The Funeral Of Sergeant Matthew Locke, SAS

The Funeral Of Sergeant Matthew Locke

Mourners congregated at Perth's Karrakatta cemetery today for the funeral of Sergeant Matthew Locke, who was tragically killed in Afghanistan last week.

The coffin of Sergeant Matthew Locke is carried by gun carriage during his funeral service and escorted by his mates from the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) to the chapel at the Karrakatta Cemetery in Perth

Sergeant Locke's wife and young son were joined by their large circle of family and friends and by past and present members of the Perth-based Special Air Service Regiment.

On hand to pay their respects to the SAS soldier were His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffrey, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, The Hon. John Howard MP, Prime Minister of Australia; Mr Kevin Rudd MP, Leader of the Opposition; The Hon. Bruce Billson MP, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence and Mr Joel Fitzgibbon MP, Shadow Minister for Defence.

The Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy and the Special Operations Commander Australia, Major General Mike Hindmarsh, were also present to pay their respects to a fallen hero.

During his 16-year military career, 10 years of which was spent in the elite Special Air Service Regiment, Sergeant Locke completed active service in a number of operational theatres as well as being awarded the Medal of Gallantry last year for his gallantry in hazardous circumstances.

The cortege carrying Sergeant Locke's coffin was met at Karrakatta cemetery by an SASR honour guard.

At the conclusion of the sombre service, the honour guard fired three volleys and a bugler played the Last Post in tribute to the passing of one of the nation's finest soldiers.

The family has urged the media observe their request for privacy during this difficult time.

ENDS

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