5803722 Private
Jamie Michael Clarke
(22 Dec 1983-10 Mar 2005)

The body of a 21-year-old Australian soldier killed when he fell down a 15-metre shaft while on patrol in the Solomon Islands will be flown back to Australia on Saturday.

Police and military investigations are under way into the death on Thursday of Private Jamie Clark of the Sydney-based 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR).

He died after falling down a sinkhole while on a routine patrol providing security escort to Australian-led police in rugged country on Mt Austin just east of the capital Honiara.

Pte Clark's 3rd Battalion colleagues and Australian police will provide an honour guard on Saturday morning when his body is taken to Honiara's airport to be flown back to Sydney.

A memorial service will be held at the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) base on Saturday afternoon.

Army chief, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy said the young soldier was a respected member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and asked that his family be allowed privacy to deal with their grief.

Pte Clark, who had been in the Solomons since late January after being posted from Sydney's Holsworthy Barracks, was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.

"From what I've seen, this is just a tragic accident," Lt Gen Leahy said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Private Clark and his family and friends at this time."

RAMSI military commander Major Martin May said Pte Clark, who had served in East Timor, was a very well respected member of his unit and one of the best soldiers in the battalion.

"He loved life and lived it to the fullest and unfortunately a very promising life was tragically cut short," he said.

His colleagues were bearing up though obviously those who were with him when he died were shaken, Maj May said.

"They are focusing on giving an appropriate send-off tomorrow, including a memorial service, and they will be back on patrol tomorrow afternoon."

RAMSI and Solomons police and the military were investigating the incident and an inquest would be held by the NSW coroner.

Prime Minister John Howard extended his condolences, acknowledging military involvement anywhere in the world involved danger.

"Whatever the circumstances, he was over there on our behalf serving the interests of Australia and I really am dreadfully sorry and extend my sympathy to his family."

Opposition Leader Kim Beazley said he was deeply saddened by the death of Pte Clark.

"We thank him and his family for the sacrifice, the risk they've been prepared to take to ensure an important Australian international objective is undertaken," Mr Beazley said.

Solomons Prime Minister Allan Kemakeza said the prayers and thoughts of the Solomons government and people went out to the soldier's family, friends and colleagues.

About 70 ADF personnel are deployed with RAMSI, which is helping the Solomons government restore law and order and good governance.

(c) ninemsn.com.au

**If you have a photo of PTE Jamie Clark let me know**

Army lines in Solomons dedicated to PTE Jame Clark
(click for larger version)