Corporal Chris Gill, 35, lost his life on a night-time exercise with his Ranger Regiment on the Brecon Beacons mountains on October 16. He has been described as a selfless dad
A British soldier who trained Ukrainian fighters has tragically died following a night-time army exercise.
Corporal Chris Gill, 35, sadly passed away on an exercise with his Ranger Regiment on the Brecon Beacons mountains on October 16. The special operations expert has been described as a “doting husband and father”.
Police have launched an operation which is being supported by the Health and Safety executive. The exact circumstance of his death has not been published at this time.
Dyfed-Powys Police 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.”
According to his commanding officer, Gill was a “remarkable Army Special Operations soldier” who had served in Afghanistan before volunteering to teach Ukrainian soldiers.
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Bairsto described him as a “natural leader”, reports The Sun. He paid an emotional tribute and said: “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. He excelled throughout his thirteen years’ service. A chosen man who will be sorely missed.”
Cpl Gill signed up to the army in 2011. His military unit of 250 soldiers is situated at Normandy Barracks in Aldershot as an Army Special Operations Brigade. Lt Col Bairsto praised the hardworking soldier and said he quickly moved up the ranks.
“From the start his initiative, soldiering skill and honest manner highlighted him as a future leader,” he added. 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.”
His commanding officer paid tribute and said: “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. An inquest is due to be opened by the South Wales coroner’s office in Pontypridd next week.”
