Monsta tribute in East Timor

Padre, Capt Colin Barwise, at the dawn memorial service for Cpl Stuart Jones. Photo by Pte Duncan Carter, 1RAR.

From Capt Nic Smith in East Timor

A dawn service was conducted at Forward Operating Base Moleana in East Timor recently to remember Cpl Stuart “Monsta” Jones who died while on active service in East Timor on August 9, 2000.

About 450 men and women from the AUSBATT gathered on Saturday for a dawn service to formally commemorate his life.

The service started with the playing of the Last Post as the Australian National Flag was lowered in recognition of Cpl Jones’ sacrifice.

The service was followed by a Cavalry Muster at Landing Zone Bob 6A where a stone cairn has been erected in his honour.

Lt-Col Tony Luke, CO 2 Cav Regt, said he will be remembered as an outstanding soldier and a great friend.

With the Australian peacekeeping operations winding down in East Timor after four successful years of providing security to the fledgling nation, the efforts of soldiers like Monsta in securing the new nation’s future will always be remembered.

Cpl Jones was a reconnaissance scout commander in A Sqn, 2 Cav Regt, serving with 6RAR as a part of AUSBATT III.

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