Army officer shot dead during exercise in UK national park | UK | News
Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney was killed during exercise (Image: British Army)
A British Army captain was killed during a live-fire training exercise. Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney, 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, passed away on Ministry of Defense (MoD) land in Nothumberland National Park on Sunday. Authorities confirmed that an investigation into the incident has begun.
A British Army spokesman said: “It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of Captain Philip Muldowney, 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, on Sunday 25 January 2026. He died during exercise in the Otterburn Ranges, Northumberland. Our thoughts are with Captain Muldowney’s family and friends at this sad time and we ask that their privacy be respected.”
“The circumstances surrounding Captain Muldowney’s death are under investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
Captain Muldowney, known as Gilbert to his comrades, is understood to have attended routine Live Fire Tactical Training.
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Army holds training exercises in Northumberland National Park (Image: Getty)
The Army added: “During the recent Regimental Exercise at Otterburn Training Area, Gilbert and the Fire Support Team excelled in the technical firing phases and engaged all targets with speed and aggression.
“During the tactical phase, he led his team from their cached Foxhound vehicle to an Observation Post 3 miles away. Carrying their equipment, specialized optics, and communications systems, Gilbert guided them to this location and set up a secret hideout in -5°C conditions.
“The team remained undetected for 20 hours while reporting simulated enemy movements before executing a simulated attack against a High Value Target. Their performance was exemplary.”
The statement said Captain Muldowney was professionally “an outstanding officer who always put his soldiers first.”
“He always led from the front, which was a hallmark of his character. His leadership, courage and deep sense of duty earned him the enduring respect and admiration of all who served with him.”
“Friends and colleagues will remember Gilbert for his warmth, boundless energy and infectious humor. He had a rare ability to lift morale and bring out the best in people, and he left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.”
“Gilbert was an unforgettable character and a rising star within the Army and the Regiment. His loss is deeply felt by his comrades and friends and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most difficult time.”
Lieutenant Colonel Henry Waller, Commanding Officer of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, said Captain Muldowney was “an extremely enthusiastic officer who embraced life with a strength that inspired everyone around him”.
He added: “Always full of ideas and never with a bright smile, Gilbert approached every challenge wholeheartedly, whether in camp or on the field. His versatility was remarkable and he devoted himself to a wide range of activities with energy and determination.
MoD owns Otterburn Ranges (Image: Getty)
Professionally, Gilbert was an outstanding officer who constantly put his soldiers first. In everything he did, he led from the front, a quality that defined his character. His leadership, courage and sense of duty earned him the respect and admiration of all who served with him.
Friends and colleagues will remember Gilbert for his easy-going nature, boundless energy and infectious sense of humor. He had an uncanny ability to lift morale and make the best of any situation, and he left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Gilbert was a memorable character and a rising star in the Army and Regiment. His loss is deeply felt by his comrades and friends and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most difficult time.
Soldiers were seen wearing night vision goggles and shooting “pop-up targets” with SA80 assault rifles. Sun reported.
Metal and wooden objects are designed to fall if hit with live ammunition, the newspaper added.
The Otterburn Ranges, owned by the Government since 1911, are described by Northumberland National Park as a “remote area” covering almost a quarter of the land.
He adds that it’s “a paradise for wildlife lovers.”
“Steppe birds such as sandpipers and larks, as well as ravens and wild goats, thrive here when there are few people around,” the park’s website reads.
He adds: “Twenty-three per cent of Northumberland National Park (stretching from the A68 to Upper Coquetdale) is owned by the Ministry of Defense and used as a military training area.
“It is a shared aim of Northumberland National Park and the Ministry of Defense to encourage as much access to the area as possible.”
