It is with deep regret that the Australian Defence Force confirms that Captain Bryce Duffy, Corporal Ashley Birt and Lance Corporal Luke Gavin were killed on Operations in Afghanistan on 29 October 2011.
Seven soldiers were also wounded when a member of the Afghan National Army opened fire with an automatic weapon.
The families of Captain Duffy, Corporal Birt, Lance Corporal Gavin and the wounded soldiers are currently receiving support from the Australian Defence Organisation.
Planning for the repatriation of the fallen Australian soldiers has begun although the date for their return to Australia has not yet been confirmed.
The families have requested their privacy be respected during this difficult time.
Media Note:
Personal details of Captain Bryce Duffy, Corporal Ashley Birt and Lance Corporal Luke Gavin are available at:
http://www.defence.gov.au/vale/cpt_duffy/cpt_duffy.htm
http://www.defence.gov.au/vale/cpl_birt/cpl_birt.htm
http://www.defence.gov.au/vale/lcpl_gavin/lcpl_gavin.htm
Images of Captain Bryce Duffy, Corporal Ashley Birt and Lance Corporal Luke Gavin are available at:
http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003&search=11121116
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations 02 6127 1999