Then-Trooper Mark Donaldson, VC, remembered thinking to himself that no one was coming to help. In the remote valleys of Oruzgan province, Afghanistan, he and his comrades, an Australian, U.S., and Afghan convoy found themselves ambushed in a savage and relentless assault.
The enemy had chosen their ground well. A narrow valley, steep rock faces, and only one way in or out, perfect conditions for an ambush. The first sign of trouble was a rocket-propelled grenade streaking in from the ridgeline, slamming into the lead vehicle. A wall of gunfire erupted from hidden enemy positions, stitching the convoy with deadly accuracy.
Donaldson and his fellow special operations soldiers knew there would be no cavalry charge to their rescue. If they were going to survive, they would have to fight their way out.
Rockets and bullets tore into the vehicles. A mate took a round clean through the leg and dropped where he stood. Another was hit under the arm, his body armour offering little protection against the perfectly angled shot. Despite their wounds, they kept fighting, knowing that to stop would mean certain death.
Then a rocket detonated near one of the vehicles, sending an Australian soldier and an Afghan interpreter flying. The Australian, dazed but alive, scrambled to his feet and rejoined the fight. The interpreter lay motionless, exposed in the open, as enemy gunfire chewed into the dust around him.
Donaldson didn’t hesitate.
Without waiting for orders, without concern for his own safety, he sprinted from cover. Machine-gun rounds zipped past him; the air filled with the metallic whip of ricochets. He reached the fallen interpreter, grabbed him by his body armour, and dragged him back towards the convoy. The weight of the man slowed him, but he pushed on.
Rockets exploded, dirt rained down, and the enemy fire did not let up. He could hear his own breath, sharp and ragged, and the pounding of his heart in his ears. Step by step, he pulled the injured man toward safety until, miraculously, they reached the cover of the convoy.
His actions that day would earn him the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest award for bravery. But to Donaldson, it had simply been the right thing to do.
Years later, in front of 120 soldiers from the Trainee Rehabilitation Wing and the School of Military Engineering at Holsworthy Barracks, Corporals Mark Donaldson and Daniel Keighran, both VC recipients, shared their experiences. They spoke of courage, of hardship, of the moments when all seemed lost, yet they endured.
Among those listening was Sapper Japheth Hornsby, a young soldier on his own journey of resilience. The words of the two decorated warriors left an indelible mark on him.
“The most inspirational part was hearing about their selflessness in order to save their mates,” he said.
For those soldiers in training, hearing firsthand from men who had faced the worst war could offer was a lesson beyond any classroom. It was a reminder of what it meant to serve, to fight, and to never leave a mate behind.
“Hearing their stories was the highlight of my career and it’s motivated me to continue a long career in Defence,” Hornsby reflected.
Courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination, these were the qualities that defined heroes like Donaldson. And their stories would inspire the next generation of Australian soldiers, ensuring that, no matter the battle ahead, they would always stand ready.
A funeral service for the late Peter John Larkin will be held at Neilson Funeral Chapel, Korumburra Road, Warragul on Thursday 27 February 2025 commencing at 11am.
Peter died on 15 February 2025 (not January as previously advised). His service will be live streamed and can be accessed via the Neilson Funerals website www.neilsonfunerals.com.au/larkinpeter
Ex-Service personnel are respectfully invited to attend.
RIP Peter John Larkin
Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
[email protected]
ED: From my ebox – name withheld on request
An Australian Army officer has been stripped of his security clearance after ASIO determined he posed a risk due to his strong loyalty to Israel. ASIO assessed that the officer, identified as HWMW, was vulnerable to exploitation by the Mossad and had demonstrated poor security practices.
During interviews with ASIO, HWMW stated he did not view Israel as a foreign government and admitted he would share classified information with the Israel Defence Forces if requested. ASIO also found that HWMW had withheld details about self-defence, security, and firearms training courses he undertook in Israel, despite not being an Israeli citizen.
In a decision published by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, ASIO concluded that HWMW lacked the appropriate character and trustworthiness for any security clearance. The tribunal found that “HWMW is vulnerable to influence or coercion to enable acts of espionage or foreign interference by Israeli Intelligence Services due to his loyalty to Israel.”
ASIO considered lowering his security clearance but determined that no restrictions could adequately mitigate the risk of Mossad exploitation.
HWMW had served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) since 2004. He was granted a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance in 2008, allowing access to Secret-level classified resources, which was later upgraded to Negative Vetting 2 in 2010, granting Top Secret access.
Between 2014 and 2023, HWMW volunteered with a Sydney-based Community Security Group (CSG), an organization providing security services to the Jewish community. He travelled to Israel in 2016 and 2019 to participate in CSG training courses, which included tactical planning, self-defence, and firearms training. These courses were run by Ami-Ad, an organization funded by the Israeli government and staffed by former Israeli Security Agency members. HWMW acknowledged that these programs were a “natural recruiting pool” for the Mossad.
ASIO interrogated HWMW in security assessment interviews in 2020 and 2022. In 2023, the director-general of security issued an adverse security assessment recommending the revocation of his clearance, which he unsuccessfully appealed to the tribunal.
HWMW defended his actions, stating, “Zionism is an essential theme within Judaism,” and argued that the ADF should acknowledge that Jewish service members may have loyalty to Israel. However, the tribunal ultimately upheld ASIO’s decision, affirming that he posed an unacceptable security risk.
The Labor Party should be required to fund its own political advertising instead of burdening taxpayers. The Albanese government is currently using public funds to finance what are essentially Labor Party campaign ads, giving them a clear and unfair advantage over all other political parties.
At present, the government is spending approximately $100,000 per week on Facebook and Instagram alone, with an undisclosed amount being funneled into other media platforms. This raises serious concerns about transparency and the misuse of taxpayer dollars for partisan purposes.
Taxpayers should not be forced to bankroll what is, in effect, pre-election propaganda for the Albanese government. Political parties should finance their own advertising, ensuring a level playing field and preventing the misuse of public funds for political gain.
An abridged version of an article by Stuart McCarthy
A Senior Army Officer Who Dismissed Sex Abuse Complaints as Alcohol-Related Was Appointed to Lead SAS “Reforms” Ahead of the Brereton War Crimes Report
The appointment of recently retired Defence Chief General Angus Campbell as Ambassador to Belgium, NATO, and the European Union has reignited a long-standing sex abuse scandal within the Australian Army. The controversy, centred around Campbell’s tenure as a commanding officer, highlights deep-rooted institutional failures in addressing sexual abuse and raises further concerns about senior leadership accountability in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The Allegations Against Campbell
At the turn of the century, Campbell commanded the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR), during which time serious allegations of sexual abuse emerged. A decorated senior army officer dismissed complaints about sexual abuse perpetrated by a Sergeant, later convicted of multiple rapes and sexual assaults. Despite this, Campbell was later appointed to lead internal Defence “reforms” of the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) ahead of Major General Paul Brereton’s 2020 report on alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.
Campbell later admitted his initial conclusions that the complaints were alcohol-related rather than sexual in nature were incorrect. However, three decades after the abuse in Townsville-based 2 RAR, survivors and their families continue to call for an independent investigation into further allegations of sexual abuse involving the same former Sergeant.
Calls for an Independent Investigation
The survivor group has presented credible accounts of additional alleged rapes and sexual assaults occurring in the mid-1990s within 2 RAR. They are urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to initiate an independent inquiry, separate from the military justice system, to examine potential cover-ups by the chain of command.
In 2012, then-Defence Minister Stephen Smith apologised in Parliament to victims of sexual abuse in the ADF following a 1,500-page review by law firm DLA Piper. The review uncovered hundreds of credible allegations of abuse, prompting the establishment of the Defence Abuse Response Taskforce (DART). The taskforce received 1,723 plausible complaints of sexual abuse and referred 133 cases, involving 191 separate allegations, to state and territory police. However, it remains unclear how many of these referrals resulted in prosecutions.
Professor Ben Wadham, a defence abuse expert, states that many institutional abuse cases in the ADF have not been resolved through the criminal justice system. Wadham, director of the ‘Open Door’ research initiative at Flinders University, provided key testimony on institutional abuse to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (DVSRC).
Continued Leadership Failures
In 2021, Campbell warned a class of Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) officer cadets to avoid presenting themselves as “attractive” while consuming alcohol to prevent falling “prey” to sexual abuse. His comments were widely condemned as victim-blaming. Campbell later claimed his remarks were misinterpreted.
The survivor group also accuses senior Defence leadership of the same “bystander behaviour” that generals blamed for enabling Australian special forces war crimes in Afghanistan. Military police involved in the initial 2 RAR investigations raised concerns about similar misconduct at the 1st Recruit Training Battalion (1 RTB) in Wagga Wagga, where the convicted Sergeant had previously served as an instructor.
Institutional Barriers to Reporting Abuse
In 1994, a 2 RAR soldier reported two sexual assaults by the Sergeant to then-Major Shane Caughey, a company commander. Defence documents reveal Caughey dismissed the complaint, citing the absence of any indication the Sergeant was homosexual. In 1995, Queensland Police charged the Sergeant with raping a soldier at a civilian residence. A second soldier subsequently came forward with similar allegations. The Sergeant was later convicted of multiple offences and sentenced to imprisonment.
Caughey received a “show cause” notice in 2001 after an investigation found that the rape at the civilian residence could have been prevented had the original complaints been handled more rigorously. While denying any cover-ups, Caughey acknowledged that his initial assessment—that the incidents were alcohol-related rather than sexual—was incorrect.
Despite this, Caughey was later promoted to Major General and, in 2019, was appointed as an independent “special forces advisor” to oversee SAS reforms in response to the Brereton inquiry’s findings on war crimes. His appointment coincided with then-Chief of Army Lieutenant General Rick Burr’s vocal criticisms of lower-ranking soldiers for failing to prevent war crimes in Afghanistan.
The Broader Implications
Military and legal experts argue that the handling of the 2 RAR abuse cases exemplifies broader systemic failures in the ADF’s approach to institutional abuse. Professor Wadham asserts that the ADF remains incapable of holding itself accountable, making external intervention necessary.
Military lawyer Dr. Glenn Kolomeitz argues that an independent inquiry into the 2 RAR scandal should have the powers of a royal commission to seize documents, protect witnesses, and address jurisdictional issues arising from military-based sex offences. Kolomeitz also drafted Senator Jacqui Lambie’s 2023 referral to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an investigation into command responsibility for war crimes in Afghanistan.
The Albanese Government’s Response
The survivors and their families claim senior Defence officers engaged in a culture of “impunity, hypocrisy, and arse-covering,” further exacerbated by the Albanese Government’s reluctance to act. They cite the suppression of an oversight report critical of the Brereton inquiry’s failure to hold senior officers accountable.
Although the sexual abuse at 2 RAR occurred before Campbell took command in 2001, the survivors accuse him and his peers of “turning a blind eye” to the complaints and failing to support affected soldiers. Campbell later served as Australia’s national commander in the Middle East and Afghanistan before being appointed Chief of Army in 2015. His referral of “rumours” of war crimes to the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) in 2016 triggered the Brereton inquiry.
Campbell and Burr have maintained that senior Defence leadership was unaware of special forces war crimes in Afghanistan, a claim widely disputed. One of the most notorious war crimes documented in the Brereton report was publicly reported to the Australian government in 2012, four years before Campbell’s referral.
MWM has approached Albanese, Defence Minister Richard Marles, and Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh for comment regarding the 2 RAR survivors’ calls for an independent inquiry. While Defence acknowledged receipt of the inquiry, no response has been provided.
Conclusion
The appointment of Angus Campbell to a high-profile diplomatic role has reignited scrutiny over his handling of sex abuse complaints and his broader leadership record in Defence. Survivors and their families demand an independent investigation into past abuses, arguing that systemic failures and cultural barriers continue to protect perpetrators at the highest levels of the ADF. With mounting pressure, the Albanese Government faces a critical decision on whether to take action or allow the controversy to persist unaddressed.
Abridged Article by Stuart McCarthy is a medically retired Australian Army officer whose 28-year military career included deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Africa, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Stuart is an advocate for veterans with brain injury, disabilities, drug trial subjects and abuse survivors.
- Australia is the only country in the world that is also a continent, and it is the sixth-largest country by land area, covering approximately 7.7 million square kilometres.
- The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, is the largest living structure on Earth and can be seen from space. It is home to over 1,500 species of fish and more than 400 types of coral.
- Australia is home to the world’s deadliest animal, the box jellyfish, whose sting can cause heart failure and death within minutes. The country is also known for other dangerous creatures like the funnel-web spider and saltwater crocodile.
- The country is known for its unique wildlife, including the platypus, one of the few mammals that lay eggs, and the kangaroo, which can’t walk backwards. Australia also has more than 378 species of mammals and over 800 species of birds, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.
- The Outback, the vast and remote interior of Australia, is one of the most sparsely populated areas in the world, with huge stretches of desert and iconic red rock formations like Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Some parts of the Outback are so isolated that residents rely on the Royal Flying Doctor Service for medical care.
- Australia’s national symbol, the emu, is the second-largest bird in the world, capable of running at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph). Along with the kangaroo, the emu is featured on the Australian coat of arms because neither animal can move backward, symbolizing progress.
- Australia has 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Tasmanian Wilderness, Kakadu National Park, Fraser Island, the Sydney Opera House, and the Great Barrier Reef.
- Australia is home to some of the oldest living organisms on the planet, such as the 5,000-year-old clonal trees of the Gondwana Rainforests and the stromatolites in Shark Bay, which are some of the oldest life forms on Earth.
- The world’s longest fence, known as the Dingo Fence, stretches for over 5,600 kilometres (3,480 miles) and was originally built to keep wild dogs away from fertile farmland. It is one of the longest structures ever built.
- Sydney’s iconic Opera House is not just an architectural marvel; it has over 1,500 rooms and hosts more than 1,500 performances each year. Its unique design was inspired by segments of an orange peel.
- The Australian Alps receive more snow than Switzerland each year, making them a hidden gem for winter sports enthusiasts. The ski season typically runs from June to October.
- The country boasts some of the world’s most poisonous creatures, including the inland taipan, which is the deadliest snake, the stonefish, which is one of the most venomous fish, and the blue-ringed octopus, whose venom can cause paralysis and death within minutes.
- Australia is the birthplace of surfing, and its beaches, like Bondi Beach and Bells Beach, are world-renowned for their perfect waves. Surfing is a major part of Australian culture, with competitions attracting participants from around the globe.
- Australia is one of the world’s leading producers of opals, and the town of Coober Pedy is famous for its underground homes built to escape the extreme heat. The town is often referred to as the “opal capital of the world.”
- Australia was once part of the supercontinent Gondwana and is home to some of the oldest rocks on Earth, found in places like the Yilgarn Craton, which dates back over 3.6 billion years.
- Canberra was chosen as Australia’s capital in 1908 as a compromise between rivals Sydney and Melbourne. The city was purpose-built and designed by American architect Walter Burley Griffin.
- The Nullarbor Plain is home to the world’s longest straight railway track, stretching 478 kilometres (297 miles) without a curve.
- The Great Victoria Desert is the largest desert in Australia, covering an area of about 348,750 square kilometres (134,650 square miles), making it larger than the United Kingdom.
- Australia is the driest inhabited continent on Earth, with about 70% of its landmass classified as arid or semi-arid.
- The country has more than 10,000 beaches—if you visited one beach per day, it would take you over 27 years to see them all.
Australia is a land of extremes, from its deadly wildlife and vast deserts to its stunning natural wonders and vibrant cities. Whether you’re exploring its ancient landscapes, diving in the Great Barrier Reef, or enjoying its coastal culture, there’s always something fascinating to discover!
The Proteus uncrewed rotorcraft technology demonstrator has been unveiled after a joint project with the Royal Navy, MOD and Leonardo UK (Picture: Navy News)
The Royal Navy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and a leading UK aerospace company, has revealed the design of a new uncrewed rotorcraft aimed at transforming maritime aviation.
Weighing three tonnes, the advanced aircraft is designed to enhance autonomy, modular payload capabilities, and cutting-edge rotorcraft technology. As part of a £60 million project, the aircraft will play a key role in modernising naval aviation and supporting critical missions such as anti-submarine warfare.
Scheduled for its first flight in mid-2025, the rotorcraft will serve as a test platform for autonomous systems, innovative design, and advanced manufacturing techniques. A key feature of its design is a modular payload bay, which allows operators to swap equipment based on mission requirements, balancing fuel capacity and operational needs. This flexibility reduces the need for multiple aircraft types and enhances operational efficiency.
The project is part of a broader effort to integrate large autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft into the Royal Navy’s fleet. It will test and refine advanced flight control systems, including algorithms crucial for future uncrewed maritime operations. Additionally, a virtual replica of the aircraft is being developed to explore artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities in a simulated environment.
This technology demonstrator represents a major step forward in the Royal Navy’s strategy to modernise its aviation capabilities and embrace the future of autonomous warfare.
Australia is transforming its legacy M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carriers into cutting-edge Optionally Crewed Combat Vehicles (OCCVs), revolutionising the battlefield with autonomous warfare technology. In collaboration with BAE Systems Australia, the Australian Army is enhancing operational flexibility, reducing soldier exposure to combat risks, and preparing for future conflicts where unmanned systems play a pivotal role. This video explores how these robotic M113AS4s integrate advanced autonomy, remote weapon systems, and AI-driven battlefield awareness, allowing for manual, remote, and fully autonomous operations. From combat missions to reconnaissance and logistics, these vehicles mark a significant shift in modern military strategy. Discover how Australia is leveraging autonomous military vehicles to stay ahead in the Indo-Pacific defence landscape and how this project compares to global military advancements in robotic warfare.
A video dedicated to the soldiers who served in the 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.
