Tributes To Soldier Who Died On Exercise

Comrades of the soldier who died while on a training exercise in the Brecon area of Wales have said they are "utterly devastated".

Corporal Josh Hoole collapsed at around 9am on Tuesday as he returned to Dering Lines infantry training centre.

The 26-year-old, from Ecclefechan near Lockerbie in Scotland, served in the Rifles regiment.

His commanding officer, Major Dean Murch MBE, said: "We are utterly devastated, but our loss is nothing compared to that of his loved ones.

"His family have lost a son, a brother, a fiancé and a very special friend. Their grief will be inconsolable.

"Truly, the thoughts and prayers of every single Rifleman in the regiment and all his colleagues at the Infantry Training Centre are with them in their hour of need, now and in the forthcoming days and beyond."

During the fitness test, Cpl Hoole had to walk eight miles in two hours with 25kg on his back.

The test on roads around Brecon is part of pre-course training for the Platoon Sergeants' Battle Course.

It is run three times a year and is taken by infantry soldiers who want to progress to the rank of sergeant.

It is described on the Army website as "both mentally and physically demanding".

Cpl Hoole was said by his grandfather, John Craig, to be a "dedicated soldier" and "superfit".

Sky's Defence Correspondent Alistair Bunkall said: "I think what is key is that this was not part of any special forces selection because that has seen a number of deaths in the past.

"Most notably, back in 2013, three reservists lost their lives during special forces training in these mountains.

"That was subject to a pretty intensive and public inquest that concluded not so long ago.

"This wasn't the case this time round and it will be up to a doctor to determine exactly how Cpl Hoole died."

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said an investigation had begun into the circumstances surrounding his death.