The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (8437949) Captain Bryce Duffy, 4th Field Regiment Royal Australian Artillery, Afghanistan.

The Last Post Ceremony is presented in the Commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial each day. The ceremony commemorates more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations and whose names are recorded on the Roll of Honour. At each ceremony the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour is told. Hosted by Gerard Pratt, the story for this day was on (8437949) Captain Bryce Duffy, 4th Field Regiment Royal Australian Artillery, Afghanistan.

8437949 Captain Bryce Duffy, 4th Field Regiment Royal Australian Artillery
KIA 29 October 2011
No photograph in collection – supplied by Department of Defence

Story delivered 10 November 2015

Today we remember and pay tribute to Captain Bryce Robert Anthony Duffy, who was killed while fighting in Afghanistan. He was recognised for his strength of character, determination, and diligence, and was an officer who maintained the highest possible personal standards.

Bryce Duffy was born in Sydney in November 1984, one of three children of Kim and Kerry Duffy of Rochedale, Queensland. Growing up in Brisbane, Duffy attended the Anglican Church Grammar School. A dedicated student, he received a distinction in the Australian Mathematics Competition in 2002 and was also a versatile sportsman, representing the school in cricket, rugby, rowing, cross-country, and swimming. He also enjoyed surfing, fishing, and scuba diving, and was a long-time admirer of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin.

Duffy took a keen interest in soldiering from a young age, having come from a long line of soldiers. His sister, father, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers had all worn the uniform of the Australian Army. As his sister Samantha said: “you bleed green, you were army through and through”.

Duffy enlisted in the Australian Army straight out of high school and began a science degree at the Australian Defence Force Academy in 2003. He graduated as a lieutenant from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, and was posted as an artillery officer to the 1st Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, at Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane. During his time with the regiment Duffy specialised as a forward observer and was promoted to captain. He deployed to Uruzgan province in Afghanistan in 2010 as part of Mentoring Task Force One. In this role Duffy commanded a six-man joint fire team that patrolled with other combat elements to observe and direct artillery, mortars, and close air support onto positions controlled by Taliban insurgents.

Following the end of his deployment, during which his task force was awarded a Meritorious Unit Citation, Duffy transferred to the 4th Field Regiment at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, where he became the regiment’s assistant operations officer. His new posting provided ample opportunity to spend time outdoors, where he enjoyed fishing, mudcrabbing, and exercising. During this time he also prepared and completed the difficult Special Air Services Regiment selection course.

Duffy returned to Uruzgan province in September 2011 as part of Mentoring Task Force Three, having volunteered to replace the wounded forward observer attached to Combat Team Charlie. The mission of Australian troops in Afghanistan was to train and advise the Afghan National Army in counter-insurgency operations in preparation for a complete hand-over of operational responsibility.

On the morning of 29 October 2011 Duffy was part of a routine morning parade at the remote patrol base at Sorkh Bed when a rogue Afghan National Army soldier opened fire on the Australians, hitting ten before being killed by Australian troops. Duffy and two other soldiers were killed. Aged 26 at the time, his body was returned to Australia, and in the following days hundreds turned out to farewell him at a memorial service at the Anglican Church Grammar School in Brisbane. Duffy was buried with full military honours at the Mt Gravatt War Cemetery, where he rests today.

Bryce Duffy was a highly skilled and dedicated officer, an inspiration to those who served alongside him. He was a consummate professional, competent and well respected by his mates, who reportedly felt privileged to have known and served alongside “Duff Man”. He was passionate about his career, truly believed in his cause, and always strived to serve his country in the best possible way. He knew no higher calling than to serve his country, fighting alongside his mates.

Duffy was a loving and dedicated son and brother, and is sorely missed by his parents, Kim and Kerry, and his sisters Samantha and Cassandra. Our nation is made poorer by his passing but richer by his service.

Bryce Duffy is listed on the Roll of Honour on my left, along with 40 other Australians who died as a result of their service in Afghanistan. His photograph is displayed today beside the Pool of Reflection.

This is just one of the many stories of service and sacrifice told here at the Australian War Memorial. We now remember Captain Bryce Duffy, and all of those Australians who have given their lives for their nation.

Aaron Pegram
Historian, Military History Section