Sergeant Diddams was born in Canberra, ACT, in 1971. He enlisted in the Army on 24 April 1990 and after completing his initial employment training for infantry was posted to the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in Townsville, Queensland on 2 November 1990.

SGT Diddams successfully completed his SASR selection course and was posted to the Regiment in 1995.

SGT Diddams, or 'Didds' to his mates, was a devoted family man and a dedicated professional soldier. Known for his outwards personality and quirky sense of humour, he was held in the highest regard by his mates and comrades alike.

This would be his seventh tour to Afghanistan (Nov 01 to Apr 02, May to Oct 07, Jan to Apr 08, May to Jul 08, Jun to Nov 09, Jan to Jul 11, Feb 12 to Jul 12) and had deployed previously on four occasions to Somalia (Operation Solace Jan-May '93), East Timor x 2 (Jan-May '00) and the Solomon Islands (Op Trek '02).

On what would prove to be his final deployment, SGT Diddams was patrol commander when he was shot in the chest during an operation in the Chorah district of Uruzgan Province in Afghanistan. He sadly died from his wounds at hospital in Tarin Kowt on 2 July 2012 and was buried with full military honours in Karrakatta Cemetery in Perth, Western Australia.

Sergeant Diddams' MG was announced in the Queen's Birthday 2013 Honours by the Official Secretary to the Governor-General on 10 June 2013. The gazetted citation for the award states:

"Sergeant Blaine Flower DIDDAMS, deceased, WA

For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances as a patrol commander, Special Operations Task Group Rotation XVII on Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan on 2 July 2012.

On 2 July 2012, Sergeant Diddams displayed inspirational leadership and selfless courage in extremely hazardous circumstances. To support his patrol and ensure mission success, he knowingly exposed himself to draw fire and lead assaults on insurgent positions. His leadership and selfless acts of gallantry, which ultimately cost his life, were of the highest order and in keeping with the finest traditions of Australian special operations forces, the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force. "

Sergeant Diddams has been awarded the following honours and awards:

• Medal for Gallantry
• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp Somalia, Clasp East Timor, Clasp ICAT
• International Forces East Timor (INTERFET) Medal
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Australian Service Medal with Clasp Solomon Islands, Clasp ‘CT/SR’
• Defence Long Service Medal
• Australian Defence Medal
• NATO ISAF Medal
• Meritorious Unit Citation
• Infantry Combat Badge, and
• Returned from Active Service Badge.

During Sergeant Diddams’ service in the Australian Army he deployed on the following operations:

• Operation Solace (Somalia): Jan – May 1993
• Operation Warden (East Timor): Jan – Feb 2000
• Operation Tanager (East Timor): February – May 2000
• Operation Trek (Solomon Islands): 2002
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): Nov 2001 – Apr 2002
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): May – Oct 2007
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): Jan – April 2008
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): May – July 2008
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): Jun – Nov 2009
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): Jan – Jul 2011
• Operation Amulet (CHOGM Perth): 2011
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): Feb 2012 – July 2012.

RIP

Corporal Cameron Baird, VC, MG, born in Burnie, Tasmania, in 1981, joined the Army in January 2000 and upon completion of his initial employment training was posted to the then 4th Battalion (Commando), Royal Australian Regiment, now the 2nd Commando Regiment, in February 2000.

Corporal Baird was posthumously awarded the VC after a battle in Uruzgan province on June 22, 2013, involving assaulting multiple enemy positions while under heavy small-arms fire, drawing enemy fire and suppressing a machine-gun position to support another team, whose commander was seriously wounded, and setting conditions for his team to regain the initiative.

Corporal Baird was an outstanding special forces soldier. He exemplified what it meant to be a commando, living by the attributes of uncompromising spirit and honour, which in turn earned him the unconditional respect of his fellow commandos. His leadership in action was exemplary, constantly inspiring those around him to achieve greater things and always striving for excellence in everything he did.

Often remembered as a face-painted warrior from the popular portrait, his closest mates also remember him as a “monk”. Sergeant J, part of his assault team, said Corporal Baird could quickly understand a situation – a gunfight – and knew intuitively what to do, having a tactical acumen of the highest order.

“Cam was very much that warrior, but he was also the monk. There was a peace to him that is less spoken about,” Sergeant J said.

“People see that image of Cameron with his camouflage-painted face, Cameron the warrior, but they didn’t see the other side, the softer side, the beers and ice-cream side of Cameron.”

https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2023-06-30/more-baird-vc-than-warrior

Corporal Baird died how he lived - at the front, giving it his all, without any indecision. He will forever be remembered by his mates and the soldiers he served with in the 2nd Commando Regiment.

Corporal Baird has been awarded the following honours and awards

• Victoria Cross for Australia
• Medal for Gallantry
• Australian Active Service Medal with 'East Timor', 'Iraq 2003' and International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT) clasps
• Afghanistan Medal
• Iraq Medal
• Australian Service Medal with 'Counter Terrorism / Special Recovery (CT/SR)' clasps
• Australian Defence Medal
• United Nations Medal with Ribbon United Nations Transitional Authority in East Timor
• NATO Meritorious Service Medal
• NATO Non-Article 5 Medal with 'International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)' and multi-tour indicator '3'
• Meritorious Unit Citation - Task Force 66 (Special Operations Task Group), Afghanistan
• Infantry Combat Badge
• Returned from Active Service Badge.

During Corporal Baird's service in the Australian Army he deployed on the following operations:

• Operation Tanager (Timor-Leste): April 2001 – October 2001
• Operation Bastille (Iraq): February 2003 – March 2003
• Operation Falconer (Iraq): March 2003 – May 2003
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): August 2007 – January 2008
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): March 2009 – July 2009
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): July 2011 – February 2012
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): February 2013 – June 2013.

Victoria Cross for Australia (posthumous)

For the most conspicuous acts of valour, extreme devotion to duty and ultimate self-sacrifice at Ghawchak village, Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, as a Commando Team Commander in Special Operations Task Group on Operation Slipper.

Corporal Cameron Baird enlisted in the Australian Regular Army in 2000, was discharged in 2004, and re-enlisted in 2006. In both periods of service, he was assigned to the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando). His operational service includes Operations Tanager, Falconer, Bastille and five tours on Operation Slipper. He was awarded the Medal for Gallantry for his service in Afghanistan in 2007-08.

On 22 June 2013, a Commando Platoon of the Special Operations Task Group, with partners from the Afghan National Security Forces, conducted a helicopter assault into Ghawchak village, Uruzgan province, in order to attack an insurgent network deep within enemy-held territory. Shortly after insertion, Corporal Baird's team was engaged by small arms fire from several enemy positions. Corporal Baird quickly seized the initiative, leading his team to neutralise the positions, killing six enemy combatants and enabling the assault to continue.

Soon afterwards, an adjacent Special Operations Task Group team came under heavy enemy fire, resulting in its commander being seriously wounded. Without hesitation, Corporal Baird led his team to provide support. En route, he and his team were engaged by rifle and machine gun fire from prepared enemy positions. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Baird charged towards the enemy positions, supported by his team. On nearing the positions, he and his team were engaged by additional enemy on their flank. Instinctively, Corporal Baird neutralised the new threat with grenades and rifle fire, enabling his team to close with the prepared position. With the prepared position now isolated, Corporal Baird manoeuvred and was engaged by enemy machine gun fire, the bullets striking the ground around him. Displaying great valour, he drew the fire, moved to cover, and suppressed the enemy machine gun position. This action enabled his team to close on the entrance to the prepared position, thus regaining the initiative.

On three separate occasions Corporal Baird charged an enemy-held building within the prepared compound. On the first occasion he charged the door to the building, followed by another team member. Despite being totally exposed and immediately engaged by enemy fire, Corporal Baird pushed forward while firing into the building. Now in the closest proximity to the enemy, he was forced to withdraw when his rifle ceased to function. On rectifying his rifle stoppage, and reallocating remaining ammunition within his team, Corporal Baird again advanced towards the door of the building, once more under heavy fire. He engaged the enemy through the door but was unable to suppress the position and took cover to reload. For a third time, Corporal Baird selflessly drew enemy fire away from his team and assaulted the doorway. Enemy fire was seen to strike the ground and compound walls around Corporal Baird, before visibility was obscured by dust and smoke. In this third attempt, the enemy was neutralised and the advantage was regained, but Corporal Baird was killed in the effort.

Corporal Baird's acts of valour and self-sacrifice regained the initiative and preserved the lives of his team members. His actions were of the highest order and in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

Medal for Gallantry

For gallantry in action during close quarters combat in Afghanistan on Operation Slipper.

Lance Corporal Cameron Stewart Baird was part of a Commando Company mission assigned for clearance and search of a Taliban stronghold in November 2007. During the initial phase of the clearance, Lance Corporal Baird's Platoon came under heavy fire and during the ensuing close-range fire-fight, a member of his team was mortally wounded. Displaying complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Baird led other members of his team forward under heavy fire from machine guns and assault rifles to recover the wounded team member back to a position of cover.

He then re-entered the compound and continued to engage the enemy. Even though under constant fire, Lance Corporal Baird continually moved amongst his team members coordinating their fire, and throwing grenades to neutralise the enemy machine gun positions. Once the close quarter battle had been won, Lance Corporal Baird again led his team forward and began room-to-room clearance, where he was again engaged by several enemy. Lance Corporal Baird continued to lead the fight, killing several enemy and successfully completing the clearance.

Throughout the action, Lance Corporal Baird displayed conspicuous gallantry, composure and superior leadership under fire. He was personally responsible for killing several enemy combatants during the clearance, ensuring the momentum of the assault was maintained, and undoubtedly preventing further members of his section from becoming casualties. His performance and his actions were of the highest order and were in the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

References:

https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/vale/corporal-cameron-baird-vc-mg

https://www.facebook.com/johnlynammusic/videos/cam-baird-afghanistan-november-2007/197139038861868/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Military/comments/z2zj1l/corporal_cameron_baird_vc_singing_green_day/

https://www.reddit.com/r/AusMilitary/comments/vhty8y/rip_cam_baird/

Remembering Private Benjamin Chuck, Private Timothy Aplin, and Private Scott Palmer who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on 21 June 2010.

In the early hours of 21 June 2010, men of the 2 Commando Regiment working with Task Force No Mercy of the 101st Airborne Division, United States Army flew toward the Shah Wali Kot region of Kandahar, Afghanistan, on board four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.

The night was dark, with little ambient light to allow the effective use of night vision goggles. As the first of the Black Hawks approached the final checkpoint, it hit an embankment at high speed, causing it to roll a number of times and catch fire. The other three Blackhawks landed, and began to provide first aid to the wounded and security to the site.

Privates Timothy Aplin and Scott Palmer were killed instantly. Private Benjamin Chuck died of his wounds shortly after arriving at hospital in Kandahar. An American crewman, Staff Sergeant Brandon Silk, was also killed in the crash.

Another soldier, Private S, had been thrown from the helicopter when it crashed. His first memory was lying on the floor, surrounded by burning wreckage and in agonising pain, slipping in and out of consciousness while men provided him first aid. The cowling from the left engine of the crashed helicopter was removed, and used to carry Private S to one of the other helicopters.

The cowling continued to be used as a makeshift stretcher until the site was evacuated. It was later displayed in the Trauma Department of the NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit, Kandahar, where a motif was added to it. In 2012, it was donated to the Australian War Memorial.

When Private S woke up, he was in Germany. He had suffered two broken legs, two broken ribs, a broken ankle, a collapsed lung, and a fractured and fused thoracic spine. After a long recovery, he was able to re-join his unit, and he went on to serve on multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. https://www.awm.gov.au/3dtreasures/items/blackhawk-cowling/

Private Chuck

Private Chuck was born in Atherton, Queensland in 1983. He joined the Army on 11 May, 2004 as part of the Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme. On completion of his Commando Selection and Training Course and Reinforcement Cycle he was posted to the then 4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) – now 2nd Commando Regiment. This was his third tour to Afghanistan and was serving with the SOTG. Private Chuck was an outstanding Commando who was highly trained and excelled at all he attempted. Private Chuck was the Patrol Medic within his sniper team. He was suited to this role as his affectionate and caring nature drove his passion for helping his mates.

Private Chuck has been awarded:

• the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp ICAT 
• the Afghanistan Campaign Medal 
• the NATO ISAF Medal 
• the Infantry Combat Badge
• the Australian Defence Medal 
• the Returned from Active Service Badge.

During Private Benjamin Adam Chuck's service in the Australian Army he deployed on the following operations:

• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) – May – Aug 2007
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) – Jun – Nov 2008
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) – Feb – Jun 2010.

https://placesofpride.awm.gov.au/stories/221061/pte-ba-chuck

Private Aplin

Private Aplin enlisted in the Australian Army Reserves on 04 Feb 1992, transferring to the Regular Army on 20 Sep 1995 and reaching the rank of Sergeant. He successfully completed the Commando Selection and Training Course in 2008 and was posted to the then 4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) in January 2009 after completing the Commando Reinforcement Cycle. To achieve this goal he willingly took the required reduction in rank from Sergeant to do this.

Private Aplin was an outstanding and dedicated Commando who was highly respected. This was his second tour to Afghanistan and he was serving with the SOTG as a team demolitions specialist.

Private Aplin has been awarded:

• the Australian Active Service Medal with East Timor, Iraq and ICAT clasps 
• the Infantry Combat Badge 
• the United Nations Medal with Ribbon UNTAET 
• the IRAQ Campaign Medal 
• the Australian Defence Medal 
• the Defence Long Service Medal
• the Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• the Returned from Active Service Badge.

During Private Timothy James Aplin’s service in the Australian Army he deployed on the following operations:

• Operation Tanager (East Timor): 2000
• Operation Bastille (Middle East): 2003
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): 2009
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): 2010.

https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/vale/private-timothy-aplin

Private Palmer

Private Palmer enlisted in the Australian Army in 2001 and successfully undertook Commando Selection and Training in 2006, joining the then 4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) in November 2006. This was his third tour to Afghanistan and was serving with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG). Private Palmer has seen Operational service in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. His professionalism was of the highest order and he excelled at everything he did. Private Palmer loved his job and working alongside his mates.

Private Palmer was awarded:

• the Australian Active Service Medal with clasps IRAQ, East Timor and International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT) 
• the IRAQ Campaign Medal 
• the Australian Defence Medal 
• the Australian Service Medal with clasp Timor – Leste 
• the Afghanistan Campaign Medal 
• the NATO ISAF Medal 
• the Returned from Active Service Badge.

During Private Scott Travis Palmer's service in the Australian Army, he deployed on the following operations:

• Operation Citadel (East Timor): February – May 2003
• Operation Catalyst (Middle East): May – November 2005
• Operation Astute (East Timor): March – June 2007
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): November 2007 – June 2008
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): March – July 2009
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): February – June 2010.

https://www.avenueofhonour.com.au/honour-roll/scott-palmer/

LEST WE FORGET

Of the 41 Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan, Sapper Darren Smith and his EDD Herbie were killed in action together on 7 June 2010.

Darren always had an ambition to be a soldier. After completing year 12 in 2001, he enlisted in the Army Reserve and underwent basic training at Kapooka in New South Wales. Having completed recruit training, Darren was posted to 3rd Field Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers, at Warradale in South Australia, where he went on to complete his training as a combat engineer. In 2004, Darren transferred to the Regular Army and was posted to the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment in Darwin.

Darren developed a passion for working with dogs after training as an Explosives Detection Dog Handler in 2006. After transferring to the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment in Brisbane, Darren was paired with Herbie, a 2 year old Collie-cross, with whom he developed a very close working relationship and originally adopted from the Peninsula Animal Aid shelter in Redcliffe, Queensland. With the possibility of a deployment to Afghanistan approaching, Darren and Herbie trained closely for six months so they could serve side-by-side on deployment.

Darren and Herbie deployed to Afghanistan with Mentoring Task Force 1 in March 2010, conducting foot patrols out of Patrol Base Wali with Mentoring Team Alpha as part of a broader strategy to deny the Taliban access to the Mirabad Valley. Combat engineers such as Darren and Herbie regularly accompanied the Australian, Dutch and Afghan infantry on their daily patrols, sweeping ahead to counter the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED).

On the morning of 7 June 2010, Mentoring Team Alpha conducted a routine foot patrol from Patrol Base Wali with the intention of disrupting the Taliban laying IEDs in and around the village of Sorkh Lez in the Mirabed Valley.  Herbie, Darren and Sapper Jacob Moreland were investigating metal signature on the footpad of a creek bed, when an IED was triggered. The blast killed Herbie, and mortally wounded both Darren and Jacob Moreland.

Darren Smith was buried at the Pinnaroo Lawn Cemetery and Crematorium in Brisbane, where it is believed Herbie’s ashes now reside.

As part of his tour Sapper Smith was awarded:

• the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp International Campaign against Terrorism (ICAT) 
• NATO Service Medal 
• the Afghanistan Campaign Medal 
• the Australian Defence Medal.

Sapper Jacob Moerland, 21, was from Brisbane-based 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment.

Born in Cairns, Far North Queensland, Sapper Jacob Moerland enlisted on 9 July 2007 and completed his Initial Recruit Training at 1st Recruit Training Battalion in (1RTB) in October 2007.

After completing his driver courses and the suite of Combat Engineer Courses in May 2008, Sapper Moerland was posted to 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment (2CER), Brisbane.

2CER was his first posting as a Combat Engineer. Whilst at 2CER, he went on to complete a number of courses including the Protected Mobility Vehicle Driver course in April 2009 and Combat First Aider in August 2009. His deployment as part of 1st Mentoring Task Force was his first operation, deploying in January this year.

Jacob died as a result of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated on 7 June, 2010 along with his 2CER colleague Sapper Darren Smith and Darren's explosive detection dog Herbie.

As part of his tour he was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp International Campaign against Terrorism (ICAT), NATO Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. Along with the awarding of his AASM.

https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/vale/sapper-jacob-moerland

Sapper Robinson was serving with the Special Operations Task Group when he was tragically killed in action on Monday 6 June 2011 (Afghanistan time).

Twenty-three year old Sapper Robinson was from the Sydney based Incident Response Regiment (IRR).

Sapper Robinson was born in Wahroonga, NSW in 1987. He joined the Army in 2006 and after his initial recruit training joined the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment.  After four years of service he was posted to the Incident Response Regiment at the start of 2010 where he completed his reinforcement cycle.

This was Sapper Robinson's second deployment to Afghanistan, having deployed on Operation Slipper in 2007.

His colleagues described him as a superb young man who was fit, happy go lucky and a great team member.  Sapper Robinson was a dedicated and professional soldier whose skill belied his youth.  Those who had the pleasure of meeting him instantly warmed to him and his easy going nature made him popular with his peers and chain of command alike.

Sapper Robinson was awarded the following honours and awards:

• Australian Active Service Medal with clasp ICAT
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Australia Defence Medal
• NATO Medal Clasp ISAF
• Return Active Service Badge
• Australian Combat Badge

https://www.42for42.org.au/our-fallen/sapper-rowan-robinson/?srsltid=AfmBOooftYKYb5sfEIEYn6fPJFHirVbl0VvuQeDxovl6HxNa4dbKzs3c

Lieutenant Case was deployed to Afghanistan as a Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan. 

On 30 May 2011, Lieutenant Case was a passenger on an Australian CH-47D Chinook helicopter, callsign "Brahma 12". The mission was a routine re-supply in Zabul Province. Enemy action was definitively ruled out. Instead, the heavy-lift helicopter experienced "pitch oscillations" – a violent "porpoising" motion – a characteristic to which the CH-47D was known to be susceptible, especially at high-density altitudes. When the violent oscillations began, he was thrown clear, before the aircraft impacted the ground.

_________________________

Lieutenant Case was born in Melbourne, Victoria in 1984.  He enlisted in the Active Army Reserves on 25 June 2002 and was posted to 5th/6th Royal Victorian Regiment. 

In 2003, he commenced the Commando selection and training process with the 1st Commando Regiment (1Cdo Regt).  He was posted to 1Cdo Regt, which included an operational tour to East Timor in 2007.  

On 19 March 2008, Lieutenant Case transferred to the Australian Regular Army, undertaking pilot training at the Army Aviation Training Centre, Oakey.  On 10 December 2009, he was posted to the 6th Aviation Regiment, Sydney. 

Lieutenant Case’s first deployment was in July 2005, when he deployed as an infantryman to Malaysia with Rifle Company Butterworth.  In January 2011, he was part of the Aviation Battle Group deployed to Queensland to provide assistance as part of the Australian Defence Force flood relief Operation.

Lieutenant Case was keen and motivated, and was excelling as a pilot.  Lieutenant Case lived life to the fullest, taking every opportunity that was given to him and making the most of it.  He was always the go-to-man who was able to get the job done. 

Lieutenant Case has been awarded the Australian Service Medal with Clasp Timor-Leste and the Australian Defence Medal.  Lieutenant Case will be presented with the Australian Active Service Medal with ICAT Clasp, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the NATO ISAF Medal. 

During Lieutenant Case’s service in the Australian Army, he deployed on the following Operations: 

• OPERATION ASTUTE (East Timor) (Jun 2007– Sep 2007)
• OPERATION Queensland FLOOD ASSIST (Queensland) – Jan 2011
• OPERATION SLIPPER (Afghanistan) – May 2011

https://www.42for42.org.au/our-fallen/lieutenant-marcus-case/

https://www.facebook.com/AustralianPeacekeepers/posts/this-is-the-story-of-lieutenant-marcus-sean-casecombat-aviator-commando-son-brot/690221216985330/

Twenty five year old Lance Corporal Jones was from the 9th Force Support Battalion in Amberley. Lance Corporal Jones was serving with the Force Support Unit. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

On 30 May 2011 at approximately 0819, LCPL Jones was deliberately shot by a rogue ANA soldier, while inside the confines and perceived security of COP MASHAL. Following the shooting, LCPL Jones’ Australian colleagues provided immediate first aid to him while simultaneously calling for aero medical evacuation (AME) support.

Through the efforts of LCPL Jones’ colleagues, LCPL Jones was sustained long enough to be successfully handed over to the AME medical team and flown to the Multi National Base where surgeons operated on LCPL Jones’ significant injuries.

Despite the best efforts of the medical team, LCPL succumbed to his injuries and died. At 1239 on 30 May 2011, LCPL Jones tragically lost his life from wounds received while serving his country.

Born in Melbourne, Victoria in 1986, he joined the Army in 2004. After recruit training, he completed his initial employment training as a cook and was posted to the Catering Platoon of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. He was posted to the 9th Force Support Battalion in 2008.

Lance Corporal Jones’ first operational deployment was to East Timor in 2008. His second, to Afghanistan, commenced in November 2010.

Lance Corporal Jones was a loyal, reliable and trustworthy soldier who was dedicated to serving his country. He was a team player who loved his job. He had a quiet personality but enjoyed a joke with his mates.

He was a skilled cook who was the first to volunteer to go on the road or on exercise. In 2010, he was promoted to Lance Corporal upon completing his Junior Leader Course. He displayed definite leadership potential.

His interests included chess, reading, computers, drawing and soccer.

Lance Corporal Jones was awarded:

• the Australian Service Medal with clasp Timor–Leste 
• Australian Defence Medal
• the Australian Active Service Medal with ICAT Clasp
• the Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• the NATO ISAF Medal.

During Lance Corporal Jones service in the Australian Army, he deployed on the following operations:

• Operation Astute (East Timor) – Jul 2008 – Oct 2008
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) – Nov 2010 – May 2011

Sergeant Wood was serving with the Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan when he was tragically killed in action as a result of the explosion of an Improvised Explosive Device on Monday 23 May 2011 (Afghanistan time).

Born in Ferntree Gully, Victoria in 1978, he joined the Army in 1996 and after recruit training joined 6th Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment. Sergeant Wood successfully undertook Commando Selection and Training and joined the then 4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (2 Commando) in November 1998.

Sergeant Wood's first operational deployment was to Bougainville in 2000. In 2001 he deployed to East Timor on Operation Tanager and in 2003 to Iraq on Operation Falconer. In 2006 Sergeant Wood deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Slipper. He was awarded The Medal for Gallantry for leadership in action as a Team Commander during this tour (https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/vale/sergeant-brett-wood-mg-dsm)

Sergeant Wood received a Special Operations Commander – Australia, Commendation for service with the Tactical Assault Group – East in 2007 and in 2009 he returned to Afghanistan as a Section Commander.

Sergeant Brett Wood was awarded:

• the Medal for Gallantry 
• the Australian Active Service Medal with clasps East Timor, International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT) and Iraq 2003 
• the Afghanistan Campaign Medal 
• the Iraq Campaign Medal 
• the Australian Service Medal with clasps Bougainville, Counter Terrorism and Special Recovery
• the Defence Long Service Medal 
• the Australian Defence Medal 
• the United Nations East Timor Medal 
• the NATO ISAF Medal 
• the Special Operations Command Australia Commendation
• a Unit Citation for Gallantry 
• the Infantry Combat Badge.

During Sergeant Brett Wood service in the Australian Army, he deployed on the following Operations.

• Operation Bel Isi II (Bougainville): March 2000 – August 2000
• Operation Tanager (East Timor): April 2001 – August 2001
• Operation Falconer (Iraq): February 2003 – May 2003
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): April 2006 – September 2006
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): July 2009 – November 2009
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): March 2011 – May 2011