Australian combat medic Mozzie the Aussie has been killed in action while fighting alongside Ukrainian forces on Friday, his family confirmed.
A close family member told The Australian that his death was verified by fellow soldiers who were with him when he was killed on the frontline. The former Australian Army soldier had been serving in Ukraine as a combat medic and support specialist with Med Team Alpha within the 1st Foreign Legion Squadron.
Ukraine created the International Legion of Territorial Defense shortly after Russia launched its invasion in February 2022. The military unit allows foreign volunteers with military or medical experience to enlist directly in the Ukrainian armed forces.
A tribute posted on a social media page dedicated to fallen Australian Defence Force personnel quoted a frontline comrade who described Mozzie as "the bravest soldier I have ever known." The fellow soldier said Mozzie pulled numerous wounded fighters back from the edge of death while also taking out multiple enemy troops.
According to the frontline account, Mozzie killed six enemy troops after they opened fire and killed his team leader and best friend. Mozzie then desperately attempted to keep his team leader alive until an evacuation vehicle arrived.
"I was there for most of what he did in this war," the frontline comrade wrote. "After everything we had already been through, very few still wanted to keep fighting. Mozzie did."
Military service in Townsville
Before travelling to Ukraine, Mozzie served in the Australian Army as a member of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, based in Townsville, Queensland. He was a member of the battalion's Heavy Weapons Platoon, which is affectionately known within the unit as the "Fatboys."
The 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, is a regular infantry battalion of the Australian Defence Force. Townsville, located in northern Queensland, is home to Lavarack Barracks, one of Australia's primary military bases where major operational units are stationed.
During his career with the Australian Defence Force, Mozzie completed overseas deployments on Rifle Company Butterworth in Malaysia and to Papua New Guinea. Fellow soldiers praised his skill, courage, and selfless commitment on the battlefield.
Rifle Company Butterworth is an established Australian Army infantry deployment based at RAAF Base Butterworth in Malaysia to support regional security in Southeast Asia. ADF personnel in Papua New Guinea regularly conduct joint training and defense cooperation exercises with local armed forces.
Shadow Minister for Defence Personnel Phil Thompson paid tribute to the fallen soldier on social media, calling him a mate who earned the respect of everyone who served alongside him.
"He was a good man, a great soldier, and someone his mates could always rely on when it mattered most," Thompson wrote. "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."
Government inquiries and Australian casualties
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has not officially confirmed Mozzie's death, but the department is understood to be making inquiries with Ukrainian authorities. DFAT is responsible for providing consular assistance to Australian citizens abroad and verifying reported deaths in overseas war zones.
While serving in Ukraine, Mozzie built a significant online following, amassing thousands of Instagram followers while sharing his daily experiences as a frontline combatant.
According to figures provided by Ukraine's military ombudsman, approximately 16,000 foreign volunteers from more than 70 countries are currently serving alongside Ukrainian forces in the war.
As many as 14 other Australians have been killed fighting in Ukraine since the conflict began. Among those previously killed was former Australian Defence Force soldier Samuel Pedrazzini, who died at age 26.
Other Australian fighters in Ukraine have been captured by enemy forces. Last year, a Russian court sentenced former Melbourne schoolteacher Oscar Jenkins to 13 years in prison after he was captured while fighting for Ukraine.
The Australian government has repeatedly warned Australian citizens against travelling to frontline areas of Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict and extreme safety risks.
