Catterick soldier dies training on hottest day of the year
The soldier, who served in the Rifles regiment in Yorkshire, was taking part in the drill on Tuesday - Britain's hottest say of the year so far.
An Catterick infantry soldier has died while on a training exercise in the Brecon area of Wales, the Ministry of Defence has said.
The soldier, who served in the Rifles regiment in Yorkshire, was taking part in the drill on Tuesday - Britain's hottest say of the year so far.
In Brecon, temperatures peaked at 30C (86F), according to the Met Office.
An Army spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a soldier from ITC Catterick died on 19 July while conducting pre-course training for the Platoon Sergeants' Battle Course in Brecon."
This course, which is run three times a year and is taken by infantry soldiers who want to progress to the rank of sergeant, is described on the Army website as "both mentally and physically demanding".
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 he died."
Three soldiers died during an SAS training exercise in the Brecon Beacons on one of the hottest days of 2013.
Lance Corporals Edward Maher and Craig Roberts were pronounced dead at the scene after suffering heatstroke during a 16-mile SAS test march.
Corporal James Dunsby died from multiple organ failure in Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital more than two weeks later.
A coroner ruled that neglect played a part in their deaths.
Bunkall said measures were put in place following that inquest which included making sure there are plenty of water stations and that soldiers carry enough water with them and are properly briefed before they head out.
"Hot conditions have to be practised because if you think about Afghanistan and Iraq - the two most recent theatres of conflict - they are very hot indeed," said Bunkall.
Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin told the House of Commons Defence Committee that she wanted to express her sorrow at the "very sad death" and to "make the commitment that the Ministry of Defence will, of course, be undertaking a full investigation".
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said the force was investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.