It is with deep regret the Australian Defence Force announces the death of Sapper Jamie Ronald Larcombe during operations in Afghanistan.
Twenty one year old Sapper Jamie Larcombe was from the Darwin-based 1st Combat Engineer Regiment.
Sapper Larcombe leaves his partner Rhiannon, parents Steven and Tricia, and three younger sisters, Ann-Marie, Emily and April.
Sapper Larcombe was born in Kingscote, South Australia, 1989. Jamie joined the Army in 2008 and successfully completed his recruit and combat engineer basic training in 2008 prior to being posted to the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment based in Darwin.
Described by his army mates as dependable and genuine, whose country upbringing instilled a wisdom that was respected.
Sapper Larcombe has been awarded:
- the Australian Active Service Medal with clasp International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT)
- the Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- the Army Combat Badge.
During Sapper Larcombe’s service in the Australian Army, he deployed on the following Operations:
- Operation Padang Assist (Indonesian Earthquake)
- Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) – Oct 2010 – Feb 2011.
Statements and tributes
Sapper Larcombe's family
Jamie Ronald Larcombe was born on the 14th September 1989 at Kingscote Hospital on Kangaroo Island, South Australia.
Jamie went to Parndana Area School where he was loved by all his peers.
He was a community-minded person who was a CFS volunteer, played sport for his local footy club, Western Districts.
His life ambition was to serve his country.
Jamie was a fun, loving individual who loved life and loved to give where he could.
A dedicated brother, son and partner, he could always be relied on.
Anyone who came in contact with Jamie grew to love him for his personality and great sense of humour.
He was cherished by his local Kangaroo Island community, friends, family and his close Army mates, who are now mourning this great loss.
He will always be in our hearts.
As a family we wish to be left to grieve in peace.
LTCOL Darren Huxley, Commanding Officer, Mentoring Task Force – Two
Our deepest condolences go out to Sapper Jamie Larcombe's family and friends. He was a trusted sapper, our comrade in arms and our mate.
We will miss him terribly. We have had the privilege of serving with a fine Australian and we will honour his sacrifice by finishing what he helped us to start.