M4 Carbine and Grenade launcher attachment : Corporal C S Baird VC MG, 2 Commando Regiment

Colt M4 5.56mm Carbine and underslung 40mm Grenade Launcher Attachment (GLA). The GLA is 310mm long, with a separate trigger and guard fitted in front of the M4 magazine. The GLA can be removed with the use of allen keys. The M4 is fitted with a picatinny rail system to all sides of the barrel for the fitting of appropriate attachments such as laser illuminators and white lights, and has an extendable tubular stock. Clipping onto the rail system on either side of the weapon are two ribbed handguards. These are stamped with the manufacturer's name: Knights Armamanet Co, Vero Beach FL. The weapon is fitted with an Aimpoint optical sight, and an AN/PEQ15-A laser illuminator.The muzzle/flash suppressor of the M4 is badly damaged with what appears to have been a 7.62mm bullet which has passed through. Residue from the copper jacket of the round is left on the suppressor. The weapon is black, and unpainted other than a small overspray of grass green on the GLA. The weapon retains soil and dust residue from its last use.

This M4 Carbine and underslung 40mm Grenade Launcher Attachment (GLA) were used by Corporal Cameron Baird MG of the 2nd Commando Regiment during the action at Ghawchak village, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan on 22 June 2013 which subsequently saw him be posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

The citation for his Victoria Cross specifically references this rifle: 'With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Baird charged towards the enemy positions, supported by his team. On nearing the positions, he and his team were engaged by additional enemy on their flank. Instinctively, Corporal Baird neutralised the new threat with grenades and rifle fire, enabling his team to close with the prepared position and . . .despite being totally exposed and immediately engaged by enemy fire, Corporal Baird pushed forward while firing into the building. Now in the closest proximity to the enemy, he was forced to withdraw when his rifle ceased to function. On rectifying his rifle stoppage, and reallocating remaining ammunition within his team, Corporal Baird again advanced towards the door of the building, once more under heavy fire. He engaged the enemy through the door but was unable to suppress the position and took cover to reload'.

This combat-damaged rifle is a significant battlefield relic directly related to a posthumous Australian Victoria Cross action in Afghanistan.

• 'Aimpoint' CompM2 optical sight, Cameron Baird VC MG