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.

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.

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.

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.

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