New Delhi, October 04, 2021: The previous head of the Royal Marines has “tragically” died in circumstances that are being investigated, the Ministry of Defence and his colleagues said on Sunday.
Major General Matthew Holmes, who was still a serving officer, was described by the First Sea Lord as a “close friend”.
He died on Saturday. “He will be sorely missed by the service and especially the corps family,” Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said.
“But my thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy are with Matt’s family. Their loss is the greatest and most painful: we will be there for them now and always.”
Lieutenant General Rob Magowan, the current head of the Royal Marines, said his former colleague and friend “tragically died at the weekend”.
He said: “My heart goes out to him and his family. We will honour him and all those closest to him. But I also think of you all. It matters not that he was a general, but it does that he is a Royal Marine according to the reports published in news.sky.com.
“I remember and celebrate him, alongside all those who he is with now. We are one family, together, just as we learned, and as we trained, alongside each other at the Commando Training Centre. Once a marine, always a marine.”
