Far too many good men lost.

http://www.theaustralian.com.a...frg8yo-1226825923933

Corporal Cameron Baird, killed in Afghanistan, to be awarded the Victoria Cross




The Prime Minister told parliament that Corporal Baird, of the Special Operations Task Group, was the 100th Australian recipient of the highest military honour for bravery in wartime.

Killed by small arms fire during a battle with Afghan insurgents, he was the 40th - and last - Australian to die in Afghanistan and the fourth Australian VC from the conflict.

“He repeatedly drew enemy fire away from his team members and charged enemy positions under heavy fire. His actions enabled the enemy to be neutralised and his team to be kept safe,” the Prime Minister said.

“Corporal Baird’s actions were in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force. He is an Australian hero.”

Mr Abbott said the Tasmanian-born Corporal Baird, 32, was already an iconic figure in the army.

He had already received the Medal of Gallantry for rescuing a wounded comrade during a firefight with the Taliban seven years ago.

Corporal Baird was now being awarded the Victoria Cross for “most conspicuous acts of valour” and “extreme devotion to duty”, the Prime Minister said.

“I salute Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG. We all salute him,” Mr Abbott told parliament, noting the commando’s “extraordinary courage”.

“We can hardly imagine what the likes of Corporal Baird and his comrades do, but we stand in awe.”

Addressing Corporal Baird’s family members in the public gallery, Mr Abbott said: “You have lost a son, a brother, an uncle and our country has lost a citizen, a soldier, a hero.’’

Addressing the media outside parliament, the soldier’s father, Doug Baird, broke into tears as he described his “extremely humble” son who rarely accepted praise while heaping it on his comrades.

The commando’s brother, Brendan Baird, said it was “a bittersweet moment as Cameron is no longer with us”.

“But we are honoured to have him recognised in this way and through him, all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their beloved country,” he said.

“Cameron never liked the limelight. He was a very humble man who would not see this as an individual award, but recognition of the entire 2nd Commando Regiment.”

Corporal Baird, from the 2nd Commando Regiment based at Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney, was killed during an engagement with insurgents in the Khod Valley in southern Afghanistan on June 22, 2013.

“Words can hardly do justice to the chaos, confusion and courage that were evident that day,’’ Mr Abbott told parliament.

He read to parliament a testimony provided by a comrade of Corporal Baird during his last tour of duty.

“Corporal Baird’s initiative, fearless tenacity and dedication to duty in the face of the enemy were exemplary and absolute inspiration to the entire team.

“I was witness to the ultimate sacrifice’’.

Corporal Baird was on his fifth special forces tour to Afghanistan when killed, after joining the army at 18 and having also served in East Timor and Iraq.

He earned the Medal for Gallantry for braving fierce machinegun fire to recover the “mortally wounded” Private Luke Worsley during a prolonged firefight in Afghanistan on November 22 and 23, 2007.

Labor leader Bill Shorten praised Corporal Baird’s “professionalism, courage and skill” over eight foreign tours, including in Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor.

“Corporal Baird was a real hero. A man who risked his life for his mates,” he said.

“Cameron Baird’ s friends described him as one of the most iconic members of the regiment – high praise for an elite unit recognised the world over for its professionalism, courage and skill.

“He obtains the place of highest honour in Australian and Commonwealth history.”

Born in Burnie, Tasmania, Corporal Baird he is survived by his parents, brother and his partner.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce will award the posthumous honour at a ceremony at Government House in Canberra next Tuesday.

Earlier awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery in Afghanistan were Mark Donaldson, Ben Roberts-Smith and Daniel Keighran.

KEY FACTS ABOUT THE VICTORIA CROSS:

_ The Victoria Cross, the highest award for acts of bravery in wartime, was created by Queen Victoria in 1856 and made retrospective to 1854 to cover the period of the Crimean War

_ The Victoria Cross for Australia was approved on January 15, 1991, as the pre-eminent gallantry award in the Australian system

_ It is cast from the metal of guns captured during the Crimean War 1854-56

_ The bar is decorated with laurel leaves and bears a ‘V’ from which the cross hangs

_ It is awarded for conspicuous courage, daring, valour, self-sacrifice or displays of extreme devotion to duty

_ 100 Australians have been invested as VC recipients

_ Corporal Cameron Baird is the 100th recipient, the fourth Australian soldier to be awarded the VC for service in Afghanistan and the fourth soldier to be awarded the VC for Australia and the first to be awarded posthumously

_ The other Afghan veteran VC recipients are Corporal Mark Donaldson (2009), Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith (2011), and Corporal Daniel Keighran (2012)

_ Australians have been awarded the British Victoria Cross in:

- Boer War, 1899-1902: 6

- World War I, 1914-18: 64 (including 9 at Gallipoli)

- North Russia, 1919: 2

- World War II, 1939-45: 20

- Vietnam War, 1962-72: 4

(Source: Australian Government)

With AAP

RIP after a job well done!

Damn shame such fine young men get killed over such stupidity as wars.
RIP

George

On a similar note I have just been watching on u tube. Medal Of Honor, Oral Histories.

Respect.

quote:

Damn shame such fine young men get killed over such stupidity as wars.
RIP

Amen!


.

As others have posted, it is always sad to see loss of life amongst those giving for their country.

It is good to see that we still hold the VC award as the ultimate for bravery in combat.

One of our own, a member of the elite SAS, earned this award in the Afghanistan conflict for retrieving a wounded colleague while under fire. A photo of him in combat after he had been awarded the VC was published in the media causing controversy as it identified him as a potential target for the Taliban who may have wanted to get some mileage in killing a 'famous' soldier of the enemy.

That photo shown below, was taken of our VC soldier having just come from a building where gunfire was heard and several dead Taliban were found. It was neither confirmed nor denied that he had anything to do with the killings

He survived his tours of duty, by the look of him he would be a formidable foe.

Keen Pig hunter,when not making the world a safer place

quote:

Originally posted by georgeld:
Damn shame such fine young men get killed over such stupidity as wars.
RIP

George

You think the war in Afganistan is/was stupid?


Just finished reading the autobiography of another Australian VC recipient from the Afgan war. Mark Donaldson. A very moving book. Good to get the perspective from someone at the active front-line and their reasons why this war had to be fought and the real differences between 'us' and 'them'.

quote:

Originally posted by eagle27:
As others have posted, it is always sad to see loss of life amongst those giving for their country.

It is good to see that we still hold the VC award as the ultimate for bravery in combat.

One of our own, a member of the elite SAS, earned this award in the Afghanistan conflict for retrieving a wounded colleague while under fire. A photo of him in combat after he had been awarded the VC was published in the media causing controversy as it identified him as a potential target for the Taliban who may have wanted to get some mileage in killing a 'famous' soldier of the enemy.

That photo shown below, was taken of our VC soldier having just come from a building where gunfire was heard and several dead Taliban were found. It was neither confirmed nor denied that he had anything to do with the killings

He survived his tours of duty, by the look of him he would be a formidable foe.

I was dumbfounded when this picture was splashed across the national papers, thinking thats the end of that business(meaning he could not possibly serve with the SAS or any other covert duties)This gent now works with at risk teenagers giving back to the community.I remember the interview where the host asked him about this family, what little conviviality he had mustered evaporated as he let the host know in no uncertain terms that he did not discuss his family,the air of menace about him was very real, i hope he finds a good author and writes a book.

Well deserved. It won't bring him back to his family, of course, but it is nice to know that his "superiors" and the politicians (who aren't his superiors in any meaningful way) appreciate the bravery and sacrifice.

quote:

Originally posted by Shukaree:


I was dumbfounded when this picture was splashed across the national papers, thinking thats the end of that business(meaning he could not possibly serve with the SAS or any other covert duties)This gent now works with at risk teenagers giving back to the community.I remember the interview where the host asked him about this family, what little conviviality he had mustered evaporated as he let the host know in no uncertain terms that he did not discuss his family,the air of menace about him was very real, i hope he finds a good author and writes a book.

This was addressed in the Donaldson book too - people told him that he wouldnt return to active service, after all the media exposure - but he did at least three more tours and made it back of course. I guess operating at 'that' level, with so much secrecy - it would be nearly impossible for the enemy to target such a person. Sure if they were captured, either alive or dead and discovered for who they are - it would be very bad for all concerned but that never happened thankfully.

Everyone should read the Donaldson book...

I met Mark a couple of years ago. Bloody nice fella, I read his book as well (my boss got me a signed copy which was very cool). Considering what has happened to him with his mum getting murdered he turned out ok in the end.

RIP Soldier!

Interviews with 2nd Commando Regiment personnel who served with Corporal Cameron Stewart Baird, VC, MG.

http://video.defence.gov.au/?m...c5-8f16-cadf13713e91

Thanks for that mate.

My respects to this great warriors .
SASR are the best of the best ,true heroes and deserve a great respect by the warrior hunters brothership .

quote:

Originally posted by juanpozzi:
My respects to this great warriors .
SASR are the best of the best ,true heroes and deserve a great respect by the warrior hunters brothership .

To be correct mate Cameron Baird is 2nd Para Reg. Mark Donaldson and one of the other Aussie VC recipients from Afganistan, Ben Roberts-Smith are SASR. The fourth Daniel Keighran was attached to 6RAR.

May he rest in peace. And, peace to his family. Were there not more like him. There are. We should thank God for these men.

An acquaintance of mine, who is an x-British SAS veteran of 20yrs, having served in both Iraq and Afghanistan,
was recently contracted to train the Australian 2nd Commando regiment[previously 4th Battalion RAR].

Be aware that the likes of 1st and 2nd Commando regiment are a special forces trained group,
but they are not at the level of SAS/SASR.

Undoubtedly there are some fine 2nd Commando lads who do a great job and some have given the ultimate sacrifice.
-however, my British SAS acquaintance has relayed to me that, some members of the group in training,
stubbornly fail to take his seasoned advice during training exercises, consequently
some of the silly things some have done, could in a real war scenario, have very well cost the lives of the team.

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Graham:

quote:

Originally posted by juanpozzi:
My respects to this great warriors .
SASR are the best of the best ,true heroes and deserve a great respect by the warrior hunters brothership .

To be correct mate Cameron Baird is 2nd Para Reg. Mark Donaldson and one of the other Aussie VC recipients from Afganistan, Ben Roberts-Smith are SASR. The fourth Daniel Keighran was attached to 6RAR.

But they were all corporals, which coincidentally was my rank when I finally finished with the SA Army. Other than that we aren't even on the same planet. Those guys were far above our lot.

quote:

Originally posted by Bren7X64:

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Graham:

quote:

Originally posted by juanpozzi:
My respects to this great warriors .
SASR are the best of the best ,true heroes and deserve a great respect by the warrior hunters brothership .

To be correct mate Cameron Baird is 2nd Para Reg. Mark Donaldson and one of the other Aussie VC recipients from Afganistan, Ben Roberts-Smith are SASR. The fourth Daniel Keighran was attached to 6RAR.

But they were all corporals, which coincidentally was my rank when I finally finished with the SA Army. Other than that we aren't even on the same planet. Those guys were far above our lot.

I am not going to start a comparison discussion here especially in the light of a VC being awarded, but Bren there is a lot to be said for 31 Battalion, 32 Battalion, 101 Battalion, 1 Para, 44 Para and the Recce Regiments 1, 3, 4, and 5. There were a lot of very brave and competent fighters and a few Honoris Crux amongst them.

quote:

Originally posted by Trax:
An acquaintance of mine, who is an x-British SAS veteran of 20yrs, having served in both Iraq and Afghanistan,
was recently contracted to train the Australian 2nd Commando regiment[previously 4th Battalion RAR].

Be aware that the likes of 1st and 2nd Commando regiment are a special forces trained group,
but they are not at the level of SAS/SASR.

Undoubtedly there are some fine 2nd Commando lads who do a great job and some have given the ultimate sacrifice.
-however, my British SAS acquaintance has relayed to me that, some members of the group in training,
stubbornly fail to take his seasoned advice during training exercises, consequently
some of the silly things some have done, could in a real war scenario, have very well cost the lives of the team.

You are a disgrace.

MG,

Soldiers make unacceptable mistakes when going through the selection process for SASR,
they are told in no uncertain terms to pack their shit and get the f*ck OUT Pronto! and that their inept types are not wanted or welcome.
Pointing out that some soldiers can and do also make poor decisions while in 2nd Commando, is a harsh reality.

I can assure you that the trainers & selectors don't spare the feelings of those that fail to make the grade-
pass the selection process, for the elite units.
Seems you rely on commercial gain publications written for the masses in order to educate yourself on the SAS,
Which is somewhat different too what one will learn from ongoing personal private life interaction with
highly seasoned SAS veterans still active in the military...I gather I am rather fortunate to have that.

The emotional mindset that arises in some admirers minds with the issuing of a VC revolves around a totally separate matter.
Corporal Cameron Bairds individual bravery and subsequent suitability for a VC is not in question.

to add:
A reservist from 1st Commando could also perform an act of valour that could well entitle him to a VC.
However exceptional valour deserving of a VC does not necessarily add up to person capable of being a member of SASR.

VC recipient Corporal Daniel Keighran[6RAR]: - My actions not brave ,but very stupid!

A young Man died for our freedom and now this shit no surprise there are no hunt reports anymore

Speechless...

Three cheers for all of these warriors,including those that are there every day that don't ever receive the kudos.

One point to note whenever a VC is awarded is that the dirty politicians can never keep their heads out of associating with the award recipients during these award times.

quote:

Originally posted by gryphon1:
Three cheers for all of these warriors,including those that are there every day that don't ever receive the kudos.

One point to note whenever a VC is awarded is that the dirty politicians can never keep their heads out of associating with the award recipients during these award times.

There is some political protocol for the announcement. Not saying they dont get political mileage out of it though...

quote:

Originally posted by Scriptus:

quote:

Originally posted by Bren7X64:

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Graham:

quote:

Originally posted by juanpozzi:
My respects to this great warriors .
SASR are the best of the best ,true heroes and deserve a great respect by the warrior hunters brothership .

To be correct mate Cameron Baird is 2nd Para Reg. Mark Donaldson and one of the other Aussie VC recipients from Afganistan, Ben Roberts-Smith are SASR. The fourth Daniel Keighran was attached to 6RAR.

But they were all corporals, which coincidentally was my rank when I finally finished with the SA Army. Other than that we aren't even on the same planet. Those guys were far above our lot.

I am not going to start a comparison discussion here especially in the light of a VC being awarded, but Bren there is a lot to be said for 31 Battalion, 32 Battalion, 101 Battalion, 1 Para, 44 Para and the Recce Regiments 1, 3, 4, and 5. There were a lot of very brave and competent fighters and a few Honoris Crux amongst them.

Sorry, "our lot" were 2RDLR - the elite - NOT

2 Reg De La Rey in case you'd never heard of them

I am glad to hear of this.

The Aussie Military has a long history of brave combat soldiers, starting from WWI, up through Vietnam, [I know Americans who fought with Aussies there], and including the conflicts in the present day Sand Box.

Maybe a bit before WWI.

Australian Army Battle Honors here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B..._the_Australian_Army

Matt, thanks for saying what needed to be with regard to Trax. Now I need to remember how to go through this "ignore process" again. Haven't done it since Shootaway.

By the way, the ignore process is really simple. Simply click on "Trax", then scroll down to "add to my ignore list" and click. All done. I'd encourage you all to take that 10 seconds to reduce our annoyances.

Trax, you could do the same thing!

Trax, you're a tosser, wanker, a deadset jerkoff, a bloody dill! Danny Keighran was being modest and humble when he said..IF, if he said... to some gormless nameless AAP stringer that he may have been "stupid". Its an Aussie trait to be self-effacing. There are many references to his gallantry on the net, but you had to dig that crap out. Australians learnt at Gallipoli about the calibre of your officers, so perhaps the trainees you disparage may be ignoring your "SAS acquaintance". You're a dickhead, but I wont put you on "ignore". Instead I have you on "notify new posts" so I can get a chuckle out of your bullshit. You need to do some hunting and fishing... get out a little, fresh air, sunshine

John,

I shared a camp with one of your countrymen some years ago. He was a good mate. But I began to understand the Aussies' rather perverse take on the world.

While I don't understand fully every point made in your prior post, I get the general drift that you don't agree with Trax, question his motives and to some degree question his parenthood. To the extent I understand your comments, I agree whole heartedly.

Most of us would just "ignore" someone who was that obnoxious, but I have to give the Aussies credit-- they wont. Like a dog on a bone.

And I mean that sincerely as a compliment.