Tributes paid to 'remarkable' Ranger Regiment soldier who died in Brecon

Tributes have been paid following the death of a member of 4th Battalion The Ranger Regiment during a non-operational incident.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed Corporal Christopher Gill died in Brecon on 16 October.

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Bairsto, the Commanding Officer of 4 Ranger, said he was a "remarkable Army Special Operations soldier" and his death was "sorely felt".

"His family have lost a loving and doting father, husband and son," he said.

"His friends and fellow Rangers will miss a much-loved and respected leader. 

"The Army has lost a professional, capable and loyal Special Operations soldier, whose contribution to the team made it much stronger than the sum of its parts; he made a real impact throughout his distinguished career."

He added that Cpl Gill "truly lived the Ranger ethos" and was a man who inspired those around him.

Lt Col Bairsto also said he was held in the highest regard across the Rifles, Ranger and Army Special Operations communities.

"He excelled throughout his thirteen years' service, a chosen man who will be sorely missed," he said.

Cpl Gill joined the Army in 2011, first serving in 4th Battalion The Rifles, before deploying to Helmand Province on Operation Herrick 18.

This saw him selected to attend a Section Commanders' Battle Course, earning a promotion to corporal.

Lt Col Bairsto said "from the start", Cpl Gill's "initiative, soldiering skill and honest manner highlighted him as a future leader". 

Cpl Gill then deployed to Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan, leading a small team delivering training to specialist partners. 

"His professionalism again earmarked him for further commitments going on to partner local forces in Belize, the US, Kenya and Morocco," Lt Col Bairsto said.

"Throughout, his assured approach, knowledge and humour won the respect and loyalty of partnered forces, making him a remarkably successful instructor.

"His relentless, quick wit became central to the morale of the teams he led.

"In the face of adversity, he could always be relied upon to get everyone chuckling no matter the situation."

In 2021, Cpl Gill volunteered for Army Special Operations and passed the assessment, joining 4th Battalion The Ranger Regiment.

Here, "his talents and dedication made an enormous difference", Lt Col Bairsto said, with his contribution crucial to "the development of the Battalion's capabilities and culture".

Cpl Gill also volunteered to train Ukrainian soldiers in the UK, a "testament to his commitment to service and preservation of our freedoms".

Lt Col Bairsto said Cpl Gill was a "highly regarded member of Team 9, he was a brilliant mentor in R Company and charismatic presence loved in the Battalion". 

"He always took the time to develop newer Rangers and as a straight talker demanded the high standards, winning the respect and admiration across the Battalion," he said.

"A chosen man never forgotten."