It is with deep regret the Australian Defence Force announces the death of Sapper Darren Smith during operations in Afghanistan.
Sapper Smith died as a result of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated on 7 June, 2010.
Sapper Smith, 26, was from the Brisbane-based 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment.
Sapper Smith's military career commenced as part of the Army Reserve enlisting 29 November 2001 and completing recruit training in January 2002, serving as part of 3rd Field Squadron, South Australia.
Sapper Smith went on to complete his Combat Engineer suite of courses in 2004 and become part of the Australian Regular Army where he was posted to 1st Combat Engineer Regiment (1CER), Darwin in October 2004. He has completed a number of driver courses up to heavy vehicle and Armoured Personnel Carrier.
While at 1 CER, he successfully completed his Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) Handler course in December 2006.
Sapper Smith was posted to 2 CER in January 2009. He is Junior Leader Course qualified having completed the course in November 2008.
His deployment as part of 1st Mentoring Task Force (MTF-1) was his first operational deployment. He deployed in March 2010.
As part of his tour Sapper Smith was awarded:
- the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp International Campaign against Terrorism (ICAT)
- NATO Service Medal
- the Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- the Australian Defence Medal.
Sapper Smith leaves behind his wife Angela and a 2-1/2 yr old son Mason who live in Brisbane. Sapper Smith’s dog was Herbie, a 3-1/2 year old Collie Cross.
Sapper Smith was 26-years-old, born in Adelaide, South Australia.
Statements and tributes
Mrs Angela Smith, Sapper Smith's wife
This is a very difficult time for us all as we struggle to come to terms with Darren’s loss yesterday.
Darren was a very loving husband and father, an absolutely remarkable human being.
He was very passionate about his job and understood the risks involved but he was the sort of man who always put others first, and did his best for them whether it was his mates in the Army or at home with his family and friends.
Darren had a special relationship with his working dog, Herbie.
We would ask that you respect our privacy at this time.