Inquiry finalised into the combat death of Sergeant Blaine Diddams, MG

Defence has finalised its inquiry into the combat death of Australian Special Forces soldier, Sergeant Blaine Diddams, MG, who was killed in Afghanistan on 2 July 2012.

Sergeant Diddams was shot during an engagement with insurgents while on a partnered mission with the Afghan National Security Forces to target a known insurgent commander in the Chorah Valley.

The patrol’s advanced first aider provided assistance and continued attempts to resuscitate Sergeant Diddams until he was evacuated by helicopter to the Role 2 Medical Facility in Tarin Kot. Sadly, despite the best efforts of all, Sergeant Diddams died of his wounds.

Last week, Sergeant Diddams was posthumously awarded the Medal for Gallantry as part of the 2013 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his actions as a patrol commander with the Special Operations Task Group during this mission.

The Inquiry Officer appointed to examine the circumstances surrounding Sergeant Diddams' death made one recommendation in his report, that a Commission of Inquiry into the death of Sergeant Diddams was not warranted. This recommendation was accepted by Defence.

The Minister for Defence considered advice from the Chief of the Defence Force and any public interest in the release of the Inquiry Officer Report and decided not to release the Report into Sergeant Diddams' death.

Defence asks that media respect the privacy of Sergeant Diddams’ family at this time.

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999