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War Memorial
Australia

Sapper Darren Smith
Vale Notice - Sapper Darren Smith

Sapper Darren Smith was born in Adelaide, South Australia in November 1984.

Darren enlisted into the Australian Army Reserve in November 2001. Darren subsequently transferred to the Australian Regular Army in October 2004. After five years service in the Royal Australian Engineers, Darren deployed to Afghanistan in March 2010 while posted to the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment.

Darren was involved in a route clearance task ahead of an Australian patrol in the Mirabad Valley on 7th June 2010. He and his Explosive Detection Dog ‘Herbie’, a 3-1/2 year old Collie Cross. were inspecting a suspected improvised explosive device when it was detonated by insurgents. Darren and Herbie were both Killed In Action by the blast.

Dareen is survived by his wife Angela and their son, Mason.

Biography - Sapper Darren Smith

Sapper Darren SmithSapper Darren Smith, 26, a member of 1st Mentoring Task Force (MTF-1) from 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment (2 CER) was killed as a result of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated on 7 June, 2010.

Sapper Darren Smith was born in Adelaide, South Australia on 16 November 1984. He enlisted in the Australian Army Reserve on 29 November 2001 and completing recruit training in January 2002, serving with the 3rd Field Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers, located in South Australia.

Sapper Smith went on to complete his Combat Engineer suite of courses in 2004 and transferred to 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 and his Junior Leader Course in November 2008.

Sapper Smith was posted to 2 CER in January 2009. His deployment as part of MTF-1 in March 2010 was his first operation.

As part of his tour he was been awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp International Campaign against Terrorism, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the NATO ISAF Medal, the Meritorious Unit Citation and Army Combat Badge. Additionally he has been awarded the Australian Defence Medal.

Sapper Smith left behind his wife Angela and a 2-1/2 yr old son Mason.

Sapper Smith’s dog was Herbie, a 3-1/2 year old Collie Cross who also died as a result of the same improvised explosive device detonation on 7 June, 2010.