Sergeant Gavin Hillier Killed in Training Mishap
Sergeant Gavin Hillier, a 35-year-old member of the Welsh Guards and father of two, died instantly during a night training exercise at the Castlemartin rifle range in Pembrokeshire on March 4, 2021. A fellow soldier, identified as Guardsman 1, mistook him for a target and fired the fatal shot due to uncorrected poor vision, as he was not wearing prescribed contact lenses.
Family’s Ongoing Wait for Answers
Five years later, Sgt Hillier’s mother, Karen Selway, urges coroner Gareth Lewis to schedule the full inquest promptly. She highlights repeated delays, noting one grandchild has reached adulthood since the tragedy. Addressing the coroner, Ms Selway stated: “As a family we have been patient and allowed you to do your job. We have been let down four times with dates. Please can we have this done this year not next year?”
“We appreciate that people have things to do but as a family we really do need a conclusion to this. I want to be here for my son’s inquest. I want this please to be done this year. As a family, my grandchild is now 18, they were 12 when this happened. I think we have been through enough.”
Coroner Lewis indicated the inquest will occur between October 5, 2026, and January 29, 2027, but could not provide a firm date.
Inquiry Reveals Critical Vision Failure
A Service Inquiry report details how Guardsman 1’s eyesight issues initially barred him from joining the Welsh Guards until corrective lenses allowed reassessment. Medical confidentiality rules prevented Army medics from notifying his chain of command about the need for glasses; it was his responsibility to inform superiors.
Sgt Hillier served as safety supervisor, wearing a high-visibility fluorescent yellow jacket, a red glowstick on his helmet, and body armour. Yet, at 143 meters, Guardsman 1’s uncorrected binocular vision equated to normal sight at 429 meters, and with his aiming eye, up to 858 meters. The report identifies 14 contributing factors and issues 20 recommendations to prevent recurrence. A Ministry of Defence probe confirms not wearing lenses severely impaired target identification. The Health and Safety Executive continues its investigation.
Distinguished Service Record
Sgt Hillier deployed to Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan, earning the Long Service and Good Conduct medal from King Charles in 2019. The Welsh Guards described him as a “stalwart” exemplifying the highest standards.
Heartfelt Tributes from Family
His widow, Karyn, and sons Declan and Connor shared: “I thank you for the day you came into my life and made me your wife and became the father to our two beautiful boys. We are absolutely heartbroken and can’t express how proud we are of you. Our boys will continue to make you proud and you will forever live on through them. Daddy, we are not ready to say goodbye just yet so until we meet again, we love you always. Love, your heartbroken wife and boys.”
His father posted: “Absolutely devastated to be writing this post, probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. At 3.45 this morning I received a phone call that will forever change my life. My eldest son was in a fatal accident, in the army, the job he loved. Sleep tight and rest in peace son. I’m so proud of you. Goodnight and God bless. Love your heartbroken dad, xxx.”
Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace expressed being “deeply saddened,” praising Sgt Hillier’s dedication evident in colleagues’ testimonies.
