Media Room: Media Releases

RAMP CEREMONY FOR FALLEN AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER

Australian soldier Private Luke Worsley has been bid farewell by his comrades during a solemn ceremony at Tarin Kowt.

Private Worsley, 26, from the 4^th Battalion, (Commando) The Royal Australian Regiment (4RAR (Cdo)), was serving with the Special Operations Task Group when he was killed in action during a battle with Taliban extremists in Oruzgan Province, southern Afghanistan.

During the Ramp Ceremony, a bearer party of eight commandos carried the casket slowly between two rows of saluting soldiers who formed a guard of honour to mark his final departure from the Australian base.

As fellow diggers stood bowed at the rear of the aircraft, a final prayer was read over the body of Private Worsley by Army Chaplain David Niven.

Chaplain Niven said that today’s ceremony was an opportunity for those deployed in southern Afghanistan to send their mate home to his family in a manner that was dignified and respectful.

“It gives him the honour that is due a soldier that has lost his life in battle,” he said.

The Commander of Australian forces in the Middle East, Major-General Mark Evans, said the Joint Task Force was deeply saddened by the loss of Private Worsley.

“If there is any solace, it is in our knowledge that Luke was a fine soldier and was with his mates at the time of his death.

“The thoughts of the Task Force now turn to Luke’s family who must carry the great burden of sorrow and grief as Luke is returned to them.”

The body of Private Worsley will arrive in Australia later this week. Details of the Australian ramp ceremony and funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.  

Media note: Vision will be fed via Parliament House. Images will be available from: http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/ 

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or (0408) 498 664