Grant Kirby and Thomas Dale

Thomas Dale to the left - Grant Kirby to the right

Two Australian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan, just weeks before their unit was due to return home after one of the deadliest deployments for Australian troops in the conflict.

Their deaths in a roadside bombing occurred on August 13, 2010.  

Privates Grant Kirby and Tomas Dale of the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment were patrolling with Afghan troops in Oruzgan province when they were killed by an improvised explosive device. Two other Australian soldiers were wounded.

Troops from the battalion form the bulk of the First Mentoring Taskforce (1MTF), which has lost five soldiers since its deployment started in February. At least 24 members of the taskforce have been wounded.

Private Kirby, a 35-year-old father of two on his first tour of Afghanistan, had also served in East Timor and Iraq.

Private Dale, age 21, was also on his first tour. They died about 4pm on Friday, Melbourne time.

The men were standing near their Bushmaster armoured vehicle when they were taken by surprise by an explosion.

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Grant Kirby and Thomas Dale are in heaven. Let us pray that they are at peace and are with God. Amen