Not good to keep a count and I hope the family's are not viewing this site. Chris.
Chris,
As you are aware I have made a point of not commenting about or replying to your posts for quite a while now. However in this case I will make an exception.
You said "Not good to keep a count and I hope the family's are not viewing this site". Perhaps if you had read the link in first
post you might have been aware many have been referring to him being the 100th VC and 40th death in Afghanistan.
It may be that the fact he is the 40th death in Afghanistan is something new to you. It is not to me. It would be no exaggeration to say I have met thousands of soldiers (including a VC holder) who have been to Afghanistan (plus many of their relatives waiting for them to come safely home). I have also met fathers, mothers, brothers, and children of those who have been killed and tried to console some of them as they cried in front of me very soon after the death of their loved ones. My regular bank teller was the girlfriend of one. One father told me of his plans to caravan around the country with the ashes of his son so he would be with him. I am pretty sure all of those people would know 40 have died in the service of their country as would anybody paying attention to the news in the last 24 hours. If Cameron Baird had been based in Brisbane I would have offered free replica medal sets, via his unit, to his parents and other family members as I have done several times in the past.
Everything in my post was factually correct. If you Google Cameron Baird VC you will see all references in the last few days mention 100th VC and 40th death in Afghanistan. I did not actually need to "count" to know he was the 40th death. I would like to think it is common knowledge but clearly not. Fortunately the three previous VC winners survived their bravery.
As for hoping his family are not viewing this site you may wish to note they were in Parliament yesterday when the Prime Minister made his speech about their son. At this link you will be able click on the Prime Ministers speech where he mentions 100th VC and 40th death (quote "Cameron Baird was the 40th Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan and, please God, the last".
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/in...for-daring-assault-on-afghan-compound/1264232
Since you do not appear to be too familiar with the facts of Bairds death the below gives more background and is from the Army web page.
http://www.army.gov.au/Our-work/New...d-MG-awarded-the-Victoria-Cross-for-Australia
Corporal Baird, from the 2nd Commando Regiment based at Sydney’s Holsworthy Barracks, was killed by small arms fire during an engagement with insurgents in the Khod Valley in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, 22 June 2013.
Corporal Baird was serving with a 2nd Commando Regiment element of the Australian Special Operations Task Group at the time of his death, and was the 40th Australian to be killed in action in Afghanistan.
Corporal Baird’s citation for the Victoria Cross will be announced by the Governor General at an Investiture Ceremony at Government House on Tuesday, 18 February 2014. The award will be conferred on Corporal Baird’s parents, Doug and Kaye.
Mr Doug Baird, Mrs Kaye Baird and Corporal Baird’s brother, Brendan, today issued the following statement:
“Today is a proud day for the Baird family.
“It is a tremendous honour for us to be here on Cameron’s behalf for this announcement.
“We would like to thank the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force for the recognition this award bestows upon Cameron, our son and brother.
“As a loving family this is 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.
“We would especially like to thank our extended family, the 2nd Commando Regiment, for their unwavering support.
“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.
“We accept this award not only on behalf of Cameron, but for his brothers – his team, his company, and his Regiment. Without Warning.”
Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley, AC, DSC said Corporal Baird was an exemplary Commando whose actions deserve Australia's highest military honour.
“I am immensely proud of Corporal Baird's unwavering courage and determination in the face of grave danger but I am equally saddened by his selfless sacrifice and the Baird family's loss,” General Hurley said.
“Corporal Baird was a true modern day warrior who set a standard that every soldier aspires to achieve. Modest yet inspirational, he led from the front and others followed.
“Corporal Baird represents the best of the ANZAC spirit. Australians should never forget the sacrifice he made in our nation's name.”
Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO said the award was bittersweet recognition of Corporal Baird’s extraordinary character, leadership by example and courage in perilous circumstances.
“The Army family is tremendously proud of this fine soldier,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.
“Corporal Baird’s selfless devotion to the mission, together with his bravery and leadership, undoubtedly saved the lives of his mates on that day in June 2013.”
“Today we honour not only the memory of Corporal Baird, but also the actions of a soldier who put devotion to duty before his life and paid the ultimate sacrifice for his bravery.”
Corporal Baird is the fourth Australian to receive the Victoria Cross for Australia and the 100th Australian to receive a Victoria Cross since the award was first was created by Queen Victoria in 1856".
So whilst the 40th death in Afghanistan may appear to be "counting" to you the simple fact is that for many it is a number they will never forget.
I hope that explains the numbers mentioned in my post.
LEST WE FORGET.
Brett
