On June 6, Sapper Rowan Robinson was killed in action in Afghanistan – the 27th Australian life lost.
But while all of Australia felt his loss, here on the Tweed Coast it was more than the loss of a young soldier, it was the loss of a family member, friend, former student and mate. He wasn’t just Sapper Robinson but Robbo, someone who grew up in Kingscliff, going to Nippers at Cudgen Headland SLSC, attending local primary schools and then finally
Kingscliff High.
“Rowan was an exceptionally talented sportsman, having done well at rugby at school and golf, which he continued until he joined the Army,” Brian Vickery, Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club and Kingscliff RSL spokesman said.
“He was also an active Nipper with Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club, going through the age groups until at 13 he joined the senior club and became an active patrolling member
“He joined a junior boat crew with a number of his mates from school and they rowed in local carnivals without a lot of success – they always seemed to enjoy the experience
“Rowan was a fit, healthy, active young man who would have been a wonderful acquisition for the Army.”
Australian Army Combat Engineer, Sapper Rowan
Robinson, was farewelled from Afghanistan on Thursday, June 9 by his comrades in a moving memorial service and ramp ceremony at Multi National Base – Tarin Kot, Afghanistan.
In his eulogy, the Commanding Officer of the SOTG (who cannot be named for security reasons) described Sapper Robinson as a young, dedicated soldier who was born for the profession of arms.
“Rowan was highly motivated and had every desire to continue to serve his country for many years. Whether it was clearing a path potentially littered with IEDs (improvised explosive devices), fighting for his mates or providing over-watch, no task was too great and no request for help was ever unanswered,” CO SOTG said.
“Everything he turned his hand to produced outstanding results. Without fail he jumped at the challenge of leading our operators to their objective, risking his life so that others may live.”
The Commander of Australian forces in the Middle East, Major General Angus Campbell, said the work of Sapper Robinson and his fellow combat engineers was fraught with danger.
“Under heavy fire, with his mates in danger, Sapper Robinson moved at great risk to himself to provide covering fire,” Major General Campbell said.
“Sapper Robinson accepted his role to protect his mates and clear the way forward. He did so with guts and determination. He did so always leading from the front.
“Sapper Robinson will be remembered as an excellent example of the Australian soldier who will be sadly missed by his mates, friends and family.”
He will be farewelled this week in Kingscliff by his family, the mates he returned regularly to see, his former teachers – many he still kept in touch with, and all who knew him.
