Return of CPL Doug Grant To NZ

CPL Grant has returned to New Zealand this afternoon via a commercial flight and has been met by his family and senior representatives of the New Zealand Defence Force.

There will be a private service in Papakura military camp tomorrow, after which Cpl Grant will be transported to Palmerston North.

A full military funeral will be held in Linton Military camp on Monday with details to be advised in due course.

Chief of Defence Force, LT GEN Rhys Jones says;

"Because CPL Grant is being accompanied by his NZSAS colleagues, requirements surrounding operational security have meant that media access to the ramp ceremony and other parts of the repatriation process have not been as open as in other instances where the NZ Defence Force has lost one of its own on deployment overseas.

"The NZ Defence Force remains grateful for the assistance of the media during this time."

Imagery from the ramp ceremony in Palmerston North tomorrow will be made available to media late in the evening and media requirements surrounding the funeral are under consideration, with an announcement of these details to be made later this week.

ENDS

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