Cameron Stewart Baird VC MG (1981 - 2013)

Born 7 Jun 1981 in Burnie, Tasmania, Australia

Died 22 Jun 2013 at age 32 in Khod Valley, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan

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Victoria Cross Recipients - Australia

Biography

Cam Baird VC MG is Notable.

Cam Baird VC MG was born in Tasmania, Australia

Cameron Baird VC MG was a soldier in the Australian Army who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia, the highest award for gallantry in the Australian Honours system. He is the fourth person to receive the Victoria Cross for Australia and the 100th Australian serviceperson to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

Formative years

Cameron Stewart Baird was born on 7th June 1981 in Burnie, a port city on the north-west coast of Tasmania, Australia. Cam, as he was always known, was the son of Doug Baird, an Australian Rules footballer and a plumber, and Kaye Stewart. In 1984, Cameron, his parents and older brother Brendan, moved to Victoria, where they settled in Gladstone Park, a north western suburb of Melbourne. Cam was educated at Gladstone Views Primary School before completing his Victorian Certificate of Education at Gladstone Park Secondary College. ^[1]

Cam was a talented junior Australian Rules footballer who played with the Calder Cannons and one game for Geelong in the Victorian Football League. Widely regarded as a future 'great' and determined to build a football career, he nominated for the 1999 Australian Football League (AFL) draft, being promised by several clubs to be picked. In the draw Cam's name was not called, some claiming that he was carrying a severe shoulder injury. As a result, Cam walked away from the sport and re-thought his future direction. ^[1]

Military service

Cam Baird VC MG is a Military Veteran.
Served in the Australian Army 2000-2013
4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment re-named in 2009 to 2nd Commando Regiment

The shoulder did cause initial non-acceptance when Cam sought to enlist in the Army. On his request for the decision to be reviewed he was accepted in January 2000, aged eighteen years. Upon completion of his basic training at Kapooka, near Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, and initial employment training at Singleton, New South Wales, Cam was posted to the then 4th Battalion (Commando), Royal Australian Regiment, now known as the 2nd Commando Regiment.

For six months in 2001 Bravo Company 4RAR, of which Cam was a member, deployed to East Timor in a peace-keeping role. In 2003, in response to the infamous 9/11 attacks in the United States, they deployed to Iraq. On this latter occasio, however, whilst meant to be complimentary to the SASR, the commandos were either left twiddling their thumbs at an out-of-country base or undertaking mundane tasks. Once more Cam was left feeling 'cheated by his superiors', as he had with the AFL in 1999. His four-year enlistment term was up, he was in a growing relationship with Robin, ten years his senior, and he chose not to re-sign. Unbeknown to Cam, seven of his cobbers also applied for discharge within a week. Cam considered going to Iraq as a private military contractor but instead, obtained work as a security officer and a bouncer in Sydney. ^[1]

Cam and Robin started building a house in Mount Annan, in greater Sydney's far south west and married in a small church in Narellan. Soon afterward, in 2006, he re-enlisted (most of the others also came back to the Army) and was once more assigned to 4RAR. Showing leadership potential, Cameron attained the junior non-commissioned ranks of Lance Corporal very shortly after his return and, in 2009, Corporal and a team commander. The added responsibility immediately saw his soldierly skills advance towards the 'perfect soldier'. ^[1]

The year 2012, saw Cam's civilian life cop many adjustments, starting with the death of Brendan's wife whilsy Cam was still in Afghanistan. Upon his homecoming, he and Robin 'broke-up'. Cam began a relationship with 31 year-old American, Kristina. He sold the Mount Annan house and moved to Mascot, in Sydney's inner south. Cam and Kristina holidayed in her native Chicago, and with Brendan, holidayed in Thailand. Plans were made for, while he was on his next Afghanistan rotation from February 2013, for Kristina to move into the Mascot house and to organise a European holiday. Doug and Kaye, Brendan, and Brendan's two children moved to Queensland's Gold Coast. Cam was also conscious that his military life would soon also dramatically change; he was now in line for promotion to Sergeant, which would see him become 'team commanders to the team commanders' and not seeing as much action himself. ^[1]

During his eleven years service in the Australian Army, Cam deployed overseas on the following operations:

• Operation Tanager (Timor-Leste) – April-October 2001
• Operation Bastille (Iraq) – February-March 2003
• Operation Falconer (Iraq) – March-May 2003
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) – August 2007-January 2008
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) – March-July 2009
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) – July 2011-February 2012
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) – February-June 2013
  

  Corporal Cam Baird VC MG was killed in action at Afghanistan during War Against Terrorism.

Cam Baird was killed in the operations on 22nd June 2013 at Khod Valley, Uruzgan Province, for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia. He was charging at enemy gunmen, leading his team who, subsequently, completed the job. ^[2] He was 32 years and 15 days of age. Cameron Stewart Baird's name is located at panel 1 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra. ^[3]

Medal for Gallantry

Medal for Gallantry

In 2007, Cam was awarded the Medal for Gallantry, the third-highest award in Australia's military honours system, for 'acts of gallantry in hazardous circumstances', for his actions in a search and clearance operation of a Taliban stronghold in Afghanistan. His citation reads:

"For gallantry in action during close quarters combat in Afghanistan on Operation Slipper. Lance Corporal Cameron Stewart Baird was part of a Commando Company mission assigned for clearance and search of a Taliban stronghold in November 2007. During the initial phase of the clearance, Lance Corporal Baird's Platoon came under heavy fire and during the ensuing close-range fire-fight, a member of his team was mortally wounded. Displaying complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Baird led other members of his team forward under heavy fire from machine guns and assault rifles to recover the wounded team member back to a position of cover.

"He then re-entered the compound and continued to engage the enemy. Even though under constant fire, Lance Corporal Baird continually moved amongst his team members coordinating their fire, and throwing grenades to neutralise the enemy machine gun positions. Once the close quarter battle had been won, Lance Corporal Baird again led his team forward and began room-to-room clearance, where he was again engaged by several enemies. Lance Corporal Baird continued to lead the fight, killing several enemies and successfully completing the clearance.

"Throughout the action, Lance Corporal Baird displayed conspicuous gallantry, composure and superior leadership under fire. He was personally responsible for killing several enemy combatants during the clearance, ensuring the momentum of the assault was maintained, and undoubtedly preventing further members of his section from becoming casualties. His performance and his actions were of the highest order and were in the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force." ^[4]

Victoria Cross for Australia

Victoria Cross

On 18th February 2014 Corporal Cameron Baird MG was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia, Australia's highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy. He thereby became the 100th Australian serviceman to be awarded the Victoria Cross; the fourth to receive the nation's own version – the Victoria Cross for Australia. ^[5] The citation for his Victoria Cross reads:

"For the most conspicuous acts of valour, extreme devotion to duty and ultimate self-sacrifice at Ghawchak village, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan, as a Commando Team Commander in Special Operations Task Group on Operation Slipper. On 22nd June 2013, a commando platoon of the Special Operations Task Group, with partners from the Afghan National Security Forces, conducted a helicopter assault into Ghawchak village, Uruzgan province, in order to attack an insurgent network deep within enemy-held territory. Shortly after insertion, Corporal Baird’s team was engaged by small arms fire from several enemy positions. Corporal Baird quickly seized the initiative, leading his team to neutralise the positions, killing six enemy combatants and enabling the assault to continue.

"Soon afterwards, an adjacent Special Operations Task Group team came under heavy enemy fire, resulting in its commander being seriously wounded. Without hesitation, Corporal Baird led his team to provide support. En route, he and his team were engaged by rifle and machine gun fire from prepared enemy positions. 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. With the prepared position now isolated, Corporal Baird manoeuvred and was engaged by enemy machine gun fire, the bullets striking the ground around him. Displaying great valour, he drew the fire, moved to cover, and suppressed the enemy machine gun position. This action enabled his team to close on the entrance to the prepared position, thus regaining the initiative.

"On three separate occasions Corporal Baird charged an enemy-held building within the prepared compound. On the first occasion he charged the door to the building, followed by another team member. 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. For a third time, Corporal Baird selflessly drew enemy fire away from his team and assaulted the doorway. Enemy fire was seen to strike the ground and compound walls around Corporal Baird, before visibility was obscured by dust and smoke. In this third attempt, the enemy was neutralised and the advantage was regained, but Corporal Baird was killed in the effort.

"Corporal Baird’s acts of valour and self-sacrifice regained the initiative and preserved the lives of his team members. His actions were of the highest order and in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force." ^[6]

The aftermath

As soon as one of Cam's team members put in the brief but succinct radio call, '3-Key, KIA', the news spread across the world with haste. '3-Key' was Cam's call-sign; 'KIA' is 'killed in action'. Medical helicopters were called in and Cam's body evacuated to base at Tarin Kowt. The usual procedures of ensuring safety, unloading Cam's weapons and emptying his webbing was undertaken. There and then it was decided that Cam's M4 would be 'retired' to a glass cabinet in the Australian War Memorial. Within an hour, a notification officer and chaplain made their call on Doug and Kaye, still listed as Cam's next-of-kin. Brendan subsequently notified Kristina, extended family and civilian friends. The medical team did their 'thing' and a C-130 Hercules was booked to take his remains back home. There was no need for anyone to pack Cam's belongings up; because Cam always thought of others he went on missions having done that himself. The solemn and respectful 'ramp ceremony' was held. An honour guard of commandos 'met' Cam upon landing in Sydney.

At the funeral, attended by both Robin and Kristina, Brendan spoke strongly of his beloved brother. His remains were laid to rest at Gold Coast Cemetery.

Honours and Awards

Cam Baird VC MG medal set

For a young junior non-commissioned officer, Cameron Baird was, deservedly, highly decorated: ^[1]

• Victoria Cross for Australia ^[5]
• Medal for Gallantry
• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasps for East Timor, Iraq and ICAT
• Afghanistan Medal
• Iraq Medal
• Australian Service Medal with Clasps for Counter Terrorism and Special Recovery
• Australian Defence Medal
• United Nations Medal with Transitional Authority in East Timor Ribbon
• NATO Meritorious Service Medal ^[7]
• NATO Medal for the Non-Article 5 ISAF Operation in Afghanistan
• Meritorious Unit Citation with Federation Star
• Infantry Combat Badge
• Returned from Active Service Badge

Legacy

Cameron's portrait appears on a 70c Australian postage stamp, in the 2015 'Australian Legends' series, in which four other VC recipients are also featured.

Cam's Cause is a foundation set up by a group of Cam's mates and his former school teacher / first football coach to raise funds and support for soldiers and veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and physical and psychological injuries. ^[1] As of 2018 Cam's Cause had raised and distributed more than $100,000.

Sports awards, school sporting houses and plaques in school gardens and community rooms have been named in Cam's honour and memory. A life-size bronze statue was unveiled by Governor General of Australia, General Sir Peter Cosgrove in November 2014 at Currumbin RSL Club. ^[1]

The Tasmanian Government and the City of Hume (of which Gladstone Park is a suburb) have opened scholarships in Cam's name. ^[1]

The most outstanding recruit in each platoon graduating from Kapooka receives the CPL Cameron Baird VC MG Award. ^[1]

Cameron will continue to be an inspiration to the next generation of Aussie commandos, with his story remembered and retold; his death being just two days after his regiment's birthday anniversary.

Thank you for your service, Cameron Baird VC MG

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9} McKelvey, Ben. The Commando: The Life and Death of Cameron Baird VC MG. Hachette Australia, Sydney NSW, 2017. ISBN 978 0 7336 4080 3
2. ↑ Department of Defence: Corporal Cameron Stewart Baird MG; accessed 3 Feb 2019
3. ↑ Australian War Memorial roll of honour: 8231781 Corporal Cameron Stewart Baird; accessed 23 Apr 2022
4. ↑ Department of Defence: Corporal Cameron Stewart Baird MG; accessed 3 Feb 2019
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1} Australian Honours: Victoria Cross; accessed 23 Apr 2022
6. ↑ Department of Defence: Personal details of Corporal Cameron Stewart Baird VC MG; accessed 3 Feb 2019
7. ↑ NATO Meritorious Service Medal; accessed 3 Feb 2019

See also

• Blanch, Craig and Pegram, Aaron. For Valour: Australians Awarded the Victoria Cross. New South Publishing, Sydney NSW, 2018. ISBN 978 17422 35424.
• McKelvey, Ben. The Commando: The Life and Death of Cameron Baird VC MG. Hachette Australia, Sydney NSW, 2017. ISBN 978 0 7336 4080 3.
• Virtual War Memorial Australia: Cameron Baird VC MG, with photo.
• Virtual War Memorial Australia: Afghanistan Avenue of Honour Memorial, Yungaburra, Queensland Tablelands.
• Wikipedia: Cameron Baird; accessed 3 Feb 2019.