Former ADF combat medic known as ‘Mozzie’ dies on front lines; tributes praise selfless service with Ukrainian forces.
A former Australian Defence Force soldier, known by his call sign “Mozzie,” has been killed while fighting as a volunteer combat medic in Ukraine, according to friends, former colleagues and reports from the battlefield. He has been widely praised for his courage and for saving “countless lives” under fire.
The soldier, who previously served with the Townsville-based 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, was killed in action in late August 2026 while serving with Med Team Alpha of Ukraine’s 1st Foreign Legion Squadron, part of the International Legion. A close family member confirmed the death to Australian media, saying it had been verified by soldiers who were present when he died.
Federal Liberal MP and former Australian Army colleague Phillip Thompson led tributes, describing Mozzie as a valued member of the battalion’s heavy weapons platoon, known as the “Fatboys.” “Through his courage, skill and selfless commitment to others, Mozzie saved countless lives on the battlefield,” 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.”
Australian Combat Medic Killed Fighting in Ukraine:
Mozzie had deployed with the Australian Army to Butterworth in Malaysia and to Papua New Guinea. After leaving the ADF, he travelled to Ukraine, where he saw significant combat before joining the specialised medical and support team.
Fellow fighters recalled extraordinary acts of bravery. One account described him transfusing his own blood, multiple times over several days, to stabilise a wounded comrade long enough for evacuation. On another occasion, after being injured and evacuated himself, he returned to the fight and helped save more lives. A close teammate called him “the bravest soldier I have ever known,” noting that as a combat medic he “pulled countless people back from the edge” while also engaging enemy forces.
In one incident cited by comrades, after his team leader and best friend were killed, Mozzie fought off multiple Russian troops and kept the team leader alive as long as possible until an evacuation vehicle arrived.
In an earlier interview with the International Legion, Mozzie explained his decision to volunteer: he had grown frustrated with endless training cycles in Australia and wanted to put his skills to use helping Ukraine. He was featured in a recruitment-style documentary showing close-quarters fighting.
Australian Volunteer Fighter Killed in Ukraine:
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was investigating the reports and providing consular assistance where possible. Ukraine remains listed as a “do not travel” destination, and the Australian government has repeatedly warned citizens against joining the conflict.
Mozzie is believed to be among at least 15 Australians killed while fighting for Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The total number of foreign volunteers killed on the Ukrainian side is estimated in the hundreds.
His family has requested privacy regarding his full name in some coverage, though one social media account covering the war identified him as former corporal Shane Bagley, 25, from regional New South Wales. His mother posted a heartfelt message expressing profound grief.
Supporters of the foreign volunteer effort and former ADF members expressed sorrow online, remembering Mozzie as a reliable, selfless figure who chose to stay and fight when many others had left. One former colleague said he “holds the all-time record for people contacting just to say good things about him.”
The death underscores the ongoing risks faced by foreign fighters who have joined Ukrainian units, often motivated by a sense of solidarity or a desire to apply military skills in a high-stakes conflict. While Australia does not officially support citizens fighting in Ukraine, the government has previously acknowledged the sacrifices of those who have died and, in some cases, facilitated recognition at the Australian War Memorial.
As investigations continue and formal confirmation is awaited from authorities in both countries, tributes continue to highlight Mozzie’s reputation for putting the lives of others first-even at the ultimate cost.