Soldier Dies At Fort George Army Base

A soldier serving with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Black Watch, has died suddenly at Fort George in Ardersier.

Corporal Hendrick Jozephus Bosman, 26, known as "Joe to his friends, passed away at the battalion’s barracks on Wednesday morning.

His family has been informed of his death which is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland told Forces News: "Police Scotland can confirm that officers attended at Fort George on the morning of Wednesday, December 12 following the sudden death of a 26-year-old man.

"There are no suspicious circumstances and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

Cpl Bosman had served with The Black Watch for six years and was engaged to be married.

He was a section commander in the Reconnaissance Platoon and had been deployed with the battalion on operations and exercises in the UK and abroad.

Tributes have been paid to the "popular and widely respected" Commonwealth soldier who was originally from South Africa.

Major Finlay Anderson, Officer Commanding Delta (Light) Company, said: “Cpl Bosman was a highly professional, intelligent and friendly NCO with a drive to succeed and do more for his platoon and company.

"His untimely death is an absolute shock to us all and I frankly cannot believe I’m writing this."

“I always appreciated his honesty and will miss his character sorely in the Company."

Captain Will Kelly, Officer Commanding Reconnaissance Platoon, said: “Joe will be ever so sorely missed. 

“He brought a personality to the Platoon and Company that is unique.

“Joe’s attitude and the experiences of his upbringing widened everyone’s horizons and he was a steadfast member of the Recce Platoon.

 “A soldier who thrived and relied on the strong cohesive bond within our small unit.

“I am devastated at his passing, not only because he was a friend, but because of his potential within or outside of the Army.

“I can only express my heartfelt sympathy to his fiancée and family with a loss immeasurably greater than mine."

Warrant Officer Class 2 Alan Ferrier, Company Sergeant Major, Delta (Light) Compan said: “Cpl Joe Bosman will be sorely missed by all members of Delta Company, he brought an energy and vibrancy to the Company that only he could. 

“He was hugely respected by his peers and those who commanded him or served under his command.

“I first met Joe in 2012 when he was one of my recruits at the Infantry Training Centre, it was clear then that his energy and appetite for soldiering would see him succeed; he had bags of leadership potential from the outset. 

“It was an honour to have him in Delta Company and we will all miss him dearly.

“Joe was due to pursue a career outside of the Army and I know from what I had seen over the short six years I was lucky enough to know him, he would have flourished. 

“I take great pride in having known Joe, it is with deep regret that I now offer my deepest condolences to his family and fiancée."