Major’s tribute to dead soldier

The soldier who died in Brecon while on a training exercise has been paid a tribute by one of his commanding officers.

Joshua Hoole, from E c c l e f e c h a n near Lockerbie in Scotland, wasamemberofTheRifles regiment.

The 26- year- old, based at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire, died on Tuesday while on pre-course training for the Platoon Sergeants’ Battle Course, which is described as “both mentally and physically demanding”.

The course is taken by infantry soldiers who want to progress to the rank of sergeant.

The course is run three times a year, involving marching long distances carrying weight, and digging trenches.

Major Dean Murch MBE, officer commanding,

“His family have lost a son, a brother, and a fiancee”

The Rifles, 1st infantry training battalion, said theyare “utterly devastated” following the death of Corporal Hoole.

He added: “His family have lost a son, a brother, a fiancee and a very special friend, their grief will be inconsolable.”

Mr Hoole died on the training exercise on what was the hottest day of the year in the Brecon area of Wales, where temperatures peaked at just above 30C (86F).

The MoD will carry out a full investigation into the death.