Emotional farewell for slain soldier

More than 2000 mourners and dignitaries have paid their respects to Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell, New Zealand's first war casualty in a decade, at an emotional military funeral at the Linton Military Camp near Palmerston North.

Lt O'Donnell, 28, died when his patrol was attacked in Afghanistan a week ago during a routine patrol in the Bamiyan Province where New Zealand has a provincial reconstruction team.

Two of his colleagues injured in the same attack - Lance Corporal Matthew Ball, 24, and Private Allister Baker, 23 - were at today's funeral, which opened with a spectacular fly past of military Iroquois helicopters.

Lt O'Donnell was the first New Zealand soldier to die in combat since 2000, when Private Leonard Manning was killed in East Timor.

In a warehouse packed with dignitaries and high-ranking military officers, mourners heard how New Zealand had lost a fine young leader.

"New Zealand has lost a fine young leader sand his family has lost a son, brother, and his comrades a good mate," Prime Minister John Key told mourners.

"He knew the dangers of Afghanistan but wanted to be there to help the people of Bamiyan."

Lt O'Donnell died doing what he did best - leading his team with courage and determination, he said.

He was the youngest officer to be recognised with a Distinguished Service Decoration for a notable act of valour in East Timor.

"That recognition stands as proof of the fine qualities Tim brought to the army in the five years he served."

Mr Key said it was a testimony to him that if he was here today his primary concern would be for his injured colleagues.

"I have been told in a private moment Tim once said if he was to die, he would want it to happen with his mates and while serving his country. He was with his mates and he was serving his country. He paid the highest price and his service was invaluable.

"Tim will not be forgotten," Mr Key said.

The Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, told mourners Lt O'Donnell was a striking example of a young man with positive and irrepressible energy, talent and drive.

He said his commanding officer in Afghanistan believed Lt O'Donnell was as hard on himself as he was on those he commanded.

He was never shy about coming forward and when he did, it inevitably made good sense, Lt Gen Mateparae said.

After the service Lt O'Donnell's body was due to be taken for a private family service.

Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand said Lt O'Donnell's death was a tragedy for his family, the army and the defence force, and New Zealanders felt their pain.

"First it is a personal tragedy for his parents and family who live with the intense grief of their loss. At this sad time New Zealanders generally extend deepest sympathies to the O'Donnell family," he said.

"His death is also a tragedy for the New Zealand Army. Lieutenant O'Donnell was regarded as a highly competent and widely liked officer.

"His death is also a loss for the wider New Zealand Defence Force, which has lost several of its number in the last year."

New Zealanders had long served in conflict zones far from home to defend democratic values or to bring some semblances of peace and stability to divided lands, Sir Anand said.

That was a responsibility that Lt O'Donnell was proud to uphold, he said.

- NZPA