Three Australian Commandos who died in Afghan Chopper crash: (L) Benjamin Chuck, Timothy James Alpin and Scott Travis Palmer. Photo: Defence
Australian Defence has named and released biographies of the three commandos that were killed when their chopper crashed in pitch darkness on Monday in the mountains of northern Kandahar province, Afghanistan as Private Timothy James Aplin, Private Benjamin Chuck and Private Scott Travis Palmer.
Private Timothy James Aplin 38, enlisted in the army reserves in 1992 and then transferred to the regular army in 1995, rising to the rank of sergeant. Private Aplin accepted a drop in rank to join the elite commando unit, which he successfully completed the commando selection course in 2008. Private Aplin married father from Sydney served extensively overseas, during his career he served in East Timor, the Middle East and twice in Afghanistan. Defence said, “Private Aplin was an outstanding and dedicated commando who was highly respected. This was his second tour to Afghanistan and he was serving with the SOTG (Special Operations Task Group) as a team demolitions specialists.”
Private Chuck 27, from the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment, worked as a crocodile baiter before he joined the army. He was born in Atherton, Queensland and joined the army in 2004 as a part of Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme. Private Chuck was the patrol medic within his sniper team. He was on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan when he was killed. He was due to return to Australian on July 7, at the completion of his tour of duty in Afghanistan. ADF statement said, “Chuck was an outstanding commando who was highly trained and excelled at all he attempted.” Private Chuck leaves behind him his parents, brother and a sister and his partner.
Private Scott Travis Palmer 27, joined the army in 2001 and later joined the commando unit in 2006. During his career he served twice in East Timor and the Middle East. This was his third tour of duty in Afghanistan. Defence statement said, “His professionalism was of the highest order and he excelled at everything he did.” Private palmer leaves behind him his parents and a brother.
