Australian Commando Private Nathanael Galagher

23-year-old Private Nathanael John Aubrey Galagher, serving with the Australian 2nd Commando Regiment, was one of two soldiers killed when an ISAF helicopter crashed in Helmand during an operation on 30th August 2012. 

Private Galagher was born in Wee Waa, New South Wales in 1989. He joined the Army in October 2007 and was posted to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR). This was his second tour to Afghanistan.

On completion of his Selection and Training Course and Reinforcement Cycle, Private Galagher was posted to the 2nd Commando Regiment in November 2011. 

Private Galagher always put in 110% in every thing he did. He had a ‘can-do’ attitude, always wanting to get the job done and taking everything in his stride. He was an enthusiastic, young soldier who was very well respected by his mates from the Regiment. 

He leaves his partner Jessie, parents Wayne and Sally and sister Elanor.

Australian Commando Lance-Corporal Mervyn McDonald

30-year-old Lance Corporal Mervyn John McDonald, serving with the Australian 2nd Commando Regiment, was one of two soldiers killed when an ISAF helicopter crashed in Helmand during an operation on 30th August 2012.

He was born in Carnarvon, Western Australia in 1982. After joining the Army in May 1999, he was posted to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR). On completion of his Selection and Training Course and Reinforcement Cycle, Lance Corporal McDonald was posted to the then 4th Battalion (Commando), The Royal Australian Regiment, now the 2nd Commando Regiment, in August 2008.

Lance Corporal McDonald was quick witted and brought a positive energy to both his unit comrades and all those who served with him. A dedicated and enthusiastic professional soldier, he was always willing to come forward with ideas and solutions. He was a highly professional soldier, but his quiet nature and humility meant he always deflected credit back on to fellow members of his Company.

This was his sixth tour to Afghanistan. Lance Corporal McDonald is survived by his fiancée Rachael, his mother Myrna and stepfather Bernie, and brothers Percy, Roger and Gary.

Australian Army Private Robert Poate

23-year-old Australian Army Private Robert Hugh Frederick Poate was one of three Australian soldiers killed on 29th August 2012 by an Afghan soldier at a patrol base in Uruzgan. 

Private Robert Poate was a member of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment Task Group and was from the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR), based in Brisbane, Queensland. 

He was born in Canberra, in 1988 and joined the Army in 2009. On completion of his basic training, he was posted as a rifleman to 6 RAR. Private Poate was a highly qualified soldier, having completed specialist training as a Protected Mobility Vehicle Driver in 2010 and Protected Mobility Vehicle Commander in 2011. 

Private Poate was known for having outstanding leadership potential, which led to him completing a promotion course for Corporal in 2011. He will be fondly remembered by his ‘Brothers by Choice’ in 6 RAR as a larrikin and an incredibly professional soldier. Private Poate had a reputation for creating mischief without getting caught, and was proud of his family, his military service, his Canberran origins, and his red hair, which he vehemently defended as being ‘strawberry blonde’. 

He is survived by his parents Hugh and Janny, and his sister, Nicola.

Australian Army Lance Corporal Stjepan Milosevic

40-year-old Australian Army Lance-Corporal Stjepan 'Rick' Milosevic was one of three Australian soldiers killed on 29th August 2012 by an Afghan soldier at a patrol base in Uruzgan. 

Lance Corporal Milosevic, known as Rick to his family and Milo to his comrades, deployed to Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment Task Group and was from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment, Queensland Mounted Infantry (2/14 LHR (QMI)) based in Brisbane, Queensland. 

Lance Corporal Milosevic was born in Penrith, New South Wales, in 1972. He enlisted in the Army in 2008. He was posted as a Cavalryman to the 2/14 LHR (QMI) in Brisbane in 2009 on completion of his basic training and initial employment training. His potential was quickly identified and he achieved outstanding course results in a short period of time; being promoted to Lance Corporal in 2011 and becoming a light armoured vehicle (ASLAV) crew commander. He was a highly-qualified soldier with a strong future. 

This was his first deployment to Afghanistan. He had previously served in Iraq. He leaves his wife and their two children.

Australian Army Sapper James Martin

21-year-old Australian Army Sapper James Thomas Martin was one of three Australian soldiers killed on 29th August 2012 by an Afghan soldier at a patrol base in Uruzgan. 

This was his first operational deployment as part of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment Task Group. He was a Sapper from the Brisbane-based 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment. 

Sapper Martin was born in Perth, Western Australia. He joined the Australian Regular Army in January 2011 and completed recruit training at the 1st Recruit Training Battalion in Wagga Wagga in April 2011, where he was allocated to the Corps of Royal Australian Engineers. 

On his arrival at the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, Sapper Martin became a member of the 7th Combat Engineer Squadron. He completed a number of additional courses including Combat Engineer High Threat Search, Communications and Weapon courses. Along with the rest of his Squadron, Sapper Martin Force Concentrated in Townsville with the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment in early 2012, in preparation for their deployment to Afghanistan. 

He leaves his mother Suzanne Thomas, his younger brother and sister Angus and Holly, and his grandparents Lucille and Ralph Thomas.

Christchurch Ramp Ceremony for LCPL Durrer and Malone

Ramp ceremony for fallen New Zealand soldiers, L-Cpl Malone and L-Cpl. Durrer. 
   

Two soldiers serving with the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan were killed during an incident in the North East of Bamyan Province on Saturday the 4th of August 2012. They are Lance Corporal Rory Patrick Malone, aged 26, and Lance Corporal Pralli Durrer, also aged 26. LCPL Malone and LCPL Durrer deployed with the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan, Afghanistan in April 2012. It was their first deployment to Afghanistan.

Two Australian Commandos killed in helicopter crash

Two Australian Special Forces soldiers from 2nd Commando Regiment were killed when an ISAF helicopter crashed in Helmand earlier today, 30th August 2012.

The Australian Special Forces and their partnered Afghan National Security Force unit were participating in a targeted mission at the time of the incident.

Acting Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin said the soldiers were en route to the mission area when their aircraft impacted the ground.

“Early reporting indicates the aircraft was attempting to land in the mission area when the incident occurred,” Air Marshal Binskin said.

The two soldiers were later identified as: Lance Corporal Mervyn McDonald and Private Nathanael Galagher.

Three Australians killed by Afghan soldier

Three Australian soldiers were killed and two wounded following an insider attack at Patrol Base Wahab in the Baluchi Valley region of Uruzgan on 29th August 2012.

Acting Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin said early reports indicate a lone individual wearing an Afghan National Army uniform fired a weapon into a group of Australian soldiers from close range before fleeing the Patrol Base on foot.

“Five soldiers were hit in the burst of automatic fire,” Air Marshal Binskin said.

“Their comrades made every effort to revive the three soldiers, but their wounds were fatal.”

The three were later named as: L-Cpl Stjepan 'Rick' Milosevic, Private Robert Poate and Sapper James Martin.

New Zealand Army Private Richard Harris

New Zealand Army Private Richard Lee Harris, serving with the 2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (2/1 RNZIR) was one of three soldiers killed on 19th August 2012 in the north-east of Bamiyan province.

They were in the last vehicle of a convoy escorting a fellow patrol member to a doctor when their Humvee was hit by an improvised explosive device about 9.20am (Afghanistan time). They had deployed to Afghanistan in April. The attack occurred northwest of Do Abe, near where New Zealander Lance Corporals Rory Malone and Pralli Durrer were killed in a firefight on 4th August.

21-year-old Private Harris, from Patumahoe, joined the New Zealand Army in February 2009 and was posted to 2/1 RNZIR. He had previously deployed to Timor-Leste in 2009/2010.

Private Harris was the youngest son of Sandra and the late Harry Harris. In a press statement, his family described him as "a laid-back, quiet, fun-loving, mischievous guy who would light up the room with his smile. Richard was our pride and joy. He was such a good boy who loved his whanau dearly and loved life. He had a passion for rugby, playing junior boys for Patumahoe, then the first XV for three years while at Pukekohe High School. In his free time he liked chilling with the bros."

The other New Zealanders killed were Lance-Corporal Jacinda Baker and Corporal Luke Tamatear.

New Zealand Army Lance-Corporal Jacinda Baker

New Zealand Army Lance-Corporal Jacinda Francis Elyse Baker, serving with the 2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (2/1 RNZIR) was one of three soldiers killed on 19th August 2012 in the north-east of Bamiyan province.

They were in the last vehicle of a convoy escorting a fellow patrol member to a doctor when their Humvee was hit by an improvised explosive device about 9.20am (Afghanistan time). They had deployed to Afghanistan in April. The attack occurred northwest of Do Abe, near where New Zealander Lance Corporals Rory Malone and Pralli Durrer were killed in a firefight on 4th August.

L-Cpl. Baker joined the New Zealand Army as a medic and was posted to Burnham Regional Support Company in April 2007. She was posted to 2/1 RNZIR in December 2007, and deployed to Solomon Islands in 2010. She received a Chief of Army Commendation in 2011 for her professionalism and courage during Exercise Southern Warrior in June 2008.

L-Cpl. Baker died nine days before her birthday. Her family said in a press statement: "Jacinda was a girl full of spirit, always ready for her next adventure. She was fearless and would give anything a go. Jacinda was loyal and our rock. She was the one to turn to if you needed someone calm, with practical help to get you through whatever it was you were going through.''

The other New Zealanders killed were Private Richard Harris and Corporal Luke Tamatear.

New Zealand Army Corporal Luke Tamatea

New Zealand Army Corporal Luke Douglas Tamatea, serving with the 2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (2/1 RNZIR) was one of three soldiers killed on 19th August 2012 in the north-east of Bamiyan province.

The three soldiers were in the last vehicle of a convoy escorting a fellow patrol member to a doctor when their Humvee was hit by an improvised explosive device about 9.20am (Afghanistan time). They had deployed to Afghanistan in April. The attack occurred northwest of Do Abe, near where New Zealander Lance Corporals Rory Malone and Pralli Durrer were killed in a firefight on 4th August.

31-year-old Corporal Tamatea joined the New Zealand Army in February 2000 and was posted to 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1 RNZIR) in Linton. He deployed to Timor-Leste in 2001, to Solomon Islands in 2003 and to Sumatra to help with the Tsunami in 2005. He had also previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2007. He was posted to 2/1 RNZIR in 2007.

His family said in a statement that Corporal Tamatea died on his eldest daughter’s eighth birthday.

The other New Zealanders killed were Private Richard Harris and Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker.

French Army CWO Franck Bouzet

45-year-old French Army Chief Warrant Officer Franck Bouzet, from Albertville, died on 7th August 2012 after being shot during a contact with insurgents in the Kapisa Valley. He was part of a joint French-Afghan security operation when they engaged enemy forces near a bridge at Tagab. CWO Bouzet, and another French soldier, were shot. Both were evacuated to Kabul where CWO Bouzet died from his wounds.

CWO Bouzet served with the 13th Mountain Infantry Battalion and had over 27 years of service with the French Army.

CWO Bouzet had deployed on numerous field operations and short-term missions that highlighted his dedication, enthusiasm and remarkable human qualities: Guyana in 1985, the former Yugoslavia in 1994 and 1998, Kosovo in 2000 and 2002, the Côte d'Ivoire in 2005 and 2007, the Central African Republic in 2009 and Afghanistan in 2011. He deployed on this current tour of Afghanistan in May 2012.

He leaves his wife and three children.

New Zealand Army Lance Corporal Pralli Durrer KIA

New Zealand Infantry Lance Corporal Pralli Durrer was one of two soldiers killed during a gun battle with enemy forces in Bamiyan province on 4th August 2012.

26-year-old L-Cpl. Durrer joined the New Zealand Army in June 2004 as a Rifleman and was posted to 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1 RNZIR). In September 2009, his became a crewman with the Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps (RNZAC) and was posted to Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles (QAMR), now based in Linton. He was promoted to Lance Corporal in September 2010. He had previously deployed to Timor-Leste in 2006/7.

L-Cpl. Durrer, from Christchurch, was on his first deployment to Afghanistan. His family said in a press statement: "We are all thankful for the 26 years we had with Pralli and are proud of all that he accomplished in his short time with us. He has had a rewarding career as a soldier and we know he had a positive effect on all those he worked alongside throughout his time with NZ Army."

The other New Zealander killed in the same incident was Lance Corporal Rory Malone.

New Zealand Army Lance Corporal Rory Malone KIA

New Zealand Infantry Lance Corporal Rory Malone was one of two soldiers killed during a gun battle with enemy forces in Bamiyan province on 4th August 2012.

26-year-old L-Cpl. Malone joined the Army Reserve Force in November 2002 and transferred to the Regular Force as a Rifleman in September 2005 and was posted to 2nd/1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (2/1 RNZIR), based in Burnham. He was promoted to Lance Corporal in July 2011. He had previously deployed to Timor-Leste in 2006 and again in 2007.

L-Cpl. Malone, from Auckland, was on his first deployment to Afghanistan. He died while helping his company commander who was one of six soldiers injured during the incident.

According to New Zealand's 3News channel, "L-Cpl Malone is the great-great-grandson of Lt Col William Malone, the famed World War 1 commander of the Wellington Battalion who was killed at Chunuk Bair."

The other New Zealander killed in the same incident was Lance Corporal Pralli Durrer.

US Military fatalities - July 2012

The following is a list of known United States Military fatalities in Afghanistan - July 2012:

Date	Name	Rank	Age	Unit
JUL
29-Jul	Gifford, Jonathan W.	Gun Sgt	34	2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion
29-Jul	Price, Daniel J.	Gun Sgt	27	1st Marine Special Operations Battalion
28-Jul	Estle, Bobby L.	Sgt. 1st	38	630th Engineer Coy, 7th Engineer Battalion
28-Jul	Belmontes, Jose Oscar	Pfc.	28	630th Engineer Coy, 7th Engineer Battalion
27-Jul	Pleitez, Benjamin C.	Spc.	25	746th Combat Sustainment Support Btn.
27-Jul	Glende, Theodore M.	Pfc.	23	1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment
26-Jul	Jacobs, Sean R.	1Lt.	23	17th Field Artillery, 2nd Stryker Brigade
26-Jul	Hansen, John E.	Sergeant	41	17th Field Artillery, 2nd Stryker Brigade
24-Jul	Hansen, Justin M.	Sergeant	26	2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion
24-Jul	Ross, Adam C.	Pfc.	19	2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment
23-Jul	Williams, Eric E.	Sergeant	27	3rd Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade
22-Jul	Horsley, Justin L.	Spc.	21	1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment
22-Jul	Salazar, Brenden N.	Pfc.	20	1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment
22-Jul	Berry, Richard L.	Staff Sgt.	27	508th Special Troops Battalion
22-Jul	Colvin, Julian L.	Pfc.	21	508th Special Troops Battalion
21-Jul	Pepper, Brandon R.	Staff Sgt.	31	4th Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group
21-Jul	Brodsky, Michael J.	PO2	33	Navy Region Southwest Security Detachment
19-Jul	Hicks, Darrion T.	Spc.	21	54th Engineer Btn, 18th Engineer Brigade
19-Jul	Rice, Jeffrey L.	Pfc.	24	20th Engineer Btn, 36th Engineer Brigade
19-Jul	Sullivan, Sean P.	CAN	40	Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15
19-Jul	Fitzmorris, Joseph P.	NA2	31	Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15
19-Jul	Ashley, Joshua R.	Corporal	23	2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, USMC
18-Jul	Rodriguez, Daniel A.	Sergeant	28	10th Sustainment Bgd, 10th Mountain Division
18-Jul	Reyes, Jose J.	Sergeant	24	10th Sustainment Bgd, 10th Mountain Division
17-Jul	Fitts, Krystal M.	Spc.	26	1st Btn, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment
16-Jul	Perez Jr., Sergio E.	Spc.	21	81st Troop Command, Indiana National Guard
16-Jul	Taylor, Nicholas A.	Spc.	20	81st Troop Command, Indiana National Guard
14-Jul	May, Erik N.	Sergeant	26	2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment
14-Jul	Hammar, Carl E.	Staff Sgt.	24	1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment
13-Jul	Ristau, Michael E.	Sergeant	25	20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade
11-Jul	Wyatt, Sterling W.	Spc.	21	20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade
8-Jul	Seija, Ricardo	Staff Sgt.	31	978th Military Police Coy, 93rd Military Police Btn.
8-Jul	Alecksen, Erica P.	Spc.	21	978th Military Police Coy, 93rd Military Police Btn.
8-Jul	Williams III, Clarence	Spc.	23	978th Military Police Coy, 93rd Military Police Btn.
8-Jul	Adkins, Trevor B.	Pfc.	21	978th Military Police Coy, 93rd Military Police Btn.
8-Jul	Pardo, Alejandro J.	Pfc.	21	978th Military Police Coy, 93rd Military Police Btn.
8-Jul	Stambaugh, Cameron J.	Pfc.	20	978th Military Police Coy, 93rd Military Police Btn.
8-Jul	Batista, Jonathan	Spc.	22	321st Airborne Field Artillery Regiment
7-Jul	Navarro, Juan P.	Corporal	23	23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade
6-Jul	MacFarlane, Bruce A.	Captain	46	831st Transportation Battalion
4-Jul	Guerra, Raul M.	Staff Sgt.	37	502nd Military Intelligence Battalion
3-Jul	Moosman, Cody O.	Pfc.	24	1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment