Former British Army serviceman Graham Pennycook was found dead in woodland in Wiltshire almost two weeks ago – sparking a murder investigation.
The 64-year-old ex-soldier was discovered near Perham Down polo field, close to Ludgershall and Tidworth, on Thursday 24 September.
His death was initially treated as unexplained, but detectives launched a murder investigation after receiving information from an initial post-mortem examination.
No arrests have been confirmed by Wiltshire Police as detectives continue working to establish exactly what happened.
Here is a timeline of everything we know about the murder of Graham Pennycook so far.
Thursday 24 September – Graham is found dead
Wiltshire Police were alerted to a concern for welfare at 3.41pm.
Around two hours later, officers discovered the body of a man in his 60s in woodland near Perham Down polo field.
The scene, on military land near Swinton Barracks, was cordoned off as police began investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.
At this stage, Wiltshire Police described the death as “unexplained”.
It is understood that the cordons were lifted just hours after Mr Pennycook’s body was discovered, with police no longer maintaining a scene at the location.
The force confirmed that the man’s next of kin had been informed. Mr Pennycook had reportedly been walking his dog, Sky, when he died.
Thursday 1 October – Police begin murder investigation
One week after Mr Pennycook’s body was discovered, Wiltshire Police announced that detectives were now treating his death as suspicious.
The force said information obtained during an initial post-mortem examination had resulted in a murder investigation being launched.
Police have not publicly revealed what was discovered during the examination or disclosed how Mr Pennycook died.
Detectives from Wiltshire Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team took charge of the investigation.
Military personnel and police were seen supporting local officers, while forensic investigators worked in the woodland gathering evidence and searching the area.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker said: “Our investigation is in its early stages, and we are working at pace to establish the circumstances of this man’s death.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“Our priority is to establish exactly what has happened and, to that end, I am urging any members of the public who might have information to come forward.”
Detectives asked anyone who was around Perham Down polo field and the surrounding woodland between 9am and 6pm on Thursday 24 September to contact police.
Particular attention was placed on the period between 10am and 11am.
DCI Walker said: “It is critical that we hear from anyone who may have been in the area of the polo field and surrounding woodland on Thursday 24th September between 9am and 6pm who may have noticed something out of the ordinary.”
Friday 2 October – Graham Pennycook is named
The man at the centre of the murder investigation was publicly named as 64-year-old Graham Pennycook.
Mr Pennycook was a former Royal Engineer who served in the British Army for more than 32 years.
His wife Jacky paid tribute to him as a much-loved husband, brother, uncle, friend and “brother in arms”.
She said: “Graham was a husband, brother, uncle, friend and, as a Royal Engineer, a brother in arms for over 32 years.
“With his cheeky grin, no room was ever empty or quiet when Graham was in it. He enriched the lives of everyone he met.
“Solid and dependable, he was a pillar of strength, trusted by all and always on hand to help family and friends whenever needed.
“Kind and generous, but also principled, he would question the things he thought needed to be addressed in a conscientious manner.
“He had many loves and interests, but family and friends were always his priority.
“Renowned for the number of different cars he owned as well as a love of watches, and no day out was complete without an ice cream.
“He is missed by us all.
“Please respect our privacy at this time.”
Saturday 3 October – Detectives seek dashcam footage
Detectives issued an urgent request for dashcam footage from motorists who travelled through the Ludgershall area on the day Mr Pennycook died.
Police want recordings captured between 9am and 6pm on Thursday 24 September.
Investigators are particularly interested in footage from Somme Road, the unnamed road bordering the polo field, Shoddesden Lane and the A3026 through Ludgershall.
Motorists were urged to make contact even if they did not believe their footage contained anything significant.
DCI Walker said: “If you were driving in the area on Thursday 24th September and have dash camera footage, it’s vital that you contact us.
“Even if you think there is nothing important on your recording, we need to hear from you. Your camera recording may hold vital information to assist us in this murder investigation.”
He continued: “We would like you to upload the information to our dedicated website. If you are unsure how to do this, please provide your contact information and someone from our team can help you.”
Sunday 4 October – Tributes paid to former soldier
Tributes continued to be paid to Mr Pennycook by people who knew him during and after his lengthy military career.
Former colleagues remembered him as a respected soldier, officer and mentor, with several speaking about the impact he had on their own Army careers.
Marcus Hackney, who served with Mr Pennycook, said: “When you say he was one of the nicest people I ever met…. It’s always taken as a cliche statement… BUT…. Graham was this person.
“Serving in the army with him as one of our superiors was an immense privilege.”
Carl Peter, who described Mr Pennycook as a mentor, said: “Graham was a mighty man, but humble in his approach. He was a true mentor to me at 22 before and after I was commissioned and I absorbed all his guidance and advice like a sponge.
“There are many good men in the Army but Graham stood taller than most of them.”
Andrew Barr said: “Graham was a superb soldier and officer. I was blessed to serve alongside him and to walk in his mighty footsteps. He always put others first.”
Tributes were also paid by people who knew Mr Pennycook following his military career, including a former colleague at Landmarc and his barber.
Tuesday 6 October – Investigation continues
Almost two weeks after Mr Pennycook was found dead, his murder remains under investigation.
Police have not disclosed his cause of death or what was discovered during the post-mortem examination that prompted detectives to treat his death as suspicious.
It has also not been confirmed whether detectives have identified a suspect.
No arrests have been confirmed by Wiltshire Police.
Detectives continue to want information from anyone who was around Perham Down polo field or the surrounding woodland between 9am and 6pm on Thursday 24 September, particularly between 10am and 11am.
Anyone who drove through the Ludgershall area during that period is also being asked to check for dashcam footage.
Information can be provided to Wiltshire Police on 101 or through the force’s Major Incident Public Portal. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
