Benjamin Roberts-Smith VC, MG is an Australian former soldier accused of war crimes during his time in Afghanistan in 2009, 2010 and 2012.
In 2023, Roberts-Smith’s civil libel trial in the Federal Court of Australia found him guilty of these charges, shedding light on the disturbing actions that can occur in wartime.
File
- Full name: Benjamin Roberts-Smith VC
- Stage Name: Ben Roberts-Smith
- Date of birth: November 1, 1978
- Age: 45 years old
- Place of birth: Perth, Australia
- Nationality: Australian
- Occupation: Australian Veteran
- Height: 2.02 m
- Parents: Len Roberts-Smith and Sue Roberts-Smith
- Siblings: 1, Sam Roberts-Smith
- Spouse: Emma Roberts-Smith (divorced)
- Children: 2, Eve Smith, Elizabeth Smith
- Relationship: Divorced
- Net worth: $10 million
Early life and education
Benjamin Roberts-Smith VC was born on 1 November 1978 in Perth, Australia and was raised by his parents Len Roberts-Smith and Sue Roberts-Smith.
He grew up with a sibling, Sam Roberts-Smith. After graduating from Hale College in 1995, he became a highly decorated Australian soldier, receiving the Victoria Cross for Australia, the highest award in Australia’s honours system. His bravery and leadership in the military made him a national hero and an inspiration to many.
Career
Benjamin Roberts-Smith VC, also known as Ben Roberts-Smith, was a highly decorated soldier with a distinguished and controversial military career.
He enlisted in the Australian Army in 1996 and served in East Timor before joining the prestigious Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) in 2003. During his time in the SASR, he was awarded numerous honours, including:
- Medal of Valor in 2006 for his actions in Afghanistan
- Victoria Cross for Australia in 2011 for his bravery during another deployment in Afghanistan
- Award for Outstanding Service 2012
However, Roberts-Smith’s military career was also controversial, with allegations of war crimes and misconduct against him.
These allegations have led to ongoing legal battles and tarnished his reputation as a decorated soldier. In 2018, several media outlets reported allegations of war crimes committed by Roberts-Smith during his deployment in Afghanistan.
This led to a defamation lawsuit filed by Roberts-Smith and a lengthy legal battle. In 2023, a Federal Court judge found the media reports to be substantially true and concluded that Roberts-Smith was involved in war crimes, including the killing of unarmed Afghan civilians. Despite the decision, Roberts-Smith is currently appealing the ruling.
Roberts-Smith left the full-time army in 2013 with the rank of Corporal and continued to serve part-time in the Army Reserve until 2015.
Awards and nominations
Ben Roberts-Smith: Military Medal
- Victoria Cross (VC): Australia’s highest military decoration, awarded in 2011 for his actions during a 2010 deployment to Afghanistan.
- Medal of Valor (MG): Awarded in 2006 for his contributions in Afghanistan.
- Medal of Merit for Distinguished Service (CDS): Received in 2014 for his leadership during the 2012 tour of Afghanistan.
- Other service medals: Includes deployments to East Timor, Iraq and numerous other Australian service medals.
Additional recognition
- A portrait of Roberts-Smith, titled Pistol stockon display at the Australian War Memorial.
- His military uniform from the war in Afghanistan is also on display at the War Memorial.
- The National Portrait Gallery now holds a photograph of him.
Social media
Benjamin Roberts-Smith VC’s social media accounts are currently unknown.
Personal life
Benjamin Roberts-Smith VC has become part of the military family not only through his service but also through his marriage. He married Emma Groom in 2003 and they had twin daughters in 2010.
Their divorce was finalised in December 2020. Emma also comes from a military family, further cementing their connection to the armed forces. This shared background may have played a role in their relationship and understanding of the demands and sacrifices of military life.
Net worth
Benjamin Roberts-Smith VC, MG is a highly decorated Australian veteran accused of war crimes during his time in Afghanistan in 2009, 2010 and 2012.
Despite these allegations, Roberts-Smith still has an estimated net worth of $10 million, likely due to his successful military career and subsequent business ventures.
