Media Room: Media Releases

PRIVATE WORSLEY RETURNS HOME

Private (PTE) Luke Worsley, a Commando serving in Afghanistan as part of the Special Operations Task Group, was returned to his family in a solemn event held at RAAF Richmond today.

Family and close friends attended the Ramp Service days after PTE Worsley was tragically killed during a battle with the Taliban last week.

Soldiers from PTE Worsley’s Commando Company formed a Bearer Party to escort the coffin from the C-17 aircraft to a private room. 

The private occasion allowed those close to PTE Worsley to pay their personal respects to this much loved and dedicated soldier.

The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy; Deputy Special Operations Commander, Brigadier Donald Higgins; and Commanding Officer 4^th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (4RAR) Commando (CDO), Lieutenant Colonel Mark Smethurst, attended the ceremony and paid tribute to PTE Worsley on behalf of the entire Australian Army.

Lieutenant General Leahy offered his personal condolences and sympathy to Luke’s family.

“Though no words can alleviate their pain at this terrible time, I hope the knowledge they are in the thoughts and prayers of so many Australians will be of some comfort to them as they deal with their loss”.

Brigadier Higgins described PTE Worsley as a dedicated soldier who was a respected member of the Commando Company.

“Luke has made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Luke served his nation with great distinction and he will be sorely missed by his family and his army comrades.  Our hearts go out to his family and friends.” 

PTE Worsley’s family continues to request the media respects their privacy as they grieve their loss and prepare to lay Luke to rest in a funeral service next week.

Imagery is available from: http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/

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