A ‘RISING star’ Army commander killed himself after suffering from work pressures, his father claims.
Major Nick Coles, 36, who served with the historic Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, died on August 4 – triggering further concerns about mental health issues in the Armed Forces.
At his funeral on Monday, the major’s father, retired Lieutenant Colonel Tim Coles, delivered a strongly worded warning to military officials over the support provided to servicemen.
Major Coles was found at his quarters in Andover, Hampshire, by his wife Tabitha. He had a daughter aged one.
His death follows criticism of the Army earlier this year by a coroner over the suicide of Officer Cadet Olivia Perks, 21, in 2019.
The inquest was told there was a ‘complete breakdown in welfare support’ for Ms Perks, who died at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Berkshire.
Major Nick Coles, 36, who served with the historic Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, died on August 4
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Tim Coles speaks during his sons funeral
Coroner Alison McCormick said there was a ‘missed opportunity by the chain of command’ to recognise the risk of Ms Perks killing herself.
That same message echoed from the pulpit at St George’s Church in Bulford, Wiltshire, where about 600 mourners had gathered to remember Major Coles.
Lieutenant Colonel Coles, who is regional director of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, said: ‘If there is a problem, we as leaders should identify that and help to point our colleagues and subordinates in the right direction. Don’t hesitate. My message is listen, think, care and smile. But most importantly, look behind the mask.’
MoD data in 2022 showed the Army suicide rate had been rising since 2017, and is higher than that of the RAF and Royal Navy. Overall, more than 100 service personnel have taken their lives since 2013.
A study last December found the suicide risk among young military personnel is up to four times higher than that of civilians.
Members of 3 Scots The Black Watch take part in a special ceremony at Edinburgh Castle
A friend of Major Coles said: ‘Nick was a very capable and popular officer – one of the best majors of his generation who would have gone on to senior command positions. A rising star, so to speak. He had a demanding job but nobody had any idea he was struggling to that degree. His passing is a reminder to us all to do more, to be more proactive so we understand the pressures people are under.’
The Black Watch, one of the British Army’s most decorated regiments, is part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
At the end of the three-week inquest into Ms Perks’ death, the coroner recorded a conclusion of suicide and criticised ‘missed opportunities’ by officers at the famous Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) to intervene as she spiralled out of control.
In the months after her death, top brass tried to claim the February 2019 tragedy could not have been stopped. They also insisted RMAS staff conducted themselves appropriately towards Ms Perks.
Following the inquest, RMAS commandant Major General Zac Stenning acknowledged the ‘systemic and individual failings which led to the tragic death’.
Earlier this year, Ms Perks’ mother Louise Townsend revealed her daughter, known as Liv, had texted her on the day she died, saying: ‘Love you Mum, have a good day.’
She had added: ‘Liv was a force of nature. Once you met her you never forgot her.’
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