A tragic incident during a live-fire training exercise has led to the death of a 25-year-old British Army officer, the Ministry of Defence confirmed on Tuesday evening.
Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney, affectionately known as ‘Gilbert,’ succumbed to his injuries on Sunday following the accident at the Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland.
According to reports from The Sun, Muldowney was struck in the back during a nighttime drill with the elite Scots Guards, shortly after 8 p.m.
Captain Muldowney was a fire support team commander with the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery.
The Ministry of Defence expressed condolences, describing him as a ‘truly kind’ and ‘unforgettable’ officer, and extended its sympathies to his family and friends.
An Army spokesperson stated, “The circumstances surrounding Captain Muldowney’s death are currently under investigation, and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
Gilbert joined the Army on January 5, 2020, and was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in December of that year.
He was an ‘immensely enthusiastic officer’ who inspired those around him, the Army said in a moving obituary.
Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney, known simply as ‘Gilbert’, passed away on Sunday following the accident at an army training site in Northumberland
He served in several different roles and was deployed in November 2021 to Estonia for six months.
Gilbert was seriously injured on a commando course in January 2025 and ordered to pause and rehabilitate, but returned to duty following his recovery.
He then successfully completed the Fire Support Team Commanders’ Course at the Royal School of Artillery.
On September 5 last year, he joined fourth Regiment Royal Artillery as a Fire Support Commander.
Tributes for the officer started to pour 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, said: ‘Always full of ideas and never without a bright smile, Gilbert approached every challenge wholeheartedly, whether in camp or out in the field.’
Waller called Gilbert an ‘outstanding officer who consistently put his soldiers first’ – adding that he was ‘a rising star’ in the Army and the regiment.
‘Friends and colleagues will remember Gilbert for his easy-going nature, boundless energy, and infectious sense of humour,’ he said.
‘His loss is deeply felt by his comrades and friends, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most difficult time.’
Major Martin Simms called Gilbert an ‘absolute credit to his family and his friends’, adding: ‘We are devastated by the loss of Capt Philip “Gilbert” Muldowney from 129 Bty, Royal Artillery and the Army as a whole.
‘Capt Muldowney’s relentless professionalism couched in a cheerful and charismatic personality made him the perfect Officer.
‘Approachable to those under his command and unfailingly dependable to those that relied upon him, he represented the pinnacle of servant leadership and selfless commitment.’
Captain Ross Beeby said Gilbert was a ‘fit, technically astute and intelligent officer’.
‘He worked hard and cared deeply for those under his command – earning genuine respect and trust from his soldiers as a result,’ he added.
‘Beyond his professional competence, Gilbert was also a loyal colleague and a true friend. Socially, he was just as reliable as he was at work – always present, always engaged, and always bringing warmth, energy, and charisma to those around him.
‘Gilbert’s loss is felt deeply by his unit, his peers and all who had the privilege of serving and spending time with him. He will be remembered with great respect, affection and gratitude, and he will be dearly missed.’
Captain Helen Brackenbury said Gilbert was ‘highly competent and endearingly joyful’.
And Captain Duncan Morrison said: ‘Gilbert lived life to the fullest and made lasting connections with everyone he met.
‘He was fun, light-hearted, and professional in equal measure. Above all, he was a true friend and a fellow Officer I could always rely on for help and support.’
An MoD spokesperson said: ‘It is with deep sadness that we confirm the death of Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney of 4th Regiment Royal Artillery on 25th January 2026.
‘Our thoughts are with Captain Muldowney’s family and friends at this sad time.’
