New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Media Release

16 August 2006

Army Unimog Accident – Updated Details of Private Meredith Simm

Private Meredith Jonathan Simms (18) died yesterday in a Unimog accident at Weld Pass near Blenhiem.

Private Simms grew up in the Akatarawa Valley, Upper Hutt and was a former student of St Patricks College in Silverstream. He was a keen hunter and enjoyed clay bird shooting, soccer, badminton, squash, dragon boating and photography.

Private Simms joined the Army in March 2006 as a rifleman. After completing his initial basic training in May he began training as an infantry soldier. In early June Private Simms applied for a corps change to be an army driver and began working with the Burnham based 3rd Logistic Battalion. Private Simms was the passenger in the Unimog.

Private Simms was a well-liked soldier who was extremely polite and courteous. He had established some strong friendships within the army and was an integral and valued member of his section.

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Private Meredith Simms

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Private Meredith Simms on exercise in Marlborough August 2006

ENDS

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