Commemorative Posts
Our Social Media Manager, Rod Hutchings voluteers his time to tell the stories of the veterans we have lost in peacekeeping, peacemakering and humanitarian operations sinc 1947.
In Rod's words, in a message to his employer Kyndryl, he states:
As a RAAF member and father of an Army veteran, I am moved by this story. Through Kyndryl 's Volunteer program and my work with the APPVA History & Memorial Project, I honour the memory of soldiers and acknowledge the sacrifices of our veterans and their families.
This Story on Captain Mark Bingley is the first to fill this page.
29 November
Today, we remember two Australian Defence Force members who tragically lost their lives on this day in 2006. Captain Mark Bingley of the 171st Aviation Squadron and Trooper Joshua Porter of the Special Air Service Regiment #SASR were involved in a devastating helicopter crash during Operation Quickstep, a critical mission aimed at supporting Australian citizens in Fiji amidst an impending coup d'etat.
Hailing from a proud military family, Captain Bingley's journey was not just about flying; his life took a pivotal turn when, driven by a passion for aviation, he transitioned from an infantry soldier to a pilot in the Army. He embodied the spirit of dedication, spending his time and money on civilian pilot training before joining the ranks of army aviation.
Captain Mark Bingley was piloting the Blackhawk helicopter from the landing platform amphibious ship HMAS Kanimbla when it tragically crashed while attempting to land on the ship's deck. The aircraft fell overboard, sinking in deep waters. Despite the heroic rescue efforts that saved nine of the ten crewmembers and passengers, Captain Bingley, having been injured, tragically drowned. Trooper Joshua Porter was initially declared missing and later found deceased. The loss of these two courageous men is not just a personal tragedy for their families but also a significant loss for the nation.
Accompanying this post are two poignant photographs - one capturing a cherished moment of Captain Mark Bingley with his beloved wife Melissa and their son, and another recent and moving image of Melissa and their son participating in a Legacy event. This year, witnessing Melissa and their son, Mitchell, as the final torch bearers in a ceremony was incredibly moving, especially as young Mitchell, only three months old at the time of his father's passing, lit the cauldron in honour of a father he never knew.
Mark's commitment to his duty is eternally etched in our memories. He is commemorated at the Townsville (Belgian Gardens) Cemetery, Queensland, where his courage inspires us. His story, and that of Trooper Joshua Porter, reminds us of the profound sacrifices made by those who serve and their families. My heart goes to their family, friends and those who put their lives on the line for our country.
There is a separate post that shares more information about Trooper Porter (done separately given # of characters possible per post): https://lnkd.in/gxPsgvtg .
As a RAAF member and father of an Army veteran, I am moved by this story. Through Kyndryl 's Volunteer program and my work with the APPVA History & Memorial Project, I honour the memory of soldiers and acknowledge the sacrifices of our #veterans and their families.
Lest We Forget.
Rod Hutchings