Deceased Australian soldier identified as Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey

The Australian Defence Force has released the name of the Australian soldier who died in Afghanistan, identifying him as Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey.

Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey. (ADF)

 

• Timeline: ADF deaths in Afghanistan

Lance Corporal Chidgey lost his life in what Defence describes as a non-combat related incident in the headquarters building in Kabul.

 

He was a lance corporal in the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment serving with the Australian headquarters at the main coalition base at the Kabul International Airport.

He was a veteran of six tours in Afghanistan between 2008 and 2014.

Lance Corporal Chidgey received a number of honours, including an Australian Defence Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal and a NATO non-article 5 Medal with Clasp ISAF.

A statement released by the Department of Defence described Lance Corporal Chidgey as a "brilliant bloke".

"Lance Corporal Chidgey’s colleagues in the 2nd Commando Regiment have described him as a brilliant bloke to know and work with, who was loyal to the core and would do anything for his mates," the statement said.

"A consummate professional and a dedicated soldier, Lance Corporal Chidgey was one of the hardest working members of the Regiment, who never sought recognition or reward."

Defence force chief Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin said yesterday an investigation is under way and it's important to let it take its course rather than speculate about what happened.

Lance Corporal Chidgey is the 41st Australian soldier to die in Afghanistan.