THE widow of the latest soldier to be killed in Afghanistan has given birth to his son just hours after his funeral.

Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney, 28, was killed in late August, during an intense three-hour battle with Taliban insurgents in the western part of Afghanistan's Oruzgan province.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and defence chief Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston were among those gathered for the military funeral at Ashgrove Baptist Church in inner western Brisbane.



LCpl MacKinney's casket was carried, in heavy rain, from the church through an honour guard drawn from his unit, the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR).

His widow Beckie among those paying tribute to him. Hours later, she was giving birth to his son. Noah Jared MacKinney was born at 3.10pm (AEST) today - two weeks early.

in a statement released before the service, Beckie Mackinney said Noah would learn all about her dad's life.



"The long journey without Jared has begun for Annabell and me, and soon also little Noah Jared, who is due to come into the world in a fortnight," she said. "Noah will never get to meet his father but he'll come to know him for the incredible man he was through our love and memories.



"We have reached the deepest depths of despair since we were told of Jared's death but we have also been helped and comforted by the support and extraordinary generosity of spirit of old friends, new friends and strangers who cared."

His father-in-law, senior police officer David Smallbone, paid tribute to a "wonderful, loving husband".

"We all remember Jared's great sense of humour and cheeky grin, but his entire face would smile at the thought of Beckie and his princess Annabell, as well as the impending arrival of his little man," Mr Smallbone told about 700 mourners as rain fell outside the Ashgrove Baptist Church.

Ms Mackinney also paid tribute to her husband's mates in Afghanistan and at home. "I want to thank you for your caring and incredible messages of support," she said. "I know Jared wants me to tell you that we are very proud of you and support you in the job that you are doing."

Commander of the 7th Brigade, Brigadier Paul McLachlan, also paid a heartfelt tribute to Lance Corporal MacKinney who "was never afraid to let his humanitarian side shine through".

"We have lost a remarkable soldier and an honourable Australian," Brigadier McLachlan said at the funeral service. "I reckon he could have run for mayor of Gallipoli Barracks (in Enoggera, Brisbane) and won in a canter."

At the conclusion of the service soldiers fired three blank volleys.