Francis Joseph BELL

| 25/01/2018

Francis Joseph BELL

aka FRANK

Late of George St, Singleton

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ‘ Q ‘ 7173

( pre NSW Police Force current Registered numbering system )

Rank: Mounted Constable

Constable 1st Class

Senior Constable – Retirement – Medically Unfit

Stations: ?, Broken Hill ( Aug 1899 ), Milparinka ( July 1901 ), Gunbar ( Feb 1906 ), Tamworth, Singleton ( Oct 1916 ), Booligal – Waradgery Shire – ( 16 March 1908 as Cst 1/c ) – Retired – Medically Unfit

Service: From 7 March 1898 to 31 July 1917 = 19+ years Service

Awards: No find on It’s An Honour

Born: ? ? 1871 near the Lime Kilns near Bathurst, NSW

Died on: Wednesday 8 August 1917

Age: 46

Cause: Asthma

Event location: George St, Singleton, NSW

Event date: Wednesday 8 August 1917

Funeral date: Friday 10 August 1917 during p.m.

Funeral location: Roman Catholic Cemetery, Singleton

Buried at: Roman Catholic Cemetery, Singleton ( unable to find grave on-line )

Memorial located at: ?

[alert_blue]FRANCIS is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue]*NOT JOB RELATED

[divider_dotted]

Grave location: TBA

[divider_dotted]

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

[divider_dotted]

May they forever Rest In Peace

[divider_dotted]

INITIAL ENQUIRY: 12 November 2017

Hello
My name is Jim Betts my mother is Leone Betts , nee Connelly her mother’s father was a mounted policeman shot at booligal nsw approx August 1917 he died 9 th of August 1917 I was wondering if police records show that my great grandfather did exhaust as he is not mentioned on the police honour role my mother is 81 and I have just spent time with her trying to discover some information , anything that police archives does have regarding constable Francis Joseph bell would be appreciated my mum would be very appreciative.

Thanks in advance
Regards Jim Betts

[divider_dotted]

National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 – 1954), Friday 10 August 1917, page 2

DEATH.

BELL.— At Singleton, Wednesday, 8th August, Francis Joseph Bell, aged 42 years, brother of Mr. Denis Bell, Bathurst.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/158627444

[divider_dotted]

Singleton Argus (NSW : 1880 – 1954), Saturday 11 August 1917, page 4

DEATH OF SEN.-CONSTABLE BELL.

It is with regret we have to chronicle the death of Senior-Constable Francis Joseph Bell, which sad event occurred early on Thursday morning at his residence, George-street.

Only last week we reported that the deceased officer had been retired as, medically unfit as from July 31, and previous to that he had been off duty through illness for some time.

Sen.-Constable Bell, who was 46 years of age, was born at the Limekilns, near Bathurst, and had served in the police at Broken Hill and other parts of this State. He was last quartered at Booligal, out west, and came here thinking the change would benefit his health. The cause of death was asthma, attended with serious complications, which made his case a hopeless one.

He leaves a widow and three Children, two boys of 15 years and 3 years, and one daughter aged 6 years, to mourn their very sad loss.

The late senior-constable was an able and efficient officer, with a large experience of country and during his time of service here made many friends, by reason of his courtesy and his obliging and genial disposition.

Much sympathy is extended to the widow and family.

The funeral took place yesterday afternoon at the R.C. cemetery, all available police officers attending to pay the last tribute of respect to their departed comrade.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/80704212

[divider_dotted]

Daily Observer (Tamworth, NSW : 1917 – 1920), Friday 17 August 1917, page 4

INTER-DISTRICT NEWS.

SINGLETON.

The death has occurred of Senior constable Francis Joseph Bell. He was recently retired as medically unfit, and previous to that he had been off duty through illness for some time.

Senior constable Bell who was 46 years of age was born at The Lime Kilns, near Bathurst, and had served in the police at Broken Hill and other parts of this State.

He was last quartered at Booligal, and came here thinking the change would benefit his health. The cause of death was asthma, attended with serious complications.

He leaves a widow and three children.

The late senior constable was an able and efficient officer, and during his term of service here made many friends. Much sympathy is felt for the widow and family.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/103742745

[divider_dotted]

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/82001842?searchTerm=%22francis%20joseph%20bell%22&searchLimits=

[divider_dotted]

Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Wednesday 27 May 1908 (No.61), page 2876

THE Bench of Magistrates assembled in Petty Sessions at Booligal have this day appointed First Class Constable Francis Joseph Bell to be Bailiff of the Small Debts Court Booligal.

JOS. J. HARRIS, J.P.,

For Bench of Magistrates. Court-house, Booligal,

21st May, 1908.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article226908153.txt

[divider_dotted]

Anthony Bruce LAUER

| 25/01/2018

Anthony Bruce LAUER

AKA Tony

Late of Hay, NSW – Husband to Dot

son to Retired NSW Police Commissioner Anthony R. LAUER # 8019

Son to Joy Jeanette LAUER – ( R.I.P. )

Police Academy Class # 187

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # 20475

Dad and I have one thing in common. We have both gone as far as we are going to in this job!

Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy – from Monday 19 July 1982 ( aged 26 years, 10 months, 22 days )

Probationary Constable – appointed Friday 15 October 1982 ( aged 27 years, 1 month, 18 days )

Constable – appointed 15 October 1983

Detective – appointed ? ? 1991

Constable 1st Class – appointed 15 October 1987

Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Final Rank: Detective Senior Constable – Retired

Was in Special Forces Undercover Course # 2 in 1989

Was in Detective Course # 28 in 1991

Stations: ?, Blacktown & Mt Druitt, ( 27 Division ), Registered Clubs Unit, Drug Squad – Plantation Unit, Hay ( 1990’s ), Ivanhoe ( 1995 ), Deniliquin, Hay – Retirement

Service: From 19 July 1982 to 15 January 1999 = 16 years, 5 months, 27 days Service

Age at Retirement: 43 years, 4 months, 19 days

Time in Retirement from NSWPF: 19 years, 0 months, 5 days

Awards: National Medal – granted 28 May 1999

National Police Service Medal – presented October 2017 – by his father – former Police Commissioner Anthony Lauer

Anthony Bruce LAUER, Tony LAUER — Tony LAUER – Jnr

Born: Saturday 27 August 1955

Died on: Saturday 20 January 2018

Age: 62 years, 4 months, 24 days

Cause: Cancer – Brain

Event location: ?

Event date: ?

Funeral date: Saturday 10 February 2018 @ 1pm

Funeral location: Hay Services Club, 371 Murray St, Hay

Buried at: Cremated

Memorial located at: ?

After a private cremation there will be Memorial Service for Tony Lauer ( Junior ) at 1pm 10.2.18.
Hay Services Club
RSL club in Hay, New South Wales
Address: 371 Murray St, Hay NSW 2711
Phone: (02) 6993 1206

When further details are known then you will be updated.

ANTHONY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO

Funeral location: TBA

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

May they forever Rest In Peace

Anthony Lauer

January 20 at 8:08pm

I’ve been struggling for words all day but I think my little sister Megan put it best so here it is.
We have tried to remember everyone to call before making a post. Dad would hate to think someone found out via facebook. Sorry if we have missed anyone its been a big day.

Today we lost a husband, dad, grandfather, son, brother, nephew and cousin. A man that has meant so much to many and helped many more.

Through all his health battles he always said that god didn’t want you and the devil was worried you would take over. Well something changed today. We like to think your in heaven watching over us and I am sure you will continue to guide us all through life.

RIP DAD forever in our hearts

Ray Gardoll Tony was also stationed at Ivanhoe in the Barrier District back in 1995-97 by memory. I was at Broken Hill then and met Tony a number of times. I got to speak with Tony back in October at the Barrier Awards Ceremony. His father presented him with his NPSM. Sad to hear of his passing, I was a good guy.

David Aspland I would like to share a funny story. I met Tony in 1995 when he was a Senior Constable at Ivanhoe. I remember his standing joke about his name and family connection (Father was then Commissioner Tony Lauer) :”Well Dad and I have both done the same thing in our careers. We have both reached out ceiling rank”. . A very likeable and easy going bloke.

Mick Clarke RIP Tony. Had many great times with Tony when he was in the Plantation Unit. His favourite comment was”There’s one thing in common with me and Dad and that’s we’ve both gone as far as we can in the Job.”

Peter Wallace Had a yarn to him on the Hume one day. Drove a truck called the Commish. Lovely bloke. Had our NSW Police crest on the cover of his log book. RIP mate.

Seeking a nice facial photo of Tony for the Memorial Post.

Cal

021222

Patrick Eneas GLEESON

| 25/01/2018

Patrick Eneas GLEESON

AKA Peter

Late of ?

New South Wales Police Force

[alert_yellow]Regd. # 9823[/alert_yellow]

Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 31 October 1960

Constable 1st Class – appointed 31 October 1966

Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 4 February 1977

Stations: ?, Tamworth – Retirement

Service: From ? ? pre October 1960? to 4 September 1987 -= 36 years Service

Awards: National Medal – granted 6 November 1980 ( Sgt 3/c )

1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 8 June 1988 ( SenSgt )

Born: 18 November 1930

Died on: Sunday 14 January 2018

Age: 87

Cause: Long Illness ?

Event location: Nioka, Tamworth Hospital

Event date: 14 January 2018

Funeral date: Friday 19 January 2018 @ 10.30am

Funeral location: Mary Help Christian Church, 3 Telfer Road, Tamworth

Buried at: Lincoln Grove Memorial Gardens, Gunnedah Rd, Tamworth

Memorial located at: ?

[alert_yellow]PATRICK is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO

[divider_dotted]

Funeral location:

[divider_dotted]

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

[divider_dotted]

May they forever Rest In Peace

[divider_dotted]

GLEESON, Patrick Eneas “Peter” Peacefully at Nioka, Tamworth Hospital 14th January, 2018 After a long illness

Dearly loved husband of Gwen (dec’d) and loving partner of Maureen.

Much loved father and father-in-law of Graeme, Paul & Lesley, Colin (dec’d) and Michael.

Adored grandfather of Luke, Leah & Ryan and Amanda & Nicole and

great grandfather of Elsie & Amelia. Brother of Joan, Brian (dec’d), Marie, Kath, Fay (dec’d), Bruce (dec’d) and Colleen.

Aged 87 Years

The family and friends of PETER are warmly invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated in Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Hillvue Road South Tamworth commencing at 10.00am, Friday 19th January, 2018.

Following the Mass, the cortege will proceed to the Lincoln Grove Memorial Gardens, Gunnedah Road, Tamworth Entrusted to the care of SHAUN HAMILTON FUNERALS 125 Marius Street, Tamworth 6766 1966

Published in The Northern Daily Leader on Jan. 17, 2018

[divider_dotted]

Cheryle Christine BENDER

| 25/01/2018

Cheryle Christine BENDER

Wife of Ron – # 12446

Late of Eleebana

New South Wales Police Force

Rank: Police Wife

Stations: ?

Service: From ? ? ? to 4 January 2018 = ? years Service

Awards: No find on It’s An Honour

Born: ? ? ?

Died on: Thursday 4 January 2018

Age: 69

Cause: ?

Event location: ?

Event date: Thursday 4 January 2018

Funeral date: Wednesday 10 January 2018 @ 12.30pm

Funeral location: The Chapel, 444 Pacific Hwy Belmont

( parking at rear – via Henry St )

Buried at: ?

Memorial located at: ?

[divider_dotted]

Funeral location:

[divider_dotted]

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

[divider_dotted]

May they forever Rest In Peace

[divider_dotted]

BENDER (nee Peddle) Cheryle Christine Late of Eleebana

Passed peacefully

Surrounded by family

4th January 2018

Aged 69 years

Dearly loved wife of Ron.

Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Steve and Vivian, David and Yvette, Allan and Kirsty.

An adored Grandma of Sylvia, Scarlett, Marcus, Chloe and Aidan.

Loved daughter of Norma, and Ron (dec’d).

The family and friends of Cheryle are warmly invited to attend a celebration of her life, to be held in The Chapel, 444 Pacific Hwy Belmont (parking via Henry St) on Wednesday 10th January 2018, service commencing at 12.30pm.

Published in The Newcastle Herald on Jan. 6, 2018

[divider_dotted]

Prostate cancer testing still sketchy despite increased awareness

Posted Wed 28 Mar 2007, 9:08pm

Updated Wed 28 Mar 2007, 10:48pm

( Video no longer available of this segment )

Awareness of prostate cancer is growing among Australians, yet the path for testing and treatment is still unclear, dividing medical opinion on the subject.

Transcript

KERRY O’BRIEN: Every year, about 2,700 Australian men die from prostate cancer, roughly similar to the number of women killed by breast cancer. Yet, contrary to popular belief, prostate cancer isn’t just a disease of the aged. The Prostate Cancer Foundation recommends men with no family history be checked at 50, and those with a family history should be tested from 40. But, for all the advice and growing awareness, there is no clear path for men to follow for testing and treatment. While there is a blood test that can track changes in the prostate, medical opinion is divided about its effectiveness and whether ultimately it does help save lives. Scott Bevan reports.

RON BENDER: I guess your head swims a little and I guess you sort of say, “Well, okay, what does that actually mean?” The first thing that comes into your mind is, “Well, how long am I going to survive?”

SCOTT BEVAN: While many men flinch at the thought of a blood test, Ron Bender has no qualms about an appointment with the needle. The retired police commander believes it was this kind of test, to read his levels of a substance called prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, that led to an early diagnosis of cancer two and a half years ago.

RON BENDER: Had I not had a PSA test, I would probably be looking down the barrel of within the next couple of years, I would be having all sorts of unfortunate symptoms, and it would then be discovered that I had advanced prostate cancer.

SCOTT BEVAN: After further tests revealed about 40 per cent of his prostate was cancer-affected, Ron Bender had the gland removed. Ongoing check-ups, he says, indicate that he is cancer free.

CHERYLE BENDER: We were always positive. It meant that we were going to catch this thing in time. I was so glad that Ron had been having regular PSA tests.

PROFESSOR JIM DENHAM, NEWCASTLE MATER HOSPITAL: I can’t help feeling, when I see men coming up with these locally advanced cancers, for Goodness’ sake, why couldn’t they have been diagnosed 10 or 15 years earlier?

SCOTT BEVAN: Professor Jim Denham knows all too well that in many cases prostate cancer is not being caught in time. He’s a radiation oncologist in Newcastle. Professor Denham is an advocate of PSA testing, particularly for men with a family history of prostate cancer, to pick up early signs of trouble, but the battle is not against just cancer, but ignorance.

JIM DENHAM: The prostate, in fact, is sitting right here underneath the bladder.

SCOTT BEVAN: He says many men aren’t even sure where the prostate is, let alone know there is a test available to check its health.

SCOTT BEVAN: What symptoms would you notice if you do have prostate cancer?

JIM DENHAM: Well, for the first 20 years, none whatsoever.

SCOTT BEVAN: Is that part of the problem?

JIM DENHAM: That is completely the problem. It is silent.

CONFERENCE SPEAKER: What are we going to do about it?

SCOTT BEVAN: In the Hunter region, survivors, health professionals and business supporters have started a prostate cancer awareness campaign. And they recently gathered to launch a book, written by a survivor’s wife, Gail Tingle, and a retired professor of nursing, Irena Madjar. It’s aimed at enlisting women in the fight against this men’s disease.

PROFESSOR IRENA MADJAR, AUTHOR: In our small way, we want to change community attitudes to prostate cancer and get more men to be tested for it.

SCOTT BEVAN: The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has been trying to encourage men to think and act, through its promotional campaign. But once awareness is raised, what then? For talking to the doctor won’t necessarily lead to a PSA test.

GAIL TINGLE, AUTHOR: A lot of men, particularly in country areas, have found that they’ve been to GPs and GPs have said, “No, it is not necessary”, and they won’t even give them a referral for a PSA test.

PROFESSOR MARK HARRIS, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF GPS: There is a lot of PSA testing going on at the moment and, as far as we can tell, it’s had no effect on cancer mortality. We really do need a better test, and we need better evidence.

SCOTT BEVAN: Professor Mark Harris not only has a GP, he is one himself. He has doubts about the reliability of PSA tests, and the possible side effects of treatment, concerns echoed in the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ guidelines. The college doesn’t recommend routine screening for prostate cancer with PSA tests. Instead, it advises that patients should make their own decision after talking to their doctor about the benefits and risks of testing.

JIM DENHAM: I would say over half of all general practitioners actually regularly advise men to have PSA tests. The problem is, as I suspect, that they advise them a little bit too late.

PROFESSOR IAN OLIVER, CANCER COUNCIL: It is important to realise that the PSA test doesn’t tell you necessarily that you have cancer. It tells you that there is something going on in the prostate.

SCOTT BEVAN: Professor Ian Olver is the head of the Cancer Council of Australia. He says that the PSA test may help in some cases in detecting an aggressive cancer early, but in others, it’s far from definitive, and that can create a host of new problems.

IAN OLIVER: Because we don’t know what to do; some men are being over treated. They are being frightened by a diagnosis of a disease that, for them, isn’t going to be a problem. So, it’s not that this test is harmless.

RON BENDER: You could use the same argument with breast screening. A lot of women find benign lumps, benign tumours, and they have them removed and they are happy at the end of the exercise to find that they don’t have cancer. I think men would be equally happy to find that they didn’t have prostate cancer. But what about the large percentage of those men that will have cancer?

SCOTT BEVAN: For Professor Jim Denham, the doubts swirling around PSA testing have an air of history repeating. 25 years ago, he recalls, breast cancer screening was also questioned. Now, there is no question; it’s helped save many women’s lives. PSA testing, he believes, can do the same for men.

JIM DENHAM: It is reckoned to be about as reliable as mammographic screening. One in four men with an elevated level are likely to have prostate cancer.

SCOTT BEVAN: Well, if mammograms have about the same accuracy as PSA testing and mammography is now widely accepted, why aren’t PSA tests?

JIM DENHAM: Well, I think the reason for that is because prostate cancer treatment and research is that much behind breast cancer research, about 20 to 30 years, in fact.

SCOTT BEVAN: And it is what comes after the test results, according to the College of GPs’ Professor Mark Harris, that is different.

MARK HARRIS: It is much simpler to do a biopsy on the breast in the majority of cases and we’ve got some interventions that we can offer that make a really big difference, in the vast majority of women.

SCOTT BEVAN: Australian medical organisations, governments, doctors and patients are waiting to see the results of two major trials into prostate screening being held overseas. Now, those results are expected next year, but the hope here is that they will provide clearer answers as to whether a nationwide screening program would be beneficial. Until then, it seems, the mixed messages about PSA testing will continue.

IAN OLIVER: We would like there to be an effective screening test, but we need to know that first.

JIM DENHAM: I think evidence has come from the screening trials already that, despite its imperfections, the PSA test will identity early cases of prostate cancer in large numbers.

RON BENDER: I think PSA should get the same level that breast cancer screening is. I think it should get there quickly. We are worth it. We are not just statistics. We’re not just these numbers on paper that don’t matter. We are real human beings who want to live happy and productive lives in our old age.

KERRY O’BRIEN: That report from Scott Bevan.

Edmund LAWLESS

| 25/01/2018

Edmund LAWLESS

Late of “Fishburton”, Balaclava-road, Marsfield

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ????

Rank: Constable – 1866,

Senior Constable – appointed ? April 1870,

Senior Sergeant – pre 10 January 1883,

Sub Inspector – January 1883,

Inspector – 1 April 1893,

Inspector – Retirement – 1899

Stations: London Metropolitan Police – Bow St Station, E. Division ‘Sergeant’ ( England ) – Resigned – moved to Victoria, Australia.

Victoria Police Force – ( about 1852 ) Sergeant – Resigned.

NSW Police ( from 1866 ), Parramatta St Station ( April 1870 ),

Regent St ( 2 Division ) Constable to Sub Inspector,

Christchurch Police Station ( Jan 1890 ),

Redfern ( Sub-Division of 2 Division at the time )( 7 Division ) – OIC as Sub Inspector 1891, Inspector – 18 August 1893. Left Redfern in 1899

Service: From ? ? 1866 to 31 January 1899 = 33+ years Service

Awards: No find on It’s An Honour

Born: ? ? 1828, Salisbury, England

Died on: Wednesday 1 January 1902

Age: 74

Cause: heart disease and dropsy

Event location: ‘The Fisherton’, Balaclava Rd, Marsfield

Event date: Wednesday 1 January 1902

Funeral date: Thursday 2 January 1902 about 3pm at ‘The Fisherton’

Funeral location: ?

Funeral performed by: Rev. Charles Baber of Church of England, Epping

Buried at: Field of Mars Cemetery, Quarry Rd, Ryde

Church of England Section B 1016

FOM – CENG -B – 601 – 1016

Memorial located at: ?

INSCRIPTION:<br /> In Loving Memory of my Dear Husband Edmund LAWLESS who died 1st January 1902 aged 74 years.<br /> For ever with the Lord.<br /> also Marion LAWLESS wife of above.<br /> Born 18th Dec. 1846, Died 30th Jan 1948<br /> in her 100th year.<br /> The Lord is my Shepherd.<br /> also Letitia Charlotte LAWLESS<br /> Daughter of above<br /> Died 7th Dec. 1949<br /> — **INSCRIPTION:**
In Loving Memory of my Dear Husband Edmund LAWLESS who died 1st January 1902 aged 74 years.
For ever with the Lord.
also Marion LAWLESS wife of above.
Born 18th Dec. 1846, Died 30th Jan 1948
in her 100th year.
The Lord is my Shepherd.
also Letitia Charlotte LAWLESS
Daughter of above
Died 7th Dec. 1949

[alert_yellow]EDMUND is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO

[divider_dotted]

Approximate location of grave:

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

[divider_dotted]

May they forever Rest In Peace

[divider_dotted]

There is a Marriage, in Victoria, Australia, in 1855 in the Victoria Marriage Index with “Might” be him – but I can’t access those records.

“POSSIBLY” GOT MARRIED ON 16 September 1869 to Marian ROBERTSON from Wollongong. See article.

NSWBDM – MARRIAGE

Registration number 7627/1895

Groom’s Family Name LAWLESS

Groom’s Given Name(s) EDMUND

Bride’s Family Name(s) COLLIER

Bride’s Given Name(s) MARGARET M

District REDFERN

NSWBDM – DEATH

Registration number 2915/1902

Father’s Given Name(s) EDMUND C

Mother’s Given Name(s) SUSAN

District RYDE

[divider_dotted]

Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 – 1923),

Friday 3 January 1902, page 3

THE LATE INSPECTOR LAWLESS.

The funeral of ex-PoIice-inspector Lawless, who died on Wednesday, aged 74, took place yesterday at the Field of Mars Cemetery. The cortege moved from the deceased’s Into residence, “The Fisherton,” Marsfield, about 3 o’clock, and was followed by a large concourse of mourners in vehicles and on foot.

A short service was held at the residence by the Rev. Charles Baber (Church of England), who also officiated at the grave.

The chief mourners were Mr. Edmund Lawless, Mr. Frank Lawless, Miss Letitia Lawless, and Miss Marion Lawless.

Among those present were: Inspector Potter (representing the Inspector-General of Police). Inspector Bell, and Sub-Inspector Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Crandon, Mrs. Bell, Mr. and Mrs. Robertson, Mrs. Pettitt, and Messrs. Crabbe, Aitken, W. Chaffer, Nicolls, Beverley, Puckren, Kincott, Sparrow, Scott, G. Pettitt, Morrison, senr., A. Morrison, and others.

The late Inspector Lawless for some nine years before his retirement from the police force of New South Wales, was in command of the Redfern Division, now known as No. 7, in the charge of which he was succeeded by Inspector Garland.

Inspector Lawless retired some two years ago on pension, and removed to Marsfield. Up to that time he was one of the oldest police officers In the State.

Originally he joined the London police, in which he attained the rank of sergeant.

About 1852 he came to Victoria, where he also held a sergeant‘s rank in the Victorian police force.

In 1866 he joined the New South Wales police as a constable, and gradually rose in rank until, in 1883, he became an acting sub-inspector.

In April, 1893, he was made an Inspector.

Altogether, the deceased was connected with No. 2 Police Station for 25 years, in addition to nine years’ service in the Redfern district.

He leaves a widow and seven daughters and two sons.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/237346941

[divider_dotted]

Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 – 1950),

Saturday 4 January 1902, page 10

MARSFIELD.

DEATH.— Mr. Edmund Lawless, of Balaclava-road, Marsfield, died at his residence on the afternoon of New Year’s Day, and was buried on Thursday afternoon at the Field of Mars General Cemetery. The cause of death was heart disease and dropsy from which the deceased who was 74 years of age had been suffering for some time past. He leaves a widow and large family.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/86201137

[divider_dotted]

Inspector Edmund Lawless
Born: 1828 England
Died :1 January 1902
Resting Place: Field of Mars Cemetery, Ryde NSW

This is a transcript from the Sydney Morning Herald dated 3 January 1902

DEATH OF INSPECTOR LAWLESS.

A VETERAN POLICE OFFICER.

Inspector Lawless, who had been connected with the New South Wales police force for over 30 years, but retired two years ago owing to ill-health, died at his residence, The Fisherton, Balaclava-road, Marsfield, on Wednesday, at the age of 74 years.

Before coming to the colonies Mr. Lawless was attached to the London Metropolitan Police, and was stationed at Bow-street station, E. division. He held the rank of sergeant, in which capacity he was on duty at the International Exhibition 1851. The following year Mr. Lawless resigned from the London police and went to Victoria, where he joined the local force.
He was afterwards appointed as a sergeant, and retained that position until the gold rush broke out, when he resigned and interested himself in mining matters.

About two years later Mr.Lawless joined the New South Wales police force, and was attached to No.2 division, where he rose from the lowest rank to that of sub-inspector. During the year 1891 he was placed in charge of Redfern division, which was then a subdivision of No.2, but which subsequently became a division in itself.

In April, 1893, he was appointed an inspector, but remained at Redfern until 1899, when he retired. Since that time he has resided at Marsfield. The late Inspector Lawless was a man who was highly respected, and who gained the confidence of the public and the men who
served under him.

The deceased gentleman leaves a widow, two sons, and seven daughters.
The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, when the remains were interred in the Field of Mars Cemetery, Ryde. The Rev. Charles Baber, of the Church of England, Epping, held a short service at the house and also conducted the service at the grave side. The remains were followed to their last resting place by a large number of personal friends and police officials.

The chief mourners were Mr. Edmund Lawless, Mr. Frank Lawless, Miss Letitia Lawless, and Miss Marion Lawless.

Among others who attended were Inspector Potter (representing the Inspector-General of Police), Inspector Bell, Sub-inspector Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Crandon, Mr. and Mrs.Robertson. Mrs Pettitt, Mrs.Bell, and Messrs. Nicolls, Chaffer, W. Chaffer, Aitken, Crabbe, Puckren, Kincott, Scott, George Pettitt, Morrison, sen , Andrew Morrison, and Aldermen Beverley and Sparrow.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/14446884

[divider_dotted]

Australian Star (Sydney, NSW : 1887 – 1909), Wednesday 17 August 1898, page 2

SUNDAY TRADING.

Inspector Edmund Lawless proceeded against Thomas Oates at the Redfern Police Court yesterday, before Mr. Smithers, S.M., for selling liquor on Sunday, at his premises, Man of Kent Hotel, Redfern and Morehead streets. Accused was ordered to pay a fine of £2, and 5s 6d costs, half of which is to go to the Police Reward Fund.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/228451629

[divider_dotted]

Miss Edith LAWLESS – Daughter

John CONNAUGHTON – Son-in-Law

Susan Lynette BRENNAN

| 25/01/2018

Susan Lynette BRENNAN

aka Sue, Twiggy & Olive Oil

Late of ?

New South Wales Police Force

NSW Police Academy Class 138

Regd. # 00190 ( Police Woman )

Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 25 February 1974

Senior Constable – appointed 25 February 1983

( as of the 1989 Stud Book – Sue had passed her Sgt 3/c exam )

Detective Sergeant

Stations: ?, National Crime Authority ( N.C.A. ), Marrickville, Newtown Detectives, Drug Special Forces Unit ( D.S.F.U. ) from 1974, Petersham – Retirement

Service: From 14 January 1974 to 1 October 1997 = 23+ years Service

Awards: National Medal – granted28 May 1990

Born: 27 November 1949

Died on: Thursday 21 December 2017

Age: 68

Cause: Heart attack

Event location: Goulburn shopping centre, ( Centro ), Auburn St, Goulburn, NSW

Event date: Thursday 21 December 2017

Funeral date: Wednesday 10 January 2018 @ 10.15am

Funeral location: Northern Suburbs Crematorium, North Chapel, 199 Delhi Rd, North Ryde, NSW

Susan Lynette BRENNAN
aka Twiggy & Olive Oil
Class 138 of Feb 1974 – 30th Class Reunion

Buried at: Cremated

Memorial located at: ?

SUE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO

Funeral location:

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

May they forever Rest In Peace

It has been reported that Sue, whilst in the Goulburn shopping centre, NSW, on Thursday 21 December 2017, collapsed and passed away.

Further details will be entered as information comes to hand.

Condolences to Sue’s friends and family at this sad time.

Sue was a keen Bonsai artist.

Cal

TWO Tributes from the Sydney City Bonsai Club to Sue Brennan.

Attached with permission.

Sue Brennan – from Bryan

Tribute to Sue Brennan

**BACK ROW**: ( L – R ) Steve **COLEMAN** # 16303, Peter **RACKLEY** # 16113, Peter **STARLING** # 16173, Peter **JOHNSON** # 16180, Harry **BAKER** # 16055, Noel **RADBURN** # 16167, Don **COLQUHOUN** # 16252 **MIDDLE ROW**: George **MANERA** # 16109, Sam **NICHOLSON** # 16282, Colin **CROSSLAND** # 16267, **Paul McKAY #** 16231, Steve **MAWSON** # 16163, Stephen **DAVIES** # 16137, Ross **EMERSON** # 15904 **FRONT ROW**: Robert **DREW** # 16134, **Sue BRENNAN** # P/W 190, Roger **FORD** # 11545 ( Instructor ), **Kevin JOHNSON** # 7887 ( Director ), Peter **MOFFATT** # 8171 ( Instructor ), Geoffrey **JENKINS** # 16130, Hank **KIRCH** # 16011

Sue - demonstrating one of her skills with the bonsai — Sue – demonstrating one of her skills with the bonsai

Presentation Photo: Sue Brennan standing in for Colin Hugo at the Presentation.

Waverley Bonsai Group Newsletter_2016-05-01

Leonard James FLANAGAN

| 25/01/2018

Leonard James FLANAGAN

AKA FLASH

Late of Green Valley, NSW – recently of the Cairns area, Qld

New South Wales Police Force

[alert_yellow]Regd. # 9578[/alert_yellow]

Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 29 February 1960

Constable 1st Class – appointed 7 September 1966

Senior Constable – appointed 7 September 1970

Resigned as Senior Constable in February 1982

Stations: ?, Glebe ( 1968 ), Regent Street ( 2 Division ), Fairfield – 34 Division, Liverpool – 22 Division, – Resignation

Service: From ? ? pre Feb 1960? to ? February 1982 = 21 years Service

Awards: National Medal – granted 15 September 1980

Born: 26 May 1938

Died on: Thursday 21 December 2017

Age: 79

Cause: Cancer, Liver & Kidney

Event location: Cairns, Qld

Event date: Thursday 21 December 2017

Funeral date: ? ? ? TBA

Funeral location: ? TBA

Buried at: ? TBA

Memorial located at: ?

[alert_yellow]FLASH is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO

[divider_dotted]

Funeral location: TBA

[divider_dotted]

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

[divider_dotted]

May they forever Rest In Peace

[divider_dotted]

Flash Flanagan was a rough and ready Policeman who worked at Fairfield and Liverpool Police, on General Duties, before his Resignation in February 1982.

Flash was diagnosed with Liver & Kidney cancer one month prior to his passing. The Cancer was aggressive and quick. He was in palliative care when he passed.

Lenny was a real ‘old school’ cop, who never took a backward step from anyone.

After Resigning, he took on a pub in Port Douglas, Qld, for a few years after which he was selling real estate at Mossman, Qld, up to at least two years prior to his death.

He was a colourful guy who loved boxing and was very popular with all the new blokes arriving at # 2 Division ( Regent St ).

[divider_dotted]

Check back regularly for updates upon the funeral date.

Cal

[divider_dotted]

Arthur Alfred Jacob WILLMOTT

| 25/01/2018

Arthur Alfred Jacob WILLMOTT

father of Jacob WILLMOTT

Late of Leeton formerly of Strathfield

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ‘ Q ‘9019

For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )

Rank: Joined 22 August 1909

Constable – appointed 23 September 1910

Constable 1st Class – appointed 16 November 1915

Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 15 June 1928

Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 11 August 1935

Sergeant 2nd Class – Death

Stations: ?, Burwood ( Senior Station Sergeant 1930 – June 1936 ), Leeton ( from 3 June 1936 ) – Death

Duties: traffic, motor cycle duty, plain clothes and detective. Police Band.

Service: From 22 August 1909 to 23 February 1937 = 26+ years Service

Awards: No find on It’s An Honour

Born: 23 August 1888 at Paddington, Sydney

Died on: 23 February 1937

Age: 48

Cause: Rheumatics around the Heart

Event location: Leeton Police Residence

Event date: 23 February 1937

Funeral date: ? ? ?

Funeral location: ?

Buried at: Cremated at Rookwood Crematorium

Memorial located at: ?

Jacob Willmott with his sons Jack (left) and Arthur (right); Jacob Willmott was the first police sergeant at Corrimal. 1920 — **Jacob Willmott** with his sons **Jack** (left) and **Arthur** (right); Jacob Willmott was the first police sergeant at Corrimal. 1920

Wedding of A Willmott, son of Jacob Willmott; Back row from left: Mr Walters, Miss Shepherd, Bride, Miss Shepherd, .A. Willmott. Sitting from left: Mrs Walters, H. Willmott, Arthur Willmott, J. Willmott, Mrs Shepherd (sister of the bride and mother of the Misses Shepherd). ca. 1912 — Wedding of **A Willmott**, son of **Jacob Willmott**; Back row from left: Mr Walters, Miss Shepherd, Bride, Miss Shepherd, .A. Willmott. Sitting from left: Mrs Walters, H. Willmott, **Arthur Willmott**, **J. Willmott**, Mrs Shepherd (sister of the bride and mother of the Misses Shepherd). ca. 1912

[alert_yellow]ARTHUR is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO

[alert_red]ARTHUR is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_red] *BUT SHOULD BE

[divider_dotted]

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

[divider_dotted]

May they forever Rest In Peace

[divider_dotted]

Narrandera Argus and Riverina Advertiser (NSW : 1893 – 1953), Friday 26 February 1937, page 2

Obituary

SERGT. ARTHUR A. J. WILLMOTT

For the second time within a period of a year, Leeton has been robbed of its Sergeant of Police to death.

On Tuesday morning Sergeant Arthur Alfred Jacob Willmott, aged 48 years, died at his home from heart trouble. The first sign of sickness was on Thursday of last week at the court of petty sessions, but the sergeant carried on till the close of the court on Friday. On Saturday it was necessary for him to go to bed. On Monday he spoke of going on holidays next week on account of feeling run down.

His sudden death came as a shock to the people of Leeton, for it is less than a year since his predecessor ( Sergeant Ferris ) died suddenly at the same house on April 8 last, after being only three months at Leeton.

Sergeant Willmott went to Leeton from Burwood in June last. He is survived by his widow and one daughter, Mrs. Blackmore, of Pennant Hills.

The body was taken to Sydney for burial.

Sergeant Willmott visited Narrandera in the course of his duty at the last sitting of the Quarter Sessions, and was very well respected by his comrades in this district, as well as others with whom he came in contact.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/100811468

[divider_dotted]

Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 – 1954),

Wednesday 24 February 1937, page 3

POLICE SERGEANT’S DEATH

HOODOO ON RESIDENCE ?

DEMISE AND ILLNESS OF PREDECESSORS LEETON.

Tuesday.

Sergeant Alfred Arthur Jacob Willmott, aged 48, who came to Leeton on June 3 last, from Burwood, Sydney, died suddenly this morning, ( 23rd ) after three days’ illness. Before coming to Leeton, he was senior station sergeant at Burwood. Sergeant Willmott was in robust health up till Saturday, and his death has shocked the community, especially in view of the fact that his predecessor, Sergeant Ferris, formerly of Wagga, died in almost exactly similar circumstances less than a year ago after he had been in Leeton only three months.

It is a coincidence that both Sergeant Ferris and Sergeant Willmott died in the new official residence in similar circumstances, the first occupant of which was ex-Sergeant Thomson, who went into it a few months before he was due for retirement. He suffered a critical illness, but is now restored to health.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/144380129

[divider_dotted]

Murrumbidgee Irrigator (Leeton, NSW : 1915 – 1954),

Tuesday 23 February 1937, page 2

DEATH OF POLICE SERGEANT

SERGEANT Arthur Alfred Jacob Willmott, aged 48 years, of the Leeton police force, died this morning at his home, from rheumatics around the heart.

The first sign of sickness was on Thursday last ( 18 Feb ) at the Petty Sessions Court, but the sergeant carried on till the close of the court on Friday ( 19 Feb ). On Saturday ( 20 Feb ) it was necessary for him to go to bed. Yesterday ( 23 Feb ) he spoke of going on holidays next week on account of feeling run down.

The late Sergeant Willmott came to Leeton on June 3 last, from Burwood. He was an obliging and courteous officer and a man who gave personal attention to any cases of distress, which came under his notice.

Prior to coming to Leeton, he was senior station sergeant at Burwood divisional headquarters for six years, and had had all-round experience including traffic, motor cycle duty, plain clothes and detective work. He had also been a member of the police band.

His sudden passing has come as a shock to the people of Leeton, for it is less than a year since his predecessor Sergeant Ferris, died suddenly in the same house on April 8 last, after only being three months in Leeton.

The late Sergeant Willmott is survived by his widow and one daughter, Mrs. Blackmore, of Pennant Hills.

The body will be taken to Sydney today for cremation, under arrangements of Ashtons.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/156155036

[divider_dotted]

Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),

Friday 7 May 1937 (No.64), page 1911

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

PROBATE JURISDICTION.

In the matter of the estates of the undermentioned deceased persons and in the matter of the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1898-1932; the Public Trustee Act, 1913-1936, and the Testator’s Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Act, 1916.

NOTICE is hereby given that the Public Trustee has this day filed in the Registry of this Honourable Court his elections to administer the estates of the following deceased persons:—

Arthur Alfred Jacob Willmott, late of Leeton, in the State of New South Wales, sergeant of police, who died 23rd February, 1937 (will dated 4th July, 1919).

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/224750826

[divider_dotted]

South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 12 August 1932, page 13

CORRIMAL

Sergeant Jacob Willmott; formerly officer-in-charge of Corrimal police station for many years, died in Sydney on Tuesday, aged 72 years. One son, Arthur is a police sergeant at Burwood. His wife predeceased him a few months ago.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/142528192

[divider_dotted]

South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 6 May 1932, page 10

Bulli – Woonona

FUNERAL OF Mrs WILLMOTT

The remains of the late Mrs. Willmott, whose death is reported elsewhere, were interred in the C. of E. cemetery, Woonona, on Wednesday afternoon, alongside her son, Jack.

Rev. Turner administered the last sad rites and the chief mourners were the husband, Jacob Willmott, and son and daughter-in-law, Arthur and Ada.

The pall-bearers were old and intimate friends of the family — Messrs A. V. Green, A. Robb, R. Moore and J. Fitzgerald.

There was a wealth of floral tributes from friends in all parts of the State.

Those at the graveside included Detective Dymock, Mrs. Coleman and family, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Sweeney, Mr. Fahey ( Bankstown ) and Messrs English and Barker.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/142529682

[divider_dotted]

On 6 November, 1919 Constables Joseph Hush and Arthur ( Arthur Alfred Jacob )Willmott ( Q 9019 ) went to Roseville where they made enquiries into a robbery. On completion of these enquiries at about 5pm, they accepted a lift back to their station with a lorry driver. They had almost reached the Chatswood Police Station when a tyre on the vehicle blew out, causing it to overturn. Both constables were trapped beneath the vehicle and seriously injured. Both were conveyed to the Royal North Shore Hospital where Constable Hush unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Constable Willmott recovered from his injuries.

The Sydney Morning Herald of 7 November, 1919 reported that ” Constable Hush, who was 39 years of age, had been in the police service for nearly 12 years. He was known as a steady, reliable man, who had performed good work on many occasions. He lived in Edward Street, Willoughby, and leaves a wife and six children. “

[divider_dotted]

Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954),

Wednesday 2 July 1919, page 10

WILLMOTT .- July 1, at R.P.A. Hospital. Sydney. John Thomas Willmott, ( late 20th Batt. A.I.F. ) dearly loved husband of Mary Adelaide (Molly ) Willmott of Fairmount street, Lakemba, aged 28 years.

WILLMOTT.- July 1, 1919, at R.P.A. Hospital, Sydney, John Thomas ( late A.I.F. ) dearly loved son of ex-Sergeant of Police Jacob Willmott late of Corrimal. South Coast, and brother of Constable A. J. Willmott of Chatswood police, aged 23 years.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/15844886

[divider_dotted]

Bruce John HEARD

| 25/01/2018

Bruce John HEARD

Late of Ballina

New South Wales Police Force

NSW Police Academy ( Redfern ) Class 145

Regd. # 16719

Rank: Initial Training – commenced Tuesday 5 November 1974 ( aged 19 years, 8 months, 13 days )

Probationary Constable – appointed 16 December 1974 ( 19 years, 9 months, 23 days )

Constable – appointed 16 December 1975

Senior Constable – appointed 16 December 1983

Final Rank: Senior Constable – Retirement on 2 February 2007

Stations: ?, Bankstown GD’s, North Sydney HWP, Blacktown ( 27 Division ) HWP ( 1980’s ), Bass Hill HWP, Parramatta ( 18 Division, H District ) HWP, Parramatta Accident Investigation Section, Ballina Accident Investigation Section, Coraki ( GD’s ), Casino Patrol, Byron Bay – Retirement

Service: From 5 November 1974 to 2 February 2007 = 32 years, 2 months, 28 days Service

Age at Retirement: 54 years, 7 months, 14 days

Time in Retirement: 10 years, 10 months, 12 days

Awards: National Medal – granted 15 November 1991 ( SenCon )

1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 6 April 2001 ( SenCon )

Born: Thursday 19 June 1952

Died on: Thursday 14 December 2017

Age: 65 years,5 months, 25 days

Cause: Cancer

Event location: Ballina Hospital

Event date: Thursday 14 December 2017

Funeral date: Wednesday 20 December 2017 @ 11am

Funeral location: Park View Funeral Home, 21 Kalinga St, Ballina, NSW

Buried at: Cremated

Memorial located at: ?

Photo of Bruce receiving his NSW Police Medal at Ballina RSL Club 2 years ago from Superintendent Greg Martin.

JOHN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO

Funeral location:

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

May they forever Rest In Peace

Bruce, prior to joining the NSWPF, was a tow truck operator.

Class 145 names, Bruce John HEARD, Bruce HEARD — Members of Class 145 who Trained at Redfern Police Station between 5 November 1974 – 16 December 1974 but this list does NOT contain the names of the Cadets who were in this Class.

Peter CameronGroup Admin Just for the information of some who knew Bruce; he had a very large turnout for his funeral today. A whole bunch of retired and serving people there and even one bloke, Mick Pearce, who flew in from Melbourne. Bruce was given a very fitting service for his 32 yrs in the cops and I must say camaraderie is still alive and well despite what we sometimes think.

John Thomas O’BRIEN

| 25/01/2018

John Thomas O’BRIEN

Late of ?

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # 2815

( this Regd # pre-dates the current numbering system which commenced on 25 February 1915 )

Rank: Mounted Constable – appointed 4 October 1876

Constable 1st Class – appointed 1 June 1878

Stations: ?, Muswellbrook ( 1877 – Sept 1880 ), Cessnock ( 1880 ), Cooranbong ( 1884 ), Coonamble ( 1886 ), Lochinvar ( 1888 ), possibly stationed at Greta ( 1891 ), Lockup Keeper at Paterson, Mulbring and Forster. At the time of his death he was stationed at Raymond Terrace.

Service: From 4 October 1876 to 31 May 1906 = 29+ years Service

Awards: No find on It’s An Honour

Born: 13 October 1845 @ Menangle, NSW

Died on: Thursday 31 May 1906

Age: 60

Cause: Heart attack

Event location: Outside Raymond Terrace Court

Event date: Thursday 31 May 1906

Funeral date: ? ? ?

Funeral location: Pioneer Hill, Raymond Terrace Historic Cemetery, Elizabeth Ave

Buried at: ?

Memorial located at: ?

[alert_red]JOHN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_red] *BUT SHOULD BE

[divider_dotted]

Funeral location: TBA

[divider_dotted]

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

[divider_dotted]

May they forever Rest In Peace

[divider_dotted]

Dear people. This is a VERY long post about Mounted Constable John Thomas O’BRIEN and his time line. Born 1845, died 1906.

I put it up because of the entry in 1883. This was not just a normal sitting on the last day of the Court at Cooranbong for the time being. After all proceedings had been dealt with, it would appear that it was a ‘set up’ by a number of Magistrates, JP’s and persons of note who were present at the end of Court proceedings at which Constable O’Brien was giving evidence. These other Magistrates etc would not normally have been in the one place at the same time.

At the time of his death he had a wife and 6 children ( his second wife ) to which she was paid a ‘gratuity‘ of 240 pounds to pay for funeral expenses. His second wife died September 1906 at Picton 4 months after John. He had about 8 children with his first wife whom had died then married his second wife.

I have NEVER seen/found a testimonial given to a serving Constable under such circumstances as a transfer.

His stations included Muswellbrook, Cessnock, Coonamble, Cooranbong, Lockup Keeper at Preston, Lochinvar, Mulbring and possibly Forster. At the time of his death he was stationed at Raymond Terrace.

1845.
John Thomas O’Brien, born 13/10/1845, Menangle, New South Wales to Irish born parents both of whom were born County Limerick, Ireland.
1876
John Thomas O’Brien – Appointment to Mounted Police NSW 4 Oct, 1876. Registered No. 2815. Height: 5ft 7inches. Eyes: Hazel. Hair: Dark. Complexion: Dark. A Native of: N S Wales Married or Single: M. Calling: Timber Dealer. Religion: R C. Appearance: Good. District: North East. Date of Apptmt: 4 Oct, 1876 Rank: Constable. Remarks: 1st Class 1/6/78
1877
Stationed at Muswellbrook, NSW. (Trove court notices)
1878
1/6/1878. Promoted to Constable 1st Class
1880
Stationed at Cessnock, NSW. (Trove court notices)
1883
An extract from Maitland Times 1883 regarding Const John Thomas O’Brien on the final day of the 2 week sitting of the CPS Cooranbong, who gave evidence on a couple of matters.
Before the court adjourned, and whilst the magistrates were still on the bench, between four and five p.m., the Police Magistrate presented to Constable John Thomas O’Brien a very handsome gold watch and chain (Burton make and Indian turned), which had been sent after Mr.O’Brien by the people at Cessnock, where he had lately been stationed, in recognition of had lately been stationed, in recognition of his services there. The watch and chain, valued at £34 sterling, were accompanied by a suitable address.-

The Police Magistrate (Mr. Beeve), in presenting the watch and chain to Constable O’Brien, said:
“Mr. O’Brien, the Cooranbong Bench are very happy indeed to see that your services have been so cordially recognised, and so handsomely acknowledged by those amongst whom, at Cessnock, for some considerable time, you discharged your duties as a peace officer. Speaking for myself personally, and feeling sure that I am only expressing the sentiments of my brother magistrates, Mr. Andrew S. Browne and Mr. Thomas Bussell, J.P, I am bound to state that I esteem this portion of Brisbane Water, and the country adjacent thereto, extremely fortunate in having a police officer stationed here, who is at once courteous, fearless, intelligent, and independent-animated (as we think) by a sincere desire to do all his duty, without any wish whatever to go beyond it, We are then more pleased to be the persons chosen to hand you this very beautiful watch and chain, because their value has been, in our opinion, very greatly enhanced through an official permission, given to us by your superiors publicly to make this presentation to you on behalf of your friends at Cessnock. The neatly engrossed address (above referred to) signed on behalf of the inhabitants of Cessnock, by Messrs. Martin Bouffier, Walter C. Green J.P., J, A. Jones, William Stafford, L, C. Kelman, John Gouldsbury, John Doyle, and Michael Carroll, was also handed over to Constable O’Brien, with the watch and chain.
It was as follows: To Constable J. T, O’Brien, Cessnock.
Dear Sir. Hearing that you are about to be promoted to another station we desire to express our regret at your departure. During the period of two years’ and a-half residence amongst us, you have discharged important and frequently very difficult duties, with benefit to the public and much credit to yourself. The representatives of every interest acknowledge that your activity and vigilance have given security and protection. Your exemplary propriety of demeanour has justly gained for yourself and family our respect and esteem. With this intimation of our appreciation of your meritorious conduct, we solicit your acceptance of the accompanying gold watch and chain. Wishing that you, together with Mrs. O’Brien and family, may be prosperous and happy in your new sphere of action. We remain, dear sir, yours sincerely,.
The two assisting magistrates, Mr. Andrew S. Browne, J.P., and Mr. Thomas Bussell, J.P., intimated their hearty concurrence in all that had been said by their chairman, Mr, E. Beeta-
Mr. J. T. O’Brien, in returning thanks to his good friends at Cessnock for the very handsome testimonial just presented to him in their name and in so complimentary a manner by the Bench, desired to say that he could only hope he might long continue to have a just claim to such terms of approval. It would always be his study to do his utmost to gain and to retain the support of the bench at the place at which he might be stationed; and, at the same time, to do his duty, fearlessly and conscientiously, towards the public at large. Whether he could always expect to please everybody by such a course was, of course, another matter. He begged their Worships to have the goodness to convey to the people of Cessnock his very strong sense of the kind feeling which they had been pleased thus liberally to manifest towards him, and to assure them of the very great pleasure it had given him to receive not only that beautiful watch and chain, but the kind address with which that testimonial was accompanied. He confessed he could hardly understand how he could have merited such a distinguished mark of approval from the people of Cessnock during the comparatively short time that he was amongst them, but during that short time he had, he felt bound to say, always driven to discharge his duty. It might have been that in so doing he might have sometimes have given offence to somebody; but if so, he could not help that.
Every policeman had his duty to do, and that duty he was at all times bound to hold himself ready to discharge, without laying himself out to please any person whatever, outside of it. He had made that, at the outset of his service in the force, a rule of duty, and he would always stick to it, he would never let any secondary consideration come between him and what he thought he ought to do. He begged the Bench to transmit to those who had sent him this watch and chain his heartfelt thanks. He would like also, in the same way to send his heartfelt thanks to Messrs. Carroll, Stafford, and Doyle for their friendly aid in assisting him to shift his things to Cooranbong, at his rather hasty removal from his old station, where, it seemed he had still, he was proud to think, so many friends. A similar acknowledgement was also due from him to those ladies at Cessnock, whose kindness and attention to Mrs. O’Brien and their young family on their leaving Cessnock was something it would be quite impossible for him ever to forget. The Court then adjourned until Monday, the 12th November.
1886
Stationed at Coonamble, NSW. Appointed as Clerk of the Petty Sessions.
1891
Possibly stationed at Greeta
1906.
Constable John Thomas O’Brien died 31/5/1906.
Constable John Thomas O’Brien, of Raymond Terrace, dropped dead outside the courthouse there on Thursday, from heart failure. Deceased was a well-known member of the police force of the State, in which he had served for 29 years and four months, and would have been entitled to retire upon his pension in eight months’ time. He had been in failing health for some time, and was just upon 6O years of age. Deceased, who was a smart, efficient constable, leaves a large family. For many years he occupied the position of lockup keeper at Paterson, and had also been stationed at Cessnock, Cooranbong, Mulbring, Lochinvar, and Foster.

From a public member family tree. – Buried at the “Pioneer Hill” Raymond Terrace Historic Cemetery. Burial service by Father Bernard McKierman.

I have sent off an inquiry to the Raymond Terrace Historical Society regarding our above friend and a possible burial site/headstone. Being the weekend, I may not hear for a while.

( Kevin Banister )

[divider_dotted]

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/18955779?

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/18949636?

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/18827411?

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/18918316?

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/854578?

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/811926?

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/126625136?

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/82628805?

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/137286529?

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/164384462?

[divider_dotted]