A 25-year-old British Army officer has tragically died after being shot during a live fire training exercise, the Ministry of Defence confirmed on Tuesday night.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney, affectionately known as 'Gilbert' to his comrades, passed away on Sunday following the accident at an army training site in Northumberland. According to reports from The Sun, he was allegedly hit in the back during an evening exercise with the elite Scots Guards shortly after 8pm.
Gilbert served as a fire support team commander in the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, a role he had taken up on September 5, 2025, after successfully completing the Fire Support Team Commanders' Course at the Royal School of Artillery.
Army Investigation Underway
An Army spokesperson stated that the circumstances surrounding Captain Muldowney's death are currently being investigated, adding that it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time. The Ministry of Defence expressed its deep sadness at the loss, confirming the officer's death occurred on 25th January 2026.
The MoD said its thoughts were with the family and friends of what they described as a 'truly kind' and 'unforgettable' officer who had shown immense dedication throughout his military career.
A Promising Military Career Cut Short
Gilbert joined the Army on January 5, 2020, and was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in December of that same year. His career saw him serve in several different roles, including a six-month deployment to Estonia in November 2021.
The young officer had demonstrated remarkable resilience earlier in his career, having been seriously injured on a commando course in January 2025. After being ordered to pause and rehabilitate, he made a full recovery and returned to duty, showing the determination that characterised his approach to military service.
Heartfelt Tributes from Comrades
Tributes for the officer began pouring in on Tuesday night from military personnel who described him as a 'true friend' and 'truly kind person'. Lieutenant Colonel Henry Waller, Commanding Officer of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, remembered Gilbert as 'always full of ideas and never without a bright smile', noting that he approached every challenge wholeheartedly.
Waller called Gilbert an 'outstanding officer who consistently put his soldiers first' and described him as 'a rising star' in both the Army and the regiment. He added that friends and colleagues would remember Gilbert for his easy-going nature, boundless energy, and infectious sense of humour.
Major Martin Simms called Gilbert an 'absolute credit to his family and his friends', expressing devastation at the loss. He praised Captain Muldowney's 'relentless professionalism couched in a cheerful and charismatic personality', describing him as representing 'the pinnacle of servant leadership and selfless commitment'.
Remembered as a Complete Officer
Captain Ross Beeby highlighted Gilbert's professional qualities, describing him as a 'fit, technically astute and intelligent officer' who worked hard and cared deeply for those under his command. Beeby noted that Gilbert had earned genuine respect and trust from his soldiers as a result of his dedication.
Beyond his professional competence, colleagues remembered Gilbert as a loyal colleague and true friend. Captain Helen Brackenbury described him as 'highly competent and endearingly joyful', while Captain Duncan Morrison recalled how Gilbert 'lived life to the fullest and made lasting connections with everyone he met'.
Morrison added that Gilbert was 'fun, light-hearted, and professional in equal measure', emphasising that above all, he was 'a true friend and a fellow Officer I could always rely on for help and support'.
The loss has been deeply felt throughout the military community, with the MoD spokesperson concluding: 'Our thoughts are with Captain Muldowney's family and friends at this sad time.'
