A sergeant in the Welsh Guards has died after being injured during a live-fire training exercise at the Castlemartin training area in Pembrokeshire, south-west Wales. The incident, which occurred on 4 March, was first reported by the Sun newspaper.
An army spokesperson confirmed the death, stating: “It is with great sadness we can confirm the death of a soldier on 4 March. 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.” The soldier’s next of kin have been informed.
According to the Sun, the sergeant had served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was training ahead of a planned deployment to Iraq in the summer. He was reportedly awarded a long service and good conduct medal by the Prince of Wales, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, in 2019.
Castlemartin has been the site of previous fatal training accidents. In 2017, corporals Matthew Hatfield and Darren Neilson of the Royal Tank Regiment died after their tank exploded during an exercise. In 2012, Ranger Michael Maguire of the Royal Irish Regiment was shot and killed by a fellow soldier while in a safe area; a 2013 inquest ruled his death unlawful killing.
