30-year-old Lance Corporal Mason Edwards was serving with the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment when he was killed in an operational training accident at Cultana Range, South Australia, on 20th October 2009.

Mason enlisted in the Australian Army in January 2004 as one of the first members of the Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme. After recruitment and initial employment training, he successfully completed the Commando Selection and Training Course. Following this, he was posted to the then 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.

Throughout his short but extremely busy career, Mason proved himself to be a consummate professional. During his tours to Afghanistan, he demonstrated considerable mental toughness and physical endurance whilst deployed on combat operations.

Mason leaves behind his loving parents, two sisters, brother, and beloved partner.

Mason has received the following honours and awards:

• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp International Coalition Against Terrorism
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Australian Service Medal with Clasp Timor-Leste
• Australian Defence Medal, Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal
• NATO Medal with International Security Assistance Force Clasp
• Infantry Combat Badge
• Returned from Active Service Badge

During Mason’s service in the Australian Army, he was deployed on the following Operations:

• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) 2008
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) 2007
• Operation Astute (Timor-Leste) 2006