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Soldier dies after gully fall

Andy Gilbert

A BRITISH soldier has died after apparently falling down a gully following a military exercise at Castle Peak ranges in the New Territories.

Recently married Private John Borthwick, 23, was found on Wednesday morning following an all-night search.

He was helping to put out fires on the range caused by live firing exercises with a company of the first battalion of the Black Watch when he went missing on Tuesday afternoon.

His body was found at the bottom of a gully at about 8 am. It appears he died as a result of the fall.

A military spokesman said there was no suggestion Private Borthwick was shot.

''This appears to be a straight-forward accident which occurred after the live firing exercise.'' Private Borthwick's wife, with whom he lived in married quarters in Hong Kong, was being comforted yesterday.

His body was taken to the British Military Hospital and could be flown back to his home in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, once a decision on an inquest is reached. It is possible an inquest could be held in Britain.

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