Ramp Ceremony for Sniper Hero

The body of Private Matthew Lambert began its final journey home yesterday, leaving Camp Russell, the Australian base near Tarin Kowt. Hundreds of Australian troops lined the route between the base gymnasium, where a memorial service was held beneath a huge Australian flag, and the airfield. Pte Lambert's fellow snipers, led by team leader Lance Corporal "Billy" Mirrerik from Mentoring Team Alpha, carried the nation's 29th casualty of the war to a waiting C-130 aircraft. The 26-year-old sniper died of his wounds on Monday morning after a home-made bomb detonated during a mentoring patrol with Afghan and US troops. He was remembered yesterday as an inspiring son, loving brother, protective partner and a fine soldier."Matt had a great enthusiasm for living life, generously sharing his time, thoughts and ideas and inspiring us all by walking the talk." his father Chris said.