Martin Bricknell


Martin Charles Marshall Bricknell, is a British physician and former British Army officer. He served as Surgeon General of the British Armed Forces from 2018 to 2019.

Early life and education

Bricknell studied medicine at Southampton Medical School, University of Southampton. He went on to train as a general practitioner, in occupational medicine, and public health. In addition to his medical degree, he holds Master of Arts, Master of Medical Science and Master of Business Administration degrees. He holds two doctorates: a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Southampton, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Glamorgan. His MD thesis, which was completed in 1999, is titled "The prevention of heart illness in the British Army". His PhD thesis, which was completed in 2011 and supervised by Professor Peter McCarthy, is titled "Managing health services support to military operations".

Military career

Bricknell commanded 22 Field Hospital in the Balkans. He went on to become Chief Medical Adviser at Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, in which capacity he was deployed as Medical Adviser at Headquarters International Security Assistance Force in 2006 and then as Medical Adviser at Headquarters Regional Command in 2010. He became Head of Medical Operations and Capability in Headquarters Surgeon General in 2015 and Director of Medical Policy, Operations and Capability at the Ministry of Defence as well as Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff in December 2015. Bricknell received a US Bronze Star Medal for distinguished services in Afghanistan on 26 February 2015.
In May 2018, Bricknell became Surgeon-General of the British Armed Forces with the acting rank of lieutenant general. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath in the 2019 New Year Honours. Bricknell retired from the British Army on 3 April 2019 with the honorary rank of lieutenant general.

Post-military career

Bricknell joined King's College London as Professor of Conflict, Health and Military Medicine in April 2019 and is an advisor to their Centre for Military Ethics.