Scots soldier Connor Morrison died in non-operational incident, says MOD

A young Scottish soldier died during a non-operational incident, the Ministry of Defence has said.

Sapper Connor Morrison, originally from Bishopton, was reported to have suffered breathing difficulties on July 21, with the ambulance service called to Rock Barracks in Sutton Heath during a record-breaking heatwave.

The soldier, of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, died two days later on July 23.

His commanding officer said he was “truly selfless and kind-hearted”.

Lieutenant colonel Jack Crossley said: “Sapper Morrison was a professional soldier with much promise. Keen and enthusiastic, he worked hard to achieve his goals at every stage of his training and impressed his instructors with his knowledge and skills.

“More importantly, he was a loyal friend and a genuine team player. In typical Army fashion, those closest to Sapper Morrison knew him as ‘Tesco’ or ‘Sainsburys’ in cheeky reference to Morrisons the supermarket chain.”

Sapper Morrison joined the British Army on January 3, 2021, aged 19.

He completed his basic training at the Army Training Centre, Pirbright, before moving to 3 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment to commence his specialist combat engineer training.

LC Crossley said the young soldier was an avid supporter of Scottish football and when his English colleagues got “overexcited” about their teams’ prospects, he enjoyed reminding them that England drew with Scotland in Euro 2020, and therefore “England, can’t even beat Scotland”.

Sapper Morrison qualified as a Class 2 Combat Engineer on February 4, 2022.

“Everyone enjoyed spending time with Connor whether working together, chatting about the day or just having a laugh,” LC Crossley said.

Minister for the armed forces James Heappey said: “It is with deep sadness that I heard of the death of sapper Connor Liam Morrison of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment.

“It’s clear from his colleagues that he had a passion for the British Army, made an instant positive impact on all those he served with, and always put the needs of his fellow soldiers above his own; a role model to all.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this terrible time.”