Royal Navy helicopter crash victims named as UK’s solely serving feminine commando killed

The three members of the Royal Navy who died in a helicopter crash in Devon have been named as Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and Petty Officer Owen Green

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Britain’s only serving female commando has been named amongst the three victims of a helicopter crash in Devon.

Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, died alongside 42-year-old Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and 24-year-old Petty Officer Owen Green following the incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, just before 4am on Wednesday (June 4).

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the incident happened just before 4am on Wednesday, with images showing the destroyed aircraft at the scene.

Police said emergency services were notified at around 3.45am after reports of a crash in Devon. The Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed into a field during a training exercise.

In a post on X, showing images of the three victims, the MoD said: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm the deaths of Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher of 846 Naval Air Squadron, and Petty Officer Owen Green of 845 Naval Air Squadron, who died in Devon during routine training activity on 3 June.”

The Royal Navy also confirmed the names and said: “All three dedicated their lives to serving the Royal Navy and their country.

“Our thoughts remain with their families, friends and colleagues and we continue to demand their privacy is respected at this time.

“We also ask anyone in the vicinity of the crash site to understand the poignancy of this, not to share footage and hand any footage to the relevant investigating authority.”

Lt Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, who was based in Yeovil, Somerset, was a member of the Royal Navy from May 2019 before her death in the incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, on Wednesday.

She described it as a “massive privilege and a huge honour to serve my country” – with her achievement as the only British female Royal Navy commando being praised by Nato.

Lt Fisher grew up in Virginia Water, Surrey and graduated from Imperial College London in 2016 after studying geology.

She joined the University Army Officer Training Corps in 2012 and then the University Air Squadron in 2013.

The talented sportswoman worked as an exploration geologist for BP for two years, until she resigned in 2018 – accepting a commission in the Royal Navy around a year later.

Among her helicopter flying training, Lt Fisher represented Great Britain at the European Age Group Triathlon Championships in 2021.

After a stint in a supporting role to a specialist maritime unit, she successfully completed the 16-week All Arms Commando Course – something very few women have completed to date.

The head of the Navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said: “I am deeply saddened to share the news that three crewmembers onboard a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter have died after it crashed in the early hours of this morning near Sourton, Devon.

“I know this will come as a huge shock to all in our naval community, and my deepest condolences go out to the families, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.”

Members of the UK armed forces have started paying tribute to the three killed in the crash.

Commanding Officer of Commando Helicopter Force, Colonel Will Penkman, said: “It is a tragedy that we lost three members of the CHF family yesterday.

“Cherished members of the force with bright futures ahead of them, they were all highly committed professionals infused with the Junglie spirit of the force.

“Their loss leaves a terrible gap in our hearts and my thoughts go out to their family and friends who dearly loved them.”

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