Enduring mateship

CAVALRY soldier Cpl Jason Sturgess was laid to rest in a military funeral in Brisbane on March 1, the day the Army celebrated its 101st birthday.

Cpl Sturgess, 28, died when his M113 APC was involved in a single-vehicle accident on Hervey's Range Road west of Townsville on February 22.

B Sqn held a memorial service at Lavarack Barracks, which included laying of wreaths in memory of Cpl Sturgess, as well as heartfelt eulogies from his mates.

SSM B Sqn, 3/4 Cav Regt, WO2 Wayne Preedy remembered Cpl Sturgess as an extremely popular member of the unit who was respected for his soldiering abilities.

"Jason Sturgess was an outstanding NCO who was an inspiration to the younger soldiers in B Sqn, 3/4 Cav Regt," he said.

"He guided the young diggers and carried the unit's name very close to his heart. It has been a big loss - he was a good bloke."

The funeral at Gallipoli Barracks was attended by several hundred people, including 70 members of 3/4 Cav Regt who spoke of his passion for the Army and his enduring mateship.

Comd DJFHQ Maj-Gen Jim Molan said soldiers had lost a great friend.

"He was the focus of the most amazing affection within a military unit that anyone could ever imagine," he said.

"To see those tough young Australian soldiers up there remembering a mate in the way that they remembered him really says something for Jason."

"It reminds me that each and every day in Australia, as well as on operations around the world, soldiers are training and are in difficult and dangerous circumstances for the defence of Australia."

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