Soldier described as man of larrikin charm

24 Oct 2012, 11:44 am   -   Source: AAP

The family of Corporal Scott Smith, killed in Afghanistan on Sunday, has described him as a dedicated soldier with a larrikin charm

The family of Australian soldier Corporal Scott Smith, killed in Afghanistan on Sunday, has described him as a dedicated soldier with a larrikin charm that endeared him to all those around him.

In a statement issued by Defence, family members said the army was his second family and he truly believed his actions were making a difference.

Corporal Scott, 24, a member of the Special Operations Engineer Regiment, died in the explosion of an improvised explosive device during an operation at the weekend.

He is the 39th Australian soldier to die in Afghanistan and the seventh this year.

His family said he was born in the Barossa Valley of South Australia and lived life to the fullest, loved the outdoors and learned to water-ski as soon as he could stand.

"We knew the Army was Scott's second family, his home away from home. Scott truly believed his actions made a difference; he was a truly dedicated soldier, who also knew how to relax in his time away from work," they said.

"Liv, Scott's German princess, met him when she was an exchange student in Australia. After that, the pair could be found in all sorts of mischief together."

Family members said he had a great sense of humour and was very much into practical jokes, renowned for his cheeky smile and kind words.

"Scott had a larrikin charm that endeared him to all those around him, and these qualities ensure he will always be held in the hearts of those who knew him," they said.

"Our family is united in grief as we try to come to terms with our loss."

  • Follow us: 
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on Youtube