DEATHS IN THE FAMILY

I don't think that I, or anyone else, can say anything that will attenuate the grief that descends  on us whenever one of our soldiers is killed in action. This time it was two young soldiers, from the Brisbane-based 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment died as a result of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated yesterday morning, Afghanistan time. They were very much an integral part of an dismounted patrol from 6RAR and died for their RAR mates conducting operations in the Mirabad Valley region of Oruzgan province. One of the soldiers was killed at the time of the explosion.  The other soldier received emergency first aid from his patrol mates and was subsequently aero-medically evacuated to a nearby ISAF hospital.  Sadly, the soldier died from his wounds. I am sure that you all share the sadness that I feel.

Sapper Darren Smith with his dog    Sapper Jacob Moerland

ADF MEDIA RELEASE

TWO AUSTRALIAN SOLDIERS KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN

Two Australian soldiers serving with the 1st Mentoring Task Force in Afghanistan have been killed in action.The two soldiers from the Brisbane-based 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment died as a result of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated yesterday morning, Afghanistan time.

 They were part of an Australian dismounted patrol conducting operations in the Mirabad Valley region of Oruzgan province.

 One of the soldiers was killed at the time of the explosion.  The other soldier received emergency first aid from his patrol mates and was subsequently aero-medically evacuated to a nearby ISAF hospital.  Sadly, the soldier died from his wounds.

 There were no other Australian or Afghan casualties, however, an explosive detection dog also died in the incident.

 The Acting Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley, said he was deeply saddened by the loss of the two brave soldiers.

 Their role is a dangerous one – seeking out explosive devices and other threats – to keep their colleagues safe. They are fighting a determined enemy in the Taliban, whose aim is to kill and maim coalition soldiers and Afghan security personnel,” Lieutenant General Hurley said.

 

“To the families and friends of these two soldiers, I also offer my heartfelt sympathies and the full support of the Australian Defence Force, particularly, in the coming days as we prepare to bring these soldiers home.

 The soldiers’ families have asked that their names not be released at this time and I would ask you to respect this request while they grieve.”

 The Australian patrol had earlier in the day uncovered three substantial caches of weapons and ammunition including 1,600 rounds of ammunition, 23 rocket propelled grenades, five mortar rounds and fuses.

Fallen Australian soldiers commence final journey

Two Australian soldiers killed in action by an improvised explosive device on Monday afternoon (Australian time) have been farewelled by their mates from the 1st Mentoring Task Force at Multi-National Base Tarin Kowt.

 The moving service to honour the ultimate sacrifice made by Sappers Jacob Moerland and Darren Smith was attended by all available Australian personnel and large contingents of personnel representing other nations working from the base.

 Commanding Officer of the 1st Mentoring Task Force Lieutenant Colonel Jason Blain said the two fallen Sappers were exceptional soldiers who showed absolute courage, dedication and commitment to their jobs.

 “Darren and Jacob represent the very best of our military and our nation,” Lieutenant Colonel Blain said.

“Our society speaks far too freely about heroes—we know the real heroes are the men we mourn here today. (The highlight is mine. Editor)

“Men who day in and day out put themselves in harm’s way and never let their mates down—they are testament to what it means to put service before self.”

Lieutenant Colonel Blain said the Task Force must not let the sacrifices of Sappers Moerland and Smith be in vain.

 

“We must continue with this difficult and worthy mission here in Afghanistan,” Lieutenant Colonel Blain said.

 “There is no more worthy cause for a soldier than bringing peace and hope to a people that know only war and suffering.

 “We must promise not to let their sacrifice be for nothing—we will continue our mission now with even more purpose and more resolve.”

 Lieutenant Colonel Blain also spoke of the impact on the families of the two young soldiers describing their grief as extreme as the impact of the loss of their loved ones truly hits home.

 “We simply cannot begin to imagine the grief they are experiencing and our thoughts are with them constantly,” he said.

 Following the service, the Australian flag-draped caskets of the two fallen soldiers were moved through an honour guard of Australian, Afghan and ISAF troops before being placed in an Australian C130J Hercules to commence their journey home.

 The caskets of Sappers Moerland and Smith were flown to the Headquarters of Joint Task Force 633 in Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, where another honour guard waited to receive their fallen comrades.

 The dignified ceremony was observed by the Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, and the Secretary of the Department of Defence, Dr Ian Watt, who had diverted from their planned itinerary to pay their respects.

 Commander Joint Task Force 633 Major General John Cantwell said the opportunity for all members of his force to take time to remember the sacrifices of Sappers Moerland and Smith was especially important.

 “The death of an Australian serviceman on operations affects everyone – to have two outstanding Diggers killed in a single event is especially tragic,” Major General Cantwell said.

 “All of us will mourn their deaths, but our hearts especially go out to Jacob and Darren’s families and loved ones at home.

 “As fallen comrades Jacob and Darren will have a ceaseless vigil at their sides, until they are returned home.”

 He said engineers in particular have one of the toughest jobs in Afghanistan, putting their lives on the line every second of every patrol to keep their mates safe.

 “Jacob and Darren were the epitome of the engineer motto ‘follow the sapper’,” Major General Cantwell said.

 “They died as they lived, putting their own lives at risk to ensure the safety of their fellow soldiers.

 “They truly are heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service not only to their Nation, but also to those with them on that fateful patrol.”

 The bodies of Sappers Moerland and Smith will continue their journey home to Australia in the coming days.

An investigation will be initiated in order to determine the exact details of the incident.

Thirteen Australian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since operations commenced.

NEWS JUST TO HAND

THREE AUSTRALIAN KILLED SEVEN WOUNDED IN AFGHANISTAN

The Australian Defence Force has confirmed that early this morning (21 June 2010) an incident involving a coalition helicopter has resulted in the death of three Australian soldiers.

Seven Australian soldiers were also wounded.

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said the three soldiers killed were Commandos from the Special Operations Task Group.

“The families of these soldiers can be extremely proud of their loved ones. These three individuals were members of a very impressive group of soldiers who were highly skilled and highly motivated,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“These three soldiers were very experienced. Time after time they have taken the fight to the enemy with courage and determination I have nothing but admiration for these very brave and committed Australians. They were some of our finest.”   

Air Chief Marshal Houston said the cause of the helicopter crash would be investigated, however, it appeared not to be the result of enemy action.

All the wounded personnel have been evacuated from the incident site and are currently being treated at the Kandahar Role III Medical Facility.

Three Australian soldiers who suffered the most serious wounds will be moved later today to the US military hospital in Bagram when their condition stabilises.

As the operation remains ongoing, further details cannot be provided.

Air Chief Marshal Houston extended his sympathies to the families of the three soldiers on behalf of the ADF.

“We in the ADF are doing everything we can to support them at this time, but obviously they are very shocked and very distressed. I therefore ask you to respect their privacy as they grieve,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

16 Australian Defence Force personnel have been killed since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001.

Last Updated on Monday, 28 June 2010 00:04