WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Five years on — Remembering Ryan and Brendon
On 30 August 2026, the RAEME family will mark five years since the tragic deaths of Warrant Officer Class Two Ryan Leslie and Craftsman Brendon Payne.
Ryan and Brendon lost their lives on 30 August 2021 while participating in a military exercise near the Townsville Field Training Area. Their deaths were deeply felt throughout the Australian Army, particularly among their families, friends, colleagues and the wider RAEME community.
Ryan had served in the Australian Army for more than 22 years and had deployed to East Timor and the Solomon Islands. At the time of his death, he was serving with the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment. His colleagues remembered him as a genuine leader, a mentor, a consummate professional and a bloody good Recovery Mechanic who cared deeply for his soldiers. His energy, humour and larger-than-life personality made him a much-loved member of every workshop and unit in which he served.
Brendon joined the Army in March 2020 and was undertaking his first posting with the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment after completing his training. Although his Army career had only just begun, he had already earned the respect and friendship of those around him. His mates remembered his strength, determination, cheeky smile and willingness to do whatever he could to help others. He was someone with skills you would expect from a much more senior soldier. He was a kind man.
In the years since their passing, the Corps has continued to honour Ryan and Brendon and to support the families and friends who carry their memory. A permanent memorial rest stop was established near the accident site on the Dotswood–Mingela Road, providing a quiet and safe place where visitors can pause, reflect and remember.
The memorial was made possible through the generosity of the extended RAEME family, which contributed approximately $45,000 towards its construction. Designed and built with the involvement of RAEME personnel, and developed in close consultation with Ryan and Brendon’s wives and families, it carries individual plaques and incorporates a seat and a place for visitors to leave messages.
On 30 August 2023, the second anniversary of their deaths, the memorial was formally unveiled by the Leslie and Payne families, supported by senior Australian Defence Force representatives, local dignitaries and members of the wider military community. Since then, it has become an enduring place of remembrance and a tangible expression of the respect and affection held for both men.
Five years may have passed, but for many it may still seem like only yesterday that the tragic news of Ryan and Brendon’s passing was received. The passage of time does not diminish the loss experienced by their families, friends and mates, nor does it lessen the importance of remembering two soldiers whose service, character and friendship had such an influence upon those fortunate enough to know them.
For the RAEME family, their memorial is more than timber, concrete, chains and plaques. It represents mateship, service and the commitment that those we lose will continue to be remembered. It also provides a place where stories can be shared, memories preserved and future generations reminded of the people behind the names.
As the fifth anniversary approaches, members of the Corps are encouraged to pause and remember WO2 Ryan Leslie and Craftsman Brendon Payne—not only for the tragedy of their loss, but for the lives they lived, the service they gave and the lasting impression they left upon their families, friends and fellow soldiers.
Arte et Marte
Rest in Peace — Ryan and Brendon.
