John Lindsay MARSH

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. #  ?

Rank:  Constable 1st Class

Stations:  ?, Glenn Innes ( 5 – 6 years ), Gloucester ( 10 months ) – death

Service:  From  8 January 1930  to  9 November 1943 = 13+ years Service

Awards:  ?

Born:  ? ? 1909

Died on:  Monday 9 November 1942 about 2pm

Event location:  southern end of Church St, Gloucester

Death location:  at MVA scene

Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident, Police bike & sidecar – Rider

Age:  33

Funeral date:  Wednesday  11 November 1942 @ 2pm

Funeral location:  St James Church of England, Maclean

Buried : Maclean General (Anglican).

Cameron Street, Maclean.

Anglican, Section C, Row CC, Lot 13

GPS: -29.466111, 153.201944

Memorial at:

 

 [alert_green]JOHN is included in the NSW Police Honour Roll.[/alert_green]

On 9 November, 1942 Constable Marsh was riding a police motor cycle outfit in Church Street, Gloucester. The cycle collided with a post, overturned and threw the constable to the roadway. As a result Constable Marsh suffered a fractured skull and despite being taken to hospital, died the same day.

 

The constable was born in 1909 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 8 January, 1930. At the time of his death he was stationed at Gloucester.

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The Dungog Chronicle                                 Friday,  13 November, 1942                          page 3 of 4

“SHOCKING ACCIDENT.    CONSTABLE MARSH KILLED.

A distressing fatality occurred in the southern end of Church Street, Gloucester, on Monday afternoon, when Constable John Lindsay Marsh was thrown from his motor cycle and received severe head injuries from which he died within a few minutes. The occurrence happened about 2 p.m., just at a small culvert almost in front of the home of Mrs. J. West, Sen. The constable left town and was on his way to Ward’s River on official duty. A few minutes before he was at the motor garage of Mr. A. Grahame and in excellent spirits. Mr. Jack West, who saw the happening from his home, said Mr. Marsh seemed to be doing something to the gears of the cycle. It suddenly veered to the left-hand side of the road way and the wheel of the sidecar struck the guide post of the culvert. The rider was thrown into the air and in falling his head appeared to come in contact with the hard road. The machine overturned, also, and skidded partly under the injured man. Constable Marsh was unconscious when help arrived, within a short space of time, but passed away without regaining consciousness, some fifteen or twenty minutes later. In addition to his parents, widow and son, the deceased is survived by four sisters: Mrs. Boon and Mrs. Moses, of Kogarah; Mrs. William S. Friar, 19 Boyce Street, Taree; and Mrs. Farlow, of Maclean.”

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NSWBDM

Born   – 5214/1909       Father = Walter   Mother = Barbara A         MacLean District

Married 1932 to Sheila Daphne MARSH nee THOMAS in Narrabri, NSW – born 1912

Death – 26323/1942    Father = Walter   Mother = Barbara Ann

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Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 – 1954), Wednesday 11 November 1942, page 2

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http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article194064086.txt

 

 

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Gloucester Advocate (NSW : 1905 – 1954), Tuesday 10 November 1942, page 2

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http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article160198670.txt

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Constable Henry Stanley LEES

New South Wales Police Force

Horse Accident

Jerry’s Plains

22 August, 1941

 

In 1941 Constable Lees was the Officer-in-Charge of Jerry’s Plains Police Station. On the day of his death he was patrolling the district on horseback, calling in at local properties. Later in the day the constable’s riderless horse was found by a farmer near Hobden’s Hill. He searched the area and eventually located the body of the constable lying in a roadside ditch beside the Jerry’s Plains, Singleton Road. It appeared that the roadway had collapsed underneath Constable Lees’ horse, causing the animal to stumble and fall into the ditch, crushing the rider.

 

The constable was born in 1914 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 11 January, 1937. At the time of his death he was stationed at Jerry’s Plains.

 

 

 

On 25 April, 1940 Sergeant Hall attended a dwelling in Ocean Street, Wollongong where an offender named Hinsby had beaten his wife to death.

After he was confronted and threatened by the offender, who had now taken siege in the house, he called for reinforcements.

Among those to attend were Detectives John Dunn and R.A. Debney.

While negotiations were taking place with the offender, a piece of paper was thrown from a window, and, assuming that it was a note from the offender, Detective Debney crept up to the window to retrieve the paper. As he did so, a shot was fired from inside the house, through the window. The shot struck Detective Dunn, who was waiting nearby and watching Detective Debney. The bullet hit Detective Dunn in the forehead and he was killed instantly.

Tear gas was then used in an effort to flush the offender out, however it was soon found that Hinsby had committed suicide.

 

The Advocate newspaper of 22 May, 1940 reported briefly on the inquest into the matter.

 

RISKED LIFE ONLY TO SEE COMRADE SHOT

SYDNEY, Tuesday – “You two are married, I’m single. I’ll go and get it.” Saying this to two other detectives, Detective Debney went to a window of a house in which an armed murderer was holding the police at bay at Wollongong on April 25 to receive a paper which had fallen from the window.

When he reached the window a shot was fired and Detective Dunn, one of the detectives who had remained behind, fell fatally wounded.

This story was told at the inquest to-day into the death of Detective John Edward Dunn (35), George Hinsby (55), and his wife, Amelia Devine Hinsby (45).

The Coroner found that Hinsby murdered his wife and Detective Dunn and committed suicide while temporarily insane.

It was stated in evidence that since an accident 15 years ago Hinsby had been subject to ungovernable fits of rage.”

 

The detective constable was born in Victoria in 1904 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 27 March, 1929.

At the time of his death he was stationed at Wollongong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John was, reportedly, married to Lawna DUNN nee COOK.

 

Sergeant Frank LUND

New South Wales Police Force

Illness – Suicide

41 years

Hunters Hill

13 January, 1940

 

The sergeant died from a self-inflicted bullet wound at the Hunters Hill Police Station on Saturday 13 January, 1940. Nothing further is known about this incident.

 

The Sydney Morning Herald of 15 January, 1940 reported the following.

POLICE SERGEANT SHOT.

When a constable called at the Hunters Hill Police Station on Saturday he discovered the body of Sergeant Frank Lund, 41, in a cell with a service revolver near his right hand. There was a bullet wound through Sergeant Lund’s head and a note in his handwriting was found nearby. Sergeant Lund lived at the station, and earlier in the day his family left to visit friends. For some time Sergeant Lund had been suffering from nerves and the note he left indicated that he feared that his mind might become affected.

At the time of his death the sergeant was 41 years old and was stationed at Hunters Hill.

Cornelius Martin CARROLL

aka  Con

( late of 8 St David’s Road, Concord )

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. #   ??

Rank:  Detective Sergeant 3rd Class

Stations: ?, Burwood, Petersham ( O.I.C. – Detectives )

Service:  From  24 February 1915  to  6 June 1939 = 24+ years Service

Awards: No Find on It’s an Honour

Born:  ? ? 1888 in Ireland

Died on:  Tuesday  6 June 1939

Cause:  Struck by a Motor Vehicle

Event location:  Parramatta Rd, near Ross St, Camperdown

Age: 50

Funeral date:   Thursday  8 June 1939 @ 8am

Funeral location: St Mary’s Church, Concord

Buried at:  Rookwood Catholic Cemetery @ 2.30pm

Section:  Mortuary 2 – 12  533

Lat / Long:  -33.88171, 151.05267

 

 CORNELIUS IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

About 6pm on 6 June, 1939 Detective Sergeant  ‘ Con ‘ Carroll, the Officer in Charge of Detectives at Petersham, left his station to meet with an informant near the Sydney University.

In Parramatta Road near Ross Street, Camperdown he was accidentally hit by a car and was killed instantly. A report of the death was published in the Sydney Morning Herald of 7 June,1939.

 

DETECTIVE KILLED – Knocked Down by Car.  1939

Detective Sergeant Cornelius Carroll, 50, of St David’s Road, Concord was knocked down and killed by a motor car in Parramatta Road near Ross Street, Forest Lodge last night. Detective Sergeant Carroll had been in the police force 25 years, mostly in the Burwood and Petersham areas. He was in charge of the detectives at Petersham.

Detectives Brown and Rowland were informed that Detective Sergeant Carroll was either walking across the road or had just alighted from a tram when the accident occurred. The driver of the motor car did not see him until the impact, which fractured Detective Sergeant Carroll’s skull and limbs, killing him instantly.

Detective Sergeant Carroll’s body was taken to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital by the Central District Ambulance. Detective Brown who was a close friend did not know whose death he was investigating until Detective Sergeant Carroll’s papers were found at the city morgue.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17604312

Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to communicate with Detective Parmeter or Detective Wiggins at the Camperdown police station.

 

The sergeant was born in 1888 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 24 February, 1915.

At the time of his death he was stationed at Petersham.

He was buried at Rookwood Catholic Cemetery.

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As an aside, there was a Cornelius Daniel CARROLL who joined the NSW Police Force, as a Police Cadet, on the 12 February 1941.  Cadet # 309.

It is not known if C.D. Carroll is related to Cornelius CARROLL who died in June 1939.

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The Sydney Morning Herald

Thursday  8 June 1939    p8

CARROLL – June 6 1939 suddenly Cornelius John ( Con ) Carroll detective sergeant of police dearly loved husband of Catherine Mary Carroll and father of Martin Josephine (Greta) Mary and Cornelius ( Conny ) aged 51 years Requiescat in pace.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17612052

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Crookwell Gazette

Wednesday  21 June 1939    p 1

FULLERTON NEWS

SERGT. CARROLL’S DEATH SUCCUMBED TO INJURIES

On June 6 th. Detective-Sergeant Cornelius Carroll (“Con” to every one) had just signed off from duty at 6 p.m. and was waiting on the Parramatta Road, near the University, Sydney, for a bus to take him home to Concord, when he observed that a car coming along was one he was looking for.

On the impulse he stepped in front of the car to stop the driver, but the car crashed right into Carroll, who was flung and carried 100 yards.

He was picked up and given medical attention but died very shortly afterwards from his injuries.

The driver had gone on and escaped.  ( This doesn’t appear to be true – after reading other articles stemming from the Coroners Court )

The funeral on Thursday went from Burwood R.C. Church to the R.C. portion of Rookwood Cemetery.

The cortege was headed by the Sydney Police Band playing The Dead March. Over 200 police followed as a tribute of respect to a comrade who had always been popular in the Force for his geniality and readiness to do a good turn.

He was well known to the “underworld,” who regarded him as a “holy terror.”

Con Carroll was liked and known to many of the people of the Fullerton district, as up to a few years ago he was a frequent visitor to his parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Horgan, of Cartwright’s Creek, he having married their eldest daughter. Besides his widow, he is survived by his four children, Martin, the Misses Gretta and Mary and Cornelius.

Detective Carroll was born in Ireland 51 years ago and always retained a great love for his native country and his church. He came to Sydney as a young man and had been in the Police Force in the Sydney district ever since his arrival in Australia. He had resided at Davis Street, Concord, for many years. The sudden tragedy came as a great shock to his aged mother-in-law, Mrs.

Mary Anne Hogan, who always looked upon the deceased as one of her own sons.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/221299636

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The Sydney Morning Herald

Tuesday  11 July 1939    p16

DETECTIVE’S DEATH.

Finding of Accident.

The City Coroner Mr Oram at an adjourned inquest yesterday into the death of Detective sergeant Cornelius John Carroll, 50, of Davidson Street Concord who was knocked down by a motor car in Parramatta Road Forest Lodge on June 6, found that he was killed accidentally.

In previous evidence it had been stated that Carroll was on his way to keep an appointment with a female informer near the University grounds when he met his death.

In announcing his finding Mr Oram said that he could not commit the driver of the car for trial on a charge of manslaughter. Evidence was conflicting but it seemed to suggest that the car that struck the dead man was travelling in excess of 30 miles an hour in a built up area when the accident occurred. It was a border line case but there was no evidence that the driver displayed gross carelessness amounting to criminal negligence.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17616515

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Other readings can be found at:

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17595388

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/133740103

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/133733182

 

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The Newcastle Sun ( NSW )

Tuesday  12 September 1939     p 8

SERGT.’S DEATH IN ACCIDENT

Motor Driver Fined For Negligence

SYDNEY. Tuesday

A trail of broken glass for 120 feet and a blood trail 33 feet long were described by Constable Cecil Stanley Jardine in the Traffic Court to-day when Archibald William Johnson, of Ashfield. was convicted by Mr. Wood. S.M., of negligent driving and fined £7.plus 23s 6d costs and expenses.

The charge arose out of an accident in Parramatta-road, Forest Lodge, on June 6, which resulted in the death of Detective-Sergeant Cornelius John Carroll, of Petersham. James Aubrey Gibson told of a man crossing the road as though to board a tram when a car approached fast. It had dim lights. The man put a hand up but the car hit him and carried him along the road 40 or 50 yards.

Johnson, who is a printer, pleaded not guilty. He said he eased to about 12 miles an hour and then increased speed to about 30. He felt a bump and saw a form disappear in front of the radiator. ” I applied the brakes and drew into the side, ” said Johnson.

Mr. Wood said he would recommend the Transport Department to test whether Johnson was fit to drive a car. Either he had not been paying proper attention or there was a defect in his vision.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/167327081

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Riverine Herald ( Vic. )

Friday  17 February 1933     p3

DETECTIVE WOUNDED.

Accidental Discharge of Revolver.

SYDNEY, Thursday

Although wounded in one shoulder when his companion’s revolver was accidentally fired last night, Detective Cornelius Carroll insisted on carrying on with the task of searching for burglars in a house before going to hospital.

When Mr W. T. Coggins, of Chalmers Rd, Strathfield, returned home last night he saw lights burning in the house and rang the police on a neighbor’s telephone.

Detective Carroll, Detective Clifton and Constable Gordon answered the call. Sir Coggins and Constable Gordon went to the rear of the dwelling, while Detectives Carroll and Clifton approached the front.

Carroll, with revolver drawn, was walking a few yards in front. Clifton was drawing his revolver from its holster when it went off, and the bullet, ricocheting off a brick wall, buried itself in the fleshy part of Carroll’s right shoulder.

Carroll took part in a search of the house, saying that the wound was a mere scratch. The burglars had decamped, however, taking £20 worth of clothing.

Examination at the hospital revealed the detective’s injury was not serious, but the bullet was still embedded.

So little did Carroll think of it that he rang the Burwood police station to inform officers there of his injury, joking with his mates and asking them to send him along a pair of slippers.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/116480254

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Goulburn Evening Penny Post

Friday  3 March 1933     p 2

Detective Carroll, who was shot accidentally during a raid in search of suspects at Ashfield, is Cornelius John Carroll, a son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Hogan, of Cartwright’s Creek, Fullerton. ” Con. ” is often to be seen in Crookwell when on a visit to his wife’s parents. His genial nature and his coolness and pluck are outstanding attractions of this big, genial Irishman.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/102864809

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Constable Nicholas Glen SMITH

&

Constable Alistar Royal OSGOOD

 

Motor Vehicle Accident

Homebush

28 February, 1939

 

On 28 February, 1939 Constable Smith was a passenger in a Police Public Safety Bureau motor cycle outfit driven by Constable Osgood. Whilst they were in Parramatta Road, Homebush they were pursuing and attempting to stop a motor vehicle when the cycle outfit collided with a heavy truck which had pulled across the roadway in front of them. Both constables sustained fractured skulls in the accident and both died shortly afterwards.

 

The West Australian newspaper of 29 February, 1939 carried the following account of the tragedy.

 

TWO CONSTABLES KILLED – CYCLE CRASHES INTO MEAT WAGGON.

SYDNEY, Feb. 28 – Constables Nicholas Glen Smith (24) and A.R Osgood (26), members of the police safety squad, were killed tonight when their motor cycle and sidecar crashed into the side of a heavy meat waggon in Parramatta Road, Homebush. Both men were hurled with terrific force against the side of the waggon and had their skulls fractured, among other injuries. Constable Smith was killed instantly but Constable Osgood lived until an ambulance took him to hospital. He died before he could be admitted. Witnesses informed the police that the two constables were chasing a motor car along Parramatta Road towards the city. The Police have been unable to discover whether the car was one reported stolen, or if the driver had merely committed a traffic breach – probably speeding.

 

Constable Smith was born in 1914 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 22 November, 1937. At the time of his death he was attached to the Public Safety Bureau.

 

Constable Osgood was born in 1912 and joined the Police Force on 6 January, 1936. At the time of his death he was attached to the Public Safety Bureau.

Lionel George GUISE

New South Wales Police Force

Constable

Regd. #  ?

Stationed at Newtown Police Station

Murdered – Shot

Newtown

Born  1916

Joined NSW Police Force on 22 November 1937

22 old

Died  26 February, 1939

Buried in Rookwood cemetery

 

On the afternoon of 26 February, 1939 Constable Guise and Sergeant Werner were patrolling the Newtown area when they were advised of a possible break and enter offence occurring in Marion Street, Newtown. On attending the address, the police stopped their vehicle beside a truck which had apparently been used in the offence. As they stopped, two men jumped from the truck and fled on foot, pursued by the two police. As Constable Guise caught up with one of the offenders the man turned and threw a torch, striking the constable in the chest. In the struggle that followed the offender managed to shoot the constable in the abdomen. Constable Guise died in hospital a short time later.

 

The Advertiser dated 14 June, 1939 reported on the trial of the murderer Leslie Murphy.

 

CONSTABLE SHOT WHILE MAKING ARREST-

ACCUSED SENT TO GAOL FOR MANSLAUGHTER.

SYDNEY, June 13 – Leslie William Murphy, 28, was found guilty before Mr. Justice Owen and a jury in the Central Criminal Court this morning with the manslaughter of Constable Lionel George Guise, 22, and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. Constable Guise was fatally shot at Newtown early in the morning of February 26 and died in hospital about seven hours later. The Crown Prosecutor (Mr. L.J. McKean K.C.) said that the Crown alleged that Murphy had been doing an unlawful act in attempting to resist apprehension. If a person resisted lawful apprehension and did something which brought about the death of a police constable, then, the Crown contended, such person would be guilty of manslaughter. Following the theft of a lorry a struggle took place between Guise and Murphy and Guise lost his life while lawfully apprehending Murphy.

 

The dying depositions of Constable Guise, taken at the hospital, were read in court. They were as follows: “We had a fight and my own gun went off. The other man did not have a gun. I don’t know the people. One ran one way, one another. I caught one and he threw a torch and missed. We had a scuffle. My gun went off and I felt a terrible pain. I shot from the ground at the man. I don’t know whether I hit him or not. He was about 35 years old.”

 

The constable was born in 1916 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 22 November, 1937. At the time of his death he was stationed at Newtown.

 

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NEWTOWN LOCAL AREA COMMAND POLICE COMMEMORATION SERVICE

http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LA20130508056

Ms CARMEL TEBBUTT (Marrickville) [7.07 p.m.  8 May 2013]: Recently at Rookwood Cemetery I attended a memorial service to commemorate police officers from the Newtown local area command killed in the line of duty. The moving service was attended by Deputy Police Commissioner Nick Kaldis, Superintendent Simon Hardman, the commander of the Newtown Area Local Command, many other police representatives, and relatives and descendants of the police officers. Those attendees included Ms Avona Wallace, Mr and Mrs Norman Stephenson, Mrs Lynette Everton and Ms Edna Stevenson. Representatives from the emergency services and community members were also in attendance. The member for Campbelltown, Bryan Doyle, attended representing the Premier.

The five officers being remembered at the ceremony gave their lives to protect the community. They were Constable First Class John Wallace, Constable First Class Ruston Stephenson, Constable Lionel Guise, Detective Inspector Reginald Stevenson and Constable Pashalis Katsivelas. The ceremony to mark the sacrifice of these officers reflected on the enormity of their contribution to the community, as well as the impact of their death on their families. It is often said, and it is true, that police officers leave their homes for each shift uncertain of what any day may bring and whether they will return at the end of the day. We owe these men and women our deepest gratitude for the risks they face and take every day in their job. At Rookwood Cemetery we visited each of the graves of those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and behind each individual was an illuminating life story.

We began at the grave of Constable First Class Ruston Stephenson, who died 80 years almost to the day of the commemoration. Constable Stephenson joined the Police Force in 1912, and four years later enlisted in the army, later joining the fight in France during the First World War. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry in rescuing injured soldiers while under fire. Remarkably, when he returned he rejoined the Police Force and continued to serve until his death on 9 April 1933 after a tragic accident involving a motorcycle at the then Newtown Stadium while performing general duties policing.

We were also told the story of Detective Inspector Reginald Hugh Stevenson—I was honoured on the day to meet his widow, Ms Edna Stevenson, who still had strong memories of the incident that led to Inspector Stevenson’s death. Detective Inspector Stevenson joined the NSW Police Force as a cadet in 1943 at the age of 17. In an act of extraordinary selflessness, Detective Inspector Stevenson was on annual leave on 9 December 1974 when he decided to go to work to assist in the planned arrest of a dangerous offender in Newtown, at the time telling his wife, “I don’t want my boys doing this on their own.” During the operation he was shot in the chest after leading his team in pursuit of the offender.

Detective Inspector Stevenson partially recovered and was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct and the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. However, he died in 1980 of a heart attack, deemed to be the result of the injuries he sustained on duty in 1974. These officers are just a few of many across New South Wales whose lives have been cut short as they have gone about performing their duty. I pay tribute to them all. They will not be forgotten and local events such as this are a powerful reminder of their sacrifice.

I also take this opportunity to acknowledge two Marrickville police officers, Sergeant Stewart and Constable Steele, who on Monday of this week rescued an intellectually disabled person from a house fire in Marrickville. Thankfully, those two officers who took huge risks survived and are quite rightly being hailed as heroes by their colleagues and the community. It is yet another example of the risk our police men and women take every day in order to keep the community safe. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to them.

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Harold William STURGISS

( late of Emu Plains )

New South Wales Police Force

Regd #.  1943

Uniform #  I690

Rank:  Constable 1st Class

Stations:  George St North Police Station, Granville, Penrith ( since 11 December 1928 ) – Death

Service:  From  29 October 1924  to  2 February 1939 = 14+ years Service

Awards:  No Find on It’s An Honour

Born:  ? ? 1902 in Tarago in the Goulburn District

Died on:  Thursday  2 February 1939

Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident – Police motor cycle rider

Location:  High Street, Penrith approaching ( Victoria Bridge ) Nepean River bridge

Age:  36

Funeral date:  Friday  3 February 1939

Funeral location:  C of E portion of Penrith general cemetery

Buried at:  Plot 14, Row AB, Anglican 1 Section ( unmarked grave ),

Cox Ave, Kingswood

Grave updated:  On Tuesday,  11 July 2017, the UNMARKED grave of Cst Sturgiss was suitably MARKED.

 

 

 

The unmarked grave of Harold is the dirt to the left of the well kept grave in the foreground

HAROLD IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

 

 

 

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On the afternoon of 2 February, 1939, Constable Sturgiss was riding a police motorcycle outfit along High Street, Penrith. As he was negotiating a bend approaching the bridge over the Nepean River, the wheel of the sidecar struck the kerbing of the roadway. The cycle veered across the roadway and collided with a truck travelling in the opposite direction. Constable Sturgiss was thrown heavily to the roadway, sustaining severe injuries. He died in hospital a short time later.

 

The West Australian dated 3 February, 1939 contained the following brief paragraph relating to the constable’s death.

 

CONSTABLE’S FATAL INJURIES. SYDNEY, Feb. 2 –

Constable Harold William Sturgiss (37) died in the Nepean District Hospital today from injuries he received when his police motor cycle collided with a motor lorry on the eastern end of the bridge over the Nepean River at Penrith.

 

The constable was born in 1902 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 29 October, 1924. At the time of his death he was stationed at Penrith.

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NSW Birth, Deaths & Marriages

Birth:    12276/1902  to David J & Margaret E STURGISS

Death:  3196/1939

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The Sydney Morning Herald    Friday  3 February 1939  p 9 of 26

STURGISS.- The Relatives and Friends of Mrs.

H. W. STURGISS and FAMILY, of Emu Plains, are invited to attend the Funeral of her dearly beloved HUSBAND and their dear FATHER, Harold William Sturgiss; to leave his late residence, Emu Plains, This Day, at 3.30 p.m.. for the Church of England Cemetery, Kingswood.

 

T. J. ANDREWS, A.F.D.A..

23-25 Enmore Road, Newtown.

Phones, L2873-4.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/17559160?searchTerm=harold%20william%20sturgiss&searchLimits=#pstart1173406

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Nepean Times ( Penrith )    Thursday  9 February 1929  p 1 of 8

Fatality at River Bridge

DEATH OF CONSTABLE STURGISS

As briefly mentioned in the second edition of last issue, Constable Harold William Sturgiss  (36), of Penrith Police Force, died in Nepean District Hospital last Thursday afternoon from injuries received shortly before when a motor cycle and sidecar he was riding got out of control at the eastern end of the Victoria Bridge, over the Nepean River, and ran into a motor lorry. The accident happened shortly after 1 p.m., when the constable was returning to his home at Emu Plains.

Approaching the bridge the constable was travelling on his correct side of the roadway, when the wheel of the sidecar struck the kerbing along the footpath. The wheel, it seemed, travelled hard on to the kerb and then suddenly swung across the roadway to the right hand side, striking the off front corner of a heavy motor truck carrying five tons of sand and travelling east.

Apparently the constable’s chest came in contact with the off corner of the lorry and then slid along the side, striking the off rear wheel. This threw him off the machine on to the roadway.

INQUEST

The district coroner, Mr E. F. Rule, held an inquiry into the fatality at Penrith Court House yesterday.

Sergeant Sheridan stated that approaching the bridge from the eastern end there was a very sharp curve to the left, and eyewitnesses stated that as the motor cycle was being driven around the curve the wheel of the sidecar struck the kerbing on the left hand side going west, and then suddenly the cycle swung to the left with the sidecar up in the air. Deceased appeared to make every effort to right the cycle, but failed to do so, with the result that it struck the motor truck with great force.

The Ambulance was soon on the scene and he was taken to Penrith Hospital.

Deceased was regarded as a very careful motor cycle rider, stated the Sergeant, and had been riding departmental bikes for ten years. The bike   used on this occasion was in good repair, added the Sergeant.

Cedric Russell Neville, contractor, residing at Merrylands, stated that he was at present employed carting gravely sand, and blue stone from the Emu   Plains Gravel Coy’s. works to the Water Board’s construction works at Eastern Creek. At the eastern end of the river bridge his lorry was doing about 10 – 15 miles an hour. The motor cycle ridden by the constable came round the bend on its correct side. Witness was on his correct side. The sidecar wheel bumped the kerb, and the car immediately jumped into the air. Then the cycle swerved across to witness’s lorry, striking the off rear wheel. Witness stopped immediately Some lady in the vicinity immediately rang for the Ambulance.

Dr. Barrow, who examined deceased at the Hospital, stated that his injuries were a fractured right arm, a   double fracture of the right forearm, extensive fractures to the ribs on the right side of the back, pelvis bone fracture, and extensive shock. The cause of death was shock and visceral

injuries.

The coroner extended sympathy to the bereaved widow, and stated that deceased’s record as a police officer was of the highest, and it was a tragedy that the career of a man so young   should be cut off in this way.

A verdict of accidental death was returned.

DECEASED’S CAREER

The late Constable Sturgiss was born at Tarrago 36 years ago and was the son of Mr and Mrs D. Sturgiss, of that town. Deceased joined the New South Wales police force in Sydney on 29th October, 1924. He was attached to George Street North and Granville stations before coming to Penrith on 11th December, 1928, and had carried on duties here as a motor cyclist of the force. He had been residing   at Emu Plains since 18th March, 1929.

Constable Sturgiss was a very efficient officer of the force and both in   his official and private capacity enjoyed the esteem of many who knew   him. He was obliging, courteous, and conscientious, and his tragic passing is a great sorrow to many friends.

He is survived by Mrs Sturgiss, a son (Ramond) and daughter (Norma).

THE FUNERAL

The funeral, on Friday afternoon, was one of the most largely attended in Penrith for some time, the force and the civilian population being well represented. It was Impressive evidence of the esteem in which the deceased was held as an officer and as a citizen.

The cortege left deceased’s residence at Emu Plains at 3.30 p.m., escorted by four police motor cyclists, who acted as pall-bearers.

At Riley Street the procession was joined by the Police Band and a contingent of police of Penrith and surrounding stations, as well as some from the city.

Inspector Cannell, of Parramatta, represented the Commissioner of Police.

The Police Band and police unit escorted the cortege as far as the police station, after which the members proceeded to the cemetery by cars.

The interment was in the C. of E. portion of Penrith general cemetery, the service being conducted by the Rector. Rev. R. S. Capple.

Numerous wreaths were forwarded including wreaths from Penrith and Parramatta police and the Police Officer’s Association, Sydney.

It was an official funeral and the casket was draped with a Union Jack.

The P.A.F.S. and L.O.L. Orders were largely represented, deceased being secretary of the local lodges in each ease.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/101057355?searchTerm=harold%20william%20sturgiss&searchLimits=#pstart10719157

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Constable George Frederick BOORE

Motor Vehicle Pursuit

Camperdown

2 April, 1937

 

On the afternoon of 31 March, 1937, Constable Boore was seated in the sidecar of a Police Public Safety Bureau motor cycle outfit which was travelling along Parramatta Road, Camperdown. Constable Frank Hume was the rider of the outfit. While they were overtaking a speeding vehicle they had been attempting to stop, another vehicle stopped suddenly in front of them. Constable Hume braked and swerved to avoid a collision, and the cycle collided with a tram. Constable Boore sustained severe injuries in the collision and died in the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital two days later.

 

The constable was born in 1907 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 20 March, 1928. At the time of his death he was attached to the Public Safety Bureau, Police Headquarters.

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Deadly toll

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:

April 2, 1937: Constable George Boore;

June 2, 1954: Constable Cecil Sewell;

November 14, 1958: Constable Brian Boaden;

December 23, 1958: Constable William Lord;

October 14, 1961: Constable James Kinnane;

September 7, 1963: Constable Colin Robb;

December 2, 1976: Constable Terry Moncur;

January 3, 1985: Constable Wayne Rixon;

July 25, 1985: Detective-Constable Steven Tier;

October 20, 1987: Constable Themelis Macarounas;

August 24, 1988: Constable Peter Carter;

June 13, 1989: Constable Peter Figtree;

June 14, 1989: Senior Constable Glenn Rampling;

January 14, 2001: Senior Constable James Affleck;

April 13, 2002: Senior Constable Christopher Thornton.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/Police-Pursuits/Deadly-toll/2004/11/05/1099547386960.html

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Leslie Andrew NASH

New South Wales Police Force

Late of 6 Clarence St, Penshurst, NSW

 

Regd. #  ????

Uniform #  87A or 97A

 

Rank:  Commenced Training at ? Academy on Tuesday 5 April 1921

Probationary Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?

 

Final Rank: Constable 1st Class

 

Stations:  Parramatta ( 1924 ), Sutherland, Hurstville ( 1928 – 1935 )

 

Service:  From 5 April 1921 to 15 April 1935 = 14 years, 0 months, 10 days Service

Awards:  ?

Born:  22 December 1898 in Parkes, NSW

Died: Monday  15 April 1935

Cause:  Illness – Suicide- service revolver

Age:  36 years, 3 months, 24 days

 

Event location:  Hurstville Police Station

 

Funeral date:  Tuesday  16 April 1935

Funeral location:  St Declan’s Church, Penshurst @ 2.30pm

 

Buried at:  Woronora Cemetery, Sutherland

Grave Location:  Roman Catholic Monumental Section 3 – Plot: 0493

Coroners Inquest:  Tuesday  30 April 1935

 

 LESLIE is NOT mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance ( 2021 )  * BUT SHOULD BE

 

Constable Nash is thought to have been shot to death, possibly while on duty, on 15 April, 1935. It was thought that he had committed suicide however little is known about this incident and to some extent it remains a mystery.

The Hurstville Propeller newspaper dated 18 April, 1935 published the following article.

 

CONSTABLE FOUND SHOT AT HURSTVILLE POLICE STATION.

First-Class Constable Leslie Andrew Nash, station officer at the Hurstville Police Station, was found dead at the station early on Monday morning. Constable Nash commenced duty at 5 a.m. Constable Harvey left the station and when he returned Nash was missing. A search revealed his body in the bathroom attached to the station. Nash’s service revolver was nearby.

 

The Sydney Morning Herald of 16 April, 1935 added a bit more to the story.

POLICEMAN FOUND SHOT. Constable Leslie Andrew Nash, 38, was found dead in the bathroom at the Hurstville Police Station yesterday morning with a bullet wound in his head. A revolver was found nearby. Nash was to have sat for an examination yesterday morning and had been in ill-health for some time. For the last eight years, Nash, who was a first class constable with 14 years service, had been stationed at Hurstville and was well liked and respected in the district. He had previously been stationed at Sutherland. He is survived by a widow and five children.

The constable was born in 1897 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 5 April, 1921. At the time of his death he was stationed at Hurstville.

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Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners’ Advocate

Tuesday  30 April 1935   P9

 

WORRIED OVER LECTURES

Constable Committed Suicide

SYDNEY, Monday,

Forgetting what he had been told at lectures, Constable Leslie Nash, 37, committed suicide at Hurstville Police Station on April 15.

At the inquest today, Constable James Harvey said that Nash told him that he was worrying over a departmental examination that day, and had forgotten what he had been told.

Returning a verdict of suicide, the Coroner said that the case was very sad.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article139251811.txt

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Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser (NSW : 1856 – 1861; 1863 – 1889; 1891 – 1954),

Monday 15 April 1935, page 1

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article192714831.txt

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News (Adelaide, SA : 1923 – 1954),

Monday 15 April 1935, page 4

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The Sydney Morning Herald

Tuesday  16 April 1935   p 9

NA8H.- H.A.C.B.S. St. DECLAN’S BRANCH, No. 659.- The Officers and Members of the above Branch are requested to attend the Funeral of their late Bro.. LESLIE A. NASH: to leave St. Declan’s Catholic Church. Penshurst, THIS DAY. at 2.30 p.m., for Woronora Cemetery. By road.

W. J. MEACHMAN. Tres.

R. J. MADDEN. Sec.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article17166023.txt

 

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Further reading:  https://police.freom.com/woronora-cemetery-wall-of-remembrance/

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The Coroners Inquest returned a verdict of “Effects of a bullet wound in his head, wilfully self inflicted“

Inquest was concluded on 29 April 1935.

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In the attached photo, his Uniform #  is 87A or 97A.

The ‘ A ‘ used to depict the District that the member was attached to.  ‘ A ‘ District was Sydney – so he may, at the time of the photo being taken, have been stationed at one of the Sydney CBD Stations.

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NSWBDM

Birth   =   6089/1898             Father = Patrick                 Mother = Amelia             District = Parkes

Marriage = 2105/1925           Bride  = McDonnell or MacDonnell                           District = Kempsey

Death =   7008/1935              Father = Patrick                 Mother = Amelia             District = Hurstville

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Leslie Andrew Nash (1898-1935) | WikiTree FREE Family Tree

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