Buried at: Cremated at Castlebrook Cemetery. Ashes taken by family to Allambie Park, Gold Coast, Qld, where they are buried with his mother, father and grandmother
Memorial at:
Touchplate at the National Police Wall of Remembrance
[alert_green]TERRY IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
On the night of 1 December, 1976 Constable Moncur was the observer in a police Highway Patrol vehicle engaged in a high speed pursuit of a motor cycle in Adderton Road, Telopea. As the vehicle was negotiating a left hand bend in the roadway it skidded and collided with a parked vehicle. Constable Moncur sustained severe injuries and died the following morning.
The constable was born in 1953 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 24 September, 1974. At the time of his death he was attached to the Highway Patrol.
Photo available on line
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Deadly toll
By Jonathan Pearlman November 6, 2004
Alone in his patrol car, Chris Thornton had the police siren flashing as he chased a white sedan through Woy Woy.
Thornton, 35, a highway patrolman, had been in the force for 15 years. He was, his mother says, “the best driver I have ever seen”.
The reason for the chase that night in April 2002 is unknown. Both cars were seen travelling at high speed. Thornton was about 50 metres behind.
Meanwhile, Leonard Rowley, 56, an unlicensed driver, was driving to his local KFC to pick up dinner. He saw the first car flash past and judged – wrongly – that he had time to turn out in front of the patrol car. Thornton tried to avoid Rowley’s car but clipped the back, veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit a power pole.
Thornton died on the spot, which is marked by a permanent stainless-steel cross. Rowley later received a suspended two-year sentence.
“His life from the age of 12 was about helping people,” says Thornton’s mother, Freada Thornton. “He was in the surf club and he was there to rescue people and then he went into the force and he was doing the same thing.” His father, Barry Thornton, says: “He loved life. He had been in Gosford for 15 years and was so popular with the community there.”
Police pursuits are, says Barry, a necessary evil: “If they don’t catch the criminals there will be more deaths on the roads. The ones that they’re in pursuit of are the idiots that have done the wrong thing to start with.”
But pursuits have come at a cost to the NSW Police Department. Fifteen officers have died as a result of high-speed chases, beginning with the death of Constable George Boore in 1937.
Details provided by the NSW Police Association show a steady stream of fatalities involving cars and motorcycles. The full list of casualties is as follows:
Awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal. The U.N. Secretary-General established the Dag Hammarskjöld medal for posthumous award to members of peacekeeping operations who lost their lives during service with a peacekeeping operation under the operational control and authority of the United Nations.
Born: 12 April 1949 at Ryde, NSW
Died: Tuesday 12 November 1974
Cause of death: Murdered – Land Mine Explosion
Event location: near Lefka, Cyprus ( 5 days after arriving in the country )
Age: 25
Funeral date: 26 November 1974
Funeral location: ???
Grave location: Rookwood Cemetery, Rookwood
Ian Donald WARD
On 12 November, 1974 Constable Ward was serving with the Eleventh Australian Police Element in Cyprus. Whilst travelling in a Land Rover near Lefka the vehicle hit a landmine in the buffer zone. As a result Constable Ward was killed and Constable 1st Class John Woolcott was seriously injured.
Constable Ward is the 3rd and last Australian to die in Cyprus.
The constable was born in 1949 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 12 April, 1968. At the time of his death he was stationed in Cyprus and an Acting Sergeant.
John Woolcott recovered from his injuries and ” Wooly ” later retired from NSW Police Force either as an Sergeant at Manly Police Station or an Inspector at North Sydney / Mosman. This, is yet, to be confirmed. ( 10 August 2017 ).
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1974 – the funeral for Sergeant Ian Ward
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National Police Wall of Remembrance Touch Plate for Ian WARD
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17 June 2017 – Malaysia Memorial in Cyprus taken today as Australian Police complete the long mission and are leaving Cyprus.
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Ian’s memorial at the Goulburn Police Academy.
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Dag Hammarskjold Medal
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Memorial to Ian WARD – unveiled in 1985
2003 Police Remembrance Day is marked with a ceremony at the cairn erected in memory of Sergeant Ian Ward.
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Inscription: Killed in the service of peane Sgt Ian Donald Ward Aust. CivPol
The closure of Nicosia Airport meant a circuitous route to Cyprus for the second half of the eleventh contingent led by Merv Beck.
Although it was not known at the time, conditions on the Island and consequent reduction in UNFlCYP strength would make this the
last November rotation.
The group left Sydney on 6 November and were welcomed some days later at Akrotiri after flying with Qantas to London then busing to
the Brize Norton RAF Base near Oxford and thence via Malta to Cyprus.
RAF flights were ‘dry’ and the seats faced the rear, so the Australians appreciated the traditional welcome at Limassol Headquarters.
The newcomers ‘pumped’ the old hands for news of the war while they themselves were pressed for information about events in Australia.
The new arrivals were soon split up. Ray Leister was assigned Control Room duties while others went to Ktima and Polis.
After only five days on the Island the unthinkable happened near a road-block approaching Lefka.
Ian Ward, a replacement from New South Wales, was killed and John Woolcott injured when their Land Rover detonated a land-mine in an unmarked field.
The Australians were conveying a Turkish Cypriot family from Ayios Nicolaos to the Turkish Cypriot controlled area at Lefka and one of the four passengers was killed and the other three seriously injured.
The fatality cast a pall over the contingent.
A number of moving ceremonies were held before his body was flown home to Australia.
Twelve months later a cairn was erected to commemorate the tragedy and each twelve months a short service is held near the memorial.
Geoff Baker was a member of the Board of Inquiry convened under British military regulations to investigate the incident.
Land-mines were the major component of fortifications along the confrontation zone. UNFICYP had lodged a number of protests about mine-laying procedures and the fact that many fields were neither marked nor adequately recorded. UNFICYP began a special programme to remedy the deficiencies, but two UNFICYP soldiers were killed in similar circumstances during the following twelve months.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995), Wednesday 20 November 1974, page 3
Service
LONDON, Tuesday (AAP). – Representatives of all United Nations peace keeping forces in Cyprus will take part in a memorial service today for Sergeant Ian Ward, 25, a Commonwealth policeman of Sydney, who was killed in landmine explosion last week. His body will later be flown to Sydney for burial.
Located within the Honour Precinct is an original ornate marble tablet featuring early losses of New South Wales Police Officers. The tablet is flanked by the New South Wales state flag and the New South Wales Police Force flag.
The Peacekeeping Display honours all members of the NSW Police Force who have served in peacekeeping operations throughout the world and houses the Dag Hammerskjold medal belonging to the late SGT Ian Donald Ward who died in UNFICYP. This was donated to the NSW Police College on the 29th May, 2010 from Mr Ken Ward, OAM, father of SGT Ward.
On the 12th November, 1974, a member of this Force, Constable 1st Class I. D. Ward, who had arrived in Cyprus a few days before, and Constable 1st Class J. Woolcott, also of this Force, were carrying out humanitarian work transporting refugees. The United Nation’s land rover in which they were travelling struck a land mine on a road between Limassol and Lefka resulting in the death of Constable 1st Class Ward and severe injuries to Constable 1st Class Woolcott, Constable 1st Class Ward was posthumously awarded the United Nations Medal, Cyprus Division.
Joined via the NSW Police Cadets system on 12 August 1963
Cadet # 1864
Regd. #: ?
Rank: Constable 1st Class
Stations: Petersham,21 Special Squad
Service: From 12 August 1963 to 17 February 1974
Awards: ?
Born: 1946
Died on: 17 February 1974
Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident, High St, Penrith
Age: 27
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Pinegrove Memorial Garden, Minchinbury
[alert_blue]ROBERT IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue]
About 2am on 16 February, 1974 Constable Dominish was driving home at the completion of his shift. As he drove along High Street, Penrith a car travelling in the opposite direction crossed to the incorrect side of the roadway and collided head-on with Constable Dominish’s vehicle. He died later that morning at Penrith District Hospital from injuries received in the collision.
The constable was born in 1946 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 16 June, 1963. At the time of his death he was attached to the No. 21 Special Squad, CIB.
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Neville Charles PARKER
| 27/10/2012
Senior Constable Neville Charles PARKER
Regd. # 9606
Age: 34
Motor Vehicle Accident
Sans Souci
12 November, 1972
About 11am on 23 October, 1972 Senior Constable Parker was driving a Police Special Traffic Patrol vehicle in Rocky Point Road, Sans Souci. Near Fraters Avenue the vehicle hit a wet, greasy patch on the roadway, skidded and collided with a light pole. As a result Senior Constable Parker sustained severe internal injuries. He was conveyed to the Sutherland District Hospital where he died on 12 November, 1972.
The constable was born in 1937 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 29 February, 1960. At the time of his death he was stationed at Sutherland.
Patrick Mark HACKETT
| 27/10/2012
Patrick Mark HACKETT
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 10548[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 25 February 1963
Constable 1st Class – appointed 25 February 1968
1968 – Constable 1st Class ( Acting Inspector in Cyprus )
Stations: Warrants & Summons at Eastwood, Civilian Police Contingent – Cyprus – part of Australia’s 8th Contingent deployed in 1971.
Service: From Pre 25 February 1963 ( as a Trainee ) to 29 August 1971 = 8+ years Service
[alert_green]PATRICK IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
Touch Plate at the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra, for Patrick Mark HACKETT
Constable Hackett was killed in Cyprus while on special duty in that country with the United Nations Civilian Police Force (UNCIVPOL). On the 29 August, 1971 he had driven to Episkopi and Paphos before setting out to return to Polis. Whilst negotiating a number of very sharp and dangerous hairpin bends, his vehicle left the roadway, crashed down an escarpment and overturned several times. Constable Hackett was killed instantly.
The constable was born in 1940 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 25 February, 1963. At the time of his death he was attached to the Civilian Police Contingent in Cyprus.
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17 June 2017 – Malaysia Memorial in Cyprus taken today as Australian Police complete the long mission and are leaving Cyprus.
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27 May 1940 – 29 August 1971
Patrick Hackett was a member of the NSW Police Force. He commenced as a Trainee in 1963 and was confirmed as a first class constable in 1968.
Patrick was sworn in as a Special Commonwealth Police Officer at the rank of inspector when he was selected to be part of Australia’s Eighth Contingent to Cyprus. The contingent, part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission to Cyprus, was deployed to Cyprus in 1971.
Inspector Hackett was tragically killed in a car accident near Stroumbi when his vehicle left the road on a sharp corner.
He was posthumously awarded the Police Overseas Service Medal with Cyprus clasp, the United Nations Service Medal and the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal.
Canberra: An Australian policeman serving in Cyprus has been killed in a traffic accident. He was Constable Patrick Mark Hackett, of the NSW Police force.
In 1997 the Dags Hammarskjold Medal is established by the United Nations to honour those who lost their lives whilst on a UN peacekeeping mission.
The family of Inspector Patrick Hackett receives the Dags Hammarskjold Medal in 2010 from Sergeant Mark Elms, NSW Police Academy.
Dag Hammarskjold Medal
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The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 25 October 1988 page 12 of 64
Patrick HACKETT – Mother at Cenotaph – 1988
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POLICE KILLED OR WHO DIED FROM INJURIES RECEIVED IN THE EXECUTION OF THEIR DUTIES
On 13th August, 1971, Senior Constable William Edward King, who was then the officer-in-charge of police, East Gresford, was shot dead at East Gresford Police Station by a man who fired upon him with a rifle.
On 29th August, 1971, Constable 1st Class Patrick Mark Hackett died from injuries received in a motor accident at Polis, Cyprus, whilst performing duty with the New South Wales Police component of the Australian Police Contingent of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force.
On 30th September, 1971, Sergeant Second Class William Watson Riley and Senior Constable Maurice Raymond McDiarmid, both then attached to Blacktown Police Station, were shot dead in a house at Toongabbie which they had entered to arrest a man who a short time before had murdered his brother and raped a woman in the same house.
A police funeral with full ceremonial honours was accorded these deceased officers at which appropriate tributes were paid.
In recognition of their outstanding courage Sergeant Riley and Senior Constable McDiarmid were posthumously promoted by me to Sergeant 1st Class and Sergeant 3rd Class respectively. In addition, I submitted recommendations to the Premier for favour of consideration of Royal Awards being granted in both cases.
To assist the widows of the deceased police the Premier approved the payment to each of them of the sum of $12,500 as a gratuity. This payment did not in any way affect their entitlements to payments under the provisions of the Police Regulation (Superannuation) Act.
About 9pm on 10 May, 1964 Constable Shaw was a member of a Police Wireless Car patrolling the Belmore area when they received a message regarding a break and enter offence. Whilst they were travelling along Reginald Street a vehicle drove through the intersection of Drummond Street, failing to give way to the police vehicle. The vehicles collided and all three police were thrown to the roadway. The injured were conveyed to the Canterbury District Hospital where Constable Shaw died of his injuries at 5pm the next day.
The constable was born in 1939 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 17 November, 1958. At the time of his death he was stationed at Redfern.
Colin Douglas ROBB
| 27/10/2012
Colin Douglas ROBB
Motor Vehicle Pursuit
Auburn
7 September, 1963
Constable
On 7 September, 1963 Constable Robb was the observer in a Police Special Traffic Branch vehicle driven by Constable Bartlett when they became involved in a high speed pursuit in Parramatta Road, Auburn. While attempting to overtake the offending vehicle the police vehicle collided with another car. The impact burst open the doors on the police car, throwing Constable Robb to the roadway and causing fatal injuries. He died before medical assistance arrived. Constable Bartlett was not seriously injured.
Constable Robb was born in 1935 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 5 March, 1962. At the time of his death he was attached to the Traffic Branch.
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Deadly toll
By Jonathan Pearlman November 6, 2004
Alone in his patrol car, Chris Thornton had the police siren flashing as he chased a white sedan through Woy Woy.
Thornton, 35, a highway patrolman, had been in the force for 15 years. He was, his mother says, “the best driver I have ever seen”.
The reason for the chase that night in April 2002 is unknown. Both cars were seen travelling at high speed. Thornton was about 50 metres behind.
Meanwhile, Leonard Rowley, 56, an unlicensed driver, was driving to his local KFC to pick up dinner. He saw the first car flash past and judged – wrongly – that he had time to turn out in front of the patrol car. Thornton tried to avoid Rowley’s car but clipped the back, veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit a power pole.
Thornton died on the spot, which is marked by a permanent stainless-steel cross. Rowley later received a suspended two-year sentence.
“His life from the age of 12 was about helping people,” says Thornton’s mother, Freada Thornton. “He was in the surf club and he was there to rescue people and then he went into the force and he was doing the same thing.” His father, Barry Thornton, says: “He loved life. He had been in Gosford for 15 years and was so popular with the community there.”
Police pursuits are, says Barry, a necessary evil: “If they don’t catch the criminals there will be more deaths on the roads. The ones that they’re in pursuit of are the idiots that have done the wrong thing to start with.”
But pursuits have come at a cost to the NSW Police Department. Fifteen officers have died as a result of high-speed chases, beginning with the death of Constable George Boore in 1937.
Details provided by the NSW Police Association show a steady stream of fatalities involving cars and motorcycles. The full list of casualties is as follows:
Service: From 18 October 1948 to 21 October 1954 = 6 years Service
Awards: ?
Born: ? ? 1926
Died on: 21 October 1954
Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident – ejected
Location of Event: north of the Hopefield Silose, Hopefiled Rd, Corowa
Age: 28
Funeral date: Monday 25 October 1954 @ 3pm
Funeral location: Woronora Crematorium
Buried at: Cremated at Woronora Cemetery
National Police Wall of Remembrance touch pad for Constable Edward Henry DILKS.
About 5.15pm on 21 October, 1954 Constable Dilks and District Licensing Inspector Sergeant Michael Joseph Whelan were returning to Corowa from an inspection at Brocklesby. Just north of the Hopefield Silos the rear, offside tyre on their vehicle blew out, causing the vehicle to swerve, leave the roadway and overturn several times. Both occupants were thrown from the vehicle. Constable Dilks was killed instantly while Sergeant Whelan sustained severe injuries. The constable left a wife and two children behind.
The constable was born in 1926 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 18 October, 1948. At the time of his death he was stationed at Corowa.
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South Coast Times & Wollongong Argus Thursday 29 April 1948 page 9 of 20
WEDDINGS
PHIPPS — DILKS
On Saturday, 28th February, at Wollongong Methodist – Church, the marriage was solemnised by the Rev. D. F. Almond between Lorna Ellen, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. V.B. Dilks of Wollongong, and Henry Thomas, only son of the late Mr.R. Phipps and Mrs Phipps, also of Wollongong.
The bride entered the church on the arm of her father wearing a classical cut gown of white crepe featuring a sweetheart neckline daintily hand embroidered and set in train with embroidery similar to that of the gown. The effect was enhanced by the two-tiered veil of tulle worn over an embroidered veil which was kindly lent by a friend of the bride, held in place by a coronet of orange blossoms while white carnations, tuber roses and stephanotis made up the charming bouquet.
The Matron of Honour, Mrs. Doug Williams (of Nowra) and the bridesmaid, Miss Jean Phipps, sister of the groom, wore identical frocks of shell pink and silver matching picture hats of crinolin straw. The bouquets consisted of blue delphiniums and pink carnations which toned in beautifully with the colour scheme.
Mr. Doug Williams, of Nowra, was bestman, and Mr. Edward Dilks, brother of the bride, groomsman.
The church had been tastefully decorated by friends.
During the signing of the register, Miss Olive Waters rendered “I Did Not Know” and “Because”; Mrs E. Tripp presided at the organ.
The reception held at the Methodist School Hall was attended by over seventy guests who were received by the bride’s mother wearing a suit of burgundy crepe with black accessories and a shoulder spray of pink carnations, assisted by the bridegroom’s mother wearing a royal blue dress with navy accessories and a shoulder spray of red roses.
With Mr. Les Redman presiding the customary toasts were honoured. Then the bride assisted by the groom, cut the beautifully decorated three tier cake made by the bride’s mother. The young couple received numerous telegrams of good wishes and congratulations.
The happy couple left for the Blue Mountains with the bride looking charming in cinamon crepe and matching accessories.
The future home of Mr. and Mrs. Phipps will be at Wollongong.
Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners’ Advocate Saturday 23 October 1954 page 2 of 20
DILKS. – The Relatives and Friends of Mr. and Mrs. V. B. DILKS, HARRY, LORNA and FAMILY, and GRAN are invited to attend the Funeral of their son, brother, Uncle and grandson, EDWARD HENRY DILKS, to take place at the Woronora Crematorium at 3 p.m. Monday.
Illawarra Daily Mercury ( Wollongong ) Monday 25 October 1954 page 4 of 12
Funeral Notices DILKS. — The officers and brethren of Lodge Aubrey Holloran No. 643 U.G.L. of N.S.W. and sister lodges are requested to attend the funeral service of their esteemed brother Edward Henry Dilks at Woronora Crematorium this Monday at 3 p.m. Regalia.
A bus for brethren will leave Parsons’ Funeral Parlour, Wollongong, at 1.15 p.m. J. S. Skillen, W.M. and E. L. Boyle, Secretary.
The Riverine Grazier ( Hay ) Tuesday 26 October 1954 page 2 of 4
SGT. WHELAN INJURED
Former police prosecutor for this district, Sgt. 1st Class, M. Whelan, was injured in an accident near Corowa last week. He was a passenger in a police car which skidded and overturned after a tyre had blown. The car’s driver, Const. Edward Henry Dilks, of Corowa police (formerly of Narrandera), was killed. Sgt. Whelan who has a broken arm, is at present in Corowa District Hospital.
On the evening of the 26 November, 1953 Constables Martin and Bacon were returning to the Belmont Police Station after attending the Newcastle Court. Constable Morris Bacon ( 27 old ) of Robert St, Strathfield, was driving his private car and Constable Martin was asleep in the front passenger seat. On the Pacific Highway at South Belmont the vehicle skidded, left the road and overturned. As a result both were taken to the Royal Newcastle Hospital however Constable Martin had sustained severe head injuries and died later that night.
The constable was born in 1921 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 16 April, 1950. At the time of his death he was stationed at Burwood.
National Police Remembrance Day ceremony in Lake Macquarie
David Stewart
September 29 2017 – 4:27PM
POLICE from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command have unveiled plans for a memorial wall at Belmont to honour the seven local officerskilled in the line of duty since 1863.
Plaques commemorating the seven officers were dedicated to the wall in a ceremony at Belmont police stationthis afternoon, National Police Remembrance Day.
Chief Inspector Murray Lundberg of Lake Macquarie LAC presided over a private ceremony attended by police, local high school students, and the families of the fallen officers.
“This is a time for reflection on the ultimate sacrifice that police officers can give in the execution of their duty,” Chief Inspector Lundberg said.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree, the Northern Region Commander, said the wall of remembrance, to be created on the distinctive blue wall at the entrance to the police station, would be striking.
“It will be a sight to treasure,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Greentree said.
“I want the officers, as they are walking out the front doors of this police station, to stop and reflect on the names, stop and reflect on the sacrifice.”
He said he hoped that the inaugural plaques to be installed on the wall were also the last.
“My dream is that we never, ever, add another name to this wall. I hope and pray that our wall is now complete.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Greentree reached out to the families of the fallen officers.
“No commemoration or recognition can make good the loss that is unfairly carried by family members,” he said.
“I can only offer you my heartfelt condolences. Please know that your loved ones, who are no longer with us, will always be remembered.”
Across NSW, ceremonies were held to commemorate the service and sacrifice of the 269 officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and through injury or illness, since the formation of the NSW Police Force in 1862.
Edwin Oliver PRATT
| 27/10/2012
Edwin Oliver PRATT
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 1812
Rank:
Sergeant 3rd Class
Stations:
Manly? Penrith ( 1940’s ), Katoomba – death
Service:
From 14 May 1924 to 19 November 1948 = 24+ years Service
Awards:
No find on It’s An Honour
Born:
Junee Junction, District of Narrandera, 8 March 1904
Event date:
1 October 1948
Event location:
Mountain Road (Great Western Highway) Katoomba, NSW
Died on:
19 November 1948
Cause:
Motor Vehicle Accident.
Hit by a timber jinker while directing traffic at a railway crossing.
(Timber jinker is a trailer designed to carry timber towed behind a truck)
Age: 44
Funeral date:
20 November 1948
Buried:
Katoomba Cemetery
Cemetery Rd, Katoomba, NSW.
Section KCE3 Row R1, Plot 2
His son, Ian Stephen PRATT ( son ) died on 7 July 1949, aged 4 years and is buried with his father.
Alma Charlotte PRATT ( wife ) died on 26 February 1959, aged 49, and is buried in the same plot also.
The three Police Officers were involved in numerous rescues/incidents in the Blue Mountains.
Photo taken outside Sinclair Motor Garage, Katoomba (unknown date)
Sgt Edwin Pratt from 1930 holding the grandmother of Leanne Bailey ( 2013 )
Constable 1st Class Edwin Oliver PRATT
70 years AFTER Sgt Pratt was Killed On Duty and this is his Unmarked grave at Katoomba Cemetery ( 2015 ) ( The Anderson grave is there as a reference point only ) Click photo to enlarge
In early 2017, thanks to the efforts of Ian COLLESS, NSWPF, Edwin’s grave went from an unmarked grave to having an appropriate headstone placed at the spot that Edwin, his wife and son now, forever, Rest In Peace.
Eucser Haze – Beyond Courage 24 August 2017 · Just one more update on Sgt Pratt’s grave with a NSW Police crest added to the marker. My thanks to John McDiarmid and NSWPF Protocol for their assistance. Olwyn Danny Ken for your information.
[alert_green]EDWIN IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
On the night of 1 October, 1948 Sergeant Pratt was directing traffic at a railway crossing at Katoomba. About 8.50pm a truck passed over the crossing and as it passed the sergeant attempted to walk behind it, not realising it was towing a timber jinker. Unfortunately the sergeant was hit by the jinker which inflicted severe injuries. He died on 19 November, 1948. He was survived by his wife Alma, sons Kevin and Ian, and daughter Olwyn.
The sergeant was born in 1904 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 14 May, 1924. At the time of his death he was stationed at Katoomba.
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On Thursday, 10 August 2017, the son-in-law – Retired Sgt 3rd Class Scott EDMONDS – married to Edwins daughter – Olwyn, passed away and was married to Olwyn for 51 years at the time.
[blockquote]
The death of Edwin has been widely circulated as having occurred on the 19 October 1948 which is INCORRECT and as of 30 October 2013, steps have been taken to have the correct date of 19 November 1948 recorded on all official touchstones and publications.
As of 14 October 2016, having checked the online website of the National Police Memorial, the data on the website HAS been changed to reflect the correct date of death as NOVEMBER BUT, unfortunately, the actual Touch Plate has NOT been altered and still displays ( as of Police Remembrance Day 2016 ) the incorrect date.
Unfortunately, the NSW Police Protocol Unit have done nothing to alter the Official website of http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/about_us/proud_traditions where the INCORRECT date is still reflected. I have, this date, sent a message to the Webmaster for NSWPF to action the website.
As of 9 March 2017 – I have never received a response to the message I sent to the Webmaster
The protocol Unit is located at:
NSW Police Protocol Unit
Level 6/ 151-241 Goulburn St (Riley St)
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Australia
Would have been nice if NSW Police Protocol Unit had let others know that they had actioned the matter in relation to the National Wall but I have now found out ( Friday 14 October 2016 ), that the actual Touch Plate on the National Wall of Remembrance has NOT been changed to reflect the correct date.
National Wall of Remembrance – Canberra Sergeant Third Class Edwin Oliver PRATT Katoomba New South Wales 19 October1948 ” October ” is incorrect. Correct month should show “November “
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BDM – Birth = 14621/1904 to Charles P. & Caroline A. Pratt at Narrandera.
BDM – Marriage = 10147/1934 to Alma C. NEVILLE in Sydney
BDM – Death = 29635/1948. Charles Pacey PRATT & Caroline Ann PRATT.
Today I remember all those that have gone before us, regardless of how they died or whether their name is recorded on a wall, or monument, or not.
I specifically spare a thought for those that lay in unmarked graves throughout the state-we shouldn’t permit this to happen or continue. For that very reason a special thought for Sgt 3rd Class Pratt killed in 1948 whose grave is pictured below.
Olwyn Pratt Edmonds That tiny cross was placed there by his granddaughter Stephanie and her children during the last school holidays.,I have not been there since I was a child as I didn’t know where to find it till recent years. I went there as a teenager looking for a headstone, but as we now know , there wasn’t one to find. Only in recent years was I able to find the location.
About unmarked police graves. I have been waiting for about 4 years for the Police Department to erect a headstone for my father Sgt 3/c Edwin Oliver Pratt. Promises promises. Last time I heard months ago that they were in the process of getting quote from stone mason for a full grave marker., but nothing since. The officer in charge is a very busy man indeed, so I do try to understand the delay. Would like to see it done in my lifetime.
Greg CallanderDid you check the PM that another member sent to you recently. It should be in your Others folder under messages about money towards the gravestone.
On this day 67years ago my father Sgt 3/c Edwin Oliver Pratt passed away after being injured in a motor vehicle accident on the railway crossing in Katoomba 6 weeks earlier.R.I.P
Comments
Rhonda Turnerinjured on police duty and aged just 44 when he died….. so sad for you then and now, Olwyn
Rod PrattThanks for going to the trouble of putting this on the page. I have been asked a lot if Sgt. Ed Pratt was related to me, and to be honest, I didn’t know. My dad was from Junee, and died when I was young, so I never really got the chance to find out a lot about him. When I saw the death certificate, and the fact that Ed Pratt was also from Junee, I went digging into state records and found that he was my fathers cousin. We have a lot of links with NSWPF, but mostly on my mothers side, and it was great to discover this new link. Police Remembrance Day has always been a big issue with me, due to the mates I have lost in the job, this is an even stronger link. Cheers Greg
Greg CallanderThat is cool Rod Pratt. I was contacted, a year or two ago, by Olwyn Pratt ( https://www.facebook.com/olwyn.prattedmonds?fref=ts ) who is the daughter of Ed. I would assume that she will have more information on Ed and, maybe, your father. It is certainly worth contacting her. Olwyn isn’t a member of this particular FB Group but is a member of NSW Fallen Police FB Group. I tried to ‘tag’ her to this message but, because she isn’t on this page, wasn’t able to.
Leanne Bailey This happened at Katoomba. The only other story I know was that he had about 12 children, and sometimes would have a few of them balanced all over his bicycle in the afternoon, taking them for a ride down High street and to the river for a swim.
feeling sad.