3rd Aussie Soldier to die since the Vietnam War

**Papewaio** · 10-26-2007, 02:29

GOVERNOR-GENERAL Michael Jeffery has paid tribute to Special Air Service (SAS) soldier Sergeant Matthew Locke, killed by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Sergeant Matthew Locke is the second Australian Digger killed in Afghanistan in three weeks.

Major-General Jeffery, speaking in Sydney, expressed his deepest sympathy to Sergeant Locke's family and friends.

He said that in December last year he had presented Sgt Locke with the Medal for Gallantry for outstanding leadership and bravery under sustained fire in Afghanistan.

"So it is very, very sad that on his second term that he has been so tragically lost to us," he said

Maj-Gen Jeffery said Sgt Locke, from Perth, had been brave and an absolute professional.

Bugger.

There is a general election in Aus on the 24th of November so this is getting a high profile. The GG (Governor-General) is about the least politically aligned and most qualified to talk about Sgt Locke's bravery.

**Boyar Son** · 10-26-2007, 02:57

patriot and hero

**CountArach** · 10-26-2007, 08:12

My condolences to this man's family at what must be a hard time for them.

**naut** · 10-26-2007, 11:58

Why the sudden spike in deaths? Everyone forget their training? Anyway, my well wishes to the family.

**Fragony** · 10-26-2007, 12:05

Originally Posted by Rythmic

Why the sudden spike in deaths? Everyone forget their training? Anyway, my well wishes to the family.

Offensive operation, Spin Gahr, Ausi soldiers are also fighting. RIP and would the politicians be so kind not to expoit this? Thank you.

**naut** · 10-26-2007, 12:16

The Official Defence Department Report has a very nice description of why he got his Gallantry Medal. Sounds like he was a top bloke.

**sapi** · 10-26-2007, 13:16

Originally Posted by Fragony

Offensive operation, Spin Gahr, Ausi soldiers are also fighting. RIP and would the politicians be so kind not to expoit this? Thank you.

Doubt it'll be a major issue, to be honest; both parties will maintain our commitment to Afghanistan so there's little political capital in such a death.

**rotorgun** · 10-27-2007, 19:50

To a fallen fellow soldier, I offer my condolences to his family, my prayers for his loved ones in thier time of grief, and my hopes for an end to this war.

"How far? All the way!",....the infantry battle cry.

**Warluster** · 10-28-2007, 02:30

Originally Posted by Rythmic

Why the sudden spike in deaths? Everyone forget their training? Anyway, my well wishes to the family.

'Cause the Taliban are aiming more at Australian soldiers to provoke a reaction from over here in Aus, so the public crys for immediate recall from Afganistan and similar countries.

I fear the number will not stop at 3.