The Defence Accident Investigation Branch has opened an inquiry following the death of a Royal Artillery officer during live-fire training at a Northumberland range where another soldier was fatally shot a decade ago.
Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney, 25, died on Sunday, January 25, after being struck during a night-time tactical exercise at Otterburn Training Area. The incident marks the second fatal shooting at the facility in ten years.
The captain was participating in training alongside elite Scots Guards personnel when he was hit at approximately 8pm. Troops were using night vision goggles and SA80 assault rifles to engage pop-up targets during the exercise.
Emergency medical treatment was administered by fellow soldiers at the scene, but Capt Muldowney died before paramedics could reach the remote location. He was reportedly struck in the back, with sources indicating he was hit in an area not covered by protective equipment despite wearing bulletproof Virtus body armour and a kevlar helmet.
According to reports, eight soldiers were divided into two groups during the drill, with one team advancing in an assault role whilst the other provided covering fire. The fatal shooting occurred within minutes of the live-fire exercise commencing.
Personnel typically wear infrared patches visible through night vision equipment to distinguish themselves from human-shaped targets. The metal and wooden targets used in such training are designed to fall when struck by rounds.
Capt Muldowney enlisted in 2020 and received his Royal Artillery commission in December that year after completing training at Sandhurst. He earned recognition during the Young Officers’ Course at the Royal School of Artillery for his intellect and resilience under pressure.
His military career included deployment to Estonia in 2021 as part of Operation Cabrit, defending NATO’s eastern flank. From 2023, he served as an instructor at the Army Training Foundation College in Winchester, where hundreds of personnel benefited from his guidance.
In 2024, he joined 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and began the All-Arms Commando Course at Lympstone in 2025, though a serious injury forced him to pause his attempt. Following recovery, he completed the Fire Support Team Commanders’ Course and joined 4th Regiment Royal Artillery last September, serving as a Fire Support Team Commander in 129 (Dragon) Battery.
Lieutenant Colonel Henry Waller described him as an outstanding officer who consistently put his soldiers first and led from the front in all endeavours. Major Martin Simms stated his relentless professionalism and charismatic personality made him the perfect officer.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the death, stating thoughts are with Captain Muldowney’s family and friends.
The tragedy echoes a 2016 incident at Otterburn when Private Conor McPherson, 24, of the Black Watch regiment, was fatally shot in the head during a night exercise. An investigation into that death found he had been mistaken for a target by soldiers operating in darkness, citing inadequate planning and supervision. The Health and Safety Executive criticised the MoD in 2024, stating the death was preventable.
The Defence Accident Investigation Branch inquiry will examine circumstances surrounding the latest fatal incident.
