Army Apologises After Inquest Into Death of 18 Year Old Trooper

The British Army has issued a formal apology following the inquest into the death of 18-year-old Trooper Jack Burnell Williams, who was found dead at Hyde Park Barracks in London in September 2022 after being under significant work-related stress.

Burnell Williams, from Bridgend, had joined the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment shortly after turning 18. He was found dead on 28 September 2022, nine days after taking part in the ceremonial procession escorting Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin through London.

An inquest at Inner West London Coroner’s Court concluded that he did not have a settled intention to take his own life. The coroner ruled his death as a misadventure, stating that he was plainly under stress due to the demanding conditions within his unit. The coroner described the working hours expected of members of his troop as excessive and said his actions appeared to have been carried out in a moment of anguish rather than with clear intent.

The hearing was told that Burnell Williams had joined what was described as a particularly stressful branch of the Army and that preparations for ceremonial duties had left soldiers exhausted. Evidence suggested there was a culture within the regiment of everyone being expected to pull their weight, with Burnell Williams undertaking more duties than many of his peers. The inquest also heard that he had expressed a wish to transfer to the Welsh Guards.

In a statement read in court, his mother, Laura Williams, said her son had tried his best to cope within what she described as an impossible working environment. She said he had worked gruelling hours and often did not return home to see friends and family because of his commitments. She told the court that although he was initially happy to join the Army, over time, something changed, and his usual brightness appeared to fade.

His father, Daniel Burnell, said the family had been immensely proud to see him take part in the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. He described the devastating impact of losing his son and said no parent should have to endure such a loss.

Brigadier Rupert Evetts, commander of the Household Cavalry, offered condolences and said the Army fully accepted the coroner’s findings and the failures identified in the service inquiry. He acknowledged that the Army had failed Burnell Williams and said it was profoundly sorry. He outlined changes that have since been introduced, including reducing workload, simplifying kit preparation, strengthening leadership training and improving conditions at Hyde Park Barracks.

Veterans and People Minister Louise Sandher Jones said the death was a tragedy and that the findings of the inquest challenge senior leaders in the defence to do more to protect young soldiers.