Atherton & Cairns WOD

On 21 June 2010, three Australians from the Special Operations Task Group were killed and seven injured when a coalition helicopter crashed in Northern Kandahar. The SOTG Commandos were Private Timothy Aplin, Private Scott Palmer and Private Benjamin Chuck. Ten Australian Commandos were onboard the helicopter – the remaining seven Australian soldiers were treated for their wounds, many of
them sustaining life-long injuries.

27 year old Private Ben Chuck was from the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment. Private Chuck left behind his loving parents, brother, sister, and his beloved partner. Private Chuck was born in Atherton, QLD in 1983. He joined the Army on 11 May 2004 as part of the Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme. On completion of his Commando Selection and Training Course and Reinforcement Cycle he was posted to the then 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (Commando). Private Chuck was an outstanding Commando who was highly trained and excelled at all he attempted. Private Chuck was the Patrol Medic within his sniper team. He was suited to this role as his affectionate and caring nature drove his passion for helping his mates.

38 year old Private Tim Aplin was from the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment. Private Aplin left behind his beloved wife, two children, two step-children and loving family and friends. Private Aplin enlisted in the Australian Army Reserves on 04 Feb 1992. Private Aplin transferred to the Regular Army on 20 Sep 1995, reaching the rank of Sergeant. He successfully completed the Commando Selection and Training Course in 2008 and was posted to the then 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) in January 2009 after completing the Commando Reinforcement Cycle. To achieve this goal he willingly took the required reduction in rank from Sergeant to Private. Private Aplin was an outstanding and dedicated Commando who was highly respected. This was his second tour to Afghanistan.

27 year old Private Scott Palmer was from the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment. Private Palmer left behind his loving parents, brother and extended family and friends. Private Palmer enlisted in the Australian Army in 2001. Following his basic training he joined 5th/7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (Mechanised) and saw service in East Timor and Iraq. Private Palmer successfully undertook Commando Selection and Training in 2006 joining the then 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) in Nov 2006. Private Palmer saw Operational service in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. His professionalism was of the highest order and he excelled at everything he did. Private Palmer loved his job and working alongside his mates.

These soldiers had recently been involved in a large scale offensive against Taliban insurgents in the district of Shah Wali Kot, part of the ISAF’s Hamkari initiative. All three soldiers were professional, dedicated and courageous men. They were soldiers, family members and mates, and we shall forever be in their debt.