The kind of soldier this country needs: Tributes follow death of 19-year-old Army recruit

An Army recruit has died at ITC Catterick, just 13 weeks into his military career.

Harry Johnson, 19, was described by his commanding officer as one of the best of his generation and the "kind of young soldier" the country needs.

It is understood Private Johnson collapsed shortly after participating in a physical training session on Thursday and died a short time later.

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Paying tribute to the soldier, Lieutenant Colonel Ben Jesty, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion, said the chain of command and Pte Johnson's colleagues were heartbroken.

"We are heartbroken by the loss of Pte Harry Johnson from the Infantry family. A proud and passionate future Paratrooper, he represented the best of his generation. Although early in his career, he had already shown significant potential," the colonel said in a statement released by the Army.

"Tipped to be a future P Company Champion, he was the kind of young soldier that the country needs: fit, determined, disciplined and selfless.

"Vitally, he had the sense of humour to laugh at the eccentricities of Army life. He was a credit to his friends and family, to whom we offer our most heartfelt condolences at this awful time."

Infantry recruits typically spend 28 weeks at ITC Catterick, which is comprised of Phase One and Two infantry training.

Recruits to the Parachute Regiment are then required to complete P Company, which is also delivered in Catterick.

Physical training forms a fundamental part of Army training; PT sessions, led by qualified instructors, can be a daily event in the programme of a would-be Para.

Several of Pte Johnson’s friends added personal tributes, including Private Sam Birbeck, who described meeting Harry during a Parachute Regiment development visit, saying he was "struck by his quiet yet engaging personality".

Pte Birbeck added: "Although he initially seemed reserved, I immediately liked him, especially because he had a great sense of humour that made me laugh."

Private Noah Merriman said he had first met Harry during Phase One Training and was struck by his "politeness and caring nature."

He added: "He was always willing to help others and brought a positive energy to the group. Harry had a good sense of humour and could always make us smile with his easy-going attitude."

Paying tribute to his friend, Private Cayden Dalgity said he remembered going on exercise with Harry "during Phase 1, especially the wet and dry drills".

Pte Dalgity added: "I’ll never forget the look on his face at the thought of getting wet - it made me laugh every time.

“Harry was a good guy who was always willing to help others; he was someone you could rely on. He often talked about his family and his little sister, and he was always on the phone with his girlfriend, Abira.

"Harry’s kindness, humour and genuine nature will be missed."

An Army spokesperson said: "It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of Private Harry Johnson of the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion on 24th July 2025.

"Our deepest condolences go out to Harry’s family and many friends, and our thoughts and sympathies are with them. We ask that their privacy is respected at this tragic time."

In due course, a coroner is expected to determine the cause of Pte Johnson's death.