It is with deep regret the Australian Defence Force confirms that Captain Bryce Duffy was killed on operations in Afghanistan on 29 October 2011.
Captain Duffy was a member of the Mentoring Task Force – Three and was from the 4th Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery (RAA) based in Townsville.
Captain Duffy is survived by his partner, parents and family.
Captain Duffy was born in Sydney, NSW, in 1984. He was educated in Brisbane. He joined the Australian Defence Force Academy in January 2003 and completed a Bachelor of Science. He graduated from the Royal Military College in December 2006. He was then posted to 1st Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery based in Brisbane.
He served with the 1st Field Regiment between 2007 and 2010. He was transferred to the 4th Field Regiment in Townsville in January 2011 as the Assistant Operations Officer, before his second deployment to Afghanistan in September.
Captain Duffy was a well known and highly-regarded young officer. He was recognised by his commanders for his strength of character, determination and diligence. His peers remember him as an officer who maintained the highest possible personal standards. His selfless dedication to duty was demonstrated by the fact that he had volunteered for his second tour of duty in Afghanistan at short notice, after a fellow officer was wounded in action.
Captain Duffy has been awarded the following honours and awards:
- Australian Defence Medal
- Meritorious Unit Citation – 1st Mentoring Task Force – Afghanistan 20 January to 30 October 2010
- NATO Non Article 5 Medal with clasp – International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- Australian Active Service Medal with clasp International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT).
During Captain Duffy’s service in the Australian Army he deployed on the following operations:
- Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): January 2010 – October 2010
- Operation Yasi Assist (Australia): February 2011
- Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): September 2011 – October 2011.
Statements and tributes
Captain Duffy's 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.