Honouring The Fallen

Private Gregory Sher was serving with Special Operations Task Group in Oruzgan Province in southern Afghanistan when he was killed in a rocket attack on 4th January 2009.

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Aged 32 at the time of his death, Gregory was from the Melbourne-based sub-unit of 1st Commando Regiment.

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Gregory was born in South Africa in 1978 and moved to Australia with his family in 1986. He enlisted in the Australian Army in 1998 as a Reserve rifleman with the 5th/6th Battalion, the Royal Victorian Regiment. He was deployed to East Timor in 2002 attached to 5th/7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (Mechanised).

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In 2004, Gregory completed the Commando Selection Course and joined 1st Commando Regiment, going on to complete the suite of Special Forces courses required to become a qualified Commando.

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In late 2008, Gregory was deployed to Afghanistan with the Special Operations Task Group.

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Gregory leaves behind his beloved partner, loving parents and two brothers.

For his service, Gregory has received the following honours and awards:

• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasps East Timor and International Coalition against Terror
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Australian Defence Medal
• United Nations Medal with Transitional Authority East Timor Ribbon
• NATO Medal with Clasp International Security Assistance Force
• Infantry Combat Badge
• Returned from Active Service Badge

During Gregory’s service in the Australian Army, he was deployed on the following operations:

• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) 2009

Private Benjamin Chuck was serving with the Special Operations Task Group when he tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on 21st June 2010.

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Aged 27 at the time, Benjamin was from the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment.

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Benjamin was born in Atherton, Queensland, in 1983 and joined the Army on 11th May 2004 as part of the Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme.

On completion of his Commando Selection and Training Course and Reinforcement Cycle, Benjamin was posted to the then 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.  

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Benjamin was an outstanding Commando who was highly trained and excelled at all he attempted. He was the Patrol Medic within his sniper team and was suited to this role as his affectionate and caring nature drove his passion for helping his mates.  

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Benjamin leaves behind his loving parents, brother, sister, and beloved partner.

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Benjamin has received the following honours and awards:

• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp International Campaign Against Terrorism
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Australian Defence Medal
• NATO Medal with International Security Assistance Clasp
• Infantry Combat Badge
• Return from Active Service Badge

During Benjamin’s service in the Australian Army, he was deployed on the following operations:

• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) 2010
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) 2008
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) 2007

Private Timothy Aplin was serving with the Special Operations Task Group when he tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on 21st June 2010, during his second tour of Afghanistan.

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Timothy enlisted in the Australian Army Reserves on 4th February 1992 and transferred to the regular army on 20th September 1995, reaching the rank of Sergeant.

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He successfully completed the Commando Selection and Training Course in 2008 and was posted to the then 4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in January 2009 after completing the Commando Reinforcement Cycle. To achieve this goal, he willingly took the required reduction in rank from Sergeant.

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Timothy was an outstanding and dedicated Commando who was highly respected. He leaves behind his beloved wife, two children, two step-children and a loving mother.

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Timothy has received the following honours and awards:

• Australian Active Service Medal with East Timor, Iraq and International Coalition Against Terrorism Clasps
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Iraq Campaign Medal
• Defence Long Service Medal
• Australian Defence Medal
• United Nations Medal with Transitional Authority East Timor Ribbon
• NATO Medal with International Security Assistance Force Clasp
• Infantry Combat Badge
• Returned from Active Service Badge

During Timothy’s service in the Australian Army, he was deployed on the following operations:

• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) 2010
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) 2009
• Operation Falconer (Iraq) 2003
• Operation Tanager (East Timor) 2000

Sergeant Todd Langley was serving with the Special Operations Task Group when he was killed during deliberate operations against a Taliban Safe Haven on 4th July 2011 in Afghanistan.

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Aged 35 at the time of his death, Todd was from the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment.

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Todd enlisted in the Australian Army on 18th April 1993 and, after initial training and a short period in the Army Reserve, was allocated to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment in 1994.

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Todd later successfully completed Commando Selection and Training and was posted to the 2nd Commando Regiment (then the 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment) in 2004.

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Todd was an extremely experienced Section Commander who saw operational service in East Timor and Afghanistan.

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Todd was a dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate warrior who did not seek the limelight, preferring instead to let his actions speak for themselves, while his professionalism and leadership was infectious.  

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Todd left behind his beloved wife, three daughters, a son, loving parents, and a brother.  

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Todd was twice awarded the Commendation for Distinguished Service, along with the following honours:

• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasps East Timor and International Coalition Against Terrorism
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Australian Service Medal with Clasp Counter-Terrorism/Special Recovery
• Defence Long Service Medal
• Australian Defence Medal
• United Nations Transitional Administration East Timor Medal with 2 device
• NATO Medal with International Security Assistance Force Clasp and 2 device
• Unit Citation for Gallantry
• Infantry Combat Badge
• Returned from Active Service Badge
• Todd was also posthumously awarded the United States Meritorious Service Medal

During Todd’s service in the Australian Army, he was deployed on the following operations:

• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) 2011
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) 2009
• Protective Security Detachment Deployment To The Middle East Area Of Operations 2008
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) 2007
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) 2006
• Operation Citadel (East Timor) 2003
• Operation Tanager (East Timor) 2001
• Multiple domestic Counter-Terrorism operations for the provision of security to international events

Lance Corporal Mervyn McDonald was serving with the Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan when he was tragically killed in a helicopter crash on 30th August 2012 while on his sixth tour of Afghanistan.

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Mervyn was born in Carnarvon, Western Australia, in 1982, and joined the Army on 31st May 1999 and was posted to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR).

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On completion of his Selection and Training Course and Reinforcement Cycle, Mervyn was posted to the then 4th Battalion (Commando), The Royal Australian Regiment, now the 2nd Commando Regiment, in August 2008.

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Mervyn was quick-witted and brought positive energy to both his unit comrades and all those who served with him. A dedicated, enthusiastic, and professional soldier, he was always willing to come forward with ideas and solutions.

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Mervyn was a highly professional soldier, but his quiet nature and humility meant he always deflected credit back onto fellow members of his Company.

Mervyn is survived by his fiance, mother and stepfather, and three brothers.

Mervyn has received the following honours and awards:

• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp East Timor and ICAT
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Australian Service Medal with Clasp East Timor, Timor-Leste and CT/SR
• Australian Defence Medal
• United Nations Mission in Support of East Timor Medal
• Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal
• NATO non-article 5 Medal with Clasp ISAF and Multiple Tour Indicator (2)
• Commander 1st Division Commendation
• Infantry Combat Badge
• Returned from Active Service Badge

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During Mervyn’s service in the Australian Army, he was deployed on the following operations:

• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) July – August 2012
• Operation Norwich (Australia) November 2011
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) July – August 2011
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) April – May 2011
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) February – March 2011
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) March – June 2010
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) March – July 2009
• Operation Astute (Timor-Leste) March – June 2007
• Operation Astute (Timor-Leste) May – September 2006
• Operation Citadel (East Timor) May – October 2003
• Operation Tanager (East Timor) October 2000 – April 2001

Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey was serving with a Protective Security Detachment, which provided protection for a senior Australian officer at Headquarters International Security Assistance Force Joint Command.

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Todd died in a non-combat-related incident in Afghanistan on 1st July 2014 and is survived by his mother, father, brothers and partner.

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Aged 29 at the time of his death, Todd was born in Gosford, New South Wales, in 1985. He joined the Australian Army in March 2006 under the Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme.

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On completion of his initial employment training, he was posted to the then 4th Battalion (Commando), The Royal Australian Regiment, now the 2nd Commando Regiment, in September 2006.

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Todd was deployed on six tours to Afghanistan, ranging from two weeks to six months.  Todd’s colleagues in the 2nd Commando Regiment describe him as a brilliant bloke to know and work with, who was loyal to the core and would do anything for his mates.

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A consummate professional and a dedicated soldier, Todd was one of the hardest working members of the Regiment, who never sought recognition or reward.

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Todd has received the following honours and awards:

• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp International Coalition Against Terrorism Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Australian Service Medal with Clasp Counter Terrorism/Special Recovery
• Australian Defence Medal
• NATO non-article 5 Medal with Clasp ISAF
• Multiple Tour Indicator 3 North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)
• Soldiers Medallion
• Infantry Combat Badge
• Returned from Active Service Badge

During Todd’s service in the Australian Army, he was deployed on the following operations:

• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) May – July 2014
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) March 2014
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) October – November 2013
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) July – December 2012
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) February – July 2010
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) June – November 2008

Sergeant Ian James Turner was born 3rd November 1981 in Sydney on the day “Just a Dash” won the Melbourne Cup. He was the youngest of five children and grew up in Launceston, Tasmania.

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Ian joined the army at the age of 18 years. He was initially posted to 2 RAR where he was deployed to East Timor. Whilst in Timor he competed in a boxing competition against the Kiwis. He won his bout and used to enjoy spinning the yarn that he was an “undefeated international boxer’.

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In 2003 Ian qualified as a Commando and during his time with 4RAR (which became 2 CDO) he acquired over 250 individual skills through completion of more than 160 courses and was capable with no fewer than 20 weapon systems.

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Ian was formally recognised as an excellent soldier three times, best at military operations as a junior leader trainee in 2008, received a leadership award on his subject course for Sergeant in 2012 and had multiple commendations.

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Whilst Ian performed well operationally his commitment to his military career extended to academics as well. He completed a Bachelor of Arts and whilst concurrently deployed on Commando Operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, he undertook a Master of Arts in Counter Terrorism.

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Ian did seven deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq as a Commando. It was in the valleys of Afghanistan that Ian encountered some of the heaviest fighting experienced by the Australian forces.

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In 2007 he was the scout on the team when Luke Worsley was killed in action and had to be stretchered for 7 hours over inhospitable terrain to get him home to his family. In 2009 as the team 2IC and medic he was the first responder for a team member who sustained horrific injuries from a vehicle explosion where amidst dust, carnage and gunfire he rendered emergency aid that saved his life. Then in 2013, Ian fought together with his best mate Cam Baird, who was killed in action.

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In Iraq, Ian was instrumental in developing the Iraqi Special Counter Terrorist Forces tactics and procedures that have been praised as increasing their combat survival rate and effectiveness in the ongoing fight to liberate their country.

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In 2014 Ian was formally diagnosed and treated for severe Combat PTSD. It was an invisible ailment that impacted every part of his life despite his best attempts to defeat it. On 15th July 2017 Ian succumbed to combat induced PTSD and took his own life.

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Ian is survived by his dearly beloved daughter, extended family and friends who mourn his loss every day.