Our People in QLD
Benjamin Kilgour - Seaborne Soldier in Sumatra Mercy Dash
Growing up in a “garrison town” such as Townsville obviously had a big influence on Benjamin Kilgour – as soon as he was old enough he joined the Army.
But since last Friday Benjamin has been seeing a much harsher side of life. Now promoted to Lance Corporal, he is currently aboard the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Kanimbla as part of Operation Padang Assist in Sumatra.
Benjamin and his shipmates are now in Pariaman, north of Padang, and they are disembarking a team of 100 Australian military engineers and their equipment. The team will be working with Indonesia to repair several essential infrastructure sites and develop a temporary medical facility.
Australian Army engineers already on site have been producing up to 100,000 litres of fresh water per day as the local water treatment plant had been damaged in the earthquake.
Ben has been in the Army for almost three years and already has seen plenty of overseas service. After completing his basic training at Kapooka Army Base in NSW, Benjamin joined the RACT and went on to specialise in LCM8s.
His job has taken him to New Zealand, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea – most of which was onboard HMAS Kanimbla.
As part of the Tenth Force Support Battalion and a member of the Water Transport Squadron, Ben’s job sees him heavily involved in the operation and maintenance of the Army’s LCM8 landing craft.
“As the second in charge of the LCM8, my job varies greatly,” he said. “As well as maintaining the vessel and keeping it in good working order, I also assist the master in navigational tasks and the loading/unloading of cargo.”
Being based in Townsville makes it easy for Benjamin to keep in contact with his old mates from the Wulguru/Stuart/Cluden Soccer Club and the Suburban Parks Cricket Club.
“Being based in your hom town is one of the great benefits of this job,” said Ben.