Fallen soldier honoured as hero

Private Ben Chuck was farewelled by family, friends & the PM at an emotional funeral service in north Queensland.

THE partner of an Australian commando killed in Afghanistan has described him as her guardian angel.

In an emotional tribute read to mourners at the funeral of Private Ben Chuck in north Queensland, partner Tess Crane spoke of her love for the popular north Queensland boy turned elite soldier.

"He was my protector, my shield and my guardian angel and I know he's still looking after me," she said.

"Yes he died a hero, but he was my hero the moment I saw his face."

Julia Gillard, attending her first military funeral as prime minister, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh were among hundreds who gathered on the banks of Lake Tinaroo, near Private Chuck's hometown of Yungaburra, for the service.

Defence force Chief Angus Houston and other senior military brass were also present.

Private Chuck, 27, was given full military honours, including a three-shot rifle salute and a guard of honour, formed by members of his unit, the 2nd Commando Regiment.

The Last Post and the national anthem were played during the service while his coffin, draped in the Australian flag, departed the service to the sombre sound of Amazing Grace, played on bagpipes.

Many of the commando's former comrades flew in from Afghanistan for the service, with his closest mates serving as pallbearers.

A civilian friend of Private Chuck flew a helicopter overhead at one point, stopping just metres from mourners in a sign of respect and a reflection of the soldier's love of the aircraft.

Private Chuck was one of three soldiers killed in a helicopter crash in the Afghan province of Kandahar on June 21.

Their bodies were repatriated to Sydney on the weekend and honoured with a military ceremony at the RAAF base.