SAS Trooper killed in Afghanistan named

THE SAS soldier killed in Afghanistan yesterday was Sergeant Matthew Locke from Perth. Sergeant Locke was serving with the elite Special Air Service Regiment when he was shot and killed by Taliban fighters in Afghanistan, becoming the third Australian to die in combat in the country and the second this month. Governor-General Major-General Michael Jeffery, speaking in Sydney, expressed his deepest sympathy to Sergeant Locke’s family and friends.

He said that in December last year he had presented Sgt Locke with the Medal for Gallantry for outstanding leadership and bravery under sustained fire in Afghanistan. “Sergeant Locke’s actions of gallantry whilst under enemy fire in extremely hazardous circumstances, displayed courage of the highest order….” his citation said.

Rest in Peace Sgt….duty done. UPDATE: Received this email from Defence Media;

TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT MATTHEW LOCKE The Chief of Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston today paid tribute to Sergeant Matthew Locke who died yesterday whilst on operations in Afghanistan. “Sergeant Matthew Locke was everything you would expect of an Australian soldier. He was courageous, dedicated and very professional. He took great pride in being an Aussie digger, displaying the characteristics of loyalty, mateship and determination for which Australian soldiers are renowned, Air Chief Marshal Houston said. “Sergeant Locke died whilst working with our coalition partners and Afghan forces to drive the Taliban from their sanctuaries and create an enduring security presence in the area. Operation ‘Spin Ghar’ was to target and clear Taliban from the area around Tarin Kowt in Oruzgan Province. “Sergeant Locke had extensive operational experience in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan and was one of the finest soldiers in the Australian Army. “Sergeant Locke will be greatly missed by his brothers in arms. He was admired and respected by all who served with him. His energy, enthusiasm and sense of humour made him a popular figure in the Special Air Service Regiment.’ “In 2006, his courage was recognised with a Medal of Gallantry, one of the ADF’s highest honours. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Locke braved heavy enemy fire to neutralise the Taliban advancing on the Australian position and in doing so saved the lives of his mates. His courage on that day was but one example of the extraordinary valour we have come to expect from the Special Air Service. “The thoughts and prayers of the entire Defence organisation are with the family, friends and comrades of Sergeant Locke. We will do everything we can to support them through this difficult time,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.