Tragic Royal Marine Veteran's Widow Slams Australian Army

The widow of a former Royal Marine killed in a mining accident in Australia has strongly criticised the actions of the country's Army.

Father-of-two Nathan Beesley, 32, from Plymouth, died in a sudden fall at the Savage River mine on Tasmania's west coast on March 17.

The former Royal Marine, who served in two tours of Afghanistan, was working to support his family while waiting to join the Australian Army. 

He fell a considerable distance at Grange Resources' iron ore mine and died, according to ABC News Australia.

His widow, Katie, has since taken to social media to criticise the time taken for him to join the Australian Army, labelling it 'incompetent' and 'uncaring' and saying "you should all hang your heads in shame". She wrote on Facebook:

"Here's a thought... how about you recruit a 32 year old sergeant from the UK Royal Marines who has endured and survived two tours of Afghanistan?"

"I understand you are crying out for men of such calibre. Oh wait that's my husband, who is now dead because his overseas lateral transfer has been 'being processed' by your incompetent army since 2014 has resulted in him obtaining work and dying in a mine in Tasmania. 

"The Australian Army have placed my family in such distress. You have told my husband since July last year that his interview would be 'next month' and yet no interview or arrangements were made."

"He was not contacted despite being told weeks ago by an army major that he would get back to him 'within a couple of days'. 

"So due to your absolute disregard and ignorance, incompetence and sheer uncaring attitude, my husband was placed in a position of striving to support his family financially by accepting work in the Tasmanian savage river mine. 

"He has been crushed to death by a rock fall. And yet you still advertise that you are recruiting... he was ready and waiting to make an oath to serve Australia since 2014. The Australian Army is a complete and utter joke. You should all hang your heads in shame and guilt for what you have done to my family." 

"My two sons, freddie age 4 and rex age 21 months are without a father. He would never have been in that mine in Tasmania if you had gotten your bureaucratic s**t together, or whatever your lame excuse is. Truth is he was too good for your army. Your loss, but my biggest loss without doubt."

An Australian defence spokesperson told Forces News:

"The Tasmanian Police and WorkSafe are conducting an investigation into Mr Beesley's death while working at the Savage River Mine in Tasmania. Separate to these investigations, Defence is aware of Mr Beesley's application to join the Australian Defence Force and is making enquiries into this matter. In the interim, it would be inappropriate for Defence to comment on the details of this specific case."

It comes after a family friend set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for his Katie and their two young sons. It reads:

"On Friday the 17th March, we were heartbroken to learn that Katie's loving husband, Nathaniel, passed away in a sudden and tragic work accident away from home.

"An amazing father of two young beautiful boys, words cannot express the heartache. His dream for them was to make a life in Australia."

"A UK Royal Marine with two tours of Afghanistan, Nathaniel was taking other work to provide for his family, whilst awaiting transfer to the Australian Army when his life was cut short leaving an enormous void.

"An incredible friend to so many, his loss is devastating and we hope to raise funds to show our support to his young family and help in some small way through this terribly sad time."

The page has already reached over $26,000 (Australian dollars) of its $30,000 target, in just three days.

One person who donated wrote: "I'm so so sorry for the loss of your husband and boys daddy. My heart goes out to you. My son is also a Royal Marine so we are family ... I wish I could do more ...wishing you strength for the days ahead xxxx"

Another said: "RIP brother. Our thoughts are with your family. Fellow RM", while another wrote: "I [am] so sorry for your loss. He was a fantastic bloke, my thoughts are with Katie and the children. RIP Bees"

WorkSafe Tasmania is now investigating the incident, which is the fourth mining death on the state's west coast since 2013.

Australian Workers Union assistant secretary Robert Flanagan said:

"It's a hazardous occupation and obviously this tragedy reinforces the very serious hazard associated with that work. The tragedy has been very unsettling for the workforce and the company have put in place measures to assist those employees including counselling, and employees being released from work."

Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh said the community has been devastated by the death.