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.
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Biography: Captain Bryce Duffy
Statement on behalf of the Duffy family
Bryce was an exceptional man and a dedicated officer who was an inspiration not only to us, but also to his peers and the men and women he served alongside.
He was a Churchie (former student of the Anglican Church Grammar School), a rower, a surfer, a fisherman, a scuba diver and a much loved member of a very proud military family.
He was forever the consummate professional, extremely competent and very well respected by his colleagues and commanders.
He was passionate about what he did, truly believed in his cause, and always strived to serve his country in the best way possible.
He held long career aspirations in the Army, having recently completed the SAS selection course and looking forward to joining their ranks in the near future.
We loved Bryce to the ends of the world and not a day will go by where he is not thought of.
We now request the media to respect our privacy at this very difficult time and provide us with the time and space to grieve.
We will not be making any further comment and thank the media and community for their understanding.
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Biography: Corporal Ashley Birt
Statement on behalf of parents Don and Linda, brother Dale and the extended Birt family
The death of Ashley has been a tragic shock to our family, his mates and the Gympie community.
Ashley was a proud soldier who loved his job.
He was a loving son, devoted brother, wonderful uncle and loyal friend who will be dearly missed.
As this is a difficult time for our family, we ask that we are left to grieve in private.
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Biography: Lance Corporal Luke Gavin
Statement on behalf of the family of Lance Corporal Luke Gavin
Defence releases the following statement on behalf of Mrs Gavin.
On Saturday evening we received the most shattering piece of news that anyone could have ever received. My beautiful husband, best friend and father of our children lost his life.
Luke was an amazing man, husband, father, soldier, son and brother. He always did the best thing for his family; he loved his country and truly believed that what Australia was doing in Afghanistan was a worthy cause.
His parents and family are absolutely shattered and loved him so very much.
Luke and I had been together for 12 years and married for three years. We have three beautiful amazing children, Joshua 7, Holly 5 and Olivia 7 months. I can’t explain how we feel except that our hearts are broken.
Luke and our kids were my life. I’m not sure how to live a life without him in it.
We are all so extremely proud of him.
He died doing what he loved and what he believed in.
We will never forget him. We love him now, always and forever and he will live on through our beautiful children.