Captain Philip Muldowney remembered as inspirational Royal Artillery officer
A 25-year-old British Army officer has died following an incident in live firing tactical training in Northumberland.
The Ministry of Defence said Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney of the Royal Artillery died on January 25 while taking part in a regimental exercise at the Otterburn Training Area.
In a statement, the Army said its thoughts were with Captain Muldowney’s family, friends, and colleagues at what it described as “an immensely sad time”.
An investigation into the incident is under way, as is standard practice following training fatalities.
Distinguished service across multiple regiments
Captain Muldowney, known universally as Gilbert, joined the Army in January 2020 and commissioned into the Royal Artillery later that year after completing training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
He served most recently as a Fire Support Team Commander with 129 Dragon Battery, 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, a role that required him to advise infantry commanders on the use of artillery, mortars, rockets and air delivered munitions.
Colleagues described him as an officer of rare professionalism, technical skill, and warmth, who consistently put the welfare of his soldiers first.
Operational deployments and instructional roles
Early in his career, Captain Muldowney was appointed as a Troop Commander with 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery and deployed to Estonia on Operation Cabrit in late 2021. Despite the challenges posed by COVID restrictions, he was credited with building a cohesive and highly effective team.
Following his return to the UK, he moved in 2023 to the Army Training Foundation College in Winchester, where he served as a Company Second in Command and Phase One instructor. Hundreds of junior soldiers passed through his care, with colleagues noting his impact as a mentor both in the classroom and on demanding training exercises overseas.
He later joined 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery in Plymouth, undertaking the All Arms Commando Course at Lympstone in 2025. Although he sustained a serious injury during the course, he returned to full duties after rehabilitation.
Outstanding performance shortly before death
During the most recent regimental exercise at Otterburn, Captain Muldowney led his Fire Support Team through demanding winter conditions, including prolonged observation in sub zero temperatures.
His team remained concealed for almost 20 hours while tracking simulated enemy movements before conducting a successful simulated strike on a high value target. Senior officers described the team’s performance as exemplary.
Lieutenant Colonel Henry Waller, Commanding Officer of 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, said Captain Muldowney was “an exceptional officer who always led from the front and earned the enduring respect of all who served alongside him”.
Tributes from across the Army
Tributes have poured in from across the Royal Artillery and wider Army community.
Major Martin Simms, Battery Commander of 129 Dragon Battery, described him as “the perfect officer”, adding that his “relentless professionalism, coupled with a cheerful and charismatic personality, made him a role model to us all”.
Captain Helen Brackenbury, who served with him at brigade headquarters, said his reliability and selflessness earned “genuine respect and trust from his soldiers”.
Others spoke of his humour, kindness, and ability to lift morale in difficult circumstances. Friends recalled him as a loyal colleague and a true friend who lived life to the fullest.
Investigation continues
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the incident will be formally investigated and that Captain Muldowney’s family is being supported.
His death marks a profound loss for the Royal Artillery and for those who served alongside him. Colleagues say he will be remembered not only for his operational skill, but for the spirit, humanity, and leadership he brought to everything he did.
