AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into the death of a soldier at Catterick Garrison whose body, according to reports, lay undiscovered for three weeks.

Lance Corporal Bernard Mongan was found dead in an accommodation block at Catterick Garrison on January 23.

However, based on records of his mobile phone activity, it is believed he had died sometime around New Year and had lain undiscovered in his bedroom in the barracks for up to three weeks.

The 33-year-old was in the Royal Corps of Signals, but was on an attachment to the Intelligence Corps while at Catterick and had previously served in Iraq.

He had been due to transfer to a base in Berkshire on January 8 and should have been listed as absent without leave (AWOL) when he did not report for duty.

However, neither unit appears to have noticed or raised the alarm over his absence.

According to a national newspaper, L Cpl Mongan’s widow – from whom he was separated but remained on good terms – has demanded answers from the Army over why his absence went unnoticed.

She is also reportedly adamant that he would not have taken his own life, was "in very good spirits" last time they spoke and was looking forward to planning a trip with their three children.

She also claimed he had been the victim of bullying.

When his body was discovered, North Yorkshire Police initially attended the scene, but have since passed the investigation into his death to the Army.

His body was so badly decomposed, tests are ongoing to establish the cause of his death.

An Army spokesperson told The Northern Echo: “It is with sadness that we can confirm the death of a soldier in Catterick.

"The circumstances surrounding this death are being investigated and it would be inappropriate to comment any further.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “North Yorkshire Police were called to an accommodation block at Catterick Garrison on the morning of January 23, this year following the sudden death of a man, aged in his 30s.

“At this stage we are awaiting the results of tests to determine the cause of the man’s death.

“We are not in a position to release his identity at this stage.”

L Cpl Mongan was born in Bristol, but grew up in Ireland.