A Grim Toll: Fallen Kiwis In Afghanistan

Since the New Zealand Defence Force's deployment to Afghanistan in 2001, ten New Zealand soldiers have lost their lives in the line of duty. The first casualty was recorded in 2010, with three more deaths in 2011, and six in 2012. The deaths of these ten soldiers, who were all killed in Afghanistan's Bamiyan Province, represent the country's heaviest casualties since the Vietnam War.

The first NZ casualty in Afghanistan was Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell in 2010

On 4 August 2010, Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell became the first New Zealand soldier to be killed in Afghanistan. The 28-year-old was serving as part of the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan Province when he was killed by a roadside bomb while on patrol. Two other New Zealand soldiers and a local interpreter were also injured in the attack.

O'Donnell enlisted in the New Zealand Defence Force in 2005 and graduated from officer cadet school at the end of that year. He served in East Timor as a platoon commander for six months from late 2006. During his time in East Timor, O'Donnell's platoon was involved in an incident that saw him awarded the New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration for his leadership and decisive action in intervening in a riot involving hundreds of people.

In Afghanistan, O'Donnell was a patrol commander who undertook dangerous assignments and continued to display the kind of leadership he was decorated for in East Timor. On the day of his death, O'Donnell's patrol was travelling down a highway in Bamiyan when it was attacked. A large bomb was detonated directly under the vehicle, killing O'Donnell outright. The attack lasted about 20-30 minutes and involved rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire.

O'Donnell's body was returned to New Zealand the following week, arriving at Ohakea Air Force Base and concluding his final journey home. A sombre gathering of family, friends, and military personnel were present to receive the body, including Prime Minister John Key and his wife, Bronagh. O'Donnell was accorded a full military funeral service at Linton Army Camp, near Palmerston North.

O'Donnell's death brought the number of New Zealand casualties in Afghanistan to one in 2010, with three in 2011 and six in 2012. In total, ten New Zealand soldiers died in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2012.

Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker was the first woman killed in combat since the Vietnam War

On August 19, 2012, Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker, a 26-year-old medic, became the first woman killed in combat since the Vietnam War. She was one of three New Zealand soldiers killed in Afghanistan when their Humvee hit an improvised explosive device in the country's Bamiyan province. The other two soldiers killed were Corporal Luke Tamatea, 31, and Private Richard Harris, 21.

Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker was part of the 2nd Health Support Battalion and had been deployed to Bamiyan with the Provincial Reconstruction Team in April 2012. She was a recipient of the Chief of Army Commendation in 2011 for her professionalism and courage. She was also remembered by her friend, Christine Donk, as someone who believed that "girls can do anything".

At the time of the incident, the Humvee was the last in a convoy taking one of their patrol members to the Romero base to see a doctor. The blast was attributed to bomb makers who were part of a new insurgent group the New Zealanders had been targeting.

Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker was honoured in several ways after her death. In 2015, a medical ward in Taji Military Camp in Iraq was named after her. In addition, a hospital wing at The Rannerdale Veteran's Care facility in Christchurch was named in her honour. In 2016, her name was engraved in the town centre cenotaph in Rangiora, where she spent her school years.

The Battle of Baghak in 2012 was NZ's heaviest casualties since the Vietnam War

On 4 August 2012, the Battle of Baghak took place between the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), the Afghani National Directorate of Security (NDS), and insurgent forces near Dahane Baghak in the Shikari Valley, Bamyan Province. This engagement marked the heaviest casualties for New Zealand since the Vietnam War, with two NZDF personnel and an unknown number of NDS members and insurgents killed.

The battle began when the NDS launched an operation in the village of Baghak to arrest a suspected bomb-maker. After receiving casualties from Taliban insurgent fire, the NDS requested support from the NZDF. A three-vehicle Humvee patrol named KT4, along with supporting patrols KT1 and KT2, was deployed to assist the NDS and secure the area.

Upon arrival, Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker provided medical aid to the wounded NDS soldiers, while a 14-member patrol began clearing the surrounding compound and high ground. As the situation unfolded, the NZDF patrols came under fire from the Taliban, resulting in heavy casualties. All eight New Zealand casualties occurred within a span of 12 minutes, including the death of Lance Corporal Rory Malone, who was fatally shot while attempting to rescue his injured company commander.

The battle sparked significant controversy in New Zealand, with allegations of an NZDF cover-up. A Court of Inquiry was conducted, but it faced limitations due to security concerns and was unable to interview Afghan soldiers present at the battle. The inquiry found that two New Zealand soldiers were likely wounded by friendly fire, and recommended improvements in pre-deployment training to better prepare troops for the complexities of real-life battle.

The Battle of Baghak stands as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by New Zealand's armed forces in the War in Afghanistan. The bravery and dedication of the soldiers involved, including the heroic actions of Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker, who saved multiple lives, are honoured and remembered.

The NZ Defence Force spent around $300 million during its time in Afghanistan

The New Zealand Defence Force's (NZDF) involvement in Afghanistan spanned two decades, from 2001 to 2021, and came at a significant financial cost. During this time, the NZDF spent around $300 million, with the funds going towards military operations, training local Afghan forces, and various development projects.

The NZDF's efforts in Afghanistan were part of a broader international commitment to the country, which included military intervention and reconstruction initiatives. The overall cost of the war in Afghanistan has been substantial, with the US alone spending trillions of dollars.

The NZDF's expenditure in Afghanistan covered a range of activities, including:

• Military Operations and Training: A significant portion of the $300 million was dedicated to military operations and training local Afghan security forces. The NZDF played a role in countering insurgent groups and contributed to regional security.
• Infrastructure Development: The NZDF was involved in rebuilding infrastructure, including schools and other buildings damaged by the conflict.
• Agriculture and Renewable Energy: They also supported initiatives to develop local agriculture and promote renewable energy sources.
• Community Health Projects: Additionally, the NZDF contributed to community health projects, aiming to improve access to healthcare and enhance overall community well-being.

The NZDF's expenditure reflects its commitment to not only military operations but also to reconstruction and development efforts in Afghanistan. By investing in infrastructure, agriculture, and community health, the NZDF sought to improve living conditions and support the country's long-term stability.

While the financial cost was significant, the human toll of the conflict was even higher. Ten New Zealand soldiers lost their lives during the deployment, and many others returned home with physical and mental health challenges. The loss of life and the impact on veterans and their families cannot be quantified and remain a tragic consequence of the conflict.

The NZ Defence Force left Afghanistan in 2021 after 20 years

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) ended its 20-year deployment in Afghanistan in May 2021. The decision to withdraw was announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who acknowledged the 10 New Zealanders who lost their lives in the line of duty and the over 3500 NZDF personnel who served during the conflict. The withdrawal came as the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan, causing anguish among New Zealanders, especially those who lost loved ones during the war.

The NZDF's involvement in Afghanistan began in 2001, following the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. Over the course of the 20-year deployment, approximately 3500 New Zealand troops and officials were sent to the country, primarily based in Bamiyan Province. The biggest deployment occurred when New Zealand led a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamiyan.

During the deployment, New Zealand troops worked closely with their Afghan counterparts, particularly the Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS). On August 4, 2012, New Zealand suffered its heaviest casualties since the Vietnam War during the Battle of Baghak in Bamiyan Province. Five New Zealand soldiers were killed in action during a fierce firefight with Taliban insurgents. Three more soldiers were killed in the same province on August 19, 2012, when their vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device.

In total, 10 New Zealand soldiers lost their lives in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021. Their deaths occurred in different incidents, involving combat with insurgents, vehicle accidents, and non-combat situations. The first fatality was Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell, who was killed in August 2010 during an insurgent attack in Bamiyan Province. The last fatalities were Corporal Luke Tamatea, Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker, and Private Richard Harris, who died together in the August 2012 incident involving an improvised explosive device.

The withdrawal of the NZDF from Afghanistan in 2021 was part of a broader effort by international forces to end their military presence in the country. Despite the withdrawal, New Zealand remained engaged in Afghanistan, providing support for the evacuation of its citizens and Afghan allies following the Taliban's takeover. In August 2021, New Zealand deployed about 40 troops and a C-130 military transport aircraft to assist in evacuation efforts. The focus shifted to supporting Afghan nationals who had worked with the NZDF and their families, with the government pledging to resettle them in New Zealand.

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