Coalition MP Phil Thompson has paid tribute to his “mate” and former ADF soldier believed to have been killed while fighting as a volunteer in Ukraine.
Australian officials are investigating the death of the soldier from NSW, known publicly by his call sign, “Mozzie”, who was a volunteer soldier and combat medic in the serving Ukrainian International Legion’s Med Team Alpha.
Speaking to The Australian on Tuesday, a close family member said they were told of Mozzie’s death from the soldiers who were there when he died on Friday (Saturday AEST).
The family member asked that Mozzie’s real name remain undisclosed for privacy and security reasons.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has yet to officially confirm Mozzie’s death, but it was understood it was making inquiries with local Ukrainian authorities.
In a statement, Townsville-based MP Mr Thompson expressed his sadness after learning that Mozzie – who he called a “mate” – had been killed in action on August 27 in Ukraine.
Mr Thompson, who is also opposition spokesman for defence industry and personnel, spoke highly of Mozzie’s time in the Australian Army where he was stationed in Townsville and then deployed overseas.
“Mozzie proudly served his country as a member of the Townsville-based 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, including deployments on RCB and to Papua New Guinea. He was a valued member of the Battalion’s Heavy Weapons Platoon, affectionately known as the “Fatboys”, and earned the respect of all who served alongside him,“ Mr Thompson said.
“He was the kind of bloke who never hesitated to put others before himself. He was a good man, a great soldier, and someone his mates could always rely on when it mattered most.
“My thoughts are with Mozzie’s family, friends, and brothers in the battalion in both Australia and Ukraine as they mourn this terrible loss.
“As Mozzie’s mate and fellow veteran, I know there are many in our military and veteran community who will feel this deeply … stand down, brother. Your duty is done.“
While in Ukraine, Mozzie maintained a significant online presence, amassing thousands of Instagram followers on an account where he shared his experiences as a frontline combatant.
He was highly regarded by other international volunteers in Ukraine for his exploits on the battlefield, and was said to have saved multiple lives.
Multiple accounts linked to foreign volunteers serving in Ukraine posted online tributes, with one calling him the “bravest soldier he knew”.
“Mozzie saved countless lives as a combat medic and eliminated multiple enemies … He was crucial in every battle and action we took part in. He was a man of honour with immeasurable courage and highly valuable skills,” one post said.
A family member commented: “RIP, I’m going to miss him so much. Thank you for posting this, and I can see how much love Ukraine and the soldiers had for him. He was obviously well known and an absolute champion amongst the boys.”
In a video uploaded by the International Legion of Ukraine, Mozzie said he joined his unit, Med Team Alpha, to apply skills learned in the Australian Army.
In an interview, he said online accounts maintained by units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were a “big recruiter” and the “number one motivator for what you can do and achieve and give back to Ukraine”.
“I have a military background in Australia, so a lot of the skills that I had wouldn’t transfer over to other jobs. I thought Ukraine would be the perfect fit to help out as a whole … you get sick of training and training and training and not being able to put skills to use,” he said.
“I loved my past job. I did well in it; I had a lot of skills and friends; however, it was definitely time to come over here.”
In June, 26-year-old former ADF soldier Samuel Pedrazzini was killed in fighting in Donetsk Oblast in Ukraine’s east.
As many as 14 other Australians are believed to have been killed while fighting in Ukraine, while former Melbourne schoolteacher Oscar Jenkins was sentenced last year to 13 years prison after he was captured by Russian forces.
The Australian government has repeatedly warned Australians not to travel to the frontline.
Armed Forces of Ukraine has been contacted for comment.
Read related topics:Russia And Ukraine ConflictJoseph HumphreysCadet Journalist