(Aussie) Special Air Service Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

defence.gov.au ^ | 25/10/2007

[Dundee]

An Australian soldier from the Special Air Service Regiment has been killed in Oruzgan Province earlier today.

The soldier was on a patrol when he was severely wounded by small arms fire from Taliban extremists.

Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said other members of the patrol reacted to the incident by extracting the soldier from further danger and providing immediate first aid.

“A Coalition helicopter immediately responded to a call for assistance from the Australian patrol and evacuated the soldier to a nearby medical facility,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of his mates and the aero-medical team, the soldier succumbed to his wounds.”

Air Chief Marshal Houston said Defence was now doing everything it possibly could to support the family of the soldier and his mates in Afghanistan.

“We have recently informed the soldier’s family and are doing everything we can to assist and support them through this very difficult time.”

“This is a tragic day for the ADF and our thoughts are with family of the soldier, his patrol colleagues who did everything they could to save him, and the wider Special Operations community.”

No other Australian troops were wounded in the incident. Further details of the operation will not be released as it is ongoing at this time.

Personal details of the soldier involved will not be immediately released at the request of his family. Defence, with the permission of his family, will seek to release further details about the soldier in the coming days.

[Dundee]

Prayers for the family.

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.

[Grimmy]

Rest in Peace, Warrior.

[freeangel]

May God bless this brave soldier and give comfort to his family.

[Dog]

These fellas are the point of the spear....I wonder if this was a snatch and grab operation.

[WSGilcrest]

R.I.P.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BZ6aqgvdFI

[ExSoldier]

The Aussie SAS, like it's counterpart the British SAS is an awesome group of "Operators." I had the extreme honor of training with them when they visited my post back in the 1980s. IIRC back then both groups had emminently civilized rules regarding a daily BEER ration even for field operations! Wish Uncle Sam had this rule. Of course both the Brits and the Aussies were used to warm beer. UGH! I don't recall if the Aussies got FOSTERS in the 40wt Oil Can size. Them guys can DRINK!!! Man oh man, a casual social drinker for them is a full on alcoholic by American standards. Good troops all. Harder than a woodpeckers lips to use the vernacular popular in the era. HooooAH.

[shield]

The Aussie SAS are an outstanding group...great to have them working with us.

[dighton]

In words which can never suffice, thanks to our Australian friends and allies.

[naturalman1975]

My son spent today - one of his few Saturday's home from boarding school, and free of school commitments, and therefore very precious time to him - putting together the following image of Sgt. Locke's decorations as a tribute to him.

I'm so proud of this boy. I'm so proud that he gets it.

"I gave up one day for him. He gave up every day for me.

[Grimmy]

You raised him right. Well done, Sir.