Royal Marines

Maj Gen Matt Holmes: Ex-Royal Marines chief had 'concerns over marriage and career'

The former head of the Royal Marines died after having "concerns about his marriage and service career", a hearing to open the inquest into his death was told.

Major General Matthew Holmes, 54, was found in a bedroom at his home in Winchester, Hampshire, on 2 October, the inquest heard.

Hampshire coroner Jason Pegg said that Maj Gen Holmes' body was formally identified by his widow, Lea.

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

Mr Pegg said he would be requesting details from the Royal Navy of Maj Gen Holmes' career including his career management regarding his removal from the position of Commandant General Royal Marines and "his response to it".

"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," Mr Pegg added.

The short hearing heard that police had attended an incident at the family home on 22 September.

The coroner said he would be requesting statements from Maj Gen Holmes' widow and his sister, Sarah Holmes, as well as a Royal Navy doctor and the full results of the post-mortem examination and toxicology tests.

The inquest was adjourned for a full hearing on 10 February 2022.

Maj Gen Holmes 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.

He was a pallbearer at the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral in April during the procession to the steps of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Maj Gen Holmes was awarded a CBE in 2019 and has been described as one of the "most senior and highly decorated Royal Marines".

If you or someone you know has been affected by this story, you can find more information about available support services on our website.