Tribute: Corporal Cameron Baird

Sunday Night would like to pay tribute to Corporal Cameron Baird, an exemplary soldier who in June last year gave his life in the service of our nation, and who this week was awarded Australia’s first posthumous Victoria Cross since 1967.

The announcement, by the Governor General and then the Prime Minister, was bittersweet for Corporal Baird’s family and mates from his beloved 2nd Commando Regiment.

Corporal Baird’s parents, Doug and Kaye, and his brother Brendan, described him as “a very humble man who would not see this as an individual award, but recognition of the entire 2nd Commando Regiment” and said they would “accept this award not only on behalf of Cameron, but for his brothers – his team, his company, and his Regiment.”

Corporal Baird – who had been previously awarded the Medal for Gallantry – was killed by small arms fire at close range, during an engagement with insurgents in the Khod Valley, southern Afghanistan on 22 June 2013. Others there that day said his inspiring leadership and extraordinary courage was “the bravest thing (they) have ever seen” and that it undoubtedly saved the lives of his mates.

The Governor General will present the Victoria Cross to Corporal Baird’s parents, Doug and Kaye, at a ceremony at Government House this Tuesday.