I was deeply saddened to learn today of the untimely death of Rupert Hamer, Sunday Mirror Defence Correspondent.This is the second time, in less than six months, I have come face to face with the harsh realities of this conflict as someone, I have known personally, is killed.
The relationship between the media and military can be a poisoned chalice; but, on the few occasions that I spoke with Rupert Hamer, we were always focused on the best interests of those serving.
Talking to the close friend who introduced me to Rupert, and who had worked with him while he was deployed, and Rupert was embedded, he said "he was consummate professional, he always reported from the heart of the action. We had some close calls together. He made a difference. I am devastated by the news."
The military rarely speak so highly of the media. An accolade indeed.
The last time we chatted was to set up the Christmas messages thread for a web forum I work for so that we could stimulate demand and the Sunday Mirror could send a morale lifter for the troops in theatre over the Christmas period.
We were due to meet for the first time when he returned from this trip to Afghanistan, and the fact that we now can't echoes and reverberates through me as the memory of his voice drifts into the emptiness.
Not only has the Sunday Mirror lost a fine journalist, but so too has the military. He was on the right side.
My thoughts and condolences go to his wife and children.
Author: Mrs Macnaughton
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