Plaque for fallen officer

Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell. Photo / RNZAF

Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell, who was killed in a fierce firefight in Afghanistan this month when his patrol was attacked, will have his name added to the Feilding War Memorial this year.

His will be the first new name to go on the Manawatu memorial since the end of World War II, 65 years ago, said Fielding RSA president Graham Kitchen. The memorial has about 200 names etched in marble recording casualties from the two world wars.

Lieutenant O'Donnell, whose name will be on a bronze plaque, was the first Kiwi soldier to be killed in overseas combat for 10 years.

It is hoped the plaque will be unveiled at a ceremony before Christmas.

- NZPA