They loved and were loved: soldier remembers lost mates

Millions of Australians will pause on Monday to recall those who have given their lives in service. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

It's not something anyone expects to experience at work, to have a colleague let alone a mate killed while on duty. 

But it is accepted as part of a soldier's job.

During 35 years with the Australian Army, Major General Jason Blain experienced his bloodiest in Afghanistan, in 2010.