More than 700 mourners attend funeral of former head of the Royal Marines

Major General Matthew Holmes died earlier his month at his home in Winchester

More than 700 mourners, including the Defence Secretary and senior military officers, have attended the funeral of the former head of the Royal Marines.

Major General Matthew Holmes, who was a pall-bearer at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, was found dead at his home in Winchester, Hampshire, on October 2.

An inquest heard he was found hanged after he had been having “concerns” about his career and his marriage.

Maj Gen Holmes, 54, who had served in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, was Commandant General Royal Marines from 2019 until April this year.

Among those at the funeral at Winchester Cathedral were his widow, Lea, a solicitor, and his children, William, 11, and Eleanor, 15.

Also present were Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, the outgoing Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter, and his replacement, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, who will take up the post next month.

Published: 13/10/2021 by Radio NewsHub