I bid you stand, and remember.

They say this land makes for hardy souls. Harsh and unrelenting, freezing rains and floods, fires and storms, wonders beyond description, and terrors to chill the soul.

This land breeds men, known as Diggers, keepers of a tradition spanning centuries, honoured and respected by their fellows, and feared by those who stand against them.

This day, part of Australia has fallen, soldier, warrior, hero, who will be remembered always.

Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley, said the 40-year-old special forces soldier – who he described as “a soldier’s soldier” – was killed during an operation in the Chora Valley region of Oruzgan province yesterday morning, local Afghan time. The experienced soldier, who was on his seventh tour of duty to Afghanistan, was shot during an engagement with insurgents while on a mission with Afghan National Security Forces to target an insurgent commander.

Let his name be shouted as he enters the Gates, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side.

Lord , we commend this mighty soul to Thy care. May he find peace.

To the fighting men of the SAS, our condolences, our respect and our deepest thanks for your courage and sacrifice.

AND PERDITION TO OUR ENEMIES