Soldier dies after ‘fatal accident’ at army range
ASOLDIER has died after what has been described as a “fatal accident” at a Welsh army training range.
Gavin Hillier, a sergeant from the Welsh Guards, died on Thursday, when a live firing exercise was taking place at the Castlemartin range in Pembrokeshire.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed it was investigating the circumstances around his death.
Sergeant Hillier’s father posted on Facebook: “At 3.45 this morning I received a phone call that will forever change my life.
“My eldest son... was in a fatal accident in the army, the job he loved. Sleep tight and rest in peace son. I’m so proud of you. Goodnight and God bless. Love you’re heartbroken dad, xxx.”
It is understood the soldier, who served as part of the Welsh Guards’ motor transport platoon, was due to be deployed to Iraq and had previously been awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct medal by Prince Charles, the regiment’s Colonel in Chief, in 2019.
Soldiers in the Welsh Guards act as “guardians of the royal palaces” and are deployed on operations across the world.
A friend called Sergeant Hillier a “true hero” and an “awesome soldier”.
The MOD firing notice shows firing exercises have been carried out at the range every day this week, with a number of roads and footpaths closed to allow the training to go ahead. An Army spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness we can confirm the death of a soldier on March 4. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this tragic time.
“The circumstances surrounding this death are being investigated and it would be inappropriate to comment any further.”
It’s not the first time a soldier has died at the range. Four years ago, Corporals Matthew Hatfield and Darren Neilson, both of the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR), were fatally wounded at Castlemartin after an explosion and fire on their tank.
And in 2012, Ranger Michael Maguire died at the Castlemartin Range following a live firing exercise.