Casualties – ADF

Australian Defence Force casualties in Afghanistan.

Summary sources

‘Dust of Uruzgan’ becomes anthem for troops, Sally Sara, PM, ABC Radio, September 23, 2010 [Expires: December 22, 2010] [audio]

SALLY SARA: Do you think people back home understand this place, Uruzgan?

FRED SMITH: People here hardly understand it, let alone people back home. It’s a hard place to understand.

SALLY SARA: Fred Smith is an Australian diplomat by day in southern Afghanistan and a song writer by night. He wrote ‘The Dust of Uruzgan’ after Private Ben Ranaudo was killed and Private Paul Warren was seriously wounded in an explosion in July last year. Since then, the casualties have continued. Another six soldiers have been killed in the past three months.

FRED SMITH: We lost a couple of boys about a month ago, right from the tent next door to us. When you see them packing up the guy’s belongings into boxes and everyone’s walking around with their heads low, it gets you. It’s pretty close to home; you feel it. … Mostly I wrote these songs to tell the blokes their own stories and to capture that.

FRED SMITH (singing): Some go back to Ballarat and some go back to Perth. I been living with my mother, who’s still trying to understand why we’re spending blood and treasure in the dust, the dust of Uruzgan.

The Dust of Uruzgan – Fred Smith

Source: Live version of a song sung by Fred Smith, backed by a band of musicians from Kandahar.
Fred Smith is currently working in Oruzgan Province, southern Afghanistan. His songs are available on iTunes

Deaths

Sapper Jamie Larcombe, 20 February 2011

Attack sprung as patrol pulled up, Ian McPhedran, Advertiser, 21 February 2011

It was 2.30pm on Saturday and the patrol had stopped its trucks in a rugged area of the Charmestan Valley, not far from a patrol base called Wali. It is not clear whether the troops were stalking a Taliban force or if they just pulled up by chance in the middle of a hornets’ nest. What is certain is that Darwin-based Sapper Jamie Larcombe and an Afghan interpreter, who were both on foot, were shot dead in the opening volleys of a contact with a determined enemy force that assaulted the Australian position with machineguns and rifles.

Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan, Media Release, MECC 76/11 , Department of Defence, 20 February 2011

An Australian Army combat engineer serving with Mentoring Task Force – Two (MTF-2), Sapper Jamie Larcombe, was killed in action during an engagement with insurgents in the Mirabad Valley region of Uruzgan Province overnight (Australia time). An Afghan local national employed as an interpreter was also killed in the exchange of fire. The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said Sapper Larcombe was 21 years old and from the Darwin-based 1st Combat Engineer Regiment. “Sapper Larcombe had just passed the third anniversary of his enlistment into the Army, which was on the 18th of February. In that time, Jamie had served on Operation Padang Assist and this was his first tour to Afghanistan,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.Air Chief Marshal Houston said the soldiers were patrolling in area to the South East of Patrol Base Wali when they were engaged by an insurgent group. “Unfortunately both our soldier and his interpreter comrade were struck by gunshots in that engagement and despite immediate first aid were unable to be saved,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said. “A coalition helicopter was launched to evacuate the two men but on arrival at the Multinational Base – Tarin Kot medical facility they were declared deceased.

Corporal Richard Atkinson, 2 February 2011

Young Digger Richard Edward Atkinson killed by bomb in Afghanistan, James Massol, Australian, 3 February 2011

Young Digger Richard Edward Atkinson killed by bomb in Afghanistan, James Massola, Australian, 3 February 2011
An Australian soldier serving with the mentoring taskforce in Afghanistan has been killed by an improvised explosive device that wounded one of his mates. West Australian Corporal Richard Edward Atkinson, 22, was killed by the blast in an area of Afghanistan that military chiefs today conceded had become “difficult” for Australian troops. The Darwin-based soldier, who was engaged to be married, was on his first tour in Afghanistan. His death brings to 22 the number of Australian soldiers killed there.

Acting Chief of the Defence Force David Hurley said the families of both men had been informed of the incident, and the family of the wounded soldier had asked that his name not be released. Lieutenant-General Hurley said both soldiers were flown by a US military team within an hour to the medical base at Tarin Kowt under difficult weather conditions, including rain, low cloud and a dust storm. “Both men are member of the Darwin-based first combat engineer regiment and were conducting a dismounted, partnered security patrol with the Afghan national army,” he said. The incident occurred at about 9.30am Afghan time yesterday in the Tangi Valley, the same area that 28-year-old Lance-Corporal Jared MacKinney was killed on August 24 last year while conducting a dismounted patrol in the area. Lieutenant-General Hurley said it was unclear whether the blast had been remotely detonated, but he conceded the area had become a “hot spot’’ for Australian soldiers.

Lance-Corporal Jared MacKinney, 24 August 2010

Death creates new doubt over Afghan mission, Dan Oakes and Tom Hyland, SMH, 2010-08-26

Lance-Corporal Jared MacKinney became the 21st Australian soldier to be killed in Afghanistan when a firefight broke out while he was on patrol with Afghan troops in the southern province of Oruzgan.

Australian soldier killed in Taliban firefight, Defence News, Department of Defence, 25 August 2010

A 28-year-old Lance Corporal serving with the Mentoring Task Force in Afghanistan has been killed in action following an intense firefight with Taliban insurgents. The incident occurred yesterday morning Afghanistan time (the afternoon of Tuesday August 24). Family of the soldier have been advised however his name will not be released at this time. The soldier leaves behind a wife and young family. The soldier, a member of the 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, was conducting a dismounted partner patrol with the Afghan National Army in the green zone of the Deh Rawud region when the engagement took place. He was an experienced soldier on his fourth operational deployment and his second tour of Afghanistan. The patrol remained in contact with the Taliban insurgents for almost three hours before withdrawing from the area. An International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) AH-64 Apache helicopter used its 30mm cannon while additional help was called from a precision-guided weapon to provide support during the engagement. No other Australian or Afghan soldiers were wounded in the firefight.

Private Grant Walter Kirby, 20 August 2010

Vale Private Grant Walter Kirby, 20 August 2010

Private Tomas James Dale, 20 August 2010

Vale Private Tomas James Dale, Department of Defence

Two more Australians killed in Afghanistan, 21 August 2010

Two Australian soldiers from the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion have tragically lost their lives when they were struck by an Improvised Explosive Device in Afghanistan. Private Tomas Dale, 21, and Private Grant Kirby, 35 were killed while providing over-watch for an operation by fellow members of their patrol in the Baluchi Valley. Dale and Kirby had left their Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle, when they were struck by the explosive device. Two other Australian soldiers were wounded in the attack however their wounds are not considered life-threatening. The pair received immediate care and were aero-medically evacuated to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) hospital in Tarin Kot. The incident occurred at approximately 10.30 yesterday morning (Friday, 20 August), Afghanistan time.

Two Aussie soldiers killed in Afghanistan, Nadia Jamal, SMH, August 21, 2010

Both soldiers were on patrol and providing “over-watch” outside their Bushmaster vehicle when the explosive device was activated in the Baluchi Valley. They were from the Brisbane-based 6th battalion Royal Australian Regiment and serving in the first mentoring taskforce. Lieutenant General Hurley said the attack had taken the soldiers “by surprise”.??Defence Minister John Faulkner, speaking in Canberra, said the incident occurred yesterday when the “two fine” soldiers were lost. They are the 19th and 20th Australian soldiers to die in Afghanistan. Senator Faulkner described improvised explosive devices as “awful weapons that kill indiscriminantly soliders and civilians alike”. The weapons and tactics of the Taliban insurgency are vicious and insidious, said Senator Faulkner.

Trooper Jason Thomas Brown, 13 August 2010

Personal details of Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan: Trooper Jason Thomas Brown, Media Release, Department of Defence, MSPA 350/10, 14 August 2010

18th soldier killed in Afghanistan, Max Blenkin and Cathy Alexander, SMH, 14 August 2010

Trooper Jason Thomas Brown, 29, a member of the Perth-based Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), died from multiple gunshot wounds when insurgents opened fire on his patrol. That occurred early on Saturday morning in northern Kandahar province, a hotspot for fighting and the focus of recent operations by the Australian Special Operations Task Group. Born in Sydney, he joined the army in 2001, serving with the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) and then with the commando battalion 4RAR. He joined the SASR in 2007.

Leaders unite in response to Digger’s death, Tom Hyland and Melissa Kent, Sunday Age, August 15, 2010

The few details on Trooper Brown’s death released yesterday confirmed that a key role of the special forces remains tracking and killing insurgents. His death was also further evidence that special forces continue to operate outside Oruzgan province, where most Australian troops are based. The Australian Defence Force said he was killed in a gunfight in northern Kandahar, adjacent to Oruzgan and the focus of a major US-led operation. Trooper Brown is the fourth member of the special forces to die in Kandahar, where they have been operating since at least early June. Three commandos were killed in a helicopter crash in northern Kandahar on June 21. Days earlier, they had taken part in intense fighting, inflicting what the ADF said were heavy losses on the insurgents. The ADF said Trooper Brown, like the troops involved in the June fighting, was engaged in ‘‘disruption’’ operations.

10 July 2010 – Private Nathan Bewes

Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan, Defence News, Department of Defence, 10 July 2010

One Australian soldier has been killed and another wounded following an Improvised Explosive Device attack in Afghanistan’s Chora Valley region. ??Private Nathan Bewes was 23 years old and leaves behind his loving parents, sister and partner, who are currently receiving support from Private Bewes’ unit 6RAR, and from the Defence Community Organisation. The pair was on a dismounted patrol when the blast occurred with one soldier immediately evacuated by International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) helicopter to the ISAF Role Two Hospital at Multi-National Base Tarin Kowt. Private Bewes was declared deceased on arrival. The other soldier received initial medical treatment at a nearby Patrol Base. His wounds are non life threatening and he has since been evacuated to the ISAF Role Two medical facility at Multi-National Base Tarin Kowt.

21 June 2010 – Private Timothy Aplin

Three Australian commandos killed, Defence News, Department of Defence, 21 June 2010

Three Australians from the Special Operations Task Group have been killed and seven injured when a coalition helicopter crashed in Northern Kandahar. A NATO soldier also lost his life in the incident which occurred at 3.39am Afghanistan time. Ten Australian commandos were onboard the helicopter – the remaining seven Australian soldiers are being treated for their wounds with one undergoing surgery and another in intensive care in an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) medical facility. The soldiers had just last week been involved in a large scale offensive against Taliban insurgents in the district of Shah Wali Kot, part of the ISAF’s Hamkari initiative, an ongoing civil-military activity aimed at bringing security, governance and economic opportunity to the people of Kandahar.

Private Timothy James Aplin, Media Release MSPA 244/10, Department of Defence, 22 June 2010

PTE Aplin was serving with the Special Operations Task Group when he tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash, on Monday 21 June 2010. 38 year old PTE Aplin was from the Sydney-based 2^nd Commando Regiment.

21 June 2010 – Private Scott Palmer

Private Scott Travis Palmer, Media Release MSPA 245/10, Department of Defence, 22 June 2010

PTE Palmer was serving with the Special Operations Task Group when he tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash, on Monday 21 June 2010. 27 year old PTE Palmer was from the Sydney-based 2^nd Commando Regiment.

21 June 2010 – Private Benjamin Chuck

Private Benjamin Chuck, Media Release MSPA 245/10, Department of Defence, 22 June 2010

PTE Chuck was serving with the Special Operations Task Group when he tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash, on Monday 21 June 2010. 27 year old PTE Chuck was from the Sydney-based 2^nd Commando Regiment.

7 June 2010 – Sapper Jacob Moerland

Sapper Jacob Moerland, Department of Defence

Sapper Jacob Moerland died as a result of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated yesterday morning, Afghanistan time. Sapper Jacob Moerland, 21 was from Brisbane-based 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment.

7 June 2010 – Sapper Darren Smith

Sapper Daniel Smith, Department of Defence

Sapper Smith died as a result of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated yesterday morning, Afghanistan time. Sapper Smith, 26, was from the Brisbane-based 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment.

Trouble at the gate, Chris Masters, ABC News, 11 June 2010

A security patrol headed out at 05:30. It was made up of Two Platoon Alpha Company, a section of infantry or “gunslingers”. Accompanying them were sappers from the Second Combat Engineer Regiment. As part of MTF1 they had trained together since the preceding September. About two-and-half-kilometres west at Sorkh Lez, a Taliban troublespot, the patrol, searching “compounds of interest” uncovered weapons and explosives. ??Central to the discovery were Sappers Jacob Moerland or ‘Snowy’, and Sapper Darren Smith, along with Smithy’s explosive detection dog, Herbie. At 11:07 they moved off continuing to search along the canals. Within minutes Sapper Moerland made another discovery, calling up Smithy and Herbie. At 11:17 we heard the explosion two-and-a-half-kilometres away. ??As the dust cleared a signaller could be seen calling in the incident. A young medic rushed to attend. A casualty evacuation helicopter was requested. Back at the base suntanned faces whitened. Sapper Moerland had been killed. His mate Sapper Smith died of wounds on the way to the Tarin Kowt military hospital. Herbie was the lone further casualty. Other soldiers, only metres away, emerged at least physically unscathed.

20 October 2009 – Lance Corporal Mason Edwards (during training)

‘I will love them forever’: Australian soldier’s last note to family, Mex Cooper, The Age, 22 October 2009

An Australian soldier killed while preparing for his third Afghanistan deployment… shot in the head on Tuesday night during an army training exercise in South Australia, during which troops used live ammunition. He joined the army in 2004 and became a member of a commando regiment of the special forces. During his service he specialised in special forces demolitions, mortars and direct fire support weapons and heavy weapons. He served in East timor in 2006 before being deployed to Afghanistan in 2007 and again in 2008.

The army has said it will continue to use live ammunition in training exercises following Lance Corporal Edwards’ death and the wounding of a second soldier during the training accident. Army chief Ken Gillespie said real fire was needed to prepare soldiers for operations in Afghanistan. General Gillespie said the injured soldier, who suffered small arms fire shrapnel wounds to his arm, would not be named because he was a special forces members.

18 July 2009 – Private Benjamin Ranaudo

Inquiry Officer’s Report into the death of Private B.J. Renaudo in Afghanistan on 18 July 2009 [PDF], Inquiry Report, Department of Defence, 17 December 2009

Soldier in Afghanistan ‘died instantly’, The Age, 17 December 2009

Private Ranaudo died instantly on July 18 after being hit by a “well hidden” roadside bomb while trying to secure an aquifer crossing for the second mentoring and reconstruction taskforce. A second, unnamed soldier was badly injured by the bomb and evacuated to a US hospital in Germany. The soldier is yet to return to work. He refused to go into details including what type of bomb killed the 22-year-old from Townsville, not even confirming whether the bomb included a pressure plate. About 30 civilians had walked through the area before the explosion, which came hours after Private Ranaudo had taken up the post, according to defence.

Personal details of soldier killed in Afghanistan, Media Release, Department of Defence, 18 July 2009

Private Benjamin Ranaudo was killed by an anti-personnel explosive device in Afghanistan yesterday. Private Ranaudo was a member of the Townsville based 1^st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment. He was a member of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force in Afghanistan and was killed while on operations north of Tarin Kowt early Saturday morning, Afghanistan time.

‘Fight must continue’ despite soldier’s death, ABC, 19 July 2009

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith and the Defence Force say the death of another Australian soldier in Afghanistan will only strengthen their resolve in the fight against terrorism.

19 March 2009 – Sergeant Brett Till

Personal details of soldier killed in Afghanistan, Media Release, Department of Defence, 21 March 2009

Sergeant Brett Till, a highly-respected Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician from the Incident Response Regiment in Holsworthy, New South Wales, was killed by an explosion that occurred during a route clearance task in Southern Afghanistan on Thursday, 19 March 2009.

Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan, Media Release, Department of Defence, 19 March 2009

An Australian soldier has been killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) while conducting operations in southern Afghanistan. Australian soldiers were conducting a route clearance early this morning local time when the IED was detected. In the course of dealing with the device there was an explosion. It is believed that the soldier, who was a specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician, was killed instantly.

As one comes home … another digger dies, Jonathan Pearlman, Sydney Morning Herald, 20 March 2009

An Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan – the second in a week – died while trying to protect his colleagues and defuse a roadside bomb.The soldier, a bomb disposal specialist, was killed instantly after the device he was trying to defuse detonated early on Thursday morning local time, a Defence Media statement said.The soldier’s patrol, which comprised coalition forces, was believed to be on a narrow road or track when the incident occurred.

16 March 2009 – Corporal Mathew Hopkins

Report into the death of CPL Hopkins [PDF], Inquiry Report, Department of Defence, 24 July 2009

Personal details of soldier killed in Afghanistan, Media Release, Department of Defence, 18 March 2009

Corporal Mathew Hopkins was tragically killed in an engagement with insurgents while serving with the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF) in Afghanistan.

Media conference by chief of the defence force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston regarding the death of an Australian soldier in Afghanistan, Defence Speech, Department of Defence, 17 March 2009

I would characterise it as, they were patrolling. One of the things that we’re doing, as part of the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team activities, is patrolling in the areas that the Afghan National Army are holding. So we go out and we do patrolling. As they were patrolling they were engaged by the insurgents, and they returned fire, and that’s when the casualty occurred.

As the weather improves there will be more fighting. That’s the pattern we’ve seen over the last few years; and we’re probably seeing more Taliban activity now than we did through the middle of the winter.

Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan, Media Release, Department of Defence, 17 March 2009

An Australian soldier serving with the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF) in Afghanistan has been killed in an engagement with insurgents. The soldier was part of a joint patrol with the Afghan National Army near Kakarak, north of Tarin Kowt in Oruzgan Province. No other Australians were wounded in the engagement. Initial reports indicate that the patrol was engaged by a group of around 20 Taliban insurgents using small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades, around mid-morning on Monday, Afghanistan time.

Ninth Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan, Georgina Robinson, Sydney Morning Herald, 17 March 2009

An Australian soldier has died in southern Afghanistan after a heavy gun battle with about 20 Taliban insurgents. The insurgents attacked a foot patrol of Australian and Afghan soldiers near Karakak, about 12 kilometres north of Tarin Kowt in Oruzgan province, yesterday afternoon AEST time. The Australian soldier, a member of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Taskforce, was shot and killed.

5 January 2009 – Private Gregory Michael Sher

Inquiry Officer’s Report into the death of Private Gregory Michael Sher in Afghanistan on 4 January 2009 [PDF], Inquiry Report, Department of Defence, 7 May 2009

Personal details of soldier killed in Afghanistan, Media Release, Department of Defence, 6 January 2009

Private Gregory Michael Sher was killed in a rocket attack in Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

Australian Soldier Killed in Afghanistan, Media Release, Department of Defence, 5 January 2009

An Australian soldier in Afghanistan has been killed in a rocket attack whilst conducting operations in Oruzgan Province. “Taliban insurgents engaged an Afghan forward operating base with rockets. An Australian element was deployed at the base during this attack. As a result of this indirect fire it is with regret that I inform you that an Australian soldier has been killed. No other Australian soldiers, or other coalition nationals, were wounded in this attack. The soldier was killed instantly when a rocket exploded in the compound,” Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Angus Houston said.”

Australian Defence Force Chief Angus Houston Announces an Australian Soldier has Been Killed in Afghanistan, Speech, Australian Defence Force Chief Angus Houston, Department of Defence, 5 January 2009

28 November 2008 – Lieutenant Michael Fussell

Inquiry Officer’s Report into the Death of Liutenant M.K.H. Fussell in Afghanistan on 27th November 2008 [PDF], Inquiry Report, Department of Defence, 2 November 2009

Review of VADM Ritchie Inquiry Report [PDF], Inquiry Report, Department of Defence, 2 November 2009
Inquiry Officer’s Report into Matters Relating to the Force Preparation, Training, Certification and Leadership Associated with the Force Element Identified in the Inquiry Officer’s Report into the Death of Liutenant M.K.H. Fussell [PDF], Inquiry Report, Department of Defence, 2 November 2009

Elite officer removed from his command, Sydney Morning Herald, 3 November 2009

THE officer in charge of an Australian special forces unit in Afghanistan has been removed from his command after a high-level investigation into the death of a young lieutenant revealed problems in the elite unit’s training and leadership. The officer in charge, a major who was leading the patrol, was sacked from his command and it is understood that he may sue the Australian Defence Force for that step, which is considered a serious disgrace. A high-level investigation carried out by the former chief of the navy, Vice-Admiral Chris Ritchie, found that the risk of the unit suffering casualties in Afghanistan was increased by deficiencies in training, assessment, certification and leadership. Air Chief Marshal Houston said all of those problems had been fixed. Lieutenant Fussell, an artillery officer, was a member of the 4th Battalion (Commando), which is now known as the 2nd Commando Regiment, operating in central Oruzgan Province.

Media Conference Held by Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley, Australian Soldier Killed in Afghanistan, Department of Defence, 28 November 2008

“Members of the Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan were conducting an offensive operation against Taliban insurgents. An Australian Special Forces patrol was operating on foot when an IED exploded. It is with deep sorrow that I inform you that an Australian soldier was killed as a result of this explosion.Two other Australian soldiers were also slightly wounded.”

9 July 2008 – SAS Signaller Sean McCarthy

Release of the Inquiry Officer’s Report into the Death of Signaller Sean McCarthy, Media Release, Department of Defence, 9 October 2008

“The Inquiry Officer’s Report found that Signaller McCarthy died from massive wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated under the Long Range Patrol Vehicle he was travelling in. The Inquiry Officer found that the Aero-Medical Evacuation process was conducted within timings specified by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and agreed to by Australia. The Inquiry Officer also found that no equipment, personnel or process contributed to Signaller McCarthy’s death.”

Media Conference by the Vice Chief of the Defence Force Announcement Re: The Findings into the Death of an Australian Soldier in Afghanistan and Claims of Mistreatment of Detainees, Lieutenant General David Hurley, Department of Defence, 29 August 2008

One fatality, two accounts, Tom Hyland, Uruzgan Weblog, 12 November 2008

The Taliban announced the death of signaller Sean McCarthy by invoking “the name of God most merciful, most gracious”.

Special Operations Soldier Killed – Three Wounded, Media Release, Department of Defence, 9 November 2008

“An Australian soldier serving with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) in Afghanistan has been killed in a road-side bomb attack in Afghanistan. Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus (ACM) Houston said the soldier was killed Tuesday afternoon (AEST) when Australian soldiers were conducting a patrol in southern Afghanistan. Two other Australian soldiers were also wounded by the Improvised Explosive Device (IED).”

28 April 2008 – Lance Corporal Jason Marks

Media Conference By The Chief Of The Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, Regarding The Death Of An Australian Soldier In Southern Afghanistan, Media Release, Department of Defence, 28 April 2008.

“An Australian soldier serving with this Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan, Lance Corporal Jason Marks, died during the conduct of a patrol which was engaged by Taliban extremists in Uruzgan Province, approximately 25 kilometres to the south-east of Tarin Kowt. The engagement in which he died was characterised by a heavy exchange of small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Four other soldiers were wounded by small arms fire in the same action.”

23 November 2007 – Private Luke Worsley

SOTG Soldier Killed During Assault on Taliban Extremists, Media Release, Department of Defence, 23 November 2007

“An Australian Commando serving with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) in Afghanistan was killed earlier today by Taliban extremists. Private Luke Worsley was killed while participating in a planned and deliberate attack by our forces against Taliban leaders and their supporters in Oruzgan Province. The action in which Private Worsley died was characterised by heavy, close quarter fighting. The SOTG was conducting an operation to clear an identified Taliban bomb making facility in Oruzgan Province, when the soldier was hit by small arms fire. Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said the SOTG assault followed several weeks of monitoring and intelligence gathering by Australian and ISAF elements.”

One ISAF soldier, three civilians killed in southern Afghanistan, International Security Assistance Force, Press release, 23 November 2007.

“’At this time we simply do not know, how the civilians died. However, we do know that the insurgents fired upon ISAF soldiers from the compound in which the Afghan civilians (two women and one child) were found after the fight. ISAF makes all effort to prevent losses of innocent civilian lives.’”

Update – Attack on Bomb-Making Compound, Media release, Department of Defence, 24 November 2007.

“Although the cause of these deaths has not been established, ADF Spokesman Andrew Nikoli? said that the attack successfully targeted Taliban operations in Oruzgan Province. ‘The attack by the SOTG was based on clear intelligence over a period of time, about the bomb-making activities being conducted at that location. This raid will have degraded the Taliban’s capacity to produce bombs for use in Oruzgan Province, which constitute one of the biggest threats to our people and Afghan civilians. The three civilians that died at some stage during the attack were in close proximity to heavy, close-quarter fighting between members of the SOTG and the Taliban.

25 October 2007 – Sergeant Matthew Locke

Special Air Service Soldier Killed in Afghanistan, Media Conference, Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, 25 October 2007

“The soldier was killed by small-arms fire from Taliban extremists while conducting operations in Oruzgan province. An on call coalition helicopter immediately responded to a call for assistance from the Australian patrol and evacuated the soldier to a nearby medical facility.

Despite the best efforts of his comrades and the aero medical evacuation team the soldier succumbed to his wounds.”

Sgt. Locke KIA in Afghanistan

8 October 2007 – Trooper David Pearce.

RTF Soldier Killed In Roadside Bomb Attack, Media Conference, Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, 9 October 2007.

“The soldier, serving with the Reconstruction Task Force was tragically killed and another soldier wounded when a roadside bomb detonated next to their vehicle in Oruzgan Province yesterday morning, Afghanistan time. These two men were part of a patrol returning from an engineer reconnaissance task and were six kilometres from their base at Tarin Kowt when the incident occurred. The security element to which these two soldiers belonged was protecting engineers who undertake important reconstruction work in the province. In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, other members of the patrol secured the scene and provided assistance to the crew of this stricken vehicle.”

16 February 2002 – SAS (Special Air Service) Trooper Andrew Russell.

Statement – Australian Fatality in coalition against terrorism, Media Release, Senator Robert Hill, Minister of Defence, 17 February 2002

“A member of the Australian Army special forces currently operating in Afghanistan has been killed in an overnight incident. The soldier died from wounds he received when the vehicle he was travelling in struck a suspected anti-vehicle mine in southern Afghanistan.”

Andrew Russell’s legacy, Margo Kingston, Web Diary, Sydney Morning Herald, 3 November 2003

Includes Remembering Trooper Russell, by Robert Sadleir:

“Andrew Russell died in the most unforgiving spot on earth where the howling sands of Dasht-e-Margo (Desert of Death) engulf the Dasht-e-Jehanum (Desert of Hell): southern Afghanistan.The southern region of Afghanistan is, as the Essential Field Guide to Humanitarian and Conflict Zones warns, “the most heavily mined in the country with numerous anti-tank minefields”. In this the heaviest of mined lands. SAS sergeant Andrew Russell died when his Land Rover struck an anti-tank mine.”

Wounded

2010

Six Diggers wounded, Christian Kerr, Australian, 2010-07-05

Six Australian soldiers have been wounded in Afghanistan in two days, with both incidents involving roadside bombs.

Australian wounded by insurgent gunfire, Media Release MSPA 94/10, Department of Defence, 1 April 2010

An Australian soldier was wounded when his patrol was engaged by insurgent small arms fire in the Mirabad Valley region of Oruzgan Province on 31 March 2010. The 1st Mentoring Task Force and Afghan National Army partnered patrol was conducting dismounted security operations at the time of the attack.

One Australian soldier and an Afghan interpreter wounded in an Improvised Explosive Device attack, Media Release MSPA 87/10, Department of Defence, 29 March 2010

An Australian soldier and an Afghan interpreter were wounded on Sunday, following a series of incidents over the weekend involving Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). The soldier and the interpreter were travelling as part of a foot patrol in the Mirabad region of Oruzgan Province on 28 of March 2010 when they were struck by the blast from an IED. The interpreter suffered serious wounds while the soldier was only slightly wounded.

Five wounded in IED attacks, Defence News, Department of Defence, 29 March 2010

Three Australian and two Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers have been wounded in separate IED attacks in Afghanistan. The first attack resulted in the evacuation of one Australian soldier suffering from minor blast and fragmentation wounds. The second Australian injured in the same incident was not identified until later. The soldier is suffering from superficial wounds and is expected to remain in Afghanistan while recovering.

The third Australian soldier wounded in a separate incident was able to complete his mission after receiving medical treatment. He was later taken to the Tarin Kowt medical facility and is also likely to stay in Afghanistan while recovering. Two Afghan National Army soldiers were wounded in a third IED attack. Both men were treated for superficial wounds and were able to complete their mission.

First Mentoring Task Force soldier wounded by an IED blast, Media Release MSPA 79/10, Department of Defence, 24 March 2010

An Australian soldier patrolling the Mirabad Valley region of Oruzgan Province was seriously wounded in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast on the 23rd of March. The 1st Mentoring Task Force patrol was moving through the area as part of a wider operation to increase security in key locations.

Commander Joint Task Force 633, Major General John Cantwell, said the soldier suffered blast and fragmentation wounds when the device detonated. This casualty brings the number of Australians wounded this year to 15. To date 115 personnel have been wounded during Operation SLIPPER.

Sixth wounded soldier identified after IED attack, Media Release MSPA 74/10, Department of Defence, 20 March 2010

Following a medical assessment of personnel involved in an improvised explosive device attack on a Bushmaster on the 16th of March, a sixth soldier has been identified as suffering a blast related injury and has begun treatment.

1st Mentoring Task Force soldiers wounded in Chora IED strike, Media Release MSPA 70/10, Department of Defence, 17 March 2010

Five soldiers from the 1st Mentoring Task Force (MTF-1) were Wounded in Action overnight when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) damaged the Bushmaster vehicle in which they were travelling. Three of the soldiers suffered serious wounds in the incident while two others were slightly wounded as a result of the explosion. Commander Joint Task Force 633 Major General John Cantwell said the wounded soldiers were provided immediate care by their mates before being evacuated to the Tarin Kowt ISAF medical facility.

Australian soldier identified as wounded in contact on 21st February 2010, Media Release MSPA 68/10, Department of Defence, 16 March 2010

An Australian soldier with the First Mentoring Task Force (MTF-1) has been wounded following an engagement with insurgents on the 21st of February 2010. The soldier was identified as receiving a soft tissue wound during the contact in a subsequent medical assessment.

The soldier was hurt while taking cover after his patrol was engaged with small arms fire in Mirabad, north of Tarin Kowt in southern Afghanistan. The soldier, who is receiving treatment, is the eighth to have been wounded during operations for the year, and the 108th since operations in Afghanistan commenced in 2002.

Australian explosive ordnance disposal specialist wounded while destroying insurgent weapons, Media Release, Department of Defence, 6 March 2010

An Australian Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialist suffered a superficial wound to his hand during the controlled detonation of two insurgent Improvised Explosive Devices overnight. The specialist was destroying the two explosive devices after they were discovered by an Australian patrol in the Chora valley region of Oruzgan province on Thursday the 4th of March.

Soldiers wounded in Afghanistan 12 February 2010 – Update, Media Release, Department of Defence, 19 February 2010

Two further Australian soldiers have been identified as suffering minor wounds from an Improvised Explosive Device incident on 12 February 2010. This now brings the total of wounded soldiers from the two separate incidents on 12 February to four. The additional two soldiers received minor head injuries as a result of the blast against the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force – Two (MRTF-2) patrol.

Medical assessments of the two soldiers do not class the wounds as serious, and both are expected to return to full duties. There have now been six Australian service personnel wounded in operations in Afghanistan in 2010.

Three road-side bomb attacks wound two Australian soldiers, Media Release, Department of Defence, 13 February 2010

Two Australian soldiers operating in southern Afghanistan were wounded in separate Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosions on Friday, 12 February 2010. The first incident involved a soldier conducting a patrol consisting of members of both the 2nd Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF–2) and the 1st Mentoring Task Force (MTF-1) east of Tarin Kowt when an IED detonated. The soldier, from the Brisbane-based MTF–1 suffered minor wounds.

In a second incident, involving soldiers from Townsville-based MRTF–2, a dismounted patrol was targeted with an IED. One soldier was wounded in this incident and he was aero-medically evacuated to the ISAF medical facility in Tarin Kowt and then transferred to a US medical facility at Bagram Airbase.

101st Australian soldier wounded, Tom Hyland, The Age, 14 February 2010

Three Afghan soldiers killed, two wounded and one Australian soldier wounded in separate incidents, Media Release, Department of Defence, 2 February 2010

In a separate incident, an Australian soldier was slightly wounded when his Bushmaster vehicle struck an IED in another location. Both attacks occurred while the soldiers were on separate patrols north of Tarin Kowt in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, 30 January 2010. This is the first Australian soldier to be wounded in Afghanistan in 2010.

Second Australian soldier identified as wounded in 30th of January Improvised Explosive Device attack

4000 Diggers on war sick list, Sean Parnell, The Australian, 20 January 2010

The dual wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have so far been responsible for 1293 and 1503 (wounded) claims respectively, but the numbers are growing.

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2009

Low-tech attacks taking high toll on troops, Tom Hyland, Age, 25 October 2009

Rising casualty figures suggest getting out of Afghanistan could be the bloodiest phase in Australia’s commitment to a war now in its ninth year. Official figures for Australians wounded in Afghanistan show troops carrying out Australia’s exit strategy – by mentoring Afghan forces so they can take charge of security – are suffering the most. Until this year, the heaviest toll had fallen on special forces – SAS troops and commandos who target Taliban leaders.

Afghan Soldier And Two Australian Soldiers Wounded By IED, Media release, Department of Defence, MSPA 339/09, 13 October 2009

An Afghan National Army soldier has been badly wounded and two Australian soldiers suffered non life threatening wounds, when an IED detonated close to their partnered patrol in southern Afghanistan on 12 October 2009. The Afghan soldier was evacuated to a coalition medical facility for further treatment, while the two Australian soldiers who suffered non-penetrating blast wounds were also evacuated to the military hospital at Tarin Kowt for observation.

Soldier suffers minor wounds in Afghanistan, Media Release, Department of Defence, 3 October 2009

An Australian soldier serving with the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force in Afghanistan suffered minor wounds yesterday in an explosion that occurred while conducting a routine operation east of Tarin Kowt.

83 Diggers 83 injured in Afghanistan became invisible, Paul Toohey, Australian, 26 September 2009

In hospitals around Australia, soldiers who have been seriously wounded in Afghanistan are checked in under false names in order to protect them from the public eye. One Afghanistan veteran, in his early 20s, is in a private hospital in NSW. He has lost both his legs. The doctors and nurses treating him are sworn to secrecy. Were someone to ring the hospital’s reception, asking for him by his real name, he would not exist. As far as the public knows, his terrible injuries never happened.

Five soldiers suffer minor wounds in Afghanistan incident, Media Release, Department of Defence, 11 September 2009

Australian soldiers operating in Afghanistan with the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force were attacked by insurgents using an improvised explosive device yesterday. “All five soldiers were treated at the scene and later moved to the ISAF medical facility in Tarin Kowt for observation and further treatment. They are now recovering and in a stable condition,” Lieutenant General Evans said. The soldiers were members of a routine patrol being conducted east of Tarin Kowt at the time of the attack.

Road-side bombs wound three Australians, Media Release, Department of Defence, 8 August 2009

Australian force elements have faced four road-side bomb attacks in the past two days, resulting in three wounded soldiers and two damaged Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles. In the first incident at midday on Friday (7 August 2009), two Australian soldiers operating with the 2nd Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF-2) were wounded after a Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED).

In a separate incident on Friday, a 2nd Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force vehicle patrol struck an anti-personal mine while travelling in a Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle. There were no casualties as a result of that incident. In a third incident, during a foot patrol, an IED was initiated near MRTF soldiers but without effect. There were no injuries reported. Earlier today (Saturday), a Bushmaster was travelling to the scene of an earlier incident and struck an IED. One soldier was wounded and has been aero-medically evacuated to Tarin Kowt for further treatment. The wounds are not life-threatening. The bomb badly damaged the vehicle.

The wounded soldiers are from the Townsville-based 3rd Brigade.

Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force member killed on operations in Afghanistan, Media Release, Department of Defence, 19 July 2009

A second Australian soldier was wounded. Three Afghan civilians were also injured in the incident.

Two Australian soldiers wounded in Afghanistan, Media Release, Department of Defence, 8 July 2009

Two Australian soldiers from the Townsville-based 3rd Brigade, deployed to Afghanistan as part of the 2nd Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force, have been wounded in an incident involving an Improvised Explosive Device. The soldiers were travelling in a Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle when it was struck by a large road-side bomb yesterday (7 July 2009) at about 10am (approximately 15.30pm AEST).

Two Australian soldiers wounded in southern Afghanistan, Media Release, Department of Defence, 6 April 2009

Two Australian soldiers serving with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) were wounded when the vehicle they were travelling in struck an improvised explosive device (IED) in southern Afghanistan on Saturday morning, Australian time.

“This brave soldier received very serious wounds to his lower limbs. He also sustained less serious wounds to other parts of his body,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said. “He remains seriously ill and in intensive care, but is responding to treatment. We will now wait to hear from doctors in Germany to provide an update on the soldier’s condition.”

Australian soldiers wounded in engagement with Taliban, Media Release, Department of Defence, 25 March 2009

Australian soldiers conducting a dismounted patrol led by the Afghan National Army in Oruzgan Province, were engaged in a contact with Taliban insurgents who used an Improvised Explosive Device, Rocket Propelled Grenades and small arms fire on Tuesday, 24 March 2009.

Three Australian soldiers from the Australian Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) patrol and a coalition interpreter were wounded in the engagement. Their wounds were caused by fragmentation from the Improvised Explosive Device. It is not known what caused the device to activate.

The OMLT patrol returned fire and coalition close air support was provided during the engagement.

Australian soldiers wounded in roadside bomb attack, Media Release, Department of Defence, 3 February 2009

Two Australian soldiers and an Explosives Detection Dog serving with the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF-1) have been wounded in a road-side bomb attack in southern Afghanistan. The soldiers were conducting a security patrol on Friday morning (30 January 2009) when the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle they were travelling in was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED).

2008

ADF Troops Involved in Incident in Afghanistan, Media Release, Department of Defence, 3 December 2008

“Australian soldiers operating in Afghanistan as part of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force were involved in a shooting incident yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, 30 Dec 08) Afghan local time (2012 AEST) while supporting an Afghan National Army operation.

A man approached a patrol in a manner that was suspicious, as a result of his behaviour and failure to comply with repeated directions by soldiers to stop, the man was fired upon and killed.

Initial indications are that the response by the patrol was appropriate to the situation and in accordance with their training and escalation of force procedures.”

Special Operations Task Group Soldiers Wounded In Afghanistan, Media Release, Department of Defence, 3 September 2008

Nine Australian Special Forces soldiers have been wounded in action during an overnight battle with Taliban extremists in Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan. The soldiers were part of an ongoing Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) operation to disrupt Taliban extremist command and control networks at the time of the incident.

Initial reporting indicates that one SOTG soldier suffered life-threatening wounds, five suffered serious wounds and three suffered slight wounds in the contact. Several Taliban extremists were killed in the contact.

Nine elite troops ambushed in southern Afghanistan, Brendan Nicholson, Age, 3 September 2008

Australia has suffered one of its worst battlefield incidents since the Vietnam War, with one soldier left fighting for his life and eight others wounded in an ambush launched by Taliban forces in Afghanistan.

The Australians, all elite special forces soldiers, were driving through rugged mountain country in southern Afghanistan on Monday evening when they were surprised by a barrage of rockets and machine-gun fire.One of the soldiers suffered life-threatening injuries, five were “seriously” wounded and three had light wounds.

Injured RTF soldier returns to Australia, Media Release, Department of Defence, 12 August 2008

One of the two Australian soldiers injured in separate pen-flare incidents in Afghanistan on Wednesday, 23 July has returned home for further medical treatment. Private Christopher Keller, a 25 year-old rifleman serving with the Reconstruction Task Force, sustained serious injuries as a result of an accidental pen-flare discharge during a routine patrol in the Oruzgan province.

SOTG soldiers wounded in Oruzgan IED blast, Media Release, Department of Defence, 12 August 2008

Two Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) soldiers are receiving specialist medical care for wounds suffered in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Oruzgan province early yesterday morning. The soldiers were travelling in a SOTG Bushmaster vehicle at the time of the incident. Defence spokesperson Brigadier Brian Dawson said one soldier was seriously wounded in the attack while the other suffered only slight wounds as a result of the IED blast.

RTF troops injured in flare incidents, Media Release, Department of Defence, 27 July 2008

Two Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) soldiers are receiving medical care following two separate incidents involving the accidental discharge of pen-flares. The incidents occurred late on the evening of Wednesday, 23 July during a routine RTF patrolling activity in Oruzgan Province… one soldier received a serious injury as a result of an accidental pen-flare discharge and another received superficial injuries in a second, similar incident while assisting in the treatment of his section mate.

Soldiers wounded in Improvised Explosive Device attack in Afghanistan, Media Release, Department of Defence, 8 July 2008

An Australian Special Forces soldier has returned to Australia for further medical treatment of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED) in late June, 2008. The soldier was part of a Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) patrol returning from a successful clearance operation when the IED strike occurred. Another soldier travelling in the same vehicle was slightly wounded in the explosion.

Australian Soldier Wounded in Battle with Taliban, Brendan Nicholson, Age, 1 May 2008

“Another Australian soldier has been wounded in fighting with Taliban insurgents in southern Afghanistan. The soldier was hit in one arm as Australian special forces pursued Taliban insurgents in the same area where 27-year-old Lance Corporal Jason Marks was killed and four other commandos were wounded on Sunday. There are no details of Taliban casualties from the fighting. Australian Defence Force chief Angus Houston said the fifth soldier, whose name has not been released, was wounded late on Tuesday while helping to clear insurgents from an area south of the Australian base at Tarin Kowt in Oruzgan province.”

2007

Wounded commander honours slain driver, Media Release, Department of Defence, 11 October 2007

The commander of the ASLAV in which Trooper David Pearce was killed on Monday (08 October, 2007) has honoured his fallen driver by leading the pall bearers during the ramp ceremony at Tarin Kowt yesterday.

Australians in road-side bomb attack, Media Release, Department of Defence, 16 September 2007

An Australian Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle has been damaged in a road-side bomb attack in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan. Members of the Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) were conducting a reconnaissance task when an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated near their vehicle. The bomb was placed on a public road that is also used by locals. None of the vehicle’s crew was wounded in the incident which occurred yesterday.

SOTG soldiers wounded in Oruzgan attack, Media Release, Department of Defence, 14 September 2007

Three Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) soldiers have received treatment for wounds and injuries suffered during an intensive contact with Taliban extremists earlier this month. Two SOTG soldiers suffered superficial wounds in the incident but remained on task. Another soldier was slightly injured during the contact and was evacuated for further treatment at a nearby ISAF medical facility.

SOTG soldiers wounded in contact with Taliban extremists, Media Release, Department of Defence, 6 August 2007

An Australian Special Forces soldier has been evacuated from Afghanistan to a Coalition medical facility for further treatment after being wounded in a contact with Taliban extremists. The soldier was wounded earlier this month during a patrol in Oruzgan Province.

RTF soldier slightly wounded in failed Oruzgan suicide attack, Media Release, Defence Department, 4 May 2007.

“A Reconstruction Task Force soldier suffered slight wounds in a failed suicide attack against an Australian vehicle check point in Oruzgan Province. Two Afghan nationals were also wounded when a Taliban extremist detonated an explosive device north of the RTF’s Tarin Kowt base. The attacker was killed by the explosive blast.”

Three Australians slightly wounded in Kandahar rocket attack, Media Release, Defence Department, 17 March 2007

“Three Australian soldiers were slightly wounded during an overnight rocket attack at Kandahar Airfield in Southern Afghanistan. The soldiers suffered minor blast-effect injuries when the single rocket struck their accommodation area.”

2006

Special forces soldier wounded in action, Operation Slipper Media releases, 5 May 2006

Australian soldier returns to Australia from Afghanistan, Joint statement from Minister for Defence and Chief of Defence Force, Media Release, defence Department, 24 March 2006

“An Australian soldier serving with the Special Forces Task Group in Southern Afghanistan has returned to Australia for medical rehabilitation after suffering a minor wound earlier this month. The soldier was wounded during an engagement with anti-coalition militia elements. The soldier is the third Australian to be wounded in contact with anti-coalition elements since the deployment of the Special Forces Task Group last year.”

2005

Australian Soldier Wounded in Afghanistan, Media release, Department of Defence, 4 October 2005

“An Australian Special Forces Task Group soldier received a minor shrapnel wound during a clash with anti-coalition militia (ACM) forces in Afghanistan over the weekend.”

2002

Update – Australian Soldier Injured In Coalition Against Terrorism, Media Release, Defence Department, 20 January 2002

“On Friday, 18th January, 2002 the Department of Defence confirmed that an Australian soldier had been injured in a mine incident in Southern Afghanistan. Defence spokesman Brigadier Gary Bornholt said ‘while the soldier’s injuries are serious they are not life threatening. His large toe was removed as a result of the incident and his second toe was later amputated. He also sustained multiple fractures of the foot and right ankle and superficial lacerations.’

Bomb-detection dog deaths

27 October 2009 – Nova

Military honours for Nova, a lost dog of war, Brendan Nicholson, The Age, 27 October 2009

Two-year-old Nova was badly hurt when she was hit by a military vehicle in Oruzgan province on Friday during a training exercise. Commander of the 2nd Mentoring and Reconstruction Taskforce Peter Connolly said the bomb-detection dogs had saved countless lives by sniffing out improvised explosive devices, which have become a major killer of coalition troops and civilians in Afghanistan.

25 November 2007 – Andy

Afghanistan soldiers mourn ‘Andy’, Media Release, Department of Defence, 25 November 2007

Australian soldiers serving in southern Afghanistan are mourning the death of Explosive Detection Dog ‘Andy’ – a two-year-old Kelpie-cross. ‘Andy,’ a member of the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG), was accidentally killed when struck by a vehicle within the Kamp Holland complex at Tarin Kowt. ‘Andy’ will be laid to rest near the Kamp Holland kennel complex alongside fellow fallen Explosive Detection Dogs ‘Merlin’ and ‘Razz’.

“Andy is the third Army Explosive Detection Dog to die on operations.”

September 2007 – Merlin

RTF mourns ‘Merlin’, Media Release, Department of Defence, 5 September 2007

‘Merlin’ was accidentally killed in a vehicle incident earlier this month while supporting RTF reconstruction activities on the outskirts of Tarin Kowt. “Merlin is the first Army explosive detection dog to die on operations,” said Brigadier Nikoli?.