Funeral location: West Chapel of the Pininnaroo Valley Memorial Park, Whitfords Ave, Padbury
Buried at: ?
Funeral Location:
[alert_yellow]ALLAN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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COWAN (Allan John):
The Commissioner of Police and all members of the Western Australia Police regret the passing of our colleague Allan Cowan Registered Number 8806.
Deepest sympathy to all his loved ones.
This Guest Book will remain online until 5/05/2015.
Tuesday, 31 March 2015
COWAN (Allan John):
The Commissioner of Police and all members of the Western Australia Police regret the passing of our colleague Allan Cowan Registered Number 8806.
Deepest sympathy to all his loved ones.
Published in: The West Australian
Tuesday, 31 March 2015
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COWAN (Allan):
Senior Constable 8806. Deepest sympathy to Brenda and families on the passing of a colleague. Staff at Crash Vetting and Police Crash, Midland. You have fought the good fight. Rest In Peace.
COWAN:
The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of the late Mr Allan John Cowan of Ellenbrook will be held in the West Chapel of the Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park, Whitfords Ave, Padbury at 12 noon THURSDAY (2.4.2015).
No flowers by family request. Donations in lieu to either Solaris Care or The Ryan Marron Foundation.
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 9 September 1988
Senior Constable – death
Stations: ?, State Transfers – Parramatta, Water Police during 2000 Olympics ( Jet ski ), Broken Bay Water Police – death
Service: From: attested 9 September 1988 to 1 June 2002 = 13+ years Service
Awards: ?
Born: 9 October 1966
Died on: 1 June 2002
Cause: Football injury
Age: ?
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Cremated.
Ashes were spread off Resolute Beach, Pittwater, Kurinai National Park
[alert_blue]ANDREW is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] *NOT WORK RELATED
Senior Constable Andrew Warner
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From the history of the Hornsby Rugby Club. – The club endured a particularly tragic event on June 1st 2002 when first grade playerAndrew Warner died as a result of injuries sustained during a home game against Oatley Rugby Club match at Waitara oval.
Andrew was a club stalwart who had played over 100 games for the club and was also a coach with the club.
Andrew is remembered at the annual Back to Hornsby day when the first grade teams play for the Andrew Warner Memorial trophy.
** FURTHER INFORMATION NEEDED **
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From David Buchanan: Wednesday 14 February 2018:
This is the funeral for Andy Warner in June 2002. (This is perhaps the only photo where you will witness the NSW Water Police marching.)
Andy was attached to Broken Bay Water Police at the time of his death. He tragically died as a result of an accident playing football at Waitara on the 1st June 2002. He was a well-liked member of the Broken Bay unit – and the entire Water Police, his football club and the local community.
His death made us realise how close Police are around this nation. I was working with Craig Goozee on that day, and Andy’s mates informed us of the accident and his subsequent death soon after it occurred. Apart from the obvious shock and grief that Craig and I had at the time, we set about making the necessary phonecalls and enquiries to one and all, but we learned that Andy’s parents were somewhere in northern Australia between Katherine and Broome on a caravanning holiday – and no phone contact. (I might add that many members of our Water Police unit just came into work to assist wherever they could.) Craig and I thought this was going to be a lengthy process in locating them. We found them after 3 phonecalls and advice from the local coppers – Katherine Police, the NT/WA border station, and Kununurra Police in WA. The Senior Constable at Kununurra located Andy’s parents them within 10 minutes after the call, but before delivering the message, he gathered the local clergy as support. Still hard to believe that we had located Andy’s parents within the hour.
What occurred after resulted in commendations being delivered via our commissioner. The local police in WA and NT pooled together and drove Andy’s parents in relay to Darwin, organised and placed them on a flight to Sydney. They also drove their car and caravan from Kununurra to Katherine and placed same in safe storage. Made us realise that Police are all a family no matter what uniform they wear.
Andy Warner’s ashes were spread off Resolute Beach in Pittwater, a remote and peaceful beach in the Kuringai National Park. RIP Andy.
This is perhaps the only photo where you will witness the NSW Water Police marching.
XVI.- KING’S POLICE MEDAL AND IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL.
His Excellency the State Governor presented the King’s Police Medal and Imperial Service Medal to several Police Officers and retired members of the Force on the 3rd June, 1937. The presentation ceremony was carried out on the lawn in the precincts of Government House grounds. The medals were distributed as indicated hereunder: –
King’s Police Medal.
…..
…..
Imperial Service Medal
For long Service marked by merit.-
…..
…..
….. and Ex-Matron Mary Dunne, to whom the Imperial Service Medal was awarded, were unable to attend at Government House on this occasion, and other arrangements were made to hand their medals over to them.
…….
Your faithfully,
W. J. MACKAY,
Commissioner of Police.
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In 1962, the NSW Police Force comprised of 6139 members – 5336 Policemen, 58 Policewomen, 175 Police Cadets, 5 Police Trackers, 4 Police Matrons, 109 Special Parking Police, 30 Special Constables and 422 Administrative Officers.
Prince Henry Hospital had close relationships with Long Bay Gaol, with the prisoners growing various vegetables and making the bread for the patients and nursing staff. It also was the hospital for Long Bay Gaol prisoners.
Ironically, it was the designated police hospital used by many of the NSW police members who at times of limited bed capacity and 99per cent patient occupancy, found themselves sharing bathroom space with prisoners.
[alert_yellow]JAMES is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Ceremony marks life and work of Aboriginal tracker
March 6, 2013, 4 a.m.
Sergeant Darren Wilkins, Superintendent Stan Single, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, Dubbo MP Troy Grant (back) and descendants of Aboriginal tracker Jimmy Nyrang Ruth Carney and Violet Lousick after the unveiling of the headstone. Photo: FAYE WHEELER
OFFICERS from Orana Local Area Command (LAC) joined forces with the Aboriginal community when they commemorated the life of an Aboriginal tracker and former NSW Police Force employee, Jimmy Nyrang.
James “Jimmy” Nyrang was employed as a tracker by the NSW Police Force between 1900 and 1902.
He played a prominent role in the tracking of Jimmy Governor in the investigation of the deaths of the Mawbey family at Breelong, near Gilgandra, on 20 July 1900.
As part of their 150th year of policing celebrations last year, Orana Local Area Command has been working closely with Narromine Ngurra Mayin Elders for the past 12 months in preparation for this commemoration.
Orana Local Area Commander, Superintendent Stan Single APM, hosted a formal ceremony yesterday morning at the Narromine Cemetery to acknowledge Mr Nyrang.
He died in 1928 near Narromine and was buried in the Narromine Cemetery where his grave was marked with a white timber cross.
A formal headstone was unveiled by Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, to honour the former work of Jimmy Nyrang and the symbol of his Aboriginal totem, the possum.
Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie said the collaborative work of Orana Police and the Narromine Ngurra Mayin Elders, had resulted in the ceremony organised for tomorrow.
“We are delighted that the work of Mr Nyrang within the NSW Police Force and the community can be acknowledged formally tomorrow.
“Officers have worked closely with Aboriginal elders in the community to ensure Mr Nyrang could be honoured in this way,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
Members of the Narromine Aboriginal community, Aboriginal Lands Council, Aboriginal elders and representatives from local schools were in attendance.
Evening News ( Sydney ) Saturday 21 July 1900 page 5 of 12
-EVENING NEWS’ OFFICE, 6 P.M.
AWFUL TRAGEDY NEAR GILGANDRA
Three Persons Murdered By a Party of Blacks.
Three Others Dangerously Wounded.
The Murderers Escape.
Police in Hot Pursuit.
Superintendent Sanderson, of Bathurst, telegraphed this morning the following information to the headquarters of the police department at Sydney regarding a horrible atrocity perpetrated by four aborigines, near Gilgandra, a small town, situated between Dubbo and Coonamble.
The news which the telegram contains is concise in the extreme, but it discloses bare details of a crime which is, perhaps, unparalleled in the later history of the colony.
The message says: ” Gilgandra police where Jimmy and Joe Governor and two other aborigines attacked Mr. Mawbey‘s family last night, killing Miss Kerz (school teacher), Percival and HildaMawbey, and dangerously wounding Mrs. Mawbey, Grace Mawbey, and Elsie Clarke. The police arrived at 3 a.m. I am in pursuit of the offenders with a strong party.”
DETAILS OF THE TRAGEDY.
VICTIMS TOMAHAWKED IN BED.
( From our Correspondent. )
GILGANDRA, Saturday morning. — A terrible tragedy was enacted last night at Breelong, about 10 miles from here, at the residence of Mr. Mawbey. The most meagre details are only to be gathered. A messenger galloped in to town last night, and reported that the whole family of Mawbeys had been brutally murdered by blacks.
Police-Constable Barry at once proceeded to the scene. He found Miss Kerz, Hilda Mawbey, and Percy Mawbey were dead and horribly mutilated, evidently by a tomahawk, their skulls being smashed completely in, and Elsie Clarke, a niece of the Mawbeys, Grace Mawbey, and Mrs. Mawbey, wounded to such an extent as to give small hopes of recovery.
The police have not returned yet, but a messenger who has just arrived from the Mawbeys states that they were murdered in bed at about 11 o’clock last night, and the perpetrators were a couple of blackfellows, who were ringbarking for Mawbey. The Mawbeys are among the pioneers of this district, and are fairly well to do, owning a large area of land on the banks of the Castlereagh River. Miss Kerz, a provincial school teacher, who is among the murdered, comes from Girilambone. She has only been in the district a short time, and was boarding at the Mawbeys.
No men were sleeping in the Mawbeys‘ house last night, Mr. Mawbey being away at the old Breelong Post Office, which belongs to him, while the family were residing in the new house at another part of the run about a mile away. Breelong, is a small township on the Castlereagh River, situated about 10 miles from Gilgandra, and 304 miles west from Sydney. Postal communication is via Gilgandra and Mundooran. Gilgandra is 292 miles N.W. from Sydney, and is the centre of an agricultural district containing an estimated population of 400.
Communication is by rail to Dubbo, and thence by coach on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Mundooran, which is situated lower down the river, is 256 miles from Sydney, and has coach communication with Mudgee (73 miles) on Wednesday and Saturday. Its population is estimated at 400.
Later. — It appears that the blacks went to Mr. Mawbey, at the old place, and asked him if he was going to stay there all night. On his answering in the affirmative, they said, ” All right, we want some chaff in the morning. ” The inmates of the house were all in bed, and as fast as they arose and tried to run away, the murderers felled them. A report states that one little boy, seeing what was happening, crawled under a bed, and the blacks missing him, endeavored to find him, but were unsuccessful in their search.
A large party of townspeople has left for the scene of the murder, and some of them have already arrived. The names of the aboriginals supposed to have committed the murders were said to be Jimmy and Billy Governor, of Denison Town, and Cobbora, and Crooked Toed Jacky, from Gulgargambone. There was also a white girl in the camp with the blacks. The cause is supposed to be jealousy. The blacks wanted Mrs. Mawbey to treat the white girl as one of themselves, which she refused to do.
The murderers were employed grubbing out trees on a piece of ground. Mr. Mawbey was getting ready for ploughing. The bodies of Miss Kerz and Miss Grace Mawbey were lying side by side, about 25 yards away from the house. Miss Kerz‘s head was smashed to a pulp with a tomahawk.
A report just to hand states that two blacks, answering the description of Jimmy and Billy Governor, were seen in the vicinity of Balladoran, a roadside hotel on the Dubbo-road, about eleven miles from here. The Dubbo police were wired for early this morning, also a black tracker; but it is now raining, and likely to obliterate, any tracks. There is no hope held out for the recovery of Mrs. Mawbey, Miss Elsie Clarke, and the other Miss Mawbey. Mrs. Mawbey‘s head is very much battered in.
Service: From 20 December 1899 to 7 September 1913 = 14 years
Awards: ?
Born: ? ? 1870
Event: Tuesday 2 September & Wednesday 3 September 1913
Died on: Sunday 7 September 1913
Cause: pneumonia
Age: 41
Funeral date: 5.30am, Monday 8 September 1913
Funeral location: Sandgate Cemetery
Buried at: Roman Catholic portion of Sandgate Cemetery
Catholic 1 Portion, Section 13, Lot 11
Location of Grave:
GPS: -32.87081693341898 151.70432472502705
NSW Death Registration # 13497/1913
[alert_red]JOHN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_red] *BUT SHOULD BE
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Newcastle Morning Herald & Miner’s Advocate Monday 8 September 1913 page 5 of 8
CONSTABLE JOHN MURPHY. DEATH IN HOSPITAL.
Plain-clothes Constable John Murphy died in the Newcastle Hospital at half-past five yesterday morning, after a short illness. On Thursday he was admitted to the hospital suffering from an attack of pneumonia. His condition was very serious, and but little hope was held out of his recovery.
Forty-one years of age, Plain-clothes Constable Murphy had had about fourteen years’ service in the police force, during all of which he was stationed at Newcastle, and he had been doing plain-clothes duty for about eleven years.
A smart, capable detective, he was associated as a plain-clothes constable for over eight years with Senior-detective McHattie, and during that time those officers did some very creditable work in clearing up some forgeries and big railway robberies. He was also associated for a time with Plain-clothes Constable (now Detective) Ramsay.
Since the transfer of First-class Detective Surridge from Sydney to Newcastle, ten months ago, Plain-clothes Constable Murphy had been working with him, and they were instrumental in clearing up a number of serious and minor offences. He was popular with his colleagues, and particularly well liked by those with whom he came into immediate contact ; and his good-nature was well-known. On many occasions he has put his hand in his pocket to help even those who had come within the reach of the law. He was also popular with the public, and his death will be regretted by a large circle of friends.
His last duty was with Detective Surridge on Tuesday and Wednesday nights last attending to certain offences that had been committed between Hornsby and Newcastle, necessitating both officers spending two nights in the bush. He complained on Thursday morning of feeling ill on the return journey to Newcastle, and later in the day he was ordered into the hospital.
His father is Mr. Edward Murphy, a grazier, of Collingwood station, Murrumburrah, to whom telegrams have been forwarded. His sister, Mrs. F. Cooper, and her husband arrived at Newcastle yesterday from Sydney.
The funeral will leave the Newcastle Hospital at twenty minutes to three o’clock this afternoon for the Roman Catholic portion of the Sandgate Cemetery. The district police will be present, and Mr. Day, the Inspector- General, last night gave his sanction for the Police Band from Sydney to attend if the members could be notified in time for them to catch the train this morning.
Newcastle Morning Herald & Miner’s Advocate Tuesday 9 September 1913 page 4 of 8
LATE CONSTABLE MURPHY. THE FUNERAL.
The funeral of Constable John Murphy, who died in the Newcastle Hospital at an early hour on Sunday morning took place yesterday afternoon from the hospital, and the large attendance was a tribute to the deceased’s popularity.
The procession, which attracted hundreds of people along the line of march, proceeded by way of Telford-street, Hunter street, Extended, and Watt-street, to the railway station.
The Newcastle and district police, under Acting Superintendent Banks and Sub-inspector McHardy, to the number of nearly 100, headed the procession, then came the hearse and the general public. The length of the procession may be estimated when it is stated that the front portion had turned into Watt-street before the rear had reached the municipal jubilee memorial in the park.
The pall-bearers were Senior Detective McHattie, Detective Surridge, and Constables A. Roberts and G. Ferguson. Wreaths were sent by Miss Zoe Brady, Mr. Myer Cohen, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Hough, Mr. and Mrs. J McHattie, Mr. Banfield, Mr. and Mrs. Howden, Mr. and. Mrs. J. Probert, Mr. E. W. Bearby, and the Newcastle and sub-district police. The police also sent a beautiful wreath of immortelles.
The chief mourner was Mrs. Cooper, a sister of deceased. At the graveside, the Rev. Father M Keenan, of St. Mary’s, Newcastle, conducted the service, which was of a most impressive character, the deceased being buried with all the rites of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Maitland Daily Mercury ( NSW ) Saturday 13 September 1913 page 6 of 12
Constable T. Ryan who for some time has been lockup-keeper at Wallsend, has been appointed to the plain-clothes branch of the Newcastle police, in succession to the late Constable John Murphy. By the way, it is stated as a sad circumstance in connection with the death of the popular officer named, that he was to have been married on the date of his demise.
This man is NOT recorded on the Police Memorial system but it is apparent, from reading these two articles, that the man contracted pneumonia from direct exposure over two nights in the bush in order to capture offenders.
He returns to his station on the 3rd day, and is directed to hospital where he dies three days later from pneumonia.
That sounds like a duty related death under those circumstances to me.
Cal
25 March 2014 ( 100 years later. )
Gregory John PALMER
| 01/04/2015
Gregory John PALMER
( late of Bellambi, NSW )
New South Wales Police Force
Greg joined NSW Police via the Police Cadet System on 3 February 1975
Cadet # 3156
Regd. # 17149
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced training at Redfern Police Academy – 3 February 1975 ( Aged 18 years, 2 months & 29 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 8 December 1975 ( aged 19 years, 1 months & 3 days )
Constable – appointed 8 December 1976
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? November? 1980
Senior Constable – appointed 8 December 1984
Final Rank: Senior Constable – Retired
Stations: ?, Liverpool – Retirement
Service: From 3 February 1975to 7 June 2001 – 26 years, 4 months & 4 days Service
Awards: National Medal – granted ? ? ?Either 17 March 1992 OR 24 March 2000
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 4 September 2001 ( Former SenCon )
Ashes with his youngest daughter, Anne, at Albury Cemetery, NSW
GREGORY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
With regret I advise the death of Gregory John PALMER, 58 old, former Regd. No. 17149, an Unattached Member of the RPA of Corrimal.
Gregory passed away on 20/03/2015 and his funeral is proposed to be held at 12midday tomorrow, Tuesday 24th Instant at H. Parsons Funeral Directors, Bulli Chapel, 278 Princes Highway, BULLI.
PALMER, Greg
of Bellambi
Passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on March 20, 2015.
Beloved husband of Margarethe.
Dearly loved father and father in law of Matthew and Heather, Stephen, Kathryn and Jessie.
Much loved Granddad of Lily, Sebastian.
Loved brother of Judith.
Greg will be sadly missed by his loving family and many dear friends here and in Sydney.
Aged 58 Years
God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts
Relatives and friends are invited to attend GREG’S Funeral Service to be held in the chapel, Parsons Funeral Home, 278 Princes Highway Bulli on Tuesday at 12noon.
In lieu of flowers donations to NSW Police Legacy would be appreciated.
From the ‘Go Fund Me’ website, to which Greg made 3 Posts from 3 September 2014:
Update #3: 6 months ago.
In January this year I was diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme. I have had Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy . In June this year a portion of a second brain tumour was removed. The standard Chemotherapy used for Brain Cancer has to this date been unsuccessful and the tumour continues to grow. My biggest hurdle at present is the swelling of the brain. An alternative Chemotherapy will help with this swelling and may give me an extra couple of months with my family. There is little or no government subsidy and we have sought help through foundations which have been unsuccessful. I am asking for a small donation from my family and friends to help with the cost of further treatment.
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Update #2: 6 months ago.
Thank you again to all the wonderful people who have donated. My health is poor but my heart is healed. The support and love shown by so many people is truly unbelievable.
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Update #3: 3 September 2014.
To all the wonderful people out there. Please watch our video.
Thank you
Service: From ? ? 1907 to 19 February 1934 = 27+ years Service
Awards: ?
Born: ? ? 1884 to Martin & Julia at West Maitland NSWBDM 24190/1884
Died on: 19 February 1934
Cause: Suicide by pistol stemming from a Nervous Illness
Event location: Erskinville Street Police Station
Age: 48
Funeral date: Monday 22 February 1934 @ 1.30pm
Funeral location: St. Brigid’s Church, Marrickville
Buried at: Woronora Cemetery,
Roman Catholic Monumental: Section 2, position 0680
DANIEL is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
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Barrier Miner ( Broken Hill )
Saturday 20 January 1934 page 8 of 12
SYDNEY, : Saturday. – Sergeant Daniel Markham (48), of Marrickville, was found fatally wounded yesterday in a telephone box in Erskineville street Police Station. A revolver, one chamber of which had been discharged, was beside him. He had recently suffered a severe illness.
Hearing a report of firearms at Erskine-street lock-up to-night a constable rushed to the front of the building where he found Sergeant Daniel Markham fatally shot through the head. The officer, who was 48, had been in ill-health for a number of years.
MARKHAM. – The Relatives and Friends of the late DANIEL BERNARD MARKHAM ( Sergeant of Police ) are kindly invited to attend his Funeral leaving his late residence Myall, 22 Carey street, Marrickville, Next MONDAY AFTERNOON, at 1.30 o’clock, for Catholic Cemetery Woronora. W. N. Bull, Ltd., Funeral Directors.
SYDNEY. Saturday.- Sgt. Daniel Markham, aged 48, who was found fatally shot in the Erskine Street Police Station yesterday was loyal to his service to the last. Because of a nervous illness the Commissioner of Police (Mr Childs) and the Metropolitan Superintendent (Mr MacKay) frequently suggested that he refrain from duty, but he refused.
MARKHAM.-The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. EDITH MARKHAM and FAMILY are kindly Invited to attend the Funeral of her late beloved HUSBAND and their dear FATHER, Daniel Bernard; to leave his late residence, Myall. Carey-street, Marrickville, THIS (Monday) AFTERNOON, at 1.45 o’clock, for the Catholic Cemetery, Woronora. A train leaving Tempe Station at 2.24 p m. will arrive at Sutherland at 2.55 p m.
Catholic Freeman’s Journal ( Sydney ) Thursday 15 February 1934 page 4 of 40
SERGEANT DANIEL BERNARD MARKHAM.
The death took place at Sydney, on the 19th ult., of Sergeant Daniel Bernard Markham, who was attached to No. 4 Division of the New South Wales Police Force. Mr. Markham, who was only 48 years of age, was one of the most popular and efficient members of the Force. He had been in ill-health for some time, but bravely performed his duties despite his illness.
Being 6 feet 2 inches in height, of magnificent physique, and possessed of a bright and genial disposition he was a popular figure with his comrades and the general public.
Mr. Markham was a devout Catholic and a member of the A.H.C. Guild at St. Brigid’s, Marrickville. His numerous acts of kindness towards the poor and needy brought him numerous friends wherever he went.
Joining the N.S.W. Police Force in 1907, Mr. Markham was attached to North Sydney Division for some time. He later was transferred to the Traffic Department, and afterwards to No. 4 Division, where he continued to perform traffic duty for many years.
He was a popular figure along the water front, where he handled the heavy traffic with tact and courtesy. As a result Mr. Markham was promoted to the rank of first-class constable, and later to the rank of sergeant. It is safe to say that no promotion was more popular or so well deserved.
From the formation of the Police Association Mr. Markham was president of No. 4 Branch, from 1920 to 1925. The popularity of that branch was to a great extent, due to his personality. He was transferred to Clarence-street Division, where he performed varied duties, and finally was Assistant-traffic Sergeant of that very busy and important portion of Sydney. In January, 1933, Sergeant Markham was sent back to his old Division (No. 4) as Sergeant in charge of traffic there. It was during this latter period that he was stricken with a serious illness. It was hoped that he had recovered, but, to the extreme grief of his devoted wife and young family, death took place as already stated.
Mr. Markham was a native of New South Wales, and a member of a large family, all of whom are devoted members of the Catholic Church.
A Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Brigid’s Church, Marrickville, on the 22nd ‘ult. The cortege leaving the church proceeded to the Sergeant’s late residence at Carey-street, Marrickville. A police funeral was accorded deceased.
Superintendent Lynch ( representing the Commissioner of Police ). Inspectors Winter, Collings, and Stanton, and a large squad of uniform and plain-clothes police under Sergeant Rodding, were in attendance.
Beautiful and solemn music was rendered by the Police Band as the sad procession wended its way to Woronora Cemetery. Thousands of people watched the sad procession. The burial took place in the Catholic portion of the cemetery, in the presence of a large number of his old comrades and many prominent citizens.
The last prayers were recited by the Rev. Father Lloyd (Cronulla), who afterwards paid a tribute to the Sergeant’s sterling qualities.
The chief mourners were Mrs. Markham (widow), Master George Markham (son), Misses Dorothy and Joan Markham (daughters), and James, Thomas, Frank, and Vaughan Markham (brothers), Misses Margaret and May Markham, and Mrs. A. Swanson and Mrs. F. Bullivant (sisters).
THEY were the untouchables, an elite band of Australian Federal Police, some of whom insiders say were no better than “gangsters with police badges”. Their headquarters were Redfern’s landmark TNT twin towers, where extramarital conquests and drunken “happy hour” parties were common. It was the 1980s and, as one former officer of the 35-strong AFP Sydney drug investigation unit recalls, it was like “living inside a grubby episode of Miami Vice“.Memories of the heady days of the twin tower crew have been revived because of the charges laid against one of the squad’s alumni, senior NSW Crime Commission investigator Mark Standen.Following his arrest on drug charges this month, insiders have told The Sun-Herald some members of the unit were compromised and beyond control.
Michael Anthony Wallace – convicted of stealing $20 million worth of seized heroin in 1990 and then of murdering girlfriend Zoe Zou and dumping her body in the Blue Mountains in 2006 – was one.
Another was Allan Gregory McLean, sentenced to 16 years’ jail for helping import millions in heroin from India hidden inside a consignment of soccer balls in 1988.
Others were named at the NSW Wood Royal Commission over filching $200,000 from a Sydney cocaine dealer in 1983.
But with authorities infatuated with rogue NSW cop Roger Rogerson, some of the officers went bad and started trafficking drugs, taking bribes and ripping off crooks.
Ensconced on the lower floors of the TNT block, the unit was run for a time by chief inspector Cliff Foster, who committed suicide after a battle with depression in 2001.
It can now be revealed he had been under investigation for supplying heroin and was linked to an organised crime syndicate shipping huge amounts of hashish into Australia from New Zealand.
In the days after charges were laid against Standen, AFP Commissioner Mick Keelty was forced to deny claims that he and Standen worked side by side at Redfern and were once daily jogging partners.
Standen, who left the AFP to join the Crime Commission in 1996, is now accused of trying to smuggle in by sea enough pseudoephedrine to make $120 million worth of ice. He is due to face court again on August 6.
Mr Keelty said he and Standen had only ever been stationed together at the AFP‘s Sydney city headquarters in Goulburn Street.
They “might have been involved in some of the same operations” but were not close.
Page 2 of 2
Mr Keelty also said he was unaware Standen had admitted to the 1982Stewart Royal Commission that he once flushed 18 foils of cannabis down a toilet instead of declaring it as evidence. Former NSW detective turned University of Western Sydney academic Michael Kennedy said another member of the unit was allowed to take up a government job after admitting to stealing a kilogram of seized heroin displayed at a media conference. Another detective resigned after being confronted with allegations he was using and dealing cocaine. He eventually went to work for standover man Tim Bristow, who died in 2003.One-time head of AFP internal affairs Ray Cooper says security at the TNT offices was a disgrace.”Operational details were being leaked to the crims,” Mr Cooper said. “As a result, I warned the hierarchy that we needed to keep an eye out.”
Mr Cooper said his investigation into the Foster allegations was taken from him and deliberately derailed to avoid a public scandal.
He was denied permission to use phone taps and several witnesses against Foster were kidnapped and threatened by other corrupt federal detectives.
Wayne Sievers, who worked at the Redfern towers between 1983 and 1988, likened the experience to “living inside a grubby episode of Miami Vice”.
“You were looking at a group, some of whom were simply cowboys with huge egos, who were allowed to drive around town in fast cars with guns, doing whatever they wanted.”
Mr Sievers said the same day he reported being offered payola by a more senior officer he was transferred to non-operational duties.
Following a raft of AFP corruption claims at the Wood Royal Commission, a federal inquiry chaired by Sydney barrister Ian Harrison was set up in 1996-97.
Mr Cooper gave evidence but has since criticised the proceedings.
No public hearings were held and all findings were classified. Dr Kennedy and Mr Sievers also testified but believe little was achieved.
All three have called for the inquiry report to be opened.
Last week, NSW Supreme Court judge Harrison said it would be inappropriate for him to comment.
Chief Inspector of Distilleries Office. Sydney, 25th July, 1862.
THE APPOINTMENT of the Undermentioned Officers of Police to be Inspectors of Distilleries, duly notified in the Government Gazette, is now further advertised for public information, and for the guidance of Magistrates and Clerks of Petty Sessions in the country districts: —
