Blackhawk Accident 30th Anniversary Pint Glass

Thirty years ago this year on 12th of June, Australia lost 18 good men during a night-time Special Operations training mission at High Range Townsville. 

Fifteen soldiers from the Special Air Service Regiment and three members of the 5th Aviation Regiment were killed when two Black Hawk helicopters collided during a counter-terrorism exercise.

The men were preparing for missions that formed part of Australia’s evolving domestic counter-terrorism capability in the lead-up to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

They never returned home.

To mark the 30th anniversary of that night, we have produced a limited commemorative pint glass dedicated to their memory.

The front of the glass depicts two rifles, an M4 and an F88 Steyer, embedded in the ground, with boots rested beside them and the SASR and 5th Aviation Regiment berets resting atop the rifle butts. The rear of the glass features the etched names of the 15 men of the SASR and 3 men of the 5th Aviation Regiment who didn't come home that night. A tribute to both units and the men whose lives were lost that night.

This special release is an act of remembrance, a way to honour 18 Australians whose sacrifice continues to be felt across the Regiment, Army Aviation, families and the wider Defence community 30 years later.

Lest We Forget.