For over a century, Australians have served their country in war and peacekeeping missions across the world. On Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, we continue to gather and remember those who fought for our country in the past, and those who keep us safe today.
In recent times, 41 Australian Defence Force personnel lost their lives whilst on duty in the conflict in Afghanistan. Cameron Baird, VC, MG is one such Australian who died in the service of his country.
Cameron was born to lead, inspiring others and gaining the respect of his peers. A dedicated soldier, Cameron’s leadership and courageous actions resulted in the award of the Medal of Gallantry in 2007-2008. In 2013, while on active service in Afghanistan, Cameron lost his life while attempting to rescue a wounded mate. His act of supreme sacrifice, valour and devotion to duty was recognised with the awarding of Australia’s highest battlefield honour – the Victoria Cross.
This is a story of Australian service in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a story of mateship, dedication, leadership and sacrifice, and one we should never forget.
Praise for the series:
Australia Remembers truly stands out like one of the tallest poppies in its field. (Romi Sharp, Just Kids Lit)
There are also questions to ponder and activities to do, all in all making this a superb contribution … (Barbara Braxton, The Bottom Shelf)
Barbara Braxton – The Bottomshelf –
This is the fifth in this series which tracks some of the highlights of Australia’s military history of both war and peace-keeping missions over the last century. and includes Australia Remembers : ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and War Memorials and Australia Remembers 2: Customs and Traditions of the Australian Defence Force Len Waters: Boundless and Born to Fly , The Bombing of Darwin (timely in its 80th anniversary) and the upcoming Wartime Nurses .
In recent times, 41 Australian Defence Force personnel lost their lives whilst on duty in the conflict in Afghanistan. Cameron Baird, VC, MG is one such Australian who died in the service of his country. Cameron was born to lead, inspiring others and gaining the respect of his peers. A dedicated soldier, Cameron’s leadership and courageous actions resulted in the award of the Medal of Gallantry in 2007-2008. In 2013, while on active service in Afghanistan, Cameron lost his life while attempting to rescue a wounded mate. His act of supreme sacrifice, valour and devotion to duty was recognised with the awarding of Australia’s highest battlefield honour – the Victoria Cross.
This is a story of Australian service in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a story of mateship, dedication, leadership and sacrifice, and one we should never forget.
With facts and photographs combined in a layout that makes the information readily accessible, it will appeal to those who have an interest in the military, particularly modern conflicts. Teachers’ notes are available to guide a deeper understand of the man and his life as well as the campaigns he was engaged in, making them more real than just a bunch of facts and figures from a time and place far away.
Mr Andrew Harrison, Primary School Principal and Vice President of Cam’s Cause. –
Magnificently written and presented. Thoroughly engaging. A book that should be in every Australian school and every Australian home.
Mr Doug Baird, OAM –
This book is going to give answers to young girls and boys are asking for. The storyline is about our country’s 100th VC recipient. A person young and old can relate to, a person who has high moral values which were displayed on and off the battlefield and made him the person he was. A leader of men, who displayed courage, valour and mateship rarely seen. These qualities led him to become a legend and a role model to all who knew him and to those who are about to read Australia Remembers 5: Cameron Baird VC, MG – Dedicated, Courageous and Born to Lead. A great education tool. “ASPIRE TO INSPIRE” – Mr Doug Baird, OAM
Neville Taylor – The RUSI Vic Library –
This is an excellent series of children’s publications catering for a mid-primary to early secondary school audience. They are ideal for parents to introduce their young families to important aspects of our history and traditions. The chapters are invariably quite brief and deal with a single aspect. They include quotes from Defence Force veterans and young children, multiple illustrations and photographs, and directive questions. Included are pages of activities, a short glossary, index, and bibliography that contains online resources, acknowledgements as well as notes on the respective author.
Neville Taylor – The RUSI Vic Library –
The publisher should be truly proud of these wonderful publications.
Vanessa McKellar, Head of Department, Library Services, GCC –
Another stand-out book by Allison Paterson that will be enjoyed by many in our school library. Australia Remembers 5 honours the service of those who have given their all to fight for their country. Cameron’s story is inspirational. It gives readers a fascinating glimpse into his journey as a courageous and compassionate young person who would go on to live a life dedicated to serving and saving others in the spirit of mateship. A must-read for all young Australians.