Name of sixth Canadian soldier released (photos)

NEWS RELEASES

DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE

************************* National Defence: Name of sixth Canadian soldier killed released OTTAWA, ONTARIO - (July 5, 2007) - The name of the last of six Canadian soldiers killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on July 4, 2007 is as follows:

- Captain Jefferson Francis, 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, based in Shilo, Man.

On July 4, 2007 six Canadian soldiers and an Afghan interpreter were killed, when their RG-31 vehicle struck a suspected improvised explosive device approximately 20 km southwest of Kandahar City. ************************* Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the deaths of six Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan OTTAWA, ONTARIO (July 5, 2007) - The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the deaths of six Canadian soldiers:

"Six Canadian soldiers were killed yesterday in Afghanistan, and I extend my deepest condolences to their family and friends during this very difficult time.

Captain Matthew Johnathan Dawe, Master Corporal Colin Bason, Corporal Jordan Anderson, Corporal Cole Bartsch, Captain Jefferson Francis and Private Lane Watkins were returning from conducting joint patrol operations with the Afghan National Army when the vehicle they were in struck an improvised explosive devise, approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City.

These brave soldiers were working alongside their Afghan comrades to help provide security to local communities.

Rebuilding schools, hospitals, and roads as well as training Afghan security forces cannot occur in an unstable environment.

These Canadian soldiers gave their lives helping to provide this security and to help create the conditions needed for the people to live normal lives and begin to have the kinds of opportunities that Canadians often take for granted.

Canada will remain forever grateful for their sacrifice, and we are all saddened by this loss."

Captain Matthew Johnathan Dawe, Corporal Jordan Anderson, Corporal Cole Bartsch, and Private Lane Watkins were members of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, Alberta.

Master Corporal Colin Bason was a reservist from The Royal Westminster Regiment based in New Westminster, B.C.

Captain Jefferson Francis was with the 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery based in Shilo, Manitoba.

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