"This has potentially cost my son his life" Parents hit out after Army doesn't report soldier missing for two weeks
The parents of a soldier whose disappearance was unreported for two weeks have spoken of their anger at the British Army.
Lance Corporal Ryan Rudd has not been seen since the early hours of February 15, when he disappeared following a night out in Selby.
The serving soldier was stationed at Catterick Garrison - but leaders did not cross-check that he had returned to base for two weeks, his parents have alleged.
His disappearance was not reported to North Yorkshire Police until March 1.
Ken and Kerstin Rudd, from Pocklington, have said the Army’s failure to notice Mr Rudd’s disappearance may have cost him his life.
Speaking to the BBC, Mrs Rudd said: “The fact that nobody had noticed he was missing for two weeks. It was shocking, we couldn't believe it was happening.
“We think something happened that night and we don't know if it was an accident or if it was something more sinister, because there's nothing to show what happened.”
Ken Rudd, himself a veteran, said: “They are meant to cross reference to see if they are on a course, not on a course, or where they are.
“They should know where each soldier is and he didn't get cross-checked two Mondays in a row.
“For missing those two weeks and not knowing where he was, this has potentially cost my son his life.”
A British Army statement said: “We can confirm that Lance Corporal Ryan Rudd was reported missing to North Yorkshire Police on 1 March 2026.
"An investigation is under way and we are working with North Yorkshire Police who are leading this. We are unable to offer further detail at this time”
Last year, army leaders at the Garrison were heavily criticised after a soldier’s body lay undetected in his room for three weeks.
Lance Corporal Bernard Mongan died in 2020, with his family believing he took his own life.
The delay in finding his body meant pathologists could not ascertain how he died, but his family believe he took his own life.
Speaking after an inquest in January 2025, a spokesperson for the British Army said: “We owe it to his memory, to his loved ones, and to all who serve to ensure that we consistently and diligently provide the duty of care our people need and deserve.”
Around 14,000 serving armed forces members and their families live on Catterick Garrison, which is the largest British Army base in the world.