Soldier dies on Romney Marsh

Fusilier Dean Griffiths, 21, was just months away from becoming a father when he was hit and killed by live ammunition while training at Lydd Ranges, near Dungeness, a weeklast Wednesday. Mr Griffiths’ brother, Dewi said: “Dean was fun, loving and caring and was so excited at becoming a father.

Dean Griffiths was from Drayton, in Shropshire. Five years ago, a 20-year-old soldier was shot during an exercise at the same ranges. Guardsman Ian Wright, who served with the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, was killed by a single gunshot wound to the head.

The ranges have been used for military training for more than 150 years, according to the MoD.

They are situated on the reclaimed lands of the historic Romney Marsh.The ranges are used for live firing with a danger area extending out to sea.

Red flags are flown during firing, when access is banned along the foreshore and Galloway’s Road.

Lt Col Stephen Webb MC, Commanding Officer of Chester-based 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh, said: “As a battalion we are hugely saddened by the death of Fusilier Griffiths.

An Army spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Fusilier Dean Griffiths at this difficult time.

“The matter is subject to a civil police investigation and it would therefore be inappropriate to comment further while this is ongoing.” Kent Police said they were working closely with the Army and the Health & Safety Executive.