SAS Sergeant Locke Returns Home To Australia

Sergeant Locke Returns Home

Fallen SAS soldier, Sergeant Matthew Locke, was returned to Australia today to be met by family and colleagues at RAAF Base, Pearce in Western Australia.

Members of the Special Air Service Regiment carry the casket of their colleague Sergeant Matthew Locke to his family for a short ceremony, after his arrival under escort from Afghanistan.

In a solemn and dignified ceremony, soldiers from Sergeant Locke's SAS battalion formed a Guard and Bearer Party on the tarmac where they met the C-130 Hercules aircraft and carried the casket to a private room.

The private occasion allowed those close to Sergeant Locke to pay their personal respects to this brave soldier.

The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, and Commander Australian Special Forces, Major General Michael Hindmarsh, attended the ceremony and paid tribute to Sergeant Locke on behalf of the Australian Army.

"We in the Army extend our heartfelt sympathies to Matthew's family during this difficult time," said Lieutenant General Leahy.

"The Army has lost a courageous soldier, a respected colleague and a mate. We will miss him."

Major General Hindmarsh described Sergeant Locke as a professional and dedicated soldier who was a valuable member of the SAS.

"Matthew has made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. His loss will be felt by all members of the SAS community and he will never be forgotten," said Major General Hindmarsh.

The family requests that media continue to observe their privacy during this difficult time.

ENDS

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