Tributes paid after ex-head of Royal Marines is found dead

Military colleagues and prime minister pay tribute to former commandant general Matthew Holmes

Boris Johnson led tributes from across the military to the former head of the Royal Marines who was found dead on Saturday at the age of 54.

The prime minister said he was very saddened" to learn of the sudden death of Maj Gen Matthew Holmes, who had led the Marines until his replacement in a reorganisation early this year.

Holmes had been commandant general of the marines from 2019 until April this year and had previously served in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, during a career of more than 30 years in the armed forces.

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," Johnson said.

Investigations continue into the circumstances of Holmes's death, the Ministry of Defence said. But defence sources said it was understood he had killed himself. There had been a period of personal difficulties, they said.

Holmes's sudden death has rocked colleagues in the military. The defence secretary, Ben Wallace, said on Monday that we mourn the tragic loss of one of our own" - and praised Holmes for serving with distinction and rigour".

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.