Fallen Soldier Arrives Home
 
It was a sombre occasion as Corporal (CPL) Douglas Hughes, who died tragically in Afghanistan earlier this week, completed his journey home when he arrived back in New Zealand late last night.
 
CPL Hughes arrived in Whenuapai on a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 at 2130 hours, and was met by members of his family and a small contingent of personnel from the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.
 
In attendance at the ramp ceremony were the senior military and civilian personnel of the NZ Defence Force who paid their respects to CPL Hughes and his family. The ceremony was also attended by the Police Commissioner, Peter Marshall.
 
According to the Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Rhys Jones, the military profession is all about bravery and sacrifice, stating that ,   “The ramp ceremony signifies the respect and honour that the military pays to its fallen soldiers.”
 
To ensure that he was returned in accordance with his families wishes, a C-130 from the Royal Australian Air Force was used to transport CPL Hughes for a portion of the journey.
 
Lieutenant General Rhys Jones acknowledged that the support provided by the Australian Defence Force was crucial in repatriating CPL Hughes back to NZ.
 
“The NZ Defence Force are extremely grateful for the assistance provided by the Royal Australian Air Force which enabled Dougie to come back home as expeditiously as possible.”
 
“Leading up to Anzac Day, it is a very poignant reminder of the close relationship that we share with the Australian Defence Force.”
 
At the completion of the Coroner’s initial examination, CPL Hughes will be taken by his family to Tuakau whilst final arrangements are made for his tangi in Kaikohe later in the week.
 
ENDS

© Scoop Media