Fallen Digger lands in Darwin
The Age
Friday February 11, 2011
LED by a sole bagpiper, eight soldier mates of Corporal Richard Atkinson carried his body from an RAAF plane to his fiancee, parents and other family members in a ramp ceremony at Darwin Airport late yesterday.Corporal Atkinson, the Hobart-born soldier who friends said "always puts smiles on other people's faces" and had a "real sense of adventure", was the 22nd Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan since 2001.Speaking after the ceremony, Army Chief Ken Gillespie said the reality was that Afghanistan was a dangerous place and more "poignant" ceremonies could be held in Australia in the future. "But I have to say that with the professionalism of the troops we have in Afghanistan we have kept losses and injuries to a minimum."Corporal Atkinson, 22, was killed by an improvised explosive device in Tangi Valley while on patrol with Afghan soldiers.He joined the army in 2007 before being posted to the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment based in Darwin.General Gillespie said Corporal Atkinson's family were "humble" people who "most of all are proud of Richard's service".His funeral will be held in Hobart next week.
© 2011 The Age
