2019 ANZAC Cup Player Profiles – Ben Carter
Growing up in North Adelaide, Ben Carter was in the heart of South Australia’s capital – an area thriving with footy fanatics.
A passionate Port Adelaide supporter, Ben grew up playing Australian Football at a high level for the St Peter’s Old Collegians Football Club in the South Australian Amateur Football League.
With his passion for the sport of Australian Football having a big impact on the person Ben is today, Ben is a perfect fit to join 26 deserving Australians in this 11th edition of the annual ANZAC Cup.
Ben has been selected as the men’s Captain for this match, where he will lead the Australian Spirit team in the 2019 ANZAC Cup against the French National side on the 27thof April.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be named Captain of the ANZAC Cup team. It is an incredible opportunity to reflect and remember the sacrifices many ANZACs made for our freedom. For me personally, to honour my Great-great Uncle who died in the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux 101 years ago, just two kilometres away from our playing field, is something that is going to be very special for me.”
Ben has a whole lot to play for this ANZAC Day and with his family history so strongly connected to the armed services he is looking forward to making his family proud over the weekend. The historic town of Villers-Bretonneux means so much for Australian families as they remember the sacrifices that were made to protect the town and for the Carter family – this is no exception.
After serving in Gallipoli and then the Western Front, Ben’s Great-great Uncle David Allen was buried in the Adelaide Cemetery in Villers-Bretonneux and was awarded a Military Medal for his noble services.
“I am very excited and honoured to be able to represent my country at Villers-Bretonneux in the ANZAC Cup and the significance it has on my family and Australia’s history. It was a pivotal battle in the war, and it means a lot to me to be able to visit and pay my respects where my Great-great Uncle David fought and died for his country.”
Ben’s Great-great Uncle was seen as a hero by many and was awarded a Military Medal for his efforts during the War. History documents recorded that “Allen displayed great gallantry during heavy bombardment… he immediately commenced to dig out his men and bandage and carry wounded men out of the line. Whenever casualties were occurring, he would be found, cheering up and holding his platoon together by his own personal courage.”
Ben’s connection to the armed services would not rest with his Great-great Uncle. The family once again returned to the Armed Forces during World War II. Ben fondly recalls growing up hearing the stories of his Great Uncle Percy, his Great Grandfather, and both Grandfathers who all served in the Armed Forces during either World War I and World War II.
Ben’s father, Bruce Carter, is especially proud of their family’s long line of service and is the current Chairman of the Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC), following in the footsteps of his past generations.
“My father will be attending the ceremony and coming to watch me play. It is of equal importance to him as it is to me. Having such involvement with the Australian forces in his role as Chair of ASC, he is proud his son is able to represent our country on such an important day and in particular in Villers-Bretonneux. We look forward to being able to visit our Great-great Uncles grave together to pay our respects and to be able to set foot on the battlefield in which he fought so bravely. This is a truly unique experience for both of us and something I consider myself lucky to be able to share not only with my father but with the entire Australian Spirit team.”
With his team first attitude and incredible connection to Villers-Bretonneux, Ben will be a great captain and leader for the Australian Spirit men’s side on Saturday when the players pull on their Green and Gold playing jumpers to take on the French National side.
Special thanks to the National Australia Bank for their continued support as Major Partner of the ANZAC Cup.
