Three New Zealand soldiers killed in Afghanistan

At approximately 9:20 p.m. local time, a Humvee taking a patrol member to see a doctor at Romero base in Bamiyan province was destroyed by an improvised explosive device.

Three New Zealand soldiers were killed instantly: Corporal Luke Tamatea (31) of Kawerau, medic Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker (26) of Christchurch, and Private Richard Harris (21) of Pukekohe, who was driving the Humvee.

Baker, a recipient of the Chief of Army Commendation, was the first New Zealand servicewoman killed as a result of enemy action since 10 nurses drowned when the transport Marquette was torpedoed in 1915 (see 23 October).

Tamatea and Harris were serving with 2/1 Battalion while Baker was part of the 2nd Health Support Battalion. All three were deployed to Bamiyan with the Provincial Reconstruction Team in April 2012.

An emotional memorial service was held at Burnham Military Camp on 25 August before the bodies were released to their families for individual funeral services.