Jordan Gatley served in the British Army until March, when “after considerable consideration… he traveled to Ukraine to assist,” according to a Facebook post by his father.
Jordan Gatley, 24 years old, quit the British Army in March after serving for six years “to pursue his career as a soldier in other regions” and afterward traveled to Ukraine to assist in repelling Russian forces and training Ukrainian soldiers.
Former members of the 3rd Battalion The Rifles are among those who have paid respect to their former colleague, with a presidential advisor describing him as “a great hero.”
Jordan’s father Dean announced the tragedy on Facebook: “Yesterday (10/06/22) we received the heartbreaking news that our son Jordan was shot and died in the Ukrainian city of Severodonetsk.”
The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office acknowledged that it is “assisting the family of a British citizen who died in Ukraine.”
His father continued: “His team says they all adored him, as did we, and he made a tremendous influence in the lives of many people, not just by serving as a soldier but also by teaching the Ukrainian military.
“Jordan and his team were so proud of the work they were accomplishing, and he frequently informed me that the missions they were undertaking were perilous but vital.
“He was devoted to his work, and we are extremely proud of him. He was a true hero and will be in our hearts forever.”
He was being compensated but died before receiving his first payment, he added.
“He joined so that he would be protected under the Geneva Convention.
“He was concerned for those in need. I had been inconsolable for the past two days.”
Mr. Gatley’s late-Saturday Facebook post has been welcomed with hundreds of condolence comments.
Mykhailo Podolyak, the president’s advisor, also paid him tribute.
He said the following on Twitter: “It takes great guts to leave home and go a thousand kilometers to defend one’s beliefs.
Because the heart dictates it. Because you cannot tolerate the bad.
“Jordan Gatley was an exemplary hero. We will never forget his commitment to the defense of Ukraine and the world’s free nations.”
Will Murray, who served alongside Jordan in the 3rd Battalion The Rifles.
“Jordan was a decent boy. He was a professional who took his work extremely seriously.”
Mr. Murray stated that they were not sent into a conflict during their period of service together; but, given he left The Rifles in 2020, it is plausible that Jordan went on such a deployment between that time and March of last year.
“I was shocked [he traveled to Ukraine]. I did not expect him to. However, as stated, he took it extremely seriously “added Mr. Murray.
Billyjoe Powers, who served alongside Jordan in the 3rd Battalion The Rifles.
“Gatley was already serving as a Lance Corporal when I joined the military. He was a gentleman who put you first at all times. He was flawless on the field, always looking out for others. Top lad.
He had a smile on his face at all times.
In response to the news of his passing, he stated: “I couldn’t even believe it. I was unaware of his departure until I noticed the RIPs.”
Second British fatality in Ukraine since the outbreak of hostilities
Jordan Gatley is the second British soldier reported to have died in Ukraine during the conflict.
Scott Sibley, 36 years old, passed away at the end of April and was a former member of the British Armed Forces.
In recent weeks, Severodonetsk has become the focal point of the Russian offensive.
It is one of the few remaining Ukrainian-controlled areas in the occupied eastern Luhansk region.
In its most recent intelligence brief, the Ministry of Defense stated on Sunday that “Russia is employing its superior force ratio and artillery to progressively gain areas in and around Severodonetsk.”
