Here’s a sobering and humbling story for the day…
A young naval lieutenant, Angus Herbert Donald Robertson, tragically took his own life after a night out while stationed in Hamburg, an inquest has revealed. The 30-year-old, who joined the Royal Navy in 2018, was found unresponsive in his cabin in March 2024. Despite his colleagues’ initial success in resuscitating him, he was pronounced dead at the Asklepios Klinik St Georg hospital on March 27.
Lieutenant Robertson had a distinguished career, serving on several notable vessels, including HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. Most recently, he was part of the fleet protection squadron in Scotland, tasked with protecting Vanguard-class submarines carrying the UK’s Trident nuclear weapons. Described by his former captain as “diligent, conscientious, and affable,” Robertson was widely regarded as a capable and well-liked officer.
The inquest at Accrington Town Hall, England, heard that Lieutenant Robertson had been out with colleagues on the evening before his death. Upon returning to his cabin, he secured a ligature, leading to fatal injuries. Despite no prior history of mental health issues or signs of intent, the coroner concluded that Robertson had deliberately acted to end his life, although no prior planning was evident.
Lieutenant Robertson received a full military funeral, and his colleagues fondly remembered him for his “commando spirit, courage, selflessness, and cheerfulness in the face of adversity.” His death has left a profound impact on those who served with him.
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