Funeral held for Australian soldier killed in military exercise

An Australian Army soldier killed during a military training exercise in the Northern Territory earlier this month has been remembered as "a man of character, a loving partner and most of all, a devoted father".

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) confirmed Corporal Brendan Hannam died after a troop carrier rolled at the Mount Bundey Training Area, south of Darwin, two weeks ago.

Five other men were also injured in the crash.

The 28-year-old father-of-two was farewelled today in a funeral service held at the Lone Pine Chapel at Robertson Barracks in Darwin.

Speaking at the service, Lieutenant Colonel Ash Zimmerlie paid tribute to his colleague's more than nine years in the ADF, saying Corporal Hannam "served Australia with distinction".

He told mourners the late soldier's service included international deployments to Afghanistan in 2019 and Ukraine in 2023.

"Corporal Hannam's career was characterised by loyalty to his battalion, dedication to his profession and commitment to his mates," Lieutenant Colonel Zimmerlie said.

"He served this country honourably and he's earned the respect of those alongside whom he served."

Lieutenant Cooper Bridgeman remembered the 28-year-old as someone who was trustworthy "because he was steady, capable and never made it about himself".

"He didn't accept excuses because he held himself and those around him to a high standard," Lieutenant Bridgeman said.

"Brendan didn't need to be the loudest in the room. He never talked to fill the silence.

"When he spoke it was because he had something worth saying, a sharp observation, a practical solution, or a joke that could break the tension exactly when the team needed it."

Lieutenant Bridgeman said while his fellow soldier was respected as a "dedicated", "selfless teammate and valued leader", he was a family man above all.

"You had the privilege of having him for everything he was, a man of character, a loving partner and most of all a devoted father," he said.

"I know that he was extremely proud of you and everything that he did was for you, the people that he loved deeply and without reservation."

In the wake of the junior non-commissioned officer's death, Chief of Army Susan Coyle said a thorough investigation of the crash was underway.

The defence force also paused the use of the Supacat HMT (High Mobility Transporter), the troop carrier involved in the fatal crash.