On behalf of the Defence community, we extend our condolences to the families of the five soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan on August 29 and 30. We feel their loss deeply and our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends.

Lance Corporal Mervyn McDonald and Private Nathanael Galagher from the 2nd Commando Regiment were killed when an International Security Assistance Force helicopter crashed in Helmand province on August 30.

Lance Corporal Stjepan Milosevic, Sapper James Martin and Private Robert Poate were killed in an insider attack at Patrol Base Wahab in the Baluchi Valley region of Uruzgan province on August 29.

Our people have performed extremely well in Afghanistan. We should be proud of their efforts, of the job they are doing and of the progress we have made.

We must continue our task.

We will honour the service of our men and women.

And we will remember the fallen.

 

Duncan Lewis AO, DSC, CSC Secretary of Defence

General David Hurley AC, DSC Chief of the Defence Force