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The Commando: The life and death of Cameron Baird, VC, MG
'Corporal Baird was a modern-day warrior who set a standard that every soldier aspires to achieve.' - GENERAL DAVID HURLEY
On 22 June 2013, Corporal Cameron Baird was a 2nd Commando Regiment Special Forces soldier when he led his platoon into a known Taliban stronghold to back-up another Australian unit under heavy fire. In the pronged firefight, Cameron was mortally wounded.
In 2014, Cameron's bravery and courage under fire saw him posthumously awarded the 100th Victoria Cross, our highest award possible for bravery in the presence of the enemy. Cameron Baird died how he lived - at the front, giving it his all, without any indecision. He will forever be remembered by his mates and the soldiers he served with in the 2nd Commando Regiment.
THE COMMANDO reveals Cameron's life, from young boy and aspiring AFL player, who only missed out on being drafted because of injury, to exemplary soldier and leader. Cameron's story and that of 4RAR and 2nd Commando personifies the courage and character of the men and women who go to war and will show us the good man we have lost.
On 22 June 2013, Corporal Cameron Baird was a 2nd Commando Regiment Special Forces soldier when he led his platoon into a known Taliban stronghold to back-up another Australian unit under heavy fire. In the pronged firefight, Cameron was mortally wounded.
In 2014, Cameron's bravery and courage under fire saw him posthumously awarded the 100th Victoria Cross, our highest award possible for bravery in the presence of the enemy. Cameron Baird died how he lived - at the front, giving it his all, without any indecision. He will forever be remembered by his mates and the soldiers he served with in the 2nd Commando Regiment.
THE COMMANDO reveals Cameron's life, from young boy and aspiring AFL player, who only missed out on being drafted because of injury, to exemplary soldier and leader. Cameron's story and that of 4RAR and 2nd Commando personifies the courage and character of the men and women who go to war and will show us the good man we have lost.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2017
20 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Ben Mckelvey
14 books19 followersA Sydney-based writer and producer, Ben Mckelvey has written two bestsellers, and has been shortlisted for various major literary awards including the Australian Book Industry Awards, and the Victorian and Queensland Premier's Literary Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 20, 2018
Great insight into what makes a commando, through the telling of the life and death of Cameron Baird. Cameron, fought and died in Afghanistan as part of the 2 Commando Regiment, where he was the leader of the unit on his final mission. He is one of a handful of Australians who have deservedly been awarded the Victoria Cross since the Vietnam war. A word of warning - not a good idea to read the last half hour of the audio book in the car (you may not be able to see the road through your tears).
His story was inspiring, so I took the family to the Australian War Memorial's current exhibition "From the Shadows - Australia's Special Forces". Cameron is also included in a permanent display at the Memorial, in the Hall of Valour, which includes a display for each of the Australian's who have been awarded a Victoria Cross.
His story was inspiring, so I took the family to the Australian War Memorial's current exhibition "From the Shadows - Australia's Special Forces". Cameron is also included in a permanent display at the Memorial, in the Hall of Valour, which includes a display for each of the Australian's who have been awarded a Victoria Cross.
March 17, 2020
I wasn't sure whether I would like this book as I am not a fan of war but I do like to learn about how people get involved and cope with wartime situations. And this book gave a good insight into the lives of not only Cameron Baird but that of his family and comrades.
Ben McKelvey has put a lot of detail into this book which for me got quite confusing. We as civilians really have no idea what goes on when a war is raging and this book helps us to understand the hard times these soldiers have, what the go through, losing friends and even killing people. You would have to be a certain type of person to be able to do this type of job and I think this was reflected quite well in this book.
It was interesting, informative and a good read.
The Commando: The life and death of Cameron Baird, VC, MG
Ben Mckelvey
Ben McKelvey has put a lot of detail into this book which for me got quite confusing. We as civilians really have no idea what goes on when a war is raging and this book helps us to understand the hard times these soldiers have, what the go through, losing friends and even killing people. You would have to be a certain type of person to be able to do this type of job and I think this was reflected quite well in this book.
It was interesting, informative and a good read.
The Commando: The life and death of Cameron Baird, VC, MG
Ben Mckelvey
May 12, 2025
The Commando is a powerful and moving biography of Corporal Cameron Baird—an extraordinary soldier and the 100th recipient of the Victoria Cross. On 22 June 2013, Cam led his platoon into a Taliban stronghold to assist a fellow unit under fire. In doing so, he paid the ultimate price, embodying the selflessness and courage he was known for throughout his military career.
Ben McKelvey traces Cam’s life from his early years growing up in northern Melbourne and his dreams of an AFL career, through to his outstanding service with 4RAR and the 2nd Commando Regiment. As a footy fan, I particularly enjoyed hearing about Cam’s time playing alongside future greats like Jonathan Brown, Cameron Ling and Paul Chapman. It was a reminder of just how multifaceted his talents and ambitions were.
This is a well-paced, emotionally rich account that blends military history with narrative biography in a way that is both compelling and deeply respectful. McKelvey’s writing captures Cam’s complex personality—his humility, intensity, quiet leadership, and unwavering commitment to his mates. The final chapters are especially moving, with reflections from his squadmates on the day he died—I cried through that final half hour of the audiobook.
My only small criticism is that I would have liked a bit more detail around the significance of the VC, how it was awarded, and what it meant for the unit afterward. Still, The Commando is an incredible tribute to a remarkable man. Cam Baird’s story is one that will stay with me for a long time.
I also want to commend Cam’s friends, family and fellow soldiers for opening up and sharing their memories—this book wouldn’t be what it is without their courage and honesty. Do yourself a favour—read or listen to this book. It will inspire you to reflect on courage, character, and what it means to serve.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and audiobook team for sharing Cameron Baird’s unforgettable legacy.
Ben McKelvey traces Cam’s life from his early years growing up in northern Melbourne and his dreams of an AFL career, through to his outstanding service with 4RAR and the 2nd Commando Regiment. As a footy fan, I particularly enjoyed hearing about Cam’s time playing alongside future greats like Jonathan Brown, Cameron Ling and Paul Chapman. It was a reminder of just how multifaceted his talents and ambitions were.
This is a well-paced, emotionally rich account that blends military history with narrative biography in a way that is both compelling and deeply respectful. McKelvey’s writing captures Cam’s complex personality—his humility, intensity, quiet leadership, and unwavering commitment to his mates. The final chapters are especially moving, with reflections from his squadmates on the day he died—I cried through that final half hour of the audiobook.
My only small criticism is that I would have liked a bit more detail around the significance of the VC, how it was awarded, and what it meant for the unit afterward. Still, The Commando is an incredible tribute to a remarkable man. Cam Baird’s story is one that will stay with me for a long time.
I also want to commend Cam’s friends, family and fellow soldiers for opening up and sharing their memories—this book wouldn’t be what it is without their courage and honesty. Do yourself a favour—read or listen to this book. It will inspire you to reflect on courage, character, and what it means to serve.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and audiobook team for sharing Cameron Baird’s unforgettable legacy.
July 12, 2018
Fantastic read, explores not just Bairdy's life and character but also touches upon the overarching issues surrounding the War on Terror / drugs in Afghanistan and the complexity of operating in such an environment. The book itself starts off rather simply focusing on his short-lived Football career but soon picks up tempo finishing in a crescendo of high-intensity close-quarters combat action and geopolitical drama. Highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in modern military history and to those who are looking for some insight into the mindset of a 21st century warrior monk.
January 22, 2019
I'm not crying. You are.
September 13, 2024
This is the third Ben McKelvey book I’ve finished and it’s also my favorite. Mosul had a thriller feel to it and Find, Fix, Finish felt very investigative journalistic. Both of them are awesome books btw (if they weren’t I wouldn’t have bought this one).
Commando, this one feels very personal; which is fitting since it’s a biography and a war story of a posthumous Victoria Cross awardee. But the thing that struck me the most, and I hope this was the authors intent, was the ending of the book.
It gets very tense. There’s a lot of build up in the writing. Constant mentions of the Commandos wanting to get into gunfights. The story feels like it starts moving along at a faster clip, almost like the writing style changes to echo the coming action. You know what the ending is because Baird’s VC was posthumously awarded, but the writing is still very kinetic capturing the hectic nature of CQB. And then it ends. Baird takes two PKM rounds above his body armor and to his head. The battle ends, the chapter is wrapped up in a few more pages, and then a short chapter or two later and the book is done - just like Baird’s life. It ended abruptly, many would say too soon, but I contest that this is a fitting end.
Baird was on track for the short list for the 2CDO RSM. He was someone who everyone knew was destined for greatness in one form or another but never let his ego take over. He was larger than life (and everyone around him) and then he was gone and that was the end of his story.
I’m writing this to also process my own thoughts. In the past few months I’ve also read two other books about battles with a cumulative three Medals of Honor were awarded (Legend by Eric Blehm and No Way Out by Mitch Weiss and Kevin Maurer) but both of those the CMH awardees survived so the post script didn’t end there. Also, in Find Fix Finish, McKelvey talks about the war crimes of the SASR and the relinquishing of the primary CT mission to the 2CDO which after reading this book was an unbelievable ascent by the unit which was formed relatively recently and treated as the red headed step-child.
Okay I’m just babbling now but Jesus this was a great book and even as a foreign reader, it was an amazing read. I’m gonna go back and re-listen to the Team House interview Ben McKelvey did too.
Commando, this one feels very personal; which is fitting since it’s a biography and a war story of a posthumous Victoria Cross awardee. But the thing that struck me the most, and I hope this was the authors intent, was the ending of the book.
It gets very tense. There’s a lot of build up in the writing. Constant mentions of the Commandos wanting to get into gunfights. The story feels like it starts moving along at a faster clip, almost like the writing style changes to echo the coming action. You know what the ending is because Baird’s VC was posthumously awarded, but the writing is still very kinetic capturing the hectic nature of CQB. And then it ends. Baird takes two PKM rounds above his body armor and to his head. The battle ends, the chapter is wrapped up in a few more pages, and then a short chapter or two later and the book is done - just like Baird’s life. It ended abruptly, many would say too soon, but I contest that this is a fitting end.
Baird was on track for the short list for the 2CDO RSM. He was someone who everyone knew was destined for greatness in one form or another but never let his ego take over. He was larger than life (and everyone around him) and then he was gone and that was the end of his story.
I’m writing this to also process my own thoughts. In the past few months I’ve also read two other books about battles with a cumulative three Medals of Honor were awarded (Legend by Eric Blehm and No Way Out by Mitch Weiss and Kevin Maurer) but both of those the CMH awardees survived so the post script didn’t end there. Also, in Find Fix Finish, McKelvey talks about the war crimes of the SASR and the relinquishing of the primary CT mission to the 2CDO which after reading this book was an unbelievable ascent by the unit which was formed relatively recently and treated as the red headed step-child.
Okay I’m just babbling now but Jesus this was a great book and even as a foreign reader, it was an amazing read. I’m gonna go back and re-listen to the Team House interview Ben McKelvey did too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2018
Australian writer Ben Mckelvey has done a great job telling the reader about the life of Cameron Baird, VC, MG in The Commando - The Life and Death of Cameron Baird, VC, MG. With the help and blessing of Cameron's parents Kaye and Doug Baird, Mckelvey gives us an insight into the life of Cameron Baird, killed in action in Afghanistan in 2013.
Posthumously awarded the 100th Victoria Cross, Cameron Baird, VC, MG is one of Australia's most decorated modern soldiers. Mckelvey takes the reader back to Cam's childhood as a talented young football player, joining the Australian Army and his career as a soldier.
Here's a quote from Page 46:
When building a modern soldier, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) prefers to start from a somewhat razed foundation, so in their early days at Kapooka the recruits can do no right. No matter how they make their beds, clean their bathrooms or fold their uniforms, they will have done it incorrectly. There will be punishments, and very loud vocal objections at their ineptitude. They are not permitted to contact their family or friends for the first week, though they are encouraged to write letters to loved ones back home.
And on Page 47:
This is all part of ADF strategy. After an initial burst of harsh discipline, recruits are allowed to progress their skills, and to take pride in their development. This is when Cam began to feel a love of soldiering that rarely dampened ever after.
I easily related to this, having joined the ADF earlier than Cam and survived the rigorous Officer training at ADFA to go on and serve in the Royal Australian Navy. Prior to reading this biography, the name of Cameron Baird lived in my mind alongside those other greats of the Australian Army, Ben Roberts-Smith and Mark Donaldson, but now I have a sense of the man, the son and the soldier and what made him a hero.
According to the CO of 2 Commando Regiment, Cam "will never be forgotten by his regiment, his Army or his nation." In writing this biography, Ben Mckelvey is helping to make sure of it.
* Copy courtesy of Hachette Australia *
Posthumously awarded the 100th Victoria Cross, Cameron Baird, VC, MG is one of Australia's most decorated modern soldiers. Mckelvey takes the reader back to Cam's childhood as a talented young football player, joining the Australian Army and his career as a soldier.
Here's a quote from Page 46:
When building a modern soldier, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) prefers to start from a somewhat razed foundation, so in their early days at Kapooka the recruits can do no right. No matter how they make their beds, clean their bathrooms or fold their uniforms, they will have done it incorrectly. There will be punishments, and very loud vocal objections at their ineptitude. They are not permitted to contact their family or friends for the first week, though they are encouraged to write letters to loved ones back home.
And on Page 47:
This is all part of ADF strategy. After an initial burst of harsh discipline, recruits are allowed to progress their skills, and to take pride in their development. This is when Cam began to feel a love of soldiering that rarely dampened ever after.
I easily related to this, having joined the ADF earlier than Cam and survived the rigorous Officer training at ADFA to go on and serve in the Royal Australian Navy. Prior to reading this biography, the name of Cameron Baird lived in my mind alongside those other greats of the Australian Army, Ben Roberts-Smith and Mark Donaldson, but now I have a sense of the man, the son and the soldier and what made him a hero.
According to the CO of 2 Commando Regiment, Cam "will never be forgotten by his regiment, his Army or his nation." In writing this biography, Ben Mckelvey is helping to make sure of it.
* Copy courtesy of Hachette Australia *
February 2, 2020
This is one of the best biographies I have ever read. And I have read a lot of biographies.
Ben McKelvey tells Cameron Baird’s story with warmth, compassion and the skill of a natural storyteller. He has made Cam’s big personality - one of humility, leadership and a dichotomy of calmness and aggression - shine through the pages and that is what makes this book so enjoyable. The authors own admiration for Cam is also subtly evident and the book is better for it.
The book is clearly very well researched and I suspect that it is unusual for a writer to get the access to Special Forces details, personnel and emotions to this extent. I suspect that’s partly testament to the writer, but mostly down to how respected and loved Cam Baird was.
One final comment is on how well the final chapters were written and dealt with. Again the writing here is clear and concise, but it is also compassionate and beautifully done. When the reactions of his comrades, in particular, come you are feeling deeply for them all because of how well Cam has been brought to life by then.
If you’re thinking of reading this book then you will love it.
Ben McKelvey tells Cameron Baird’s story with warmth, compassion and the skill of a natural storyteller. He has made Cam’s big personality - one of humility, leadership and a dichotomy of calmness and aggression - shine through the pages and that is what makes this book so enjoyable. The authors own admiration for Cam is also subtly evident and the book is better for it.
The book is clearly very well researched and I suspect that it is unusual for a writer to get the access to Special Forces details, personnel and emotions to this extent. I suspect that’s partly testament to the writer, but mostly down to how respected and loved Cam Baird was.
One final comment is on how well the final chapters were written and dealt with. Again the writing here is clear and concise, but it is also compassionate and beautifully done. When the reactions of his comrades, in particular, come you are feeling deeply for them all because of how well Cam has been brought to life by then.
If you’re thinking of reading this book then you will love it.
September 9, 2020
An amazing book about an amazing man. This book takes you on a journey of a brief, but spectacular life. It is not one without challenges, obstacles and disappointments. The common theme is humility and respect coupled with achievement. It demonstrates that power of attitude and a focus to 'get on with it' provides results.
The ability to operate in the cauldron of war and yet maintain a focus on being the best and supporting others achieve their best is why this book is a must read. It doesn't get philosophical, like the man no doubt, it is true and to the point. It tells a story that needs to be told and will hopefully live on as a reminder of what true sacrifice is about.
Individuals like this are few are far between and their legacy needs to be remembered and celebrated. This book does exactly that. For that reason alone, I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone.
The ability to operate in the cauldron of war and yet maintain a focus on being the best and supporting others achieve their best is why this book is a must read. It doesn't get philosophical, like the man no doubt, it is true and to the point. It tells a story that needs to be told and will hopefully live on as a reminder of what true sacrifice is about.
Individuals like this are few are far between and their legacy needs to be remembered and celebrated. This book does exactly that. For that reason alone, I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone.
December 8, 2018
Great book that details what it means to be a top notch, Australian Commando (Special Forces). Cam Baird is a man of great depth, integrity, simple, stoic and full of heart. This is a very inspiring read. Below quote really summarises who Cameron Baird is in his last moments.
"Give thanks to the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, then the fault lies only in yourself. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are full with fear of death. Sing your death song proudly, and die like a warrior going home."
Written very well, detailed and action packed. Highly recommend
Lest we forget
"Give thanks to the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, then the fault lies only in yourself. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are full with fear of death. Sing your death song proudly, and die like a warrior going home."
Written very well, detailed and action packed. Highly recommend
Lest we forget
April 23, 2024
Defining who a hero really is.
I've read many a book on recent wars and inspiring heroes but Cam Baird strikes me as a standout. His commitment to his unit and team is truly inspirational.
He is just the kind of person you would hope to meet one day over a beer and such a great loss to his family, friends and a grateful nation.
Do yourself a favour, read this book and be inspired by them an Cam Baird was.
I've read many a book on recent wars and inspiring heroes but Cam Baird strikes me as a standout. His commitment to his unit and team is truly inspirational.
He is just the kind of person you would hope to meet one day over a beer and such a great loss to his family, friends and a grateful nation.
Do yourself a favour, read this book and be inspired by them an Cam Baird was.
January 18, 2019
This was a very good and inspiring story about a great soldier and the birth of a fighting Commando unit. Nice prose, well written (except I didn't like the dark way Perth seemed to be painted) with a definite Aussie feel.
Cam's legacy should one remembered, with introspection. How Honest, brave and loyal am I? Australia didn't just lose a great soldier but an exceptional man.
Cam's legacy should one remembered, with introspection. How Honest, brave and loyal am I? Australia didn't just lose a great soldier but an exceptional man.
February 20, 2018
Wow,amazing story. Great insight into the life of a young man who was born to be a soldier. A lesson in what these soldiers do for us on a daily basis. I have a new respect for these people who put their lives at risk on a daily basis.
January 24, 2018
A great book about a true Australian hero, this one had me struggling to put it down and told Bairdys story without making him sound like a flog, I look forward to rereading this in years to come
March 3, 2019
This is a fantastic book telling the life of Cameron Baird. Very inspiring and every Australian should read it. This book is easy to read and well written. Thank you for sharing this story.
February 17, 2020
Excellent book about Cam's life. Only thing I would add is detail around the significance of the VC, how it was awarded, and what it meant for the unit afterwards.
March 8, 2021
An easy read about a difficult topic.
Thanks for the loan, Chop.
Thanks for the loan, Chop.
August 24, 2021
A well written book about a true hero of the 2nd Commando Regiment from the early days till Cameron’s time in Afghanistan, I would highly recommend this book.
November 12, 2022
This book was too slow for my liking. It was more about the wars in general as opposed to Cameron Baird's story. I couldn't finish it, not engaging enough.
January 11, 2023
Amazing sensitive and insightful biography about a young man taken well before his time.
September 16, 2022
Started a bit slow. But by the end I was ready to run through a wall!
Read
December 14, 2017Fantastic. An incredible life told brilliantly. There were times where I felt like I was reading the script of a movie or something, but this was just Cam Baird's life. One of those 'hard to put down once you start' type of books. I had a few late nights while reading this due simply to losing track of time and needing to know what happened next.
Ben's way of writing really worked for me. I don't recall finding anything that I found unnecessary or uninteresting. Everything just flowed really well. He has done an incredible amount of research and an excellent job giving an insight into Australian Special Operations and conveying the story of Cam's life to paper so that we can all see what an exceptional guy and a standout soldier he was.
I'd definitely recommend if you've got an interest in military operations/personnel, or just a fan of biographies. Heck, read it even if you dont!
Ben's way of writing really worked for me. I don't recall finding anything that I found unnecessary or uninteresting. Everything just flowed really well. He has done an incredible amount of research and an excellent job giving an insight into Australian Special Operations and conveying the story of Cam's life to paper so that we can all see what an exceptional guy and a standout soldier he was.
I'd definitely recommend if you've got an interest in military operations/personnel, or just a fan of biographies. Heck, read it even if you dont!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews