Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG: Heroism at Tizak, Afghanistan
On 11 June 2010, Corporal Benjamin “Ben” Roberts-Smith, VC, MG, performed an extraordinary act of bravery during a mission in Tizak, Kandahar province,Afghanistan—an action for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia. Corporal Roberts-Smith enlisted in the Australian Regular Army in 1996. After completing his initial training, he was posted to the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and served in East Timor. In January 2003, he successfully completed the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) selection course. Over the course of his career, he deployed on Operations VALIANT, SLATE, SLIPPER, CATALYST, and SLIPPER II. His bravery in Afghanistan had previously been recognised in 2006 when he was awarded the Medal for Gallantry.
During Operation SLIPPER, on 11 June 2010, a troop from the Special Operations Task Group launched a helicopter assault into Tizak to capture or kill a senior Taliban commander. Upon insertion, the troop came under immediate and sustained machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire from well-fortified enemy positions. Two soldiers were wounded, and the troop was pinned down by fire from three machine guns located in elevated positions to the south of the village.
Under cover from close air support and suppressive fire, Corporal Roberts-Smith and his patrol manoeuvred to within 70 metres of the enemy positions in an effort to neutralise them and regain the initiative. As the patrol began its assault, they were met with heavy and effective enemy fire. When the patrol was halted 40 metres from the enemy by the intensity of fire, Roberts-Smith identified a small structure that offered limited cover and advanced towards it.
As he moved, he encountered an insurgent grenadier preparing to engage his patrol. Without hesitation, Roberts-Smith engaged the enemy at point-blank range, killing him instantly. With his patrol still under fire, he deliberately exposed himself to draw enemy fire away from them, allowing his Patrol Commander to throw a grenade and silence one of the machine guns.
Seizing the moment, and with complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Roberts-Smith charged the remaining enemy machine gun positions, killing two more enemy combatants. His courageous actions allowed his patrol to break into the enemy stronghold and lift the weight of fire from the remainder of the troop. He continued to lead the assault on further enemy positions, engaging and killing more Taliban fighters alongside a fellow patrol member.
His valour enabled the troop to successfully clear the village of Tizak. The intensity and decisiveness of the engagement caused the Taliban forces in the wider Shah Wali Kot district to retreat from the area. Corporal Roberts-Smith’s exceptional bravery and leadership under fire were critical to the success of the mission.
For his “most conspicuous gallantry in a circumstance of extreme peril”, Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force, and he remains an enduring inspiration to all who serve.
