By Alex Bourn
Hundreds of people gathered at a Christchurch military base today to farewell two New Zealand soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
The families of Lance Corporals Pralli Durrer and Rory Malone mourned the loss of their sons at a commemorative service at Burnham Camp.
All was quiet at Burnham Military Camp today as the caskets of Lance Corporals Pralli Durrer and Rory Malone were carried into the gymnasium by their comrades.
The families of the fallen soldiers wept as their sons were farewelled in a service worthy of two men who died serving their country.
“Pralli, I love you my boy,” said uncle Joe Durrer. “I am so very, very proud at the man you have become.”
“To you guys out there, he's your fallen warrior,” said Rory Malone's brother Todd McBriar. “To me, he's my little bro’. He's my hero.”
Rory Malone was described as a straight-shooter, “tough as guts”. He was known as the prankster in the army.
“He advertised Phil's car for sale all around camp, and would send him fake appointments with Sgt Major,” said commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Michie. “He even put on an official voice on the loudspeaker to tell Phil he was urgently needed in Waiuru.”
Pralli Durrer's commanding officer said he had the heart of a lion, even in his final moments.
“He would not have flinched,” says commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel James Kaio. “He would have given his crew their orders and trusted that they did their job, and he would have ensured that those of the ground had as much cover from fire as he could provide. He achieved his mission.”
The flag-draped caskets followed an armoured tank out of the grounds of Burnham camp, as soldiers lined to salute their mates.
The bodies have been released to their families, so their loved ones can say their private goodbyes.
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