Int Corps soldier killed in Ukraine hailed as formidable officer, colleague and friend
An Intelligence Corps officer who died in Ukraine was a gifted leader who earned the admiration and respect of all those who served alongside him, the Army has said.
Forty-year-old Major Paul Wilks was killed in a road traffic incident away from the frontline on Saturday.
Maj Wilks, who had a wife and two sons, had deployed on multiple operational tours, including to Afghanistan.
We will miss him
He was recognised for this service with two Operational Service Medals and was also recently awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
His eulogy remembered him as an "exceptionally bright and professional officer who embodied the best of the UK military".
"He was a formidable officer, colleague and friend to all those who knew him," it continued.
Maj Wilks commissioned from RMA Sandhurst on 14 April 2012, joining the Intelligence Corps where he remained throughout his career.
His Commanding Officer said: "It is with profound sadness that we honour the memory of Major Paul Wilks.
"Even in high-pressure environments, Paul maintained a sharp sense of humour and a genuine warmth that connected him to everyone in this unit. He was a man of great intellect, yet he remained a mate to those he served with.
"He spoke often of his love for his wife and two sons, expressing his deep gratitude for the support they provided, which allowed him to serve with such distinction.
"It is because of that foundation that he was able to meet the challenges of his role, and it is in the course of his devotion to duty that he made the ultimate sacrifice.
"Maj Wilks represented the finest traditions of UK Defence. It was a privilege to serve alongside him. We will miss him."
First British soldier killed in Ukraine
Maj Wilks' death in Ukraine follows that of another serving soldier, Lance Corporal George Hooley.
Last year the 28-year-old Parachute Regiment NCO became the first British soldier to be killed while on duty in Ukraine.
LCpl Hooley died while watching the testing of a "new defensive capability", however details of the incident have not been made public.
Nevertheless, the fatal incident is believed to have been accidental and not the result of hostile fire.
At the time, the UK previously acknowledged that a number of Armed Forces personnel are in the country, mainly providing security for the British diplomatic presence and supporting the Ukrainian armed forces.
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