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| © Commonwealth of Australia, image by Department of Defence |
The soldiers of Mentoring Task Force – Three have quietly farewelled their mate, Private Matthew Lambert, from Uruzgan Province in Afghanistan after he was killed in an explosion on Monday morning 22 August 2011.
In a simple ceremony at Multi-National Base Tarin Kot, his mates gave their fallen colleague a fitting farewell.
The Commanding Officer of MTF-3, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Smith said Private Lambert was a highly professional and disciplined soldier.
“As his Commanding Officer, Private Matthew Lambert never failed to impress me with his drive, personal philosophy and professionalism. The words which best describe Private Lambert are courageous, fit, strong, and disciplined.
“To all of us who shared this mission with him, his death was sudden and unexpected, but sadly that is the nature of war.
“As we farewell Matthew, our thoughts are with his family and his partner at this time,” Lieutenant Colonel Smith said.
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| © Commonwealth of Australia, image by Department of Defence |
The Commander of Australian Defence Force personnel deployed to the Middle East, Major General Angus Campbell said Private Lambert was known as a physically and mentally tough soldier.
“Private Lambert had forged an impressive reputation as decisive, dependable, focused on the mission, and ever protective of his mates. He was known for his even temperament and as a quiet performer but whose efforts did not go unnoticed.
“He was the quintessential soldier, a highly trained specialist who was admired and respected.
“His loss will not be deeply felt just because of what he did – but because of who he was. Private Lambert represents the best aspects of the Australian Army and our Defence Force,” Major General Campbell said.
Private Lambert will be repatriated through RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland and a private funeral service will be conducted in the greater Brisbane area.