Jeremy Thomas
Papua New Guinea, Milne Bay Province, D’Entrecasteaux Group of Islands
Leading Seaman Clearance Diver
Royal Australian Navy
Medals
Chief of Navy Commendation (Gold)
Australian Active Service Medal with clasps Iraq 2003 and ICAT
Afghanistan Medal
Iraq Medal
Australian Operational Service Medal – Border Protection
Defence Long Service Medal
Australian Defence Medal
NATO Medal with clasp ISAF
Army Combat Badge (Afghanistan)
Returned from Active Service Badge
Originally from Papua New Guinea, I come from the Province of Milne Bay which is known for its stunning coastal landscapes and was the site of some of the heaviest fighting during the Pacific campaign of WWII.
I joined the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), where I served as a Clearance Diver. I served on various operations, including deployments to the Middle East aboard HMAS Newcastle and as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team member with Mentoring Task Force Two (MRTF-2) in Afghanistan.
On February 12, 2009, whilst supervising Diving Operations in Sydney Harbour, a member of our team was attacked by a shark and critically wounded. Despite the danger and life-threatening injury sustained by the Diver, the team was able to render first aid and ultimately save the life of a fellow Diver. The incident before, during, and after epitomised the value of Mateship that sustains me today as a Veteran.