Soldier dies at North Yorkshire army barracks during training session
Private Harry Johnson was aged 19 when he passed away last week
Last updated 30th Jul 2025
A soldier has died whilst taking part in a physical training session at a North Yorkshire army barracks.
Private Harry Johnson had been training at Vimy Barracks in Catterick on Thursday (July 24th) when he fell ill and passed away a short time later. He was aged 19-years-old.
Johnson had been a member of the Bruneval Platoon, Parachute Regiment Training Company within the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion.
He joined the army on April 13th, 2025 and was described by the Ministry of Defence as having already proven himself to have "enormous potential as a soldier".
During his short career in the military, Private Johnson had won Best Shot within 3 Platoon at his Pass Off Parade - a particularly prestigious award he was happy to win.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said of Private Johnson: "Although he only joined the Army recently, Pte Johnson exemplified the values and standards of the British Army and applied them in everything he did.
"He was one of the hardest working members of the platoon; reliable and disciplined."
The ministry added that his loss came as a "tragic blow" to all those who were working with him, as well as his family.
Private Johnson's commander Lieutenant Colonel Ben Jesty from the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion praised him for the work he put into his short time in the army.
"We are heartbroken by the loss of Pte Harry Johnson from the Infantry family," he said. "A proud and passionate future Paratrooper he represented the best of his generation. Although early in his career he had already shown significant potential.
"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."