Media Room: Media Releases

SERGEANT BRETT TILL RETURNS HOME

Family, colleagues and dignitaries gathered today at RAAF Richmond to witness the return to Australia of Sergeant Brett Till, who was tragically killed on active service in Afghanistan last week.

Soldiers from Brett’s unit, the Holsworthy-based Incident Response Regiment, formed an honour guard and bearer party to receive and carry the casket from the C-17 Globemaster aircraft to his family.

The solemn ramp ceremony allowed those close to Brett to pay their respects in private.

The Minister for Defence, Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP; The Member for Greenway representing the Shadow Minister for Defence, Mrs Louise Markus MP; The Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston; The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie; as well as the Special Operations Commander Australia, Major General Tim McOwan were in attendance.

Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston expressed his condolences to Sergeant Till’s wife, family, friends and colleagues.

“Brett gave his life to protect others. We are humbled by his extraordinary courage and will be forever grateful for his selflessness,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie asked Australians to remember the sacrifice of a young soldier who was serving his nation with distinction. 

“Our thoughts are with Brett’s family and friends during this difficult period. As his tragic death is heavily felt throughout the Army, I want to ensure that Brett’s legacy and dedication is honoured and never forgotten,” said Lieutenant General Gillespie.

Media note: The family requests that media continue to observe their privacy during this difficult time.

Vision of today’s ceremony will be made available to Sydney Metropolitan networks via Channel 7. Please ring Mr Dane Svenson on 0411 203 579 to confirm these arrangements and approximate timings.

Images of the service will be available from the Defence website – www.defence.gov.au/media/download

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