Commando general embroiled in scandal of Extra-Judicial Killings by Special Forces in Afghanistan chosen to lead the Royal Navy

By MARK NICOL DEFENCE EDITOR FOR THE DAILY MAIL

Published: 12:47 BST, 15 May 2025 | Updated: 12:48 BST, 15 May 2025

A senior Commando embroiled in claims military chiefs ‘covered up’ allegations of Special Forces war crimes in Afghanistan has been chosen to lead the Royal Navy.

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins’ appointment as the next First Sea Lord was approved by Her Majesty the King. He is the first Royal Marine to hold the coveted position.

Historically, the ‘FSL’, or simply ‘First’ as the head of the Royal Navy is known in the service, has been an admiral with extensive experience of commanding ships at sea.

He will replace Admiral Sir Ben Key, who has been suspended pending an investigation into allegations he indulged in an inappropriate, but consensual, relationship with a female officer.

General Jenkins has risen to senior office via the Royal Marines and the Special Boat Service.

He commanded the SBS in 2010-2011, a time when it is feared UK Special Forces troops were committing war crimes in Afghanistan.

The allegations of a shoot to kill policy are the subject of a High Court inquiry, led by a senior judge, Sir Charles Haddon-Cave.

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins will become the first Royal Marine to lead the Royal Navy

Seen here with former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, General Sir Gwyn previously served as a Military Advisor to former Prime Minister David Cameron

General Sir Gwyn commanded the SBS, based in Poole, Dorset, in 2010-2011, a time when it is feared UK Special Forces committed Extra-Judicial Killings in Afghanistan 

Gen Jenkins, from Wiltshire, joined the Royal Marines after his A levels after discovering his eye sight was not good enough to train as an RAF pilot.

He has also battled dyslexia throughout his career and is known as a modest, quietly spoken commander with a fondness for discipline.

Gen Jenkins said today: ‘It is an honour to be selected as the next First Sea Lord. I feel extremely privileged to lead the exceptional sailors and marines of the Royal Navy at this pivotal time for UK Defence.

‘Throughout my career, I have always been motivated by the vital role the Royal Navy has in keeping our nation safe. To do that now, we need to accelerate our return to a war fighting force that is ready for conflict, expand our modernisation efforts and deliver the Royal Navy our nation needs.’

Gen Jenkins has given evidence to the Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan. In early 2011, he was made aware of allegations of Extra Judicial Killings by UK Special Forces.

As a commander he was obliged under service law to notify military police. He did not do so. Instead he wrote a detailed summary of the claims which he passed up his chain of the command to the Director of Special Forces.

Gen Jenkins also received written testimony from an SBS officer in March 2011 who had spoken to a Special Air Service soldier recently returned from Afghanistan.

The SAS trooper told the SBS officer that SAS soldiers were committing war crimes, including executions and that some of the victims were in their mid-teens.

Jenkins instructed the SBS officer to provide a written statement. Jenkins subsequently put that statement in a safe in his office, where it remained for four years.

It was eventually found by military police as part of their probe int the war crimes, Operation Northmoor.

The war crimes inquiry is expected to conclude later this year. It is presently unclear whether any officers or soldiers will face criminal charges, ranging from murder to perversion of the course of justice.

Sir Charles Haddon-Cave, the chair of the Independent Inquiry into Afghanistan, heard evidence from General Sir Gwyn regarding what he knew, and when, about alleged war crimes

Jenkins commissioned into the Royal Marines in 1990. He also worked at the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) control centre and at Downing Street as an advisor to then Prime Minister David Cameron.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: ‘I warmly congratulate General Sir Gwyn Jenkins on his selection as the next First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff. As the first Royal Marine appointed to the role, this is a hugely significant moment for the Royal Navy.

‘Gen Jenkins is a proven leader with a distinguished career in both the military and at the core of government. I know he will deliver in this pivotal role, making Britain secure at home and strong abroad.’

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Commando general embroiled in scandal of Extra-Judicial Killings by Special Forces in Afghanistan chosen to lead the Royal Navy

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