Feilding's fallen hero

Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell. Photo / Supplied

The phone book of fallen soldier Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell's home town has just one listing with that surname.

Since Wednesday, Feilding's Kath O'Donnell, who is not related to the soldier, has answered phone calls from across the country.

Her letterbox has filled with cards and letters of commiseration.

"So many people are calling to express their grief," she said.

Tim O'Donnell's family, who have an unlisted number, are protected from intrusion by a military cordon.

This morning they will meet Tim O'Donnell's body at Ohakea Air Base.

Feilding Returned Services Association president Graham Kitchen is pushing to have O'Donnell listed among the war dead on the town's war memorial, erected in 1925. He would be the first soldier since WWII to join the roll.