Jennifer Rajca and Simon Benson
The Daily Telegraph
February 13, 2014
A DIGGER killed in Afghanistan has been posthumously awarded Australia’s 100th Victoria Cross, which left his father fighting back tears.
“This is a bittersweet day,” Mr Abbott told the Lower House, explaining the honour was for “acts of valour, extreme devotion to duty and ultimate self-sacrifice”.
Corporal Baird died in Afghanistan on June 22 last year.
He was the 40th digger to die in the conflict.
FALLEN SOLDIER CORPORAL BAIRD HAD COURAGE THAT CANNOT BE TAUGHT
Mr Abbott said Baird was an iconic figure in the army, and had already received the medal of gallantry.
He is being awarded the cross for most conspicuous acts of valour, extreme devotion to duty and ultimate self sacrifice in Afghanistan as a commando team leader.
Mr Abbott said Corporal Baird joined the army at 18 and was eventually posted to what is now the 2nd Commando Regiment.He served in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.
The late Corporal’s brother Brendan said it was a “tremendous honour” to accept the award on his behalf.
“Today is a proud day for the Baird family,” he told reporters.
“Cameron never liked the limelight, he was a very humble man who would not see this as an individual award.”
Brendan thanked the Army and the Defence Force on the family’s behalf.
His father Doug choked back tears as he recited the ‘soldier’s code’ given to his son.
“I had the honour to be a soldier in the Australian army,” he read, before being comforted by his wife Kaye.
“At all times I act in ways that will bring honour to Australia, credit upon the army, my unit and my fellow soldiers,” he went on.
“I think that sums Cameron up.”
FOR THE FULL LIST OF VC WINNERS CLICK HERE
IN PICTURES: DIGGERS KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN
Mr Abbott said Corporal Baird was the 40th Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan.
“And, please God, the last,” he said.
“He was on his fifth special forces tour when he was killed in the action for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.”
Addressing Corporal Baird’s family members in the public gallery, he said: “You have lost a son, a brother, an uncle and our country has lost a citizen, a soldier, a hero.”
Mr Abbott recalled the day Corporal Baird died, telling how he and his team came under heavy fire on three separate occasions “from well prepared enemy positions”.
“Corporal Baird charged enemy positions and neutralised them with grenade and rifle fire,” he said.
“By drawing fire on himself repeatedly he enabled other members of his team to regain the initiative.”
Mr Abbott then explained how the Commando then led an assault on an enemy-led compound, forcing the door of the building before being killed.
“Words can hardly do justice to the chaos, confusion and courage which were evident that day,” he said.
“He repeatedly drew enemy fire away from his team members and charged enemy positions under heavy fire,” Mr Abbott said.
“His actions enabled the enemy to be neutralised and his team to be kept safe.
“This award is in recognition of his most conspicuous acts of valour, extreme devotion to duty and ultimate self-sacrifice.
“The Victoria Cross is inscribed with the words “For Valour”.
“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.”
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said it was difficult to convey words that would properly describe Corporal Baird’s acts of heroism.
“I hope his family here feel that our Parliament, all of us here, do some justice to his memory today,” Mr Shorten said.
He said the VC is part of a proud military and Australian tradition, which recognises the courage to sacrifice your own safety for your friends.
“A quality Corporal Baird exemplified to the highest degree,” Mr Shorten added.
Corporal Baird was a member of the Special Operations Task Group and was from the 2nd Commando Regiment based at Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney, New South Wales.
He is survived by his parents, brother and his partner.
Corporal Baird was born in Burnie, Tasmania in 1981. He joined the Army in January 2000 and upon completion of his initial training was posted to the then 4th Battalion (Commando), The Royal Australian Regiment, now the 2nd Commando Regiment, in February 2000.
Corporal Baird was an outstanding Special Forces soldier.
The Defence Department website states: “He exemplified what it meant to be a Commando, living by the attributes of uncompromising spirit and honour, which in turn earned him the unconditional respect of his fellow Commandos. His leadership in action was exemplary, constantly inspiring those around him to achieve greater things.
“Corporal Baird was an extremely dedicated and disciplined soldier, always striving for excellence in everything he did.
“Corporal Baird died how he lived — at the front, giving it his all, without any indecision. He will forever be remembered by his mates and the soldiers he served with in the 2nd Commando Regiment.”
