Australian Death In Afghanistan
- May 24th, 2011
- Posted by EUEditor
A decorated Australian commando on his third tour in Afghanistan, Sergeant Brett Wood, has been killed in action.
It was the twenty-fourth death among Australians serving with the allied force in Afghanistan, organised by the NATO alliance.
Two other solders were wounded at the same time as Sgt. Wood, and three hurt in another incident.
STATEMENT FROM DEFENCE DEPARTMENT
Sergeant Wood was serving with the Special Operations Task Group when he was tragically killed in action as a result of the explosion of an Improvised Explosive Device on Monday 23 May 2011 (Afghanistan time).
Thirty-two year old Sergeant Wood was from the Sydney based 2nd Commando Regiment.
He leaves behind his loving wife and family, who are currently receiving support from Defence.
Sergeant Wood has significant operational experience. His first deployment was to Bougainville in 2000. In 2001 he deployed to East Timor on Operation Tanager and in 2003 to Iraq on Operation Falconer.
In 2006 Sergeant Wood deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Slipper. He was awarded The Medal for Gallantry for leadership in action as a Team Commander during this tour.
Sergeant Wood received a Special Operations Commander – Australia, Commendation for service with the Tactical Assault Group – East in 2007 and in 2009 he returned to Afghanistan as a Section Commander.
He deployed to Afghanistan, for the third time, in March this year.
FIVE SOLDIERS WOUNDED
In the bomb attack, one of the other two soldiers hurt was described as suffering from life-threatening wounds, while the other was classed as seriously hurt.
Another three Australians were wounded in an exchange of fire with Taliban insurgents.
Reference
Defence Department, Canberra, “Australian soldier killed…”, 24.5.11. http://www.defence.gov.au/defencenews/stories/2011/may/0524b.htm, (24.5.11).