A British Army member has tragically passed away in a training mishap in the northern region of Iraq, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The incident occurred on Sunday, May 30, and the soldier’s family has been notified. The MoD has requested a period of privacy before disclosing further details.
Expressing condolences, the MoD stated, “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends during this difficult time.” Defence Secretary John Healey also acknowledged the fatality in the House of Commons on Monday, conveying solidarity with the family and the unit affected by the tragic event.
Notably, some British personnel are still stationed in Iraq as part of Operation Shader, the UK’s commitment to the global coalition combatting the resurgence of the Islamic State group in the area.
This incident follows the January 25 passing of Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney, 25, in an occurrence at the Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland, a key army training location in the UK. Capt Muldowney, hailing from Co Roscommon, served as a fire support commander within the 129 (Dragon) Battery of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery. He commenced his service in January 2020, receiving his commission into the Royal Artillery in December 2020 post his training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
An initial inquest revealed that Capt Muldowney sustained a gunshot wound, entering through his back and exiting through his left shoulder. The inquest has been adjourned pending investigations by Northumbria Police, the Health and Safety Executive, and the Defence Safety Authority.
In response to his untimely death, the MoD praised Capt Muldowney as “an immensely enthusiastic officer who infused life with a contagious energy that inspired those around him.”
