Australian Sacrifice In The Afghanistan Conflict

The war in Afghanistan has had a profound impact on the Australian Army and the entire defence force. Since 2002, 41 Australian soldiers have died while serving in Afghanistan, with one additional death while serving with the British Armed Forces. The majority of these casualties occurred since October 2007. The Australian soldiers fought and, in some cases, died alongside Afghan soldiers in small, isolated patrol bases in remote valleys. The deaths of these soldiers have left a lasting impact on the nation, with many veterans taking their own lives since returning home.

Forty-one Australian soldiers died in the Afghanistan War

The majority of the 41 Australian soldiers who died were killed by enemy action. Many died in the Orūzgān Province, and others in the Chora Valley region of Uruzgan province, the Baluchi Valley, and Kandahar. The first Australian combat death was Sergeant Andrew Russell, who died on 16 February 2002 at the age of 33. The last was Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey, who died on 1 July 2014 at the age of 29.

The soldiers who died were from a range of regiments, including the Special Air Service Regiment, the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment, the 4th Battalion (Commando) Royal Australian Regiment, the 1st Commando Regiment, the 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, and the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment. The causes of death included improvised explosive devices (IEDs), small arms fire, rocket attacks, and helicopter crashes.

In addition to the 41 Australian soldiers who died, 261 were wounded in the Afghanistan War. The impact of the war on the Australian Army and defence force was significant, with the development of new technologies and a greater integration of intelligence and warfare.

The first Australian combat death was Sergeant Andrew Russell in 2002

Sergeant Andrew Russell was the first Australian soldier to be killed in combat during the Afghanistan War. He died on February 16, 2002, at the age of 33, when the Long-Range Patrol Vehicle he was travelling in struck a suspected anti-vehicle mine in southern Afghanistan. Russell was one of five Australian personnel in the vehicle but was the only one who sustained injuries. He was taken to a US military hospital in Kandahar, where he succumbed to his wounds. Russell's death marked the first Australian military death in action since the Vietnam War more than 30 years prior.

Russell enlisted in the Australian Regular Army on November 26, 1986. After completing his Recruit Training at Kapooka, he was assigned to the Royal Australian Engineer Corps. Following his Initial Employment Training, he was posted to the 2nd/3rd Field Engineer Regiment. In 1991, Russell successfully completed the Special Air Service Selection Course and went on to complete various specialist courses, including patrolling, demolitions, parachuting, sniper training, and medical training.

During his career in the Australian Defence Force, Russell was awarded numerous medals and honours, including the Australian Active Service Medal with East Timor clasp and International Coalition Against Terrorism Clasp, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the International Forces East Timor Medal, the Australian Service Medal with Iraq clasp, the Australian Defence Medal, the United Nations Medal with the United Nations Transitional Authority East Timor Ribbon, the Infantry Combat Badge, and the Returned from Active Service Badge.

Russell had deployed on several operations prior to Operation Slipper in Afghanistan, including Operation Blazer in Iraq (1997), Operation Pollard in Kuwait (1998), Operation Warden in East Timor (1999), and Operation Tanager in East Timor (2000). Russell's death highlighted the dangers faced by Australian forces operating in Afghanistan and served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women of the ADF.

Russell is survived by his wife, Kylie, and baby daughter, Leisa. His family received ongoing support from Defence Community Organisation and SASR.

Trooper David Pearce was killed by a roadside bomb in Uruzgan province

Trooper David Pearce, a 41-year-old father of two, was killed by a roadside bomb in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, on 8 October 2007. He was a member of the Brisbane-based 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment and was serving with the Reconstruction Task Force when he died.

Pearce was driving an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) and was six kilometres from the Australian base at Tarin Kowt when the incident occurred. The vehicle triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) that had been positioned on top of an anti-tank mine. The explosion killed Pearce instantly and wounded his crew commander.

Pearce, born in Liverpool, New South Wales, enlisted in the Australian Army Reserve in 2002 and transferred to the Australian Regular Army in July 2006. He had previously been deployed to the Solomon Islands with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Queensland Regiment in 2005-2006.

In a statement, the head of the Australian Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, described Pearce as a "highly professional, skilled and dedicated soldier" who was "a loyal and reliable friend, ever willing to put the needs of others before his own." Houston added that Pearce's "sacrifice will never be forgotten" and that his loss was felt by all members of the Defence community.

Pearce's family recalled that he joined the Army relatively late in life but quickly developed a strong comradeship with his mates. They said: "David spent 18 wonderful years with his wife and had two beautiful daughters aged 11 and six years, who were the love and centre of his life... With his life experience, outgoing personality and ability to relate to people of all ages, he was a popular and respected member of his unit."

The cafe at the multinational base at Tarin Kowt was named "Poppy's" in honour of Pearce, whose nickname among his fellow soldiers was "Poppy".

In total, 41 Australian soldiers died in Afghanistan, with one further death while serving with the British Army.

Sergeant Matthew Locke was killed by Taliban fighters in Uruzgan province

Sergeant Matthew Locke was a highly decorated member of the Australian Defence Force. He enlisted in the Australian Army on 11 June 1991 and completed his recruit training at Kapooka before being allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry Corps. Locke had a flair for infantry training and completed driver courses, a basic mortar course, promotion courses, and became a Small Arms Coach. In November 1997, he successfully completed the Special Air Service selection course and, over the next two years, completed 15 specialist courses ranging from patrolling, demolitions, diving, parachuting, and medical.

Locke was awarded the Medal for Gallantry, the third-highest award in the Australian honours system, in December 2006. The medal citation commended Locke's "gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances" and his "courage of the highest order".

On 25 October 2007, Sergeant Locke was on patrol in Orūzgān Province when he was fatally wounded by small arms fire from Taliban extremists. He was involved in Operation Spin Ghar, which aimed to target and clear Taliban extremists from the area around Tarin Kot in Orūzgān Province. Locke was leading a six-man foot patrol through a dry creek bed when the patrol came under fire from insurgents. He was hit by a volley of bullets from an AK-47 assault rifle and died instantly.

Sergeant Matthew Locke's bravery, dedication, and professionalism made him one of the finest soldiers in the Australian Army. His sacrifice and legacy will endure, and he will not be forgotten.

The last Australian soldier to die in the Afghanistan War was Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey in 2014

The war in Afghanistan has had a profound impact on the Australian Army and the entire defence force. Around 30,000 ADF personnel served in the conflict, with 41 Australian soldiers killed and 261 wounded. The last Australian soldier to die in the Afghanistan War was Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey in 2014.

Chidgey was a 29-year-old Special Forces soldier from the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment. He was born in Gosford, New South Wales, and joined the Australian Army in 2006. Chidgey had deployed on six tours to Afghanistan, ranging from two weeks to six months. He was highly regarded by his colleagues as a "brilliant bloke to know and work with" and a "consummate professional".

On July 1, 2014, Chidgey was found by colleagues in an administration building at the ADF Headquarters in Kabul with a gunshot wound. He was evacuated to a medical facility but sadly succumbed to his injuries. His death was ruled as non-combat-related, and an investigation was launched by the ADF investigative service.

Chidgey is survived by his mother, father, brothers, and partner, who have requested privacy and compassion from the media. His name has been inscribed on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial, located at panel 1 in the Commemorative Area.

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