circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said: "It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence confirms the death of Corporal (Cpl) Christopher Gill of 4th Battalion, The Ranger Regiment. He died during a non-operational incident in Brecon, Wales, on 16 October 2024."

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time." For the latest Swansea news, sign up to our newsletter here.

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Lieutenant Colonel Charles Bairsto, Commanding Officer 4th Battalion, The Ranger Regiment, paid tribute to Cpl Gill, saying: "Cpl Chris "Gilly" Gill was a remarkable Army Special Operations soldier."

"A strong and natural leader, he truly lived the RANGER ethos. Dedicated to his family, Cpl Gill's professionalism and commitment to service inspired those around him and left him held in the highest regard across RIFLES, RANGER and Army Special Operations communities.", reports North Wales Live.

"He excelled throughout his thirteen years' service. A chosen man who will be sorely missed."

Lt Col Bairsto further added: "After joining the British Army in 2011, Cpl Gill initially served in 4th Battalion, The Rifles. From the start his initiative, soldiering skill and honest manner highlighted him as a future leader."

"He flourished deploying to Helmand Province on Operation Herrick 18, bravely contributing to the security of the local population on a tough, hard-fought tour. Promptly selected to attend the Section Commanders' Battle Course, he excelled in honing his skills in an arduous and taxing environment, developing his leadership under pressure. His talent quickly led to promotion to Corporal."

Cpl Gill was sent to Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, where leading a small, close-knit team, he delivered training to specialist partners. His professionalism again earmarked him for further commitments going on to partner local forces in Belize, the US, Kenya and Morocco.

Lt Col Bairsto said Cpl Gill's "assured approach, knowledge and humour" won the respect and loyalty of partnered forces, making him a remarkably successful instructor. He added: "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."

And he went on: "Daring to do more, in 2021 Cpl Gill volunteered for Army Special Operations. Passing the assessment, he joined 4th Battalion, The Ranger Regiment where his talents and dedication made an enormous difference."

"Training and operating overseas, his contribution to persistent operations abroad set crucial foundations for the development of the Battalion's capabilities and culture."

Cpl Gill selflessly volunteered to train Ukrainian soldiers in the UK, a gesture that the Army heralded as a "testament to his commitment to service and preservation of our freedoms". Lt Col Bairsto shared heartfelt thoughts saying, "A highly regarded member of Team 9, he was a brilliant mentor in R Company and charismatic presence loved in the Battalion. He always took the time to develop newer Rangers and as a straight talker demanded the high standards, winning the respect and admiration across the Battalion."

Lt Col Bairsto expressed deep sorrow over Cpl Gill's death: "The death of Cpl Gill is sorely felt. 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," he concluded.