 |
| © Commonwealth of Australia, image by Department of Defence |
Private Matthew Lambert, who was killed in action while on patrol in Afghanistan on Monday 22 August, was returned home today at a Repatriation Ceremony at RAAF Amberley.
His flag-covered casket was carried off a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 by soldiers from his Townsville unit, The Second Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR), led by a lone piper.
The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison paid his respects as Private Lambert was carried through a 2RAR Honour Guard to his waiting family, including his partner Ellesse, mother Vicki and her partner Gregg, father Chris and his wife Amanda and his sister Jess.
“As we gather here to mark the return of this fine young Australian soldier, we remember the courage, initiative and mateship that Private Matthew Lambert displayed to all whom he met,” Lieutenant General David Morrison said.
“Private Lambert’s ultimate sacrifice to this country will be felt by his family, friends and his Army family, and we will remember him as a true Australian soldier.”
In a short but immensely moving traditional ceremony, the Chief of Army presented Private Lambert with the Australian Active Service Medal with clasp International Coalition Against Terrorism, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal with clasp International Security Assistance Force Medal and the Infantry Combat Badge.
Private Matthew Lambert will be laid to rest in a private ceremony later in the week.