A Genuine Aussie Hero - Matthew Locke

Australia has lost another of its Diggers this week, Sargeant Matthew Locke of the SASR Unit. Sgt Locke died as a result of small arms fire while fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Leaders salute 'genuine hero' of SAS GENERALS and politicians alike yesterday paid tribute to SAS Sergeant Matthew Locke, killed in Afghanistan on Thursday, hailing him as an inspirational leader and a genuine Australian hero. A two-tour veteran of Afghanistan and a Medal of Gallantry winner, the father of one from Perth was fatally wounded in the chest while leading a patrol of SAS soldiers against the Taliban. "The nation today has lost a genuine hero. The army has lost a gallant and respected soldier," said Chief of Army Lieutenant General Peter Leahy. "Our Special Air Service Regiment have lost a comrade and a mate and his family have lost a loving husband and father." Sergeant Locke, who leaves behind a wife, Lee, and a 13-year-old son, had extensive experience in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan and was one of the finest soldiers in the army, said Australian Defence Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston. Sergeant Locke joined the army in 1992, was posted to the 5/7th Battalion and joined the SAS in 1997, where he quickly earned the respect of his fellow soldiers. "His attention to detail was incredible," one trooper told Sydney's Daily Telegraph. "Matty was one of those blokes that everyone in the army seemed to know -- he was one of those blokes who got on with everyone. "He was a quiet achiever, a good team player and a very smart bloke." The death of the SAS patrol leader -- the second Australian combat fatality in Afghanistan in less than three weeks and the third since 2002 -- will not change the Howard Government's commitment to stay the course in Afghanistan or Iraq. Expressing sorrow at the death of a "very courageous soldier", John Howard said yesterday there would be no weakening of his Government's resolve to continue the war on terror. Taking a pause from campaigning, Mr Howard and his wife, Janette, made a private visit to Campbell Barracks at Swanbourne in Perth, the home base of the SAS Regiment. The Prime Minister said Sergeant Locke, aged in his 30s, had died "fighting for his country in a just cause". "It's not going to alter the attitude of the Government towards the commitment in Afghanistan," he said. "It's very important we contain terrorism in that country, it's very important we contain terrorism in Iraq, and the worst thing this country could do is say it's all too hard and give up." Earlier, Labor leader Kevin Rudd said the thoughts, prayers and condolences of the nation were extended to Sergeant Locke's family. "I have conveyed to the Special Air Service Regiment commander the condolences of the Opposition over the loss of one of their own," he said. "This is a tragedy for the family and a great loss to the nation." Defence Minister Brendan Nelson praised Sergeant Locke as a highly decorated soldier but echoed Mr Howard's comments, saying: "Under no circumstances should the Taliban think this will weaken our resolve." Governor-General Michael Jeffery, a former SAS commander, described the soldier as an "absolute professional". Last December, Major General Jeffery awarded Sergeant Locke the Medal for Gallantry.

Sgt Lockes death has served as a stark reminder of the risks our Service Personnel take every day and yet, the Deaths of Trooper Pearce and Sgt Locke - just 3 weeks apart - have not served to strengthen the resolve of the Australian people. Instead of uniting int heir support of our forces, the country seems to be calling for them to be returned home. How does this honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country??

TO BE AWARDED THE MEDAL FOR GALLANTRY SERGEANT MATTHEW LOCKE Campbell Barracks, SWANBOURNE, WA, 6010 For gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances as the second-in-command of a Special Air Service Regiment patrol in the Special Forces Task Group whilst deployed on Operation SLIPPER, Afghanistan, in 2006. During the conduct of an operation, a patrol, with Sergeant Locke as second-in-command, were tasked with establishing an Observation Post in extremely rugged terrain over looking an Anti-Coalition Militia sanctuary. After an arduous ten hour foot infiltration up the side of the mountain, the patrol was called into action to support elements of the Combined Task Force Special Forces patrol that were in contact with the Anti-Coalition Militia in the valley floor to their north. After the engagement, Sergeant Locke’s patrol remained in their location and was the only coalition ground element with visibility of the target area. During the course of the next day the patrol continued to coordinate offensive air support against identified Anti-Coalition Militia positions in order to further disrupt and degrade the enemy’s morale. During the afternoon, the Observation Post became the focus of the Anti-Coalition Militia who made repeated attempts by day and night to overrun and surround the position. In one such incident the Anti-Coalition Militia attempted to outflank the Observation Post and Sergeant Locke without regard for his own personal safety, led a two man team to locate and successfully neutralise the Anti-Coalition Militia in order to regain the initiative and protect his patrol from being overrun. This particular incident was followed by another Anti-Coalition Militia attempt to manoeuvre to attack the patrol Observation Post from another flank. Sergeant Locke, again with little regard for his personal safety, adopted a fire position that was exposed on high ground which dominated the planned Anti-Coalition Militia assault. Whilst deliberately exposing himself to intense rifle and machine gun fire from the Anti-Coalition Militia, he again neutralised the lead assaulting elements whilst suppressing other Militia until the arrival of offensive air support. Whilst still under sustained fire, Sergeant Locke then directed indirect fire to effectively neutralise another Anti-Coalition Militia advance on his patrol’s position. The courageous and gallant actions of Sergeant Locke were instrumental in regaining the initiative from the Anti-Coalition Militia and allowing the successful exfiltration of the patrol on foot prior to first light the next day. Sergeant Locke’s actions of gallantry whilst under enemy fire in extremely hazardous circumstances, displayed courage of the highest order and is in keeping with the finest traditions of Special Operations Command-Australia, the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

Sgt Locke returns home....

CPA 408/07 Wednesday, 31 October 2007 SERGEANT LOCKE RETURNS HOME Fallen SAS soldier, Sergeant Matthew Locke, was returned to Australia today to be met by family and colleagues at RAAF Base, Pearce in Western Australia. In a solemn and dignified ceremony, soldiers from Sergeant Locke’s SAS battalion formed a Guard and Bearer Party on the tarmac where they met the C-130 Hercules aircraft and carried the casket to a private room. The private occasion allowed those close to Sergeant Locke to pay their personal respects to this brave soldier. The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, and Commander Australian Special Forces, Major General Michael Hindmarsh, attended the ceremony and paid tribute to Sergeant Locke on behalf of the Australian Army. “We in the Army extend our heartfelt sympathies to Matthew’s family during this difficult time,” said Lieutenant General Leahy. “The Army has lost a courageous soldier, a respected colleague and a mate. We will miss him.” Major General Hindmarsh described Sergeant Locke as a professional and dedicated soldier who was a valuable member of the SAS. “Matthew has made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. His loss will be felt by all members of the SAS community and he will never be forgotten,” said Major General Hindmarsh. Members of the Special Air Service Regiment carry the casket of their colleague Sergeant Matthew Locke to his family for a short ceremony,after his arrival under escort from Afghanistan.

Sgt Locke is laid to rest...

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. 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.

And to truly do Sgt Matthew Locke honor, John Williamson sang 'True Blue'

Hey True Blue, don't say you've gone Say you've knocked off for a smoko And you'll be back later on Hey True Blue, Hey True Blue Give it to me straight Face to face Are you really disappearing, Just another dying race, Hey True Blue. True Blue, is it me and you? Is it Mum and Dad, is it a cockatoo? Is it standing by your mate When he's in a fight? Or will she be right? True Blue, I'm asking you... Hey True Blue, can you bear the load? Will you tie it up with wire, Just to keep the show on the road? Hey True Blue, Hey True Blue, now be Fair Dinkum Is your heart still there? If they sell us out like sponge cake Do you really care? Hey True Blue. True Blue, is it me and you? Is it Mum and Dad, is it a cockatoo? Is it standing by your mate When she's in a fight? Or will she be right? True Blue, I'm asking you... True Blue, is it me and you? Is it Mum and Dad, is it a cockatoo? Is it standing by your mate When he's in a fight? Or will she be right? True Blue ... True Blue. True Blue Steadfast loyal Australian who displays the Aussie ideals of a fair go for all, mateship, having a go, and solving problems.

Rest easy Soldier, knowing you will not be forgotten by a grateful nation.

My deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sgt Locke

AC