Private Grant Walter Kirby - 8283840 Aged 35 years

Private Kirby was born in Nambour, Queensland in 1975. He joined the Army in 2006 and in the same year successfully completed his recruit and infantry basic training prior to being posted to the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.

This was Private Kirby's first deployment to Afghanistan, although he had deployed previously to East Timor and Iraq.

Private Kirby was qualified as an Assault Pioneer and as a commander and driver of the Protected Mobility Vehicle.

Private Kirby was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with clasps: International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT) and Iraq 2003, the Australian Service Medal with clasp Timor Leste, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the Infantry Combat Badge. Private Kirby has also been awarded and Return from Active Service Badge from a previous deployment.

During Private Kirby's service in the Australian Army, he deployed on the following Operations;

a. Operation Astute (East Timor) – Jan 2007– Mar 2007

b. Operation Catalyst (Iraq) – Nov 2007 – Jun 2008

c. Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) – Feb 2010 - Aug 2010.

Two Australian soldiers serving with the 1st Mentoring Task Force in Afghanistan have been killed in action when they were struck by an improvised explosive device (IED).

Private Tomas Dale, 21 and Private Grant Kirby, 35, were killed in action when they were struck by an IED. Both of their families have been notified and they have agreed to the release of names.

Two other Australian soldiers were wounded in action in the explosion. Their wounds are not life threatening and the soldiers have contacted their families.

The two soldiers had dismounted from their Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle when they were struck by the explosive device. It is not known what triggered the device.

The wounded soldiers received immediate first aid at the scene and were aero-medically evacuated to the ISAF medical hospital at Tarin Kot.

The two deceased soldiers were also transferred to the military hospital.

Private Kirby leaves behind his close and loving family, father Gary and mum Dianne, brothers Shaun and Luke, sister Lauren, and former wife Edwina and their two daughters Isabella (10) and Madeleine (eight). Private Kirby's family is currently receiving support from Army and the Defence Community Organisation during this difficult time.

Memorial at The Australian War Memorial

Memorial at The Qld Garden of Remembrance

Also commemorated at the Avenue of Honour, Yungaburra Qld