Afghanistan Honour Roll Reaches 103

Canada lost three more soldiers in Afghanistan on December 13th, killed by an improvised explosive device in the Arghandab distict,near the site of the three killed the week before. The latest three were all from the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based out of Gagetown, New Brunswick. Two were fathers and all three were from Atlantic Canada. They are:




Corporal Thomas James Hamilton





Private Justin Peter Jones






Private John Michael Roy Curwin




This comment from the Department of National Defence website:

Members of Task Force Kandahar and the Provincial Reconstruction Team are committed to improving security and increasing development in Kandahar Province. We are all thinking of the family and friends of our fallen comrades during this sad time, but are determined to continue working with our Afghan and international partners towards a better future for the people of Afghanistan."

This photo shows the ramp ceremony in Kandahar, Afghanistan, which was shorter than normal due to a Taliban rocket attack.



Their commander, Brigadier-General Thompson, offered these comments in the press:

The three men were remembered fondly.

Cpl. Hamilton had volunteered for the third time to come to Afghanistan. Known as "Hammy" to his friends, he was also an outdoorsman.

"He loved to fish, hunt and barbeque, but his first love was his daughter Annabella. She was his pride and joy," Thompson said.

Pte. Curwin was described as a "quintessential family man," a father of three who said his wife Laura Mae was his best friend.

Pte. Jones, or "Jonesy" loved to play the guitar and continue his learning and was described by his friends as "one of the kindest people you would ever meet".

"I just want to pass on my condolences, on behalf of my team and behalf of the entire task force," said Lt.-Col. Dana Woodworth, the commander of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team where the three men were stationed.

"They were fine Canadians, courageous men, they will be missed and I understand there will be much pain and much sorrow in the days that come for the family and friends and loved ones," he finished.

Gen. Thompson has overseen too many ceremonies at the other end while he was a commander in Petawawa, Ont.

"When you're here in the field it's actually easier to be here. I know it's a much heavier load to bear back in Canada," he admitted.

"At the ramp ceremony here we've said goodbye to our friends with honour and dignity and then we'll just return to our duty and it's very easy to get buried in your job here."


Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and may light perpetual shine upon them.