25 YEARS ON: SAS WIDOWS REFLECT ON TRAGIC NIGHT

Solemn commemorations were held in Townsville today marking the 25th anniversary of the tragic Black Hawk disaster with widows recalling the moment they got a knock on their door.

• 25th anniversary of Black Hawk disaster at High Range near Townsville
• Black Hawk helicopters land at Kirwan State High School

A SPECIAL ceremony was held in Townsville on Saturday bringing together family, friends, survivors and soldiers as the Australian Army commemorated the 25th anniversary of the devastating 1996 Black Hawk accident, which claimed 18 lives.

25th anniversary of the Blackhawks helicopter crash at Hughrange, near Townsville, that took the lives of 18 soldiers. Members of the Catafalque Party. Picture: Evan Morgan

The solemn service was led by the 5th Aviation Regiment at The Palmetum in Townsville included a helicopter formation fly-past in memory of the fallen who died in Australia’s worst peacetime military aviation disaster.

The accident occurred during training for counter-terrorism operations on the night on June 12, 1996, when two Australian Army Black Hawk helicopters collided in the Townsville Field Training Area.

25th anniversary of the Blackhawks helicopter crash at Hughrange, near Townsville, that took the lives of 18 soldiers. Picture: Evan Morgan

The tragedy resulted in 18 fatalities, 15 from the Special Air Service Regiment and three from the 5th Aviation Regiment, and brought great suffering to families, friends and comrades.

Many of those who involved that night still bear the injuries incurred, be they through the crash or through the subsequent response actions.

Chief of the Australian Army Lieutenant General Rick Burr said at the service it was a special day and reinforced how important it was to remember the sacrifice of those who lost their lives.

25th anniversary of the Blackhawks helicopter crash at Hughrange, near Townsville, that took the lives of 18 soldiers. Chief of the Australian Army Lieutenant General Rick Burr. Picture: Evan Morgan

He said it was also a time to remember the “incredible feats of courage and assistance” of first responders and the wider community who came together to support their families and mates.

“They will be reflecting in their own way. It means different things to different people,” he said.

Former Mayor of Townsville Tony Mooney said it was an “amazing tragedy” that effected the whole community because the serving personnel were part of the community, “they were our friends and neighbours,” he said.

He said he remembered receiving a phone call on the night followed by the “raw emotion” and outpouring of support that came from the Townsville community and nationwide.

“I’m not drawn to tears easily but that day when we opened the commemoration memorial here, that brought a tear to my eye,” Mr Mooney said.

Gaye Tombs, Deanne Bird and Karen Knight all lost their husbands in the accident who were part of the SAS regiment and said it was “incredibly special to see the boys still remembered”.

Karen Knight, widow of Corporal Darren Oldham, Deanne Bird, widow of Corporal Michael Bird and Gaye Tombs, widow of Corporal Brett Tombs. Picture: Evan Morgan

They recalled receiving the “knock on the door” telling them what had happened describing it as knowing that “something was wrong”.

“We became each other’s support group,” they said.

Lieutenant General Burr said a lot had been learned from the disaster particularly around structured and safe training to make sure it was focused on realistic and relevant exercises done in a safe way.

He said a number of measures had been put in place that strengthened the organisation and its approach to safety.

“What doesn’t change is our people who are committed and devoted to their service,” he said.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton said survivors and responders acted with “remarkable grit” and strength of character among hellish conditions.

“It was a heroic demonstration of mateship in the face of adversity,” Mr Dutton said.

Lest we forget.

Defence remains committed to ensuring current and former serving ADF personnel and their families have access to support available through the:

Defence All-hours support line – The All-hours Support Line (ASL) is a confidential telephone service for ADF members and their families available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1800 628 036.

Open Arms – Veterans Families Counselling Service provides free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families. They can be reached 24/7 on 1800 011 046, or visit the Open Arms website for more.

Originally published as 25 YEARS ON: SAS WIDOWS REFLECT ON TRAGIC NIGHT