Ashley Birt

Australian Corporal Ashley Birt, age 22, was killed on October 29, 2011, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when an Afghan army officer turned his gun on his foreign colleagues.

He was a member of the Royal Australian Engineers. 

Ashley was born in Nambour in Queensland, Australia. He joined the army in 2007 and allocated to Royal Australian Engineers as a geospatial technician. He was posted to the 1st Topographical Survey Squadron and promoted to Lance Corporal in February 2011 and Corporal in April 2011. 

Father, place Ashley on the
stairway to Heaven

His honours and awards include the Australian Defence Medal; Australian Service Medal with Clasp Solomon Islands II; Australian Active Service Medal with clasp International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT); and Afghanistan Campaign Medal. 

Family members describe him as a proud soldier who loved his job. They also stated that he was a loving son, devoted brother, wonderful uncle and loyal friend who will be dearly missed.

Military officials describe Ashley as a well-liked and hard working soldier who rose quickly through the ranks.

Ashley is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his parents and his brother.

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Ashley Birt is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen