Soldier Killed At Cultana, South Australia

Personal Details Of Soldier Killed At Cultana, South Australia

It is with great sadness that the Department of Defence announces the tragic death last night of Lance Corporal Mason Edwards at Cultana, South Australia.

Lance Corporal Edwards, a member of the 2nd Commando Regiment, was part of a Special Forces night training activity with live ammunition. The activity was associated with mission specific training for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, extended his deepest condolences to the family, friends and unit colleagues of Lance Corporal Edwards, who was a very well-respected soldier.

“I know Mason was a committed and determined soldier; tremendously proud of his service and his mates with whom he served,” Lieutenant General Gillespie said.

“I can tell you that he considered himself lucky to live in this great country and to have the love and support of his family and partner.”

Lance Corporal Edwards was awarded the Australian Defence Medal, Australian Service Medal, Australian Active Service Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

Lance Corporal Edwards deployed to Timor Leste with Alpha Commando Company in 2006. In May 2007 he deployed on his first tour of duty in Afghanistan with the Special Forces Task Group. He returned to Afghanistan in June 2008.

The other soldier, from the Incident Response Regiment injured in the incident is in a satisfactory condition. For privacy reasons, personal details of the injured colleague will not be released.

Army and the wider Defence community is doing everything it can to assist and support the families through this very difficult time.

ENDS

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