Royal Artillery pays tribute to officer killed during live-fire exercise at Otterburn

Tributes have been paid to Captain Philip Muldowney of 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, who was killed during a Live Fire Tactical Training exercise at Otterburn Ranges.

The circumstances surrounding the 25-year-old's death on the Northumberland training area are being investigated, and the MOD said it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time.

His regiment, known as The Fighting Fourth, said it was with deep sadness that his death was announced.

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It said: "Known to all simply as Gilbert, he was an immensely enthusiastic officer who embraced life with a vigour that inspired everyone around him.

"Always full of ideas and never without a bright smile, Gilbert approached every challenge wholeheartedly, whether in camp or out in the field.

"His versatility was remarkable, and he threw himself into a wide range of activities with energy and commitment."

An outstanding officer

The regiment added: "Professionally, Gilbert was an outstanding officer who consistently put his soldiers first. He led from the front in all that he did, a quality that defined his character.

"His leadership, courage and sense of duty earned him the respect and admiration of all who served alongside him.

"Friends and colleagues will remember Gilbert for his easy-going nature, boundless energy, and infectious sense of humour. He had an extraordinary ability to lift spirits and make the best of any situation, leaving a lasting impression on all 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."

He thrived in the role

Capt Muldowney's unit, 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, is a Light Role Close Support Artillery Regiment.

Its primary role is to provide combat support to Infantry and Cavalry Regiments within 7th Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team – The Desert Rats.

He served as a Fire Support Team Commander in 129 (Dragon) Battery, having joined the Army in January 2020 and commissioning into the Royal Artillery in December that year after attending Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Capt Muldowney was appointed Troop Commander in D Battery, 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery in April 2021, where he was immediately immersed in preparations for deployment on Operation Cabrit, deploying to Estonia in November 2021.

After returning from Cabrit, he moved in May 2023 to Army Training Foundation College Winchester as a Company Second-in-Command and Phase One instructor.

In September 2024, Capt Muldowney joined 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery in Plymouth as a Battery Reconnaissance Officer in 7 (Sphinx) Battery.

His role demanded the meticulous reconnaissance required to deploy the L118 Light Gun onto its gun positions to engage targets, and he travelled widely across the UK fulfilling these responsibilities.

In January 2025, he undertook the All-Arms Commando Course at Lympstone – a challenge he relished. Despite sustaining a serious injury during the course, and his strong desire to continue, he was ordered to pause and rehabilitate.

Following his recovery, Gilbert successfully completed the Fire Support Team Commanders' Course at the Royal School of Artillery.

Last September, he joined 4th Regiment Royal Artillery as a Fire Support Commander within 129 (Dragon) Battery.

He thrived in this role, confidently advising Infantry Company Commanders senior to him on the employment of artillery, mortars, rockets and air-delivered munitions, responsibilities he carried out with notable skill.

He led from the front

During the recent regimental exercise on the Otterburn Training Area, Capt Muldowney and his Fire Support Team excelled throughout the technical firing phases, engaging all targets with speed and aggression.

In the tactical phase, he led his team to an Observation Post 5km from their cached Foxhound vehicle.

Carrying their equipment, specialised optics and communications systems, he navigated them to the location and established a concealed hide in -5°C conditions.

The team remained undetected for 20 hours while reporting simulated enemy movements before conducting a simulated strike on a High Value Target. The MOD said their performance was exemplary.

It added: "Gilbert was an exceptional officer who always put his soldiers first. He always led from the front, a hallmark of his character.

"His leadership, courage, and deep sense of duty earned him the enduring respect and admiration of all who served alongside him.

"Friends and colleagues will remember Gilbert for his warmth, boundless energy, and infectious humour. He had a rare gift for lifting spirits and bringing out the best in people, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.

"Gilbert was an unforgettable character and a rising star within the Army and the regiment. His loss is profoundly felt by his comrades and friends, and our thoughts and prayers remain with his family at this most difficult time."