Australian commando dies in Taliban battle
November 23, 2007 - 5:50PM
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The father of an Australian commando killed in a battle with Taliban forces in Afghanistan says he is "very proud" of his son.
Private Luke Worsley, 26, of the 4RAR commando unit in Sydney, was killed in action about 7.30am (AEDT) today, Defence force chief Angus Houston said.
His father, John Worsley, said the family was distraught at the loss but described his son as a "brave soldier".
"We're holding up as good as possible," he said.
"He was a brave soldier and we lost him in the line of duty and there's nothing more I can really say to that.
"Of course it's immensely sad and we're terribly upset about it but we're very proud of him as a soldier."
Speaking from his home in Windsor, in north-western Sydney, Mr Worsley said the family was being comforted by an army chaplain, and had no further comment to make.
Private Worsley is the third Australian combat death in Afghanistan in the past two months.
Defence force chief Angus Houston announced Private Worsley's death at a press conference this afternoon.
"It is with deep sorrow that I inform you of the death of Australian solder Private Luke Worsley, 26, from Sydney, was killed in action about 7.30am Canberra time," Air Chief Marshal Houston told reporters.
"He was taking part in a planned and deliberate attack by our forces against Taliban leaders and bomb-makers in the Oruzgan province."
He said Private Worsley was "greatly respected".
"Private Worsley was a greatly respected soldier and he will be sorely missed", he said.
Air Chief Marshal Houston said no other troops were killed in the battle, during which Australian soldiers "acquitted themselves magnificently".
He said the Australian troops were after the makers of weapons called IED [Improvised Explosive Device] bombs, which were indiscriminate.
"We will continue to go after the bomb makers," he said.
He said the Taliban sustained heavy casualties during the engagement, including a number killed and a substantial number detained.
"If further progress is to be made against the Taliban these types of operations remain essential," he said.
"Despite the tragic death of Private Worsley the job of helping the people of Afghanistan continues."
It was Private Worsley second tour of duty to Afghanistan, and the had also served in East Timor in 2003.
He qualified as a commando in 2004.
"He was one of our finest," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
"I'm told his dedication and enthusiasm for soldiering was an inspiration to those around them."
The latest incident comes after Australian trooper David Pearce died after the light-armoured vehicle he was driving in southern Afghanistan detonated what is believed to be a home-made bomb buried in a dirt road.
That same week Australian soldiers in Iraq narrowly avoided injury after a bomb was detonated under their infantry vehicle.
SAS Sergeant Matthew Locke was shot dead by the Taliban on October 25 and on November 3, Sergeant Michael Lyddiard was injured by a bomb he was trying to defuse.
The Age
I was really annoyed, the umpire was only about 5m but had his back turned, didn't see it an refused to award me the kill. 
