Last Updated on: 5th October 2021, 04:45 pm
Who is Major General Matthew Holmes? Biography, Wiki
Former Royal Marines chief Major General Matthew Holmes died of an alleged suicide after struggling with separation from his wife and losing his job.
In April, he was fired from his post as commanding general of the Royal Marines, leader of professional troops, as part of a restructuring of the Royal Navy, despite serving only 20 months in a three-year period.
Matthew Holmes Age
His current age was 54 years.
Matthew Holmes Found Dead At Home Aged 54
Matthew Holmes, who received the 2007 Distinguished Service Order for his front-line leadership in Afghanistan, was found dead on Saturday.
In April he was a porter at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral in procession from the steps of St George’s Chapel.
The Defense Ministry said the investigation into the circumstances of Holmes’ death is ongoing. But defense sources said he was known to have committed suicide. There was a time of personal difficulties, they said.
Holmes’s sudden death shook his military colleagues. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said Monday that “we mourn the tragic loss of one of our own” and praised Holmes for serving with “discernment and thoroughness.”
Matthew Holmes Wife
Lea Holmes, Matthew’s wife, described him as “a kind and generous man.”
She added: “He was brave and dedicated his life to serving with the Royal Marines; he was so selfless that he was more important than his own career. He was extremely proud to have served as the commanding general.”
His Services
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Royal Navy, said: “Matt was a dear friend to many and a close friend for over 20 years. He very much misses the church service and especially the family of the corpse.”
Holmes had been relieved of his position as Chief of the Marine Corps after a reorganization, after serving just over a year and a half in what is commonly known as three years of service.
He had resisted the move, defense sources said, and it was reported earlier this year. But Radakin continued to change as part of his broader transformation plan for the Royal Navy.
Holmes was replaced by Lt. General Rob Magowan and allowed to remain as an advisor for six months to help with retirement.
Radakin is one of the top two candidates to replace General Sir Nick Carter as Chief of the Armed Forces after Johnson completed interviews for the position last week. An appointment was expected late last week, but he was postponed after the Conservative party congress.
Some defense sources believe that Radakin is Johnson’s preferred candidate after the latest round of interviews. However, General Sir Patrick Sanders, the strategic command chief responsible for the cyber operations of the two special forces, also has strong support in other parts of the military.
Downing Street makes an appointment in a field of five on Wallace’s recommendation.
The Defense Department said its “righteous thoughts, condolences and condolences go out to Major General Holmes’ family and friends.” A spokesperson asked that his privacy be respected.
Tributes Paid in Honor of Matthew Holmes
Boris Johnson paid tribute to the former head of the Royal Marines, who was found dead Saturday at the age of 54.
The prime minister said he was “very saddened” to learn of the sudden death of Major General Matthew Holmes, who had led the Marines until he was replaced as part of a shakeup earlier this year.
Holmes served as the commanding general of the Marine Corps from 2019 until April of that year, having previously served in the military in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan for more than 30 years.
“My thoughts are with Matt’s family and friends, as well as the Royal Marines and Royal Navy during this difficult time, who I know will be deeply sorry for this loss,” Johnson said.
