Former Royal Marines chief killed himself after ‘concerns about marriage and career’
THE former head of the Royal Marines died from hanging after “concerns about his marriage and service career”, his inquest was told.
Major General Matthew Holmes, 54, was found in a bedroom at his home in Winchester, Hampshire, on October 2, the hearing was told.
Hampshire coroner Jason Pegg said the father of two was identified by his widow, Lea, and a post-mortem examination gave hanging as a preliminary cause of death.
The highly decorated officer, who had served in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, was Commandant General Royal Marines from 2019 until April this year.
The coroner said he would be requesting details from the Royal Navy of Major Gen Holmes’ removal from the position and “his response to it”. Mr Pegg said: “It’s suspected that Matthew Holmes had a number of concerns at the time of his death including matters relating to his marriage and his service career.”
The inquest opening, held in Winchester, heard that police had attended an incident at the family home on September 22. Mr Pegg asked for the officers who attended to provide full statements.
Funeral
The coroner also said he would be requesting statements from Mrs Holmes, the officer’s sister, Sarah Holmes, and a navy doctor along with the results of toxicology tests.
The inquest was adjourned for a full hearing on February 10.
The funeral for Major Gen Holmes is at Winchester Cathedral today and a fundraising page in aid of The Royal Marines Charity and the RNLI in his memory has raised more than £3,500.
He commanded 42 Commando Royal Marines from 2006 to 2008 and was appointed as a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership on operations in Afghanistan in 2007.
Awarded a CBE in 2019, Major Gen Holmes was a pallbearer at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral in April.
Paying tribute at the time of his death, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “My thoughts are with Matt’s family and friends at this difficult time, as well as the Royal Marines and Royal Navy who I know will feel this loss keenly.”
Mrs Holmes described him as “courageous”, having “committed his life to serving in the Royal Marines”.