Pte Mila farewelled from Kiwi Base

Private Mila is farewelled at Kiwi Base in Bamyan Province. Photo / NZDF

The body of Private Kirifi Mila, killed in a road accident in Afghanistan, has begun its journey home to New Zealand.

Pte Mila, 27, also known as Cliff, was standing on the turret of a Humvee, about 8.40pm (NZ time Tuesday) when the vehicle rolled down a 30-metre cliff.

Four soldiers were in the vehicle on a patrol which involved three other Humvees.

A private suffered serious head injuries, a sergeant had broken ribs and was now stable, while the other soldier in the vehicle was in shock and recovering.

Friends and comrades of Pte Mila, 27, bid him farewell in a ceremony at the Kiwi Base in Bamyan Province overnight.

Commanding Officer of the NZ Defence Force in Bamyan Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Fox delivered the eulogy for Pte Mila.

He died protecting his fellow soldiers from attack, said Mr Fox.

"Any death can seem a waste, but today we can take some comfort in the way Pte Mila died - on patrol, behind the gun, in the turret providing overwatch and protection for us, his mates, knowing we trusted him to have our backs in the worst situation".

"Even though your body leaves us today, your spirit will live on with us, know that we will honour that spirit and sacrifice in the completion of our mission, know that we will continue to look after each other just as you looked after us.

"Take care mate. I know you will be well taken care of on your final journey, I give you my senior soldier to ensure that. Kia kaha, kia toa."

Pte Mila was then taken to Bagram Airforce Base in a Chinook helicopter, accompanied by accompanied by a Defence Force officer.

He will soon travel to Germany on the next leg of his journey home.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said funeral plans were still being finalised with Pte Mila's family.

The two soldiers seriously injured in the crash which killed Pte Mila are continuing to receive treatment at Bagram Airforce Base.

They would be moved to the US Military hospital at Landstuhl, Germany within a day, a Defence statement said.

The third injured soldier remained at Kiwi Base in Bamyan and it is likely he would return to duty soon, Dr Mapp said.

An initial inquiry has found ice and snow on the road may have been a factor in the crash.

Dr Mapp said the accident would be reviewed to see what further training New Zealand troops could receive in future, but significant training was already given.

He would discuss with the Defence Force whether it would be worth securing Humvee vehicles in New Zealand for pre-deployment training, although such training did happen once they were in Afghanistan.

"The truth is Afghanistan is a very difficult place. I've seen the roads there and, believe you me, they are exceptionally challenging. That's the nature of the risks our young men and women experience."

It was possible Light Armoured Vehicles would be sent over because the roads were being improved and would help ensure safety in the volatile north eastern corner of the province.

"It's a balance of what's available and what the roading conditions are like."

SOLDIERS PAY A TRAGIC PRICE

NZ Army combat deaths since 1990

* 24 July 2000: Private Leonard Manning, in East Timor.

* 4 August 2010: Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell, in Afghanistan.

Note: Other non-combat deaths have occurred involving personnel deployed overseas

NZ Army deaths from vehicle accidents since 1990

* 30 November 1999: Warrant Officer Class Two Tony Walser, vehicle accident, East Timor.

* 25 April 2000: Staff Sergeant William White, vehicle accident, East Timor.

* 11 August 2004: Private Dougherty and Private Kairua, Unimog accident, Banks Peninsula.

* 23 February 2005: Private Goodwin, Private Ohlen and Private Partington, Unimog accident, Kawarau Gorge.

* 16 August 2006: Private Sims, Unimog accident, Weld Pass, Marlborough.

* 15 February 2011: Private Kirifi Mila, Humvee accident, Afghanistan.

Note: The Army says this is not complete information.

- NZHERALD STAFF