The body of Canada's latest war casualty began its journey home on Wednesday with a ramp ceremony at Kandahar Airfield.

Trooper Larry Rudd's flag-draped casket was placed on a military plane at a solemn ceremony attended by more than 1,000 people, the CBC reported.

Rudd, 26, died Monday when an improvised explosive device detonated during a routine security operation about 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City.

The Brantford, Ont., native was the 146th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since the mission began in 2002.

He was a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons and serving with the 1st Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ont.

Rudd's body will be repatriated in a ceremony at Canadian Forces Base Trenton on Thursday. Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Chief of Defence Gen.

Walt Natynczyk will be in attendance.

Rudd is the fourth Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan this month.

Funeral details have not yet been released.