Digger killed in Afghanistan was new father

Daily Telegraph ^ | 18th March 2009

[naturalman1975]

A SOLDIER who became a father just days ago is the ninth Australian to die in Afghanistan.

The corporal, from the Darwin-based 7th Battalion, was the first from a new Operational Mentor and Liaison Team (OMLT) and the second non-special forces soldier to die in action in Afghanistan since 2002.

OMLTs are engaged in joint patrols with Afghan National Army soldiers.

Diggers have expressed concerns about fighting alongside local troops.

The recently married soldier, whose family refused to release his name, was killed by gunfire on Monday morning during a Taliban ambush at the village of Kakarak about 12km north of the Australian base at Tarin Kowt.

The intense battle against about 20 insurgents armed with AK-47 assault rifles and rocket propelled grenades marks the start of the 2009 fighting season when battle-hardened Taliban fighters emerge from their winter hibernation to attack coalition forces.

Another four coalition troops were killed in the south last weekend.

[naturalman1975]

I shook hands with a Digger
On the wrong side of the world
With a wife at home who holds her breath
And brand new baby girl.
And the Digger fights for freedom
In a job that must be done
And I let go of his hand
So proud to be Australian

To hear the whole song and see the video at youtube, click here. You'll be glad you did. Excellent.

[padre35]

Condolences to the family.

[Eagles6]

Dang! Prayers out.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Ugh. RIP.

[matginzac]

God bless the Aussies. They’ve always had our back...