Elite Australian commandos have broken their code of silence to speak exclusively to the ABC about the battle that claimed the life of Corporal Cameron Baird, VC.

Corporal Baird was killed as he and other members of the 2nd Commando Regiment assaulted an insurgent-held compound in Afghanistan's Khod Valley on June 22, 2013.

Now members of his unit, speaking to Australian Story, have given details of the battle and an insight into their respect for comrades who fall on the battlefield.

The Army has also released helmet-cam vision of the battle in which Corporal Baird died, as well as previously unreleased footage of other special forces engagements.

The identities of the soldiers cannot be revealed due to the sensitive nature of their work.

The last mission

A platoon from 2nd Commando, along with Afghan troops, flew into the Khod Valley on June 22 to target an insurgent network. Intelligence reports said local police checkpoints had been overrun, and police murdered. Cameron Baird and his fellow commandos were given the job of removing the insurgents in Ghawchak village. They landed at dawn:

Sorry, this video has expired 2nd Commando flies into battle

'They had almost the perfect setup'

The Australian commandos came under fire as soon as they landed and one team leader was hit twice by gunfire. Another team, led by Corporal Baird, rushed to the aid of their comrades, only to find themselves in the middle of an ambush:

Sorry, this video has expired The assault on the compound

'The third time, he made it across the doorway'

Insurgents armed with AK-47s, PKM machine guns, and rocket propelled grenades, were holed up in a heavily fortified compound blocking the team's advance. An air strike was ruled out because there were too many women and children in the area. Corporal Baird's team had to deal with the strongpoint before going to Corporal Ben's aid.

The two sides were only metres away from each other and exchanging heavy fire. The struggle came down to one heavily defended doorway which held the key to the insurgent position. Corporal Baird knew decisive action was needed to break the deadlock:

Sorry, this video has expired Three chances to take key doorway in close-quarters battle

'He was rushing to the side of a wounded mate'

Corporal Baird's actions gave the Australians the foothold they needed to take the compound. But as the dust cleared, they realised he had paid the ultimate price:

Sorry, this video has expired A man down, but the battle continues

The final vigil

Back at base, US Navy SEALS lined up to pay tribute to the fallen Australian, while his mates in 2nd Commando cleaned his body, dressed his wounds and stood vigil throughout the night.

Sorry, this video has expired A time for grief and ritual as comrades farewell their fallen mate

The family hears the news

At home in Australia, Corporal Baird's family hears the news. Their son's body is flown home to RAAF Richmond and members of his unit decide to make the case for him to be awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.

Sorry, this video has expired The Baird family hear the awful news

Postscript:

Corporal Cameron Baird was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at Ghawchak village.

The tour in southern Afghanistan was Corporal Baird's fourth tour of duty, and he was due to return home a couple of weeks after his death.

He is Australia's 100th Victoria Cross recipient.

His citation hailed his "most conspicuous acts of valour, extreme devotion to duty, and ultimate self-sacrifice".