Bushmaster blast survivors reunite 12 years on

A damaged Bushmaster that will feature in the Australian War Memorial’s new Afghanistan galleries has been unveiled to a reunion of soldiers who survived an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack on the vehicle in 2012.

The historic reunion brought together veterans of the Afghanistan Mentoring Task Force-5 deployment at the Australian War Memorial’s storage facility in Canberra, 12 years after the incident.

“These soldiers survived an IED attack while being transported in Bushmaster Debbie – formally known as Echo 21 Alpha. It was an honour to bring them together to share their stories,” said Australian War Memorial Director, Matt Anderson.

“The Australian-designed Bushmaster is renowned for its life-saving capabilities in conflict zones like Afghanistan and Iraq. It is a symbol of survival.”

The Director said the Bushmaster will be displayed in the Afghanistan gallery when the new Anzac Hall opens in 2026.

“Thanks to the Bushmaster's V-shaped hull, which deflects the force of explosions, all six soldiers survived the blast, although two were seriously injured,” Mr Anderson said.

The blast took place on 10 July 2012 in Afghanistan’s Deh Rawud district. Among the crew that day was Private Matthew Clarke, the driver, who sustained significant leg injuries.

He returned to the Memorial’s Mitchell collection store for a reunion with his crew as the finishing touches were put on the Bushmaster vehicle.

Private Clarke, who was rapidly evacuated after the incident, said that seeing Debbie helped him feel that he had “finally completed the resupply mission”.

Mr Anderson said: “The Australian War Memorial has a unique opportunity to highlight the stories behind this extraordinary vehicle, which has become a symbol of resilience, courage, and the unwavering bonds forged between those who wear our uniform.”