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Musical Tribute to the Fallen
The soundtrack on this video, “Lest We Forget”, was written by a former member of SASR on the night of Andy Russell’s death in Afghanistan.
Memorial
The following Australian SAS personnel died whilst on active service or during training.
Their sacrifice is commemorated on the SAS Memorial simply known as 'The Rock'.
Private Anthony Frank SMITH – 5 August 1960
Lance Corporal Paul Harold DENEHEY – 6 June 1965
Lieutenant Kenneth Ambrose HUDSON – 21 March 1966
Private Robert Charles MONCRIEFF – 21 March 1966
Private Russell James COPEMAN – 10 April 1967
Private Geoffrey O’SHEA – 1 October 1967
Sergeant George Terence BAINES – 13 February 1968
Private Trevor William IRWIN – 14 June 1968
Corporal Ronald Arthur HARRIS – 17 January 1969
Lieutenant Charles George EILER – 12 August 1969
Sergeant John Malcolm GRAFTON – 24 August 1969
Private David John Elkington FISHER – 27 September 1969
Second Lieutenant Brian Richard Alan JONES – 10 April 1971
Sergeant Harry GREEN – 10 October 1972
Corporal Douglas Robert ABBOTT – 4 March 1976
Corporal Lawrence Archibald MEALIN – 22 June 1976
Lance Corporal Peter Clifford WILLIAMSON – 10 October 1980
Sergeant Ewan Mosman MILLER – 26 February 1981
Sergeant Murray TONKIN – 26 February 1981
Signaller Gregory Rolf Kendall FRY – 26 February 1981
Trooper David Hugh O’CALLAGHAN – 16 April 1982
Lance Corporal Peter William RAWLINGS – 24 July 1982
Corporal Stephen John DALEY – 12 November 1991
Sergeant Paul Richard KENCH – 9 December 1992
Corporal Gordon Frank HOLLAND – 21 May 1993
Signaller Lachlan Robert MARTIN – 14 May 1996
Captain Timothy James STEVENS – 12 June 1996
Sergeant Hugh William ELLIS – 12 June 1996
Corporal Mihran AVEDISSIAN – 12 June 1996
Corporal Michael John BIRD – 12 June 1996
Corporal Andrew CONSTANTINIDIS – 12 June 1996
Corporal Darren Robert OLDHAM – 12 June 1996
Corporal Darren John SMITH – 12 June 1996
Corporal Brett Stephen TOMBS – 12 June 1996
Lance Corporal Gordon Andrew CALLOW – 12 June 1996
Lance Corporal David Brian FROST – 12 June 1996
Lance Corporal Glen Donald HAGAN – 12 June 1996
Lance Corporal David Andrew JOHNSTONE – 12 June 1996
Trooper Jonathon Giaus Sandford CHURCH – 12 June 1996
Trooper Timothy John McDONALD – 12 June 1996
Signaller Hendrik PEETERS – 12 June 1996
Sergeant Andrew Robert RUSSELL – 16 February 2002
Warrant Officer Class Two David Russell NARY – 6 November 2005
Trooper Joshua Nathan Noel PORTER – 29 November 2006
Sergeant Matthew Raymond LOCKE, MG – 25 October 2007
Signaller Sean Patrick McCARTHY – 8 July 2008
Trooper Jason Thomas BROWN – 13 August 2010
Sergeant Blaine Flower DIDDAMS, MG – 2 July 2012
Every ANZAC Day, their names are read aloud at the
SASR Dawn Service.
“LEST WE FORGET”
Corporal Douglas Robert ABBOTT (1947 – 1976)
Doug Abbott was born in New South Wales on 18 September 1947 and was conscripted into the Army on 1 May 1968. He was allocated to the Royal Australian Signals and after successfully completing SAS selection in February 1969 was posted to 152 Signals Squadron on 13 April 1969. Doug came from 2nd Signals Regiment with the rank of Signaller. Doug died on 4 March 1976 from injuries sustained as a result of a parachute accident at Cunderdin drop zone in Western Australia. Doug’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife. He was the father of two sons.
Corporal Mihran AVEDISSIAN (1967 – 1996)
Mihran (Avey) Avedissian was born in Addis Ababa Ethiopia on 2 January 1967. He and his parents immigrated to Australia when he was three years old. Mihran enlisted in the Army on 3 October 1984 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Signals. He was posted to 152 Signals Squadron on 4 March 1987 and underwent SAS selection in 1989. Avey came from 104 Signals Squadron with the rank of Signaller. Avey died on 12 June 1996 when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed at the High Range training area near Townsville in Queensland. Mihran’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his mother.
Sergeant George Terence BAINES (1939 – 1968)
George (Chicka) Baines was born in New South Wales on 25 July 1939. He enlisted in the Army on 7 August 1961 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He was posted to 1 SAS Company Royal Australian Regiment on 12 August 1963 and underwent Recondo training in 1964. Chicka came from 1st Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Lance Corporal but reverted to the rank of Private on posting to 1 SAS Company. Chicka died on 13 February 1968 from injuries sustained when a M26 hand grenade prematurely exploded at Nui Dat in South Vietnam. Chicka’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife. He was the father of two sons.
Corporal Michael John BIRD (1968 – 1996)
Michael Bird was born in Western Australia on 7 April 1968. He enlisted in the Army on 11 August 1987 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1991 and was posted to SASR on 22 May 1991. Michael came from 2/4th Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Lance Corporal but reverted to the rank of Trooper on posting to SASR. Michael died on 12 June 1996 when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed at the High Range training area near Townsville in Queensland. Michael’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife.
Trooper Jason Thomas BROWN (1981 – 2010)
Jason Brown was born in New South Wales on 16 July 1981. He enlisted in the Army on 13 June 2000 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in April 2007 and was posted to SASR on 6 August 2007. Jason came from 4th Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) with the rank of Lance Corporal but reverted to the rank of Trooper on posting to SASR. Jason died on 13 August 2010 from wounds received in an engagement with enemy forces in Afghanistan. Jason’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father.
Lance Corporal Gordon Andrew CALLOW (1961 – 1996)
Gordon Callow was born in Victoria on 22 December 1961. He enlisted in the Army on 6 July 1988 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1993 and was posted to SASR on 1 July 1993. Gordon came from 2/4th Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Lance Corporal but reverted to the rank of Trooper on posting to SASR. Gordon died on 12 June 1996 when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed at the High Range training area near Townsville in Queensland. Gordon’s next-of-kin at the time of death his death was his uncle.
Trooper Jonathon Giaus Sandford CHURCH (1963 – 1996)
Jonathon Church was born in New South Wales on 1 September 1963. He enlisted in the Army Reserve on 5 November 1989. He underwent SAS selection in 1993, transferred to the Australian Regular Army and was posted to SASR on 26 November 1993. Jon came from 1 Commando Regiment with the rank of Private on posting to SASR. Jon died on 12 June 1996 when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed at the High Range training area near Townsville in Queensland. Jon’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father.
Corporal Andrew CONSTANTINIDIS (1962 – 1996)
Andrew Constantinidis was born in Victoria on 18 June 1962. He enlisted in the Army Reserve on 18 January 1986 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Signals. He elected to serve on full time duty and was posted to SASR on 9 March 1990 to undergo SAS selection. After successful selection he was enlisted into the Australian Regular Army and was transferred to the Royal Australian Infantry. Andrew came from 1 Commando Regiment with the rank of Lance Corporal but reverted to the rank of Trooper on posting to SASR. Andrew died on 12 June 1996 when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed at the High Range training area near Townsville in Queensland. Andrew’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife.
Private Russell James COPEMAN (1947 – 1967)
Russell Copeman was born in Narellan NSW on 24 January 1947. He enlisted in the Army on 23 September 1964 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1965 and was posted to SASR on 14 December 1965. Russell came from 6th Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Private. Russell was wounded on 19 January 1967 while participating in a four-man reconnaissance patrol in South Vietnam. He died of his wounds on 10 April 1967 after being evacuated to Australia. Russell’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father.
Corporal Stephen John DALEY (1962 – 1991)
Steve Daley was born in New South Wales on 16 June 1962. He enlisted in the Army on 23 October 1979 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1983 and was posted to SASR on 20 July 1983. Steve came from 5/7th Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Private. Steve died on 12 November 1991 when a Pilatus Porter aircraft crashed shortly after take-off near Nowra NSW. Steve’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father. Steve was scheduled to be married at the time of his death.
Lance Corporal Paul Harold DENEHEY (1944 – 1965)
Paul Denehey was born in Victoria on 21 January 1944. He enlisted in the Army on 22 February 1962 and was allotted to the Royal Australian Signals. He was posted to 1 SAS Company Royal Australian Regiment on 13 August 1963 and underwent Recondo training in 1964. Paul came from the School of Signals with the rank of Signaller. A rogue elephant gored Paul on 2 June 1965 during a four-man reconnaissance patrol in Borneo. He died of his injuries in the field at some time between 5 and 7 June. Paul’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father.
Sergeant Blaine Flower DIDDAMS, MG (1971 – 2012)
Blaine Diddams was born in the Australian Capital Territory on 16 December 1971. He enlisted in the Army on 24 April 1990 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in April 1995 and was posted to SASR on 9 August of that year. Blaine came from 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Private. Blaine discharged from the Regular Army on 31 October 2004 but re-enlisted on 30 November 2007 and returned to SASR. Blaine died on 2 July 2012 from wounds received in an engagement with enemy forces in Afghanistan. Blaine’s next -of-kin at the time of his death was his wife. He was the father of a daughter and a son.
Lieutenant Charles George EILER (1947 – 1969)
Charlie Eiler was born in New South Wales on 13 September 1947. He was appointed Staff Cadet on 28 February 1965 and was appointed to the Australian Regular Army and allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry on 11 December 1968 and posted to SASR. He underwent SAS selection in 1969. Charlie died on 12 August 1969 from injuries sustained as a result of a parachute accident at the Bindoon drop zone in Western Australia. He was participating in simultaneous double door exits from a C130 Hercules aircraft and collided with Sergeant John Grafton. Charlie’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father.
Sergeant Hugh William ELLIS (1960 – 1996)
Hugh Ellis was born in Victoria on 2 July 1960. He enlisted in the Army on 8 September 1982 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He underwent SAS selection in 1989 and was posted to SASR on 21 June 1989. Hugh came from 3rd Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Corporal but reverted to the rank of Trooper and transferred to the Royal Australian Infantry on posting to SASR. Hugh died on 12 June 1996 when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed at the High Range training area near Townsville in Queensland. Hugh’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife. Hugh was the father of a daughter and two sons.
Private David John Elkington FISHER (1946 – 1969)
Dave Fisher was born in New South Wales on 4 June 1946. He was conscripted into the Army on 17 July 1967 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1968 and was posted to SASR on 13 May 1968. Dave came from the Infantry Centre with the rank of Private. Dave was declared missing, presumed dead, after falling from an extraction rope during a hot extraction of a five-man reconnaissance patrol in South Vietnam on 27 September 1969. His remains were located and repatriated back to Australia in 2008. Dave’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father.
Lance Corporal David Brian FROST (1968 – 1996)
David Frost was born in New South Wales on 28 January 1968. He enlisted in the Army on 30 June 1985 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1992 and was posted to SASR on 21 August 1992. David came from 2/4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Corporal but reverted to the rank of Trooper on posting to SASR. David died on 12 June 1996 when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed at the High Range training area near Townsville in Queensland. David’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his sister.
Signaller Gregory Rolf Kendall FRY (1957 – 1981)
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Greg Fry was born in Western Australia on 17 April 1957. He enlisted in the Army on 9 February 1976 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Signals. He underwent SAS selection in 1977 and was posted to 152 Signals Squadron on 18 April 1977. Greg came from the School of Signals with the rank of Signaller. Greg was declared missing presumed killed following an aircraft crash in the Philippines on 26 February 1981. He was aboard a United States special warfare Hercules when it crashed soon after taking off from the Subic Bay naval base. Greg’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his mother.
Sergeant John Malcolm GRAFTON (1937 – 1969)
John Grafton was born in Western Australia on 24 November 1937. He enlisted in the Army on 24 September 1957 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He was posted to 1 SAS Company Royal Australian Regiment on 26 September 1961 and underwent Recondo training in June 1962. John came from 3rd Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Private. John sustained injuries as a result of a parachute accident at the Bindoon drop zone in Western Australia on 12 August 1969. He was participating in simultaneous double door exits from a C130 Hercules aircraft and collided with Lieutenant Charles Eiler. John died in hospital on 24 August 1969. John’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife. He was the father of a son and a daughter.
Sergeant Harry GREEN (1943 – 1972)
Harry Green was born in Queensland on 6 February 1943. He enlisted in the Army on 14 March 1961 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in March 1963 and was posted to 1 SAS Company Royal Australian Regiment on 7 June 1963. Harry came from 2nd Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Private. Harry died on 10 October 1972 in a vehicle accident while participating in an exercise at Carnarvon in Western Australia. Harry’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife. He was the father of a son.
Lance Corporal Glen Donald HAGAN (1965 – 1996)
Glen Hagan was born in Victoria on 21 November 1965. He enlisted in the Army on 6 July 1988 and was allocated to Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1993 and was posted to SASR on 1 July 1993. Glen came from 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Lance Corporal but reverted to the rank of Trooper on posting to SASR. Glen died on 12 June 1996 when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed at the High Range training area near Townsville in Queensland. Glen’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife. Glen was the father of a daughter.
Corporal Ronald Arthur HARRIS (1942 – 1969)
Ronald (Harry) Harris was born in Western Australia on 14 April 1942. He enlisted in the Army on 5 September 1960 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Artillery. He underwent SAS selection in 1966 and was posted to SASR on 21 October 1966. Harry transferred to the Royal Australian Infantry on posting to SASR. Harry came from 131 Divisional Locating Battery with the rank of Lance Bombardier and retained his stripe on posting to SASR. Harry died on 17 January 1969 when he was accidentally shot during a six-man reconnaissance patrol in South Vietnam. Harry, an indigenous Australian, was mistaken for a Viet Cong when returning from an observation post to the Patrol lying up point. Harry’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife. He was the father of a daughter.
Corporal Gordon Frank HOLLAND (1958 – 1993)
Gordon Holland was born in South Australia on 23 September 1958. He enlisted in the Army on 19 June 1979 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry but transferred to the Royal Australian Corps of Transport on 20 August 1986. He was posted to SASR on 2 April 1991. Gordon came from 1 Watercraft Workshops with the rank of Corporal. Gordon died of natural causes on 21 May 1993 while undertaking fitness training at Swanbourne Western Australia. Gordon’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife.
Lieutenant Kenneth Ambrose HUDSON (1936 – 1966)
Ken (Rock) Hudson was born in Queensland on 7 January 1936. He enlisted in the Army on 30 April 1956 and was allotted to the Royal Australian Infantry. He was commissioned on 9 September 1964 and posted to SASR on 24 February 1965. Ken served in the 1st and 2nd Battalions the Royal Australian Regiment and the Airborne Platoon progressing through the ranks to Sergeant before being commissioned. Ken was presumed drowned while attempting a crossing of the flooding Sekayan River in Borneo during a four-man reconnaissance patrol on 21 March 1966 and was declared missing in action. His remains were located and repatriated to Australia in 2010. Ken’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife. He was the father of a son.
Private Trevor William IRWIN (1947 – 1968)
Trevor Irwin was born in Victoria on 13 May 1947. He enlisted in the Army on 16 January 1967 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1967 and was posted to SASR on 6 October 1967. Trevor came from the Infantry Centre with the rank of Private on posting to SASR. Trevor was drowned in the Collie River Western Australia on 14 June 1968 while attempting a river crossing during the inaugural Patrol Course. Trevor’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father.
Lance Corporal David Andrew JOHNSTONE (1969 – 1996)
David Johnstone was born in New South Wales on 3 October 1969. He enlisted in the Army on 19 November 1986 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1991 and was posted to SASR on 22 May 1991. David came from 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Private. David died on 12 June 1996 when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed at the High Range training area near Townsville in Queensland. David’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father.
Second Lieutenant Brian Richard Alan JONES (1948 – 1971)
Brian Jones was born in Western Australia on 18 April 1948. He enlisted in the Army on 5 July 1968 and was commissioned as an officer in the Royal Australian Infantry on 14 June 1969. He was posted to SASR on 23 June 1969 and underwent SAS selection in July 1969. Brian died on 10 April 1971 when he was accidentally shot during a 20-man force element search and destroy operation in South Vietnam. Brian was participating in a forward two-man reconnaissance when he wandered back into the defensive position of his own Patrol. Brian’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife. He was the father of a son.
Sergeant Paul Richard KENCH (1959 – 1992)
Paul Kench was born in New South Wales on 2 September 1959. He enlisted in the Army on 1 August 1978 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1987 and was posted to SASR on 6 June 1987. Paul came from 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Sergeant but reverted to Corporal on posting to SASR. Paul died on 9 December 1992 when struck by an outboard motor propeller while diving in Bass Strait Victoria. Paul’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his mother. He was the father of a son.
Sergeant Matthew Raymond LOCKE, MG (1974 – 2007)
Matt Locke was born in New South Wales on 16 March 1974. He enlisted in the Army on 11 June 1991 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1997 and was posted to SASR on 27 January 1998. Matt came from 5/7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Corporal but reverted to Trooper on posting to SASR. Matt was awarded the Medal for Gallantry for gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances whilst deployed to Afghanistan in 2006. Matt died from gun shot wounds received in an engagement with enemy forces in Afghanistan on 25 October 2007. Matt’s next -of-kin at the time of his death was his wife. Matt was the father of a son.
Signaller Lachlan Robert MARTIN (1972 – 1996)
Lachlan Martin was born in South Australia on 10 June 1972. He enlisted in the Army on 27 August 1991 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Signals. He underwent SAS selection in 1995 and was posted to SASR on 28 June 1995. Lachlan came from 103 Signals Squadron with the rank of Signaller on posting to SASR. Lachlan died in a parachuting accident at Bindoon drop zone in Western Australia on 14 May 1996. He was rehearsing a demonstration parachute descent for a visit by the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal. Lachlan’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his mother.
Signaller Sean Patrick McCARTHY (1983 – 2008)
Sean McCarthy was born in New Zealand on 5 January 1983. He enlisted in the Australian Army on 10 July 2001 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Signals. He was posted to SASR on 15 January 2007. Sean came from 7 Signals Regiment with the rank Signaller on posting to SASR. Sean died on 8 July 2008 from an improvised explosive device attack whilst deployed to Afghanistan. Sean’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father.
Trooper Timothy John McDONALD (1971 – 1996)
Timothy McDonald was born in New South Wales on 4 October 1971. He enlisted in the Army on 10 May 1989 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1993 and was posted to SASR on 1 July 1993. Tim came from the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Private on posting to SASR. Tim died on 12 June 1996 when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed at the High Range training area near Townsville in Queensland. Tim’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father.
Corporal Lawrence Archibald MEALIN (1948 – 1976)
Lawrence (Burma) Mealin was born in Burma on 9 July 1948. He enlisted in the Army on 17 May 1967 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers but transferred to the Royal Australian Infantry on 13 October 1967. He underwent SAS selection in 1968 and was posted to SASR on 13 May 1968. Burma came from the Infantry Centre with the rank of Private on posting to SASR. Burma served in South Vietnam with SASR from 8 September 1969 to 13 August 1970. Burma died on 22 June 1976 when he fell down a coal storage pit at the South Fremantle power station in Western Australia while participating in a night raiding exercise. Burma’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his mother.
Sergeant Ewan Mosman MILLER (1948 – 1981)
Ewan Miller was born in New South Wales on 17 August 1948. He enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces (1 Commando Company) on 23 July 1966. He was conscripted into the Army on 29 January 1969 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1969 and was posted to SASR on 31 July 1969. Ewan came from 8th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Private on posting to SASR. Ewan served in South Vietnam with SASR from 22 July 1970 to 4 August 1971. Ewan was declared missing presumed killed following an aircraft crash in the Philippines on 26 February 1981. He was aboard a United States special warfare Hercules when it crashed soon after taking off from the Subic Bay naval base. Ewan’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his mother.
Private Robert Charles MONCRIEFF (1944 – 1966)
Robert (Bob) Moncrieff was born in New South Wales on 17 December 1944. He enlisted in the Army on 21 April 1964 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1965 and was posted to SASR on 21 April 1965. Bob came from the 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Private on posting to SASR. Bob was presumed drowned while attempting a crossing of the flooding Sekayan River in Borneo during a four-man reconnaissance patrol on 21 March 1966 and was declared missing in action. His remains were located and repatriated to Australia in 2010. Bob’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father.
Warrant Officer Class Two David Russell NARY (1963 – 2005)
Dave Nary was born in New South Wales on 18 March 1963. He enlisted in the Army on 2 December 1981 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1989 and was posted to SASR on 21 June 1989. Dave came from 11/28th Battalion Royal Western Australia Regiment with the rank of Corporal but reverted to Trooper on posting to SASR. Dave died on 6 November 2005 as a result of a training accident while deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations. Dave’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife. He was the father of three sons and a daughter.
Trooper David Hugh O’CALLAGHAN (1960 – 1982)
David O’Callaghan was born in Western Australia on 17 June 1960. He enlisted in the Army on 31 January 1978 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1980 and was posted to SASR on 17 October 1980. David came from 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Private on posting to SASR. David died on 16 April 1982 from a diving accident whilst participating in training in Bass Strait Victoria. David’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father.
Corporal Darren Robert OLDHAM (1966 – 1996)
Darren Oldham was born in Victoria on 23 October 1966. He enlisted in the Army on 18 March 1987 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1991 and was posted to SASR on 24 May 1991. Darren came from 2/4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Lance Corporal but reverted to Trooper on posting to SASR. Darren died on 12 June 1996 when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed at High Range training area near Townsville in Queensland. Darren’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife.
Private Geoffrey O’SHEA (1946 – 1967)
Geoff (Rick) O’Shea was born in Queensland on 11 November 1946. He enlisted in the Army on 3 December 1963 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Signals. He underwent SAS selection in 1966 and was posted to SASR on 28 April 1966. Rick came from 2nd Signals Regiment with the rank of Signaller but transferred to the Royal Australian Infantry after completing SAS selection. Rick died on 1 October 1967 from complications of encephalitis which he contracted while serving in South Vietnam. Rick’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father.
Signaller Hendrik PEETERS (1970 – 1996)
Hendrik Peeters was born in Queensland on 15 December 1970. He enlisted in the Army on 4 May 1988 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Signals. He was posted to SASR on 16 January 1991 and underwent SAS selection the following month. Hendrik came from 103 Sig Sqn with the rank of Signaller on posting to SASR. Hendrik died on 12 June 1996 when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed at High Range training area near Townsville in Queensland. Hendrik’s next-of kin at the time of his death was his wife.
Trooper Joshua Nathan Noel PORTER (1977 – 2006)
Josh Porter was born in New South Wales on 29 December 1977. He enlisted in the Army on 27 June 2000 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 2004 and was posted to SASR on 22 May 2005. Josh came from the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Private. Josh died on 29 November 2006 in a helicopter crash aboard a Royal Australian Navy vessel whilst deployed to the South West Pacific. Josh’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife. He was the father of a daughter.
Lance Corporal Peter William RAWLINGS (1955 – 1982)
Peter Rawlings was born in New South Wales on 4 November 1955. He enlisted in the Army on 14 August 1973 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1978 and was posted to SASR on 18 November 1978. Peter came from 2/4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Lance Corporal but reverted to Trooper on posting to SASR. Peter died on 24 July 1982 in a parachuting accident while participating in a skydiving display in Perth Western Australia. Peter’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father.
Sergeant Andrew Robert RUSSELL (1969 – 2002)
Andrew Russell was born in South Australia on 7 February 1969. He enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1986 and then the Australian Regular Army on 31 January 1989 where he was allocated to the Royal Australian Engineers. He underwent SAS selection in 1991 and was posted to SASR on 22 May 1991. Andrew came from 2/3rd Field Engineer Regiment with the rank of Sapper but transferred to the Royal Australian Infantry on posting to SASR. Andrew died on 16 February 2002 when the vehicle in which he was a passenger detonated a suspected mine in Afghanistan. Andrew’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife. He was the father of a daughter.
Private Anthony Frank SMITH (1939 – 1960)
Tony Smith was born in Western Australia on 12 February 1939. He enlisted in the Army on 30 July 1956 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Artillery. He was posted to 1 SAS Company Royal Australian Infantry on 24 November 1957. Tony came from 1st Field Regiment with the rank of Gunner but transferred to the Royal Australian Infantry on posting to 1 SAS Company. Tony was drowned in the Avon River Western Australia on 5 August 1960 while attempting a river crossing during a platoon patrol exercise. Tony’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his mother.
Corporal Darren John SMITH (1968 – 1996)
Darren Smith was born in Queensland on 28 September 1968. He enlisted in the Army on 30 June 1986 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Signals. He was posted to 152 Signals Squadron on 14 January 1990 and underwent SAS selection in 1991. Darren came from 139 Signals Squadron with the rank of Corporal and retained his rank on posting to SASR. Darren died on 12 June 1996 when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed at High Range training area near Townsville in Queensland. Darren’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father.
Captain Timothy James Stevens (1966 – 1996)
Tim Stevens was born in New South Wales on 26 September 1966. He enlisted in the Army on 26 May 1986 and was commissioned as an officer in the Royal Australian Infantry on 22 January 1990. He underwent SAS selection in 1994 and was posted to SASR on 1 June 1994. Tim came from 8/9th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Lieutenant on posting to SASR. Tim died on 12 June 1996 when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed at High Range training area near Townsville in Queensland. Tim’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife.
Corporal Brett Stephen TOMBS (1965 – 1996)
Brett (Tombsy) Tombs was born in New Zealand on 18 February 1965. He enlisted in the Australian Army on 22 January 1986 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1988 and was posted to SASR on 29 June 1988. Brett came from 5/7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment with the rank of Private on posting to SASR. Brett died on 12 June 1996 when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed at High Range training area near Townsville in Queensland. Prior to the accident Brett had elected to discharge and was excited about leaving the Army to study. Brett’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife. He was the father of a son and a daughter.
Sergeant Murray TONKIN (1950 – 1981)
Murray Tonkin was born in Western Australia on 4 February 1950. He was conscripted into the Army on 27 January 1971 and was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry. He underwent SAS selection in 1971 and was posted to SASR on 22 June 1971. Murray came from the Infantry Centre with the rank of Private and transferred to the Australian Regular Army on 15 June 1972. Murray was declared missing presumed killed following an aircraft crash in the Philippines on 26 February 1981. He was aboard a United States special warfare Hercules when it crashed soon after taking off from the Subic Bay naval base. Murray’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his wife.
Lance Corporal Peter Clifford WILLIAMSON (1954 – 1980)
Peter (Pee Wee) Williamson was born in New South Wales on 5 April 1954. He enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces on 8 August 1972. He underwent SAS selection in 1975 and was posted to SASR on 11 February 1976. Pee Wee came from 1 Commando Company with the rank of Private on posting to SASR and he transferred to the Australian Regular Army. Pee Wee died on 10 October 1980 when he was accidentally shot while participating in counter terrorism training at Swanbourne Western Australia. Pee Wee’s next-of-kin at the time of his death was his father.
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