Australian Story: 18x36

A Sapper's Lullaby

Fred Smith has been described as ‘Australia’s secret weapon’ in international diplomacy.

As a career diplomat, he’s represented Australia in Bougainville and more recently in Afghanistan.

But it’s his second career as a musician that came to the fore in Uruzgan province, when he wrote a song about the death of Australian soldier Ben Ranaudo.

“Dust in Uruzgan” captured the hearts of many serving in Afghanistan and a second song, “Sapper’s Lullaby” has become an anthem for soldiers and their families.

Now, with Australian forces about to depart Afghanistan, this is the story of a diplomat with a difference.