MAJOR PAUL WILKS KILLED IN UKRAINE ROAD CRASH

Major Paul Wilks, an intelligence officer, has died in a road traffic collision in Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The collision happened on Saturday 12 September, away from the front lines. Major Wilks served his entire military career in the Intelligence Corps, having commissioned from Sandhurst in 2012. His Commanding Officer described him as "a man of great intellect" who often spoke of his love for his wife and two sons. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said Major Wilks "served this country with pride and dedication."

During his career, Major Wilks completed multiple operational tours, including a deployment to Afghanistan, and received two Operational Service Medals. He also received the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 7 May 2026. His Commanding Officer said Major Wilks maintained "a sharp sense of humour and a genuine warmth" that connected him to everyone in the unit, and remained "a mate to those he served with." He added that Major Wilks had spoken of his gratitude for the support of his wife and sons. Lieutenant General Matthew Jones, Colonel Commandant of the Intelligence Corps, described him as "one of the most talented intelligence officers of his generation."

His Commanding Officer said Major Wilks's death came "in the course of his devotion to duty" and described it as "the ultimate sacrifice." He said Major Wilks "represented the finest traditions of UK Defence" and that it had been "a privilege to serve alongside him." The tribute said Major Wilks would be missed by his unit. The Ministry of Defence has not given further detail on the circumstances of the collision beyond confirming it happened away from front-line areas.