17 August 2010

In a full military funeral tinged with tears and laughter, Lieutenant Timothy Andrew O’Donnell was farewelled on Wednesday 11 August at Linton Military Camp.

LT O’Donnell, 28, was killed in action in Afghanistan on 3 August when an improvised explosive devise detonated under his vehicle during an insurgent ambush while he was returning from a patrol in the Khamard district, north east of Bamiyan where the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction team is based.

Two soldiers, Lance Corporal Matthew Ball and Private Allister Baker who were in the vehicle with LT O’Donnell, were injured, as was their Afghan interpreter.

The two soldiers, one of whom suffered burns and the other serious foot injuries have returned to New Zealand and are recovering. The interpreter is also recovering from his injuries.

The men’s patrol had been delivering wire mesh baskets to a village so they could build their flood protection wall. They had also taken seeds and fertiliser to another village as crops there had been damaged by recent flooding.

At a nearby checkpoint the patrol conducted training with the Afghan National Police before beginning their journey home.

The bomb is thought to have been buried in or near the road in a valley, and exploded as the first of four vehicles, two Humvees and two four by fours, passed. The insurgents opened fire on the patrol using shoulder launched rocket propelled grenades and high powered rifles. Patrol members ran to a nearby building where they took cover and radioed for help. LCPL Ball and PTE Baker removed LT O’Donnell from the vehicle which is when they sustained most of their injuries.

Bad weather meant neither fixed wing attack aircraft nor helicopter gunships could get to the area where the explosion occurred. It also meant an aeromedical evacuation could not be conducted. The three men and other patrol members were eventually picked up and driven back to their Bamiyan base.

LT O’Donnell was farewelled in a ceremony in Bamiyan which was attended by elements of the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team, the Provincial Governor, Dr Habiba Sarabi and the Acting Provincial Chief of Police.

He and the wounded soldiers and interpreter were then flown to Bagram Air Force Base by a coalition air force C130 Hercules. An RNZAF B757 brought them back to New Zealand, landing at Whenuapai Air Base in Auckland.

His funeral in the gymnasium at Linton Camp, was attended by the Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand, the Prime Minister John Key, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp, the Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae and other Defence chiefs as well as civic dignitaries, family, friends and colleagues.

Speaking at the funeral LTGEN Mateparae said LT O’Donnell was an example of the irrepressible energy, talent and drive of the Defence Force’s young people.

“When I send young New Zealanders on operational missions it is in the context that there is some risk. And with Afghanistan the risk that an enemy might take the fight to them is always possible. So we need young men and women who are committed, courageous and honest. They need to be able to work with their mates and others. In short we need people who are decent, motivated and yet spirited. And for those we select to lead our soldiers, sailors and airmen and airwomen, we expect, I expect, much more. LT Tim O’Donnell was a striking example.”

LT O’Donnell’s uncles spoke of their much-loved nephew, and how he changed from a boy to a man during his time with the Army. His friends, from his hometown of Feilding and his Burnham-based colleagues spoke of the young man they knew who had a passion for life, and never did things by halves. He was described by his younger brother Andrew as the best brother that could be had, and that he was also a mate who meant the world to him.

Lieutenant Colonel Hugh McAslan, the Commanding Officer of 2/1 Battalion, of which LT O’Donnell was a member, said he was never in any doubt as to LT O’Donnell’s goals and intentions.

“He was a complicated individual, pragmatic, motivated and forthright in his views, whether you sought his opinions or not. But his opinions were always delivered in a respectful manner with a good dose of humour.

“Commanding people like Tim is easy— he required only minimal guidance. The expectations he placed on himself ensured that any task he was undertaking would be completed ahead of time and to a high standard.

“Tim could be quick to remind you of his capability. I attended the officer graduating parade at which the Governor General was the Reviewing Officer. In his address to the graduating officers he made specific references to Tim’s display of leadership in Timor-Leste. On return to Burnham the next day I ran into Tim in our Battalion headquarters. I said to him, “Mate, I was up at Officer Cadet School and the Governor General made specific reference to you in his speech, which I thought was pretty good.” Tim’s response was typical. “You sound surprised boss. The GG knows quality when he sees it.”

“As a soldier Tim was quick, tough, resourceful and cunning, as well as skilful. He was all he had to be to be a commander and leader in a combat uniform. He was forthright, focused and had an in-built desire to succeed. He had empathy with his troops and a natural leadership ability and gift of intuition to be able to quickly read a situation and make good decisions.

“He loved regimental life, and he loved the social aspects of it, in particular the comradeship.”

LTCOL McAslan said LT O’Donnell went to Afghanistan specifically to command Kiwi 2 patrol in the north-east.

“He knew it was a tough area, and that we needed a tough, capable and prudent commander. He had no hesitation in going — you couldn’t wipe the smile off his face when he knew he was on his way.

“We have lost a warrior, a leader and mate— a great character who I am grateful and proud to have had the opportunity to know and serve alongside. Tim, you will remain forever a young man and a free spirit, dedicated to the life you loved— a soldier serving his country with distinction.”

‘Our Mate’ LT Tim O’Donnell, DSD, 2/1 RNZIR, RNZIR

For the O’Donnell family he was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, or cousin, for his soldiers he was a leader, for his commanders he was a subordinate, but to us he was a mate. In a rare move among RNZIR Subbies, ‘Timmy’ had the opportunity of being a member of both 1 RNZIR and 2/1 RNZIR. Due to this fact, he was a particularly well known and popular figure amongst the officers of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, as well as the other Subbies within both 2 and 3 LFG‘s.

‘Timmy’ was famous for his strong sense of humour and love of a good time. We all have fond memories of him partying, hunting, and competing in various sports. Always able to seek out and close with his prey, including members of the opposite sex, Timmy would always be a great source of stories and entertainment come Sunday mornings at his former man-pad of 5 Rowlings Crescent in Burnham’s housing area.

Whether it was on the sports field, or on operations in East Timor and Afghanistan, whether training in NZ “to slay the Hun” , or dressing as a woman, Timmy always gave everything one hundred percent. Even when he was on sick leave recovering from surgery on his knee, we would still carry Timmy from bar to bar and prop him up against the nightclub bars throughout central Christchurch.

Much has already been said in the media about Timmy being a “free spirit” giving the impression of a well behaved innocent young individual. Well, despite his father being a former police officer and without going into detail, what the media doesn’t know is Timmy‘s move from Linton to Burnham was a post bail all expenses paid posting. He was never shy of trying his luck in search of a laugh or enjoying a bit of larrikin behaviour.

With his drooling, lack of hair, and Zimmerframe, Timmy was often teased by his mates for being older, more ginger, and balder than the rest of us, although it must be noted that this did not appear to affect his charm with the ladies.

A highly respected Infantryman and Officer, he was a loyal mate and always the ‘life of the party’. Whether at work or at play Timmy was always willing to help out his buddies. His charm and personality easily rubbed off on those who were lucky enough to work with him and call him a mate. We can be proud that he died serving his Country in a job he loved and for a cause he believed in. He has left behind many great memories, along with many broken hearts.

Next time we have a beer, we’ll spare a thought for you bro.

ONWARD.

From his mates, the Subbies of 2/1 RNZIR.

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