Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"Born in Birmingham, England on the 20th of February 1979, Mason spent most of his life in Queensland. A student of Kelvin Grove State High School, he went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Queensland, St Lucia, before enlisting in the Australian Army.

Lance Corporal (LCPL) Mason Kerrin Edwards enlisted into the Australian Army in January 2004 as one of the first members of the Special Forces “Direct Recruiting Scheme”. After recruit and initial employment training, he successfully completed the Commando Selection and Training Course and the ensuing Commando Reinforcement Training Continuum. He was posted to the then 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (Commando), now the 2nd Commando Regiment on the 16th of May 2005. During his service within the Commando Regiment, he underwent further intensive training and specialized in Special Forces Demolitions, Mortars and Direct Fire Support Weapons, and Heavy Weapons.

In August 2006 he deployed to East Timor with Alpha Commando Company. In May 2007 he deployed on his first tour of duty in Afghanistan with the Special Forces Task Group. He returned to Afghanistan in June 2008.

Throughout his short but extremely busy career, LCPL Edwards 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. When receiving both direct and indirect fires, LCPL Edwards displayed a cool disposition and attended to his duties without hesitation. His confident demeanour and professional approach under fire provided junior members of the section with an excellent role model on which to base their own reactions to difficult circumstances. In recognition of his strength of character, integrity and uncompromising work ethic, he was held in the highest regard by both commanders and peers alike.

Testament to his ability, having displayed immense leadership potential whilst in combat, LCPL Edwards completed the first of his promotion courses in much the same manner that he completed all tasks assigned to him. He was awarded Student of Merit and the Best Instructor Award, a rare feat. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on the 14th of August, 2009.

LCPL Edwards was an extremely fit, strong and determined soldier with an affable character that endeared him to all he met. He had the ability to converse at all levels, had a great sense of humour and impeccable timing.

An insight into his dedication, selflessness and loyalty can be no better expressed than in his own words:

“I want everyone to know that I love this line of work, the unit and the guys I work alongside. We do what we do for many reasons. I need little more reason than this – anyone of us could have been born in this country (Afghanistan), but we are the lucky few who enjoy a lifestyle unsurpassed by anyone in the greatest country on Earth (Australia). As a final note, I tell my family, friends and my one and only Cassie that I loved them all until the day I died. I will stay young forever, and I will love them forever." - READ MORE LINK (www.youngdiggers.com.au)