DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 360/09
Thursday, 22 October 2009
A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE FAMILY OF LANCE
CORPORAL MASON EDWARDS
Defence is releasing the following statement on behalf of the family of Lance
Corporal Mason Edwards, who was tragically killed in a training accident on
Tuesday:
“As a beloved son, brother, uncle, and partner, Mason meant the world to us. He was
so strong, and yet the most gentle, caring, and loving man you would ever meet. He
made us laugh every time we were together and his easygoing attitude was infectious.
“Our hearts ache for Mason, and there aren’t enough words to describe him as a
person, and how we felt about him. To Mason: We will always remember the way
you showered us all in love and affection, and we will forever miss you. You will be
in our hearts forever.
“Mason is survived by his parents Julie and Kerrin; his siblings Katie, Remie and
Jared; his nephew Henry; and his beloved partner Cassie.”
Biography:
Born in Birmingham, England on the 20th of February 1979, Mason spent most of his
life in Queensland. A student of Kelvin Grove State High School, he went on to
complete a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Queensland, St Lucia,
before enlisting in the Australian Army.
Lance Corporal (LCPL) Mason Kerrin Edwards enlisted into the Australian Army in
January 2004 as one of the first members of the Special Forces “Direct Recruiting
Scheme”. After recruit and initial employment training, he successfully completed
the Commando Selection and Training Course and the ensuing Commando
Reinforcement Training Continuum. He was posted to the then 4th Battalion, The
Royal Australian Regiment (Commando), now the 2nd Commando Regiment on the
16th of May 2005. During his service within the Commando Regiment, he underwent
further intensive training and specialized in Special Forces Demolitions, Mortars and
Direct Fire Support Weapons, and Heavy Weapons.
In August 2006 he deployed to East Timor with Alpha Commando Company. In May
2007 he deployed on his first tour of duty in Afghanistan with the Special Forces Task
Group. He returned to Afghanistan in June 2008.
DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
Throughout his short but extremely busy career, LCPL Edwards proved himself to be
a consummate professional. During his tours to Afghanistan he demonstrated
considerable mental toughness and physical endurance whilst deployed on combat
operations. When receiving both direct and indirect fires, LCPL Edwards displayed a
cool disposition and attended to his duties without hesitation. His confident
demeanour and professional approach under fire provided junior members of the
section with an excellent role model on which to base their own reactions to difficult
circumstances. In recognition of his strength of character, integrity and
uncompromising work ethic, he was held in the highest regard by both commanders
and peers alike.
Testament to his ability, having displayed immense leadership potential whilst in
combat, LCPL Edwards completed the first of his promotion courses in much the
same manner that he completed all tasks assigned to him. He was awarded Student of
Merit and the Best Instructor Award, a rare feat. He was promoted to Lance Corporal
on the 14th of August, 2009.
LCPL Edwards was an extremely fit, strong and determined soldier with an affable
character that endeared him to all he met. He had the ability to converse at all levels,
had a great sense of humour and impeccable timing.
An insight into his dedication, selflessness and loyalty can be no better expressed than
in his own words:
“I want everyone to know that I love this line of work, the unit and the guys I work
alongside. We do what we do for many reasons. I need little more reason than this –
anyone of us could have been born in this country (Afghanistan), but we are the lucky
few who enjoy a lifestyle unsurpassed by anyone in the greatest country on Earth
(Australia). As a final note, I tell my family, friends and my one and only Cassie that
I loved them all until the day I died. I will stay young forever, and I will love them
forever.”
The 2
nd
Commando Regiment family mourns the passing of a fine Australian.
Note: Mason’s family asks that their privacy continue to be respected. There
will be no media interviews at this time.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
