Statement
NR-07.065 - July 5, 2007
OTTAWA – 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, 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 20km south-west of Kandahar City. At the request of the family, the name of the remaining soldier is being withheld temporarily. 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.”
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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.
