48 minute documentary Written by Michael Daley, Produced by Bruce Buchanan and Production company is ABC.
SYNOPSIS:
Anzac Day, 1983, from dawn to dusk. The coverage includes the Women Against Rape demonstration, and personalities involved are Sir James Rowland, Governor of NSW; the men of the Australian Army’s 8th Division; Gallipoli survivor Charles Bingham; Paul Smith, RSL Chief Marshall of the march; a Legacy family; and Roy de Coque of the NSW Police Academy, with his horse, Dandy.
Roy liked Triumph motorcycle and he also enjoyed Blues Music.
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Ryan David WEAVER
| 25/11/2014
Ryan David WEAVER
AKA ?
Late of Coffs Harbour, NSW
NSW Goulburn Police Academy Class # 259
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 29664
Rank: Commenced at Goulburn Police Academy on Monday 22 August 1994
Probationary Constable – Friday 17 February 1995
?
Final Rank: ?
Stations: Ermington, Granville until 1999 then transferred to Coffs Harbour – GDs & OSG
Service: From 22 August 1994 to 17 January 2000 = 5+ years Service
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours
Born: Wednesday 24 April 1974
Died Monday 17 January 2000
Age: 25 yrs 8 mths
Cause: Illness – Suicide – Hanging
Event location: Home
Event date: Monday 17 January 2000
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Dawson River Cemetery, ( off Lansdowne Rd Taree ), Cundletown, NSW
Grave location: Portion: Flower Garden, Row 1, In the flower garden in the roundabout at the end of the road in (Dawson River Cemetery Road)
Ryan is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
Ryan Weaver memorial stone, Taree Cemetery
Ryan was due to commence day shift at Coffs Harbour Police Station on the 17 January 2000 but was late for his shift.
His house mate, another Policeman, was at Coffs Harbour waiting for Ryan to relieve him from his night shift. His mate phoned Ryan to ask why he was late and Ryan told him that he was leaving now and would be at the station shortly.
When Ryan failed to turn up half hour after the conversation, his house mate went home to ascertain what the problem was, only to find Ryan had hung himself in the garage.
Ryan was 25 years of age.
May he forever Rest In Peace.
George JEFFES
| 25/11/2014
George JEFFES
New South Wales Police Force
Constable 1st Class 1885
Senior-constable in 1889
Sergeant in 1895
Regd. # ?
Stations: Darlinghurst, Botany,
Darlinghurst ( again ), Regent Street ( No. 2 Division )
Injuries: Traffic Accident – pedestrian with tram
Haymarket
About 4pm on 2 November, 1911 the sergeant was on duty carrying out inspections of pawn shops. At the intersection of Campbell and Castlereagh Streets he failed to hear a tram coming in his direction (he was suffering from diminished hearing) and he was struck by the tram and knocked to the roadway. He was quickly conveyed to the Sydney Hospital suffering from a fractured skull and other head injuries; however he passed away the following day.
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The Evening News of 3 November, 1911 carried quite a lengthy report of the tragedy.
“SERGEANT JEFFES KILLED. KNOCKED DOWN BY A TRAM. AN OLD SYDNEY POLICEMAN
Sergeant George Jeffes died in Sydney Hospital early this morning as the result of a city tram accident. He was on duty delivering pawn slips and inspecting pawn shops in the No. 2 (Regent-street) Police District yesterday afternoon, and while crossing Castlereagh-street, at the corner of Campbell-street, he was knocked down by tram No.81 proceeding from the railway station to Circular Quay. Senior-constable Young spoke to Jeffes at the corner of Campbell and Liverpool streets, and a few seconds later on seeing a crowd collect he went to the scene and found his comrade badly injured. He secured the Civil Ambulance, which conveyed the injured man to the hospital where he was admitted with a fractured skull. He was operated on and a lot of blood removed from his brain, but he never rallied. He will be given a police funeral tomorrow afternoon, the cortege leaving the corner of Elsternwick-street and Allen-street, Leichhardt at 1.30 p.m. for Rookwood Cemetery.
Sergeant Jeffes, who was 58 years of age, was an Englishman, and served as a bluejacket till 1882, when he came to Australia, and joined the New South Wales force. He was made a first class constable in 1885, senior-constable in 1889, and sergeant in 1895. He had thus 30 years’ service and could have retired two months ago, taking six months’ leave, but being still strong, he was, at his own desire, allowed to continue in harness, and was working in plain clothes on light duty among the pawn shops.
” THE GOOD SHEPHERD. ” Sergeant Jeffes was for many years known as, the good shepherd, and he did great work reclaiming white girls from the Chinese dens, and children from the slums and from parental hurt to their care. He was associated with Mr. Sherwood in the famous Botany poisoning case, in 1888, when Louisa Collins was hanged.
Senior-constable Sherwood ( now Metropolitan Superintendent of Police ), and Jeffes, then a constable, had charge of the cases. Superintendent Mitchell, who is acting, said this morning that Sergeant Jeffes was a good and capable officer who had the interests of the service and the community at heart, and was most energetic in the discharge of his duties. A daughter of Sergeant Jeffes was murdered in George-street a little over twelve months ago, being shot by a young man.”
With regard to the death of the sergeant’s daughter, the Evening News of 3 July, 1909 reported that “Miss Kate Jeffes, 21, the young woman who was shot in the arm and breast by a French Canadian, named Felix Perrier, in George-street on the night of June 21, died at the Sydney Hospital at 3.30 this morning from the effects of the wounds, accentuated by the shock. She was the daughter of Sergeant Jeffes, of No. 2 Police Station”.
Evening News ( Sydney ) Friday 3 November 1911 Page 9 of 16
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The sergeant was born about 1853 and joined the New South Wales Police Force in 1882. At the time of his death he was stationed at Regent Street Police Station. He is buried at Rookwood Cemetery.
[alert_red]He is NOTincluded in the NSW Police Honour Roll.[/alert_red]
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SERGEANT JEFFES’ DEATH.
CORONER’S INQUIRY.
The Coroner, Mr. Murphy, yesterday held an
inquiry Into the death of Sergeant George Jeffes, who was knocked down by a tram at the intersection of Castlereagh and Campbell streets, on Thursday afternoon last.
Evidence was tendered to the effect that the deceased was crossing the street at the intersection of Castlereagh and Campbell streets at about 4 pm. As the car approached, a witness called out to him, and the driver sounded the gong, cut off the current, and applied the emergency brake. The car moved on a couple of yards after striking deceased, who was carried along by the cow-catcher. Deceased’s hearing, it was stated, had been defective of late.
The Coroner found that death had resulted from injuries accidentally received through being knocked over by a tram.
The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 7 November 1911page 11 of 14
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DEATH OF SERGEANT JEFFES.
The ” Good Shepherd. ” A RESPECTED MEMBER OF THE SYDNEY POLICE FORCE.
As the result of a tram accident on Thursday afternoon last, the death occurred on Friday of a well-known figure in the Sydney police force, and a much-respected and admired officer – Sergeant George Jeffes, at the age of 58 years.
Born at Northwich, Cheshire, young Jeffes was apprenticed to the ironworking trade, beginning work when but 8 years of age, in a foundry in Salford, Manchester. At 15 he was seized with the adventurous spirit, and ran away to sea, completing a term of service in the Imperial Navy. Returning to Salford, he joined the fire brigade, and in this capacity had his first experience as a police officer, for in those days the fire-fighter did dual duty. Soon he was again seized by the wanderlust, and landed in Victoria in 1879. A year later Mr. Jeffes arrived in New South Wales, shortly afterwards joining the police.
He was first stationed at Darlinghurst, but subsequently was transferred to Botany, where he was instrumental in bringing to justice Louisa Collins, the last woman who suffered the extreme penalty of the law in New South Wales. In 1889, he was again stationed at Darlinghurst, and promoted to the rank of senior-constable. He was next promoted to Sergeant, when, in 1896, he was attached to Regent-street Police Station, where he ended his career.
To a large extent the suppression of opium traffic, rampant in Sydney a few years back, was the work of Sergeant Jeffes, who, while engaged in this duty, was responsible for saving countless unfortunate women from infamy, earning for himself the sobriquet of the ” Good Shepherd ” for the splendid success attending his efforts. Although stern with Chinese law-breakers, Sergeant Jeffes had the confidence of the whole Chinese quarter. He was regarded in the slums as one whose inclination was more to assist that portion of humanity generally regarded as homeless, than to treat them with the harshness which is generally their lot. His knowledge of the back streets and the opium trade was vast ; and Sergeant Jeffes could always openly enter houses and places that might prove dangerous indeed to any other officer.
His untimely death is greatly deplored in the police force, and by many whom he succeeded in setting on the right path again. The later Sergeant Jeffes was a staunch and practical Catholic, and a member of the Sacred Heart Confraternity. He leaves a widow and two children — a daughter and a son. The Rev. Father Darby was in attendance at the last, and administered spiritual consolation.
The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, and the cortege conveyed an idea of the esteem in which the late sergeant was held. The Police Band played the ” Dead March in Saul ” and the ” FuneralMarch, ” and 70 uniformed policemen accompanied the hearse from deceased’s residence in Leichhardt to Petersham Railway Station, where the remains were entrained for Rookwood. There was a large gathering at the graveside, and among the mourners were his widow, Thomas Jeffes (son), Sarah Grace Jeffes (daughter), Messrs. Mark Anthony Jeffes and Charles Jeffes (brothers), Robert, Steve and Mark Jeffes (nephews), Mr. and Mrs. James Ryan ; Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. James Paxton, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ryan ; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. Denis Ryan, Mrs. Tyler, Misses Tyler (2), Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Landrigan and Miss Mary Landrigan, Mrs. Thomas O’Toole, and Mrs. Wm. O’Toole, Mrs. J. O’Toole, Mr. and Mrs. James O’Toole, Mrs. Coghlan, Mrs. Crooks, Mr. Murphy, Mr. McQuirk, Mrs. Kembo, Mrs. Byrom, Mrs. Moran, Mrs. Hayes, Miss Vaughan, Mrs. Danhy, Mr. and Mrs. Sheedy, Miss L. Murphy, Miss Vera Jeffes, Mr. Fitzgerald, Mrs. Keating, Mrs. Angles, Mrs, Corcoran, Mr, Kilcoyne. Six brother-sergeants acted as pall-bearers, their names being Sergeants Curry, J. Hogg, Sherwood, Curtis, Corcoran and Walker. Others present were: Superintendent Mitchell ( representing the Inspector-General ) Sub- Inspectors Kelly, Brookes and Davis, ex-Inspectors Collins and Broderick, Senior Sergeant O’Dea, Sergeant Meahan, Detective Pauling ( representing the Detective Office ), Senior-Constable’s Young, Meadth, Gambold, Neary, and Mr. Twiss ( ex-senior-constable ), There were also representatives of the different branches of the police, and the Chinese community, and a number of retired officers and friends of Mr. Jeffes’s. The Rev. Father J. Peoples, assisted by the Rev. Father M. Kirby, said the last prayers. The Police Band then played ” The Long Day Closes ”
. ” – R.I.P.
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Burial Location:
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A City Sensation.
A YOUNG WOMAN SHOT. SUICIDE OF HER ASSAILANT.
A sensational shooting affray took place in George-street, near Goulburn-street, city, about half-past 9 o’clock on Monday night, during which Kate Jeffes, 21, a daughter of Sergeant Jeffes, a well-known officer connected with the Regent-street Police Station, was wounded twice, while her assailant committed suicide.
Some weeks ago, Miss Jeffes took a situation in a Pitt-street cafe, where Felix Perrier, a French-Canadian, 35 years of age, was employed as cook. Perrier, it appears, conceived a strong attachment for the young woman, but his attentions were not encouraged, although he occasionally accompanied her to the tram of an evening, at the close of the day’s work. Perrier became so persistent in his attentions that Miss Jeffes decided to leave, and she secured a situation in dining rooms in George-street.
Eventually Perrier found out where she was employed, and called there on Monday, but she refused to see him, and he went away. On ceasing work a little after 9 o’clock, Miss Jeffes started for home, and on reaching the corner of George and Goulburn streets, saw Perrier on the footpath. He addressed her, but she refused to have anything to say to him, upon which the man drew a revolver, and at close quarters fired two shots at her. The first bullet penetrated the cartilage of the left arm and spent itself in a brown paper parcel, which contained her apron and a blouse, and which she was carrying under her arm at the time. The second bullet had a more serious effect striking her beneath the right breast. The bullet did not penetrate very deeply, however, but struck the breast-bone, which caused it to deflect, and travel around a rib under the left arm, eventually embedding itself in the back portion of her left side. She fell bleeding to the footpath, and Perrier, evidently believing that his second shot had taken fatal effect, placed the muzzle of the revolver in his own mouth, and fired.
Naturally a crowd soon gathered, and Miss Jeffes was placed in a Cab, and taken to the Sydney Hospital. The Civil Ambulance was sent for and took Perrier to the Sydney Hospital, where life was pronounced extinct, and the body was conveyed to the Morgue, at Circular Quay. The bullet in Perrier’s case had entered at the mouth, and travelled upwards towards the brain. Dr. Parry extracted the bullet from Miss Jeffes’ side, and she was admitted to the hospital, where she is progressing satisfactorily, the wounds not being regarded as serious.
Evening News ( Sydney ) Tuesday 22 June 1909page 6 of 8
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A Cook’s Terrible Crime
ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE SENSATION IN SYDNEY
Sydney. Monday
A cook named Felix Perrier, 35, employed at the Glenrock Cafe, Pitt Street and residing at Druitt Street, City, created a sensation to night by attempting to murder Kate Jeffes, 21, daughter of Sergeant Jeffes, of the Metropolitan police, by shooting her with a revolver, and afterwards shooting himself.
The affair took place in George Street, Perrier had been keeping company with Miss Jeffes, but she resented his intentions. To night when he met her in George Street near Druitt Street, he spoke to her and she refused to answer. He then drew a revolver and fired two shots. One bullet entered the young lady’s left arm and the other the side of the right breast. Neither wound is serious. Perrier then fired another shot and put an end to his own life.
National Advocate ( Bathurst, NSW ) Tuesday 22 June 1909page 2 of 4
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A GEORGE-ST. TRAGEDY.
ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE.
A DISAPPOINTED LOVER TRIES TO MURDER A YOUNG WOMAN.
THEN BLOWS HIS BRAINS OUT.
Felix Perrier, 35, lately living in Druitt-street, city, attempted to murder a young woman named Kate Jeffes, 21, in George-street, near Goulburn-street, at about 9.30 last night. He fired two shots at her at a range of less than a couple of feet, both of which took effect, and then put the muzzle of the revolver into his own mouth and blow his brains out.
Perrier, who was apparently a foreigner, has been employed as a cook at a cafe in Pitt-street for some time, and the young woman, who is a daughter of Sergeant Jeffes, at the No. 2 police station, met him at the cafe some nine weeks ago, when she took a situation there as a waitress. Perrier conceived a strong affection for the young woman, but she refused to encourage him. She, however, occasionally allowed him to see her to the tram of a night when work was over. He eventually became so persistent in his attentions that the young woman was compelled to leave her situation at the cafe and seek employment elsewhere. She afterwards obtained work as a waitress at some dining rooms in George-street, and her troubles with Perrier ceased for a while. But he eventually found out where she was, and, yesterday afternoon, he called at the premises in George-street, and asked to be allowed to see her. Miss Jeffes refused to see him, and in order to be free of him, she asked one of the girls in the cafe to inform Perrier that she had left the place. Perrier, on receiving this information, took his departure. After work Miss Jeffes started for home shortly before 9.30, and was walking down George-street. On nearing Goulburn-street she noticed Perrier standing on the footpath. She tried to evade him, but he stepped up to her and said: “Good night.” The young woman turned her head away, and refused to speak to him, whereupon he drew a five-chambered Belgian revolver, and fired two shots point blank at her. The first bullet penetrated the cartilage of the left arm, and spent itself in a brown paper parcel, which contained her apron and a blouse, and which she was carrying under her arm at the time. The second bullet had a more serious affect, striking her beneath the right breast. The bullet did not penetrate very deeply, however, and luckily struck the breast-bone, which caused it to deflect and travel around a rib under the left arm, eventually embedding itself in the back portion of her left side. She fell bleeding to the footpath, and Perrier, evidently believing that his second shot had taken fatal effect, placed the muzzle of the revolver in his own mouth and fired. The shots had been fired at such short range that the sleeve of the young woman’s blouse was burned with powder, and powder marks were visible on the front of her dress.
There were a number of people about, and a large crowd soon gathered. A woman named Eliza O’Connor, living in Francis street, Hyde Park, who was close by at the time, put Miss Jeffes in a cab, and took her to the hospital, while a traffic constable rang up the Civil Ambulance, which was speedily in attendance, and removed Perrier to the hospital, where Dr. Parry pronounced life extinct. The body was then removed to the Morgue.
The bullet in Perrier’s case had entered at the mouth, and travelled upwards towards the brain. Dr. Parry extracted the bullet from Miss Jeffes’ side, and she was admitted to the hospital; where she made a statement to the police. Her injuries are not considered serious.
The revolver which Perrier used was a Belgium make, and contained four cartridges, three of which had been discharged.
Edward Crampton, a tobacconist, of 48 Druitt-street, who identified the body, and with whom Perrier had lately been living, stated that Perrier bought a revolver on Saturday last, and said that a young woman had been “pulling his leg.” His French blood would get the better of him,’ he said, and he would shoot her. The revolver was taken from him, together with a number of cartridges, but he appears to have regained possession of it. On the body were found Perrier’s discharge papers from the South African Light Horse, dated 1902. These show that he was a French Canadian by birth.
The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 22 June 1909page 7 of 12
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ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE
PERRIER’S FRENCH BLOOD. MUST SHOOT THE GIRL
Sydney, June 22.
Felix Perrier, who last night shot at Kate Jeffs and then committed suicide, was a French-Canadian and had served in the South African light horse. Edward Crampton, with whom Perrier resided, told the police that Perrier bought a revolver on Saturday last. He told Crampton that a young lady had been ‘pulling his leg’ and that his French blood would ‘ get the better of him and he would shoot her ‘. Crampton took the revolver and cartridges from him, but Perrier, however, again got possession of them.
Miss Jeffs is not seriously hurt.
Kalgoorlie Miner ( W.A. ) Wednesday 23 June 1909page 5 of 10
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George-street Tragedy.
DEATH OF THE VICTIM.
Miss Kate Jeffes, 21, the young woman who was shot in the arm and breast by a French Canadian, named Felix Perrier, in George-street on the night of June 21, died at the Sydney Hospital at 3.30 this morning from the effects of the wounds, accentuated by the shock. She was the daughter of Sergeant Jeffes, of No. 2 Police Station.
Evening News ( Sydney ) Saturday 3 July 1909page 8 of 16
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THE GEORGE-STREET TRAGEDY.
MISS JEFFES’ DEATH.
Kate Jeffes, 21, the young woman who was shot in the arm and breast by Felix Perrier, a French Canadian in George-street near Goulburn-street, on the night of June 21 last, died at the Sydney Hospital early on Saturday morning from the effects of the wounds and the subsequent shock. She was the daughter of Sergeant Jeffes of No 2 Police Station.
The wound in Miss Jeffes’s breast proved more serious than was at first believed but it was not anticipated that it would cause death. While in hospital, however, deceased suffered considerably from shock and was unable to sleep. On Wednesday and Thursday last she was in a low state but rallied on Friday morning. At 11 o’clock on Friday night she became worse and gradually sank, death taking place at about 3.30 a.m. on Saturday.
The Sydney Morning Herald Monday 5 July 1909page 7 of 12
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THE GEORGE-ST. TRAGEDY.
SHOOTING OF MISS JEFFES. EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST. VERDICT OF MURDER AND SUICIDE.
Mr.. H. Hawkins, P.M., at the City Coroner’s Court yesterday, held an inquiry into the deaths of Felix Perrier, 35, a cook, and Catherine Margaret Jeffes, 21 a waitress, the principals in the tragedy on the night of June 21, when Perrier mortally wounded Miss Jeffes and afterwards took his own life by firing two shots into his head, in George-street, near Goulburn street, City.
Edward Crampton, hairdresser and tobacconist, carrying on business in Druitt-street, City, said he had known Perrier for some time. He was a French-Canadian by birth, and a native of Montreal. Perrier came to lodge at his place on June 19, and told witness he was employed at a cafe in Pitt-street. Next day Perrier brought a revolver to the house, and witness asked him what he wanted it for. He replied, ‘I want to fight a duel.’ Witness, however, obtained the weapon. On June 21 Perrier asked.; him for it, saying that the man he was going to fight with had disappeared, and he wanted to raise a few shillings on the gun. Witness gave it to him.
George Jeffes, sergeant of police, stationed at the Regent-street Police Station, and living at 135 Rose-street, Darlington, said Catherine Jeffes was his daughter. He last saw her alive about half past 7 on the morning of June 21, in George-street. She was then going to work at a cafe in Pitt-street. Witness did not know his daughter was acquainted with Perrier. Catherine came home one night not long ago, and said she wasn’t going to business the next morning. Witness asked why, and his daughter replied, ‘A man is pestering me, and has made appointments to meet me.’ Witness then said, ‘You stay at home. I don’t want you to work’
Dr. Edmund Pauling said Perrier was dead when taken into Sydney Hospital. Miss Jeffes was admitted, a bullet having passed through the cartilage of the left arm, and one having entered the body below the right breast. She died on Thursday night last. Dr. Palmer, who made a post-mortem examination, said the cause of death was a bullet wound in the head.
Maria Webber, living in Lewis-street, Redfern, said she was in George-street on the night of June 21. When near Goulburn-street she saw a man accost a girl, and say, ‘Good night.’ The girl did not take any notice, and the man put his hand to his hip pocket. He fired a revolver at the girl, and she screamed, and cried out, ‘My God!’ The man fired again, and the girl dropped to the ground insensible. Perrier then shot himself twice in the head, and dropped. Witness heard no quarrel.
Sarah Williamson, a resident of Glebe, corroborated the previous witness’ evidence.
Traffic Constable Wilson searched Perrier’s body at the Morgue. He found military discharge papers in one of the pockets. Eliza O’Connor, living at 32 Francis-street, Hyde Park, deposed she was outside Messrs. Anthony Hordern and Son’s business premises, George-street, about 9.30 on the night of June 21. Witness heard three revolver shots, and rushed round into Goulburn-street. A young woman was lying on the ground. She told witness she had been shot by a man, and asked to be taken home. Witness took her to Sydney Hospital.
Senior-constable Leary had a conversation with Catherine Jeffes at Sydney Hospital on the night of June 21. She told him she went to work at the Glenrock Cafe, in Pitt-street, about four months ago. She stayed there for some time, and made the acquaintance of a man named Perrier, who was employed as a cook at the same place. They exchanged letters. She soon afterwards left the Pitt-street cafe, and went to one in King-street. Perrier pestered her there, and she had tried to avoid him.
Mark Anthony Jeffes, uncle of the deceased girl, narrated a conversation he had had with his niece two days after the shooting. She told him that she did not want to have any thing to do with Perrier.
The Coroner found that Catherine Jeffes was murdered by Felix Perrier, and that Perrier committed suicide.
Evening News ( Sydney ) Friday 9 July 1909page 3 of 12
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Louisa Collins – last woman hanged in NSW
Desmond TRANNORE
| 25/11/2014
Desmond TRANNORE
Queensland Police Force
Regd. # 5091
Rank Senior Constable
Stations Gordonvale, Cairns, Thursday Island & Brisbane
Born: 1928 – Shepparton, Victoria
Joined QPol in 1951 aged 22
Died 27 October 1964 at Little Mulgrave, FNQ
Funeral
Buried Gordonvale Cemetery, FNQ
Plot 10408, Site 181 Division SR Sect. Mon, Row RC
On Sunday October 26 it will be 50 years since Des Trannore (pictured) was shot and killed by John Thomas Verney. (Queensland Police Media)
24 October, 2014 12:07PM AEST
Remembering a hero: Senior Constable Des Trannore
By Isaac Egan and Phil Staley
Desmond Trannore is more than just a name on a far north Queensland bridge or the name of a Gordonvale police officer; it is the name of a hero who lost his life in the line of duty and saved the lives of two children in the process.
Sergeant Steve Webb has spent a lot of his life researching what happened on that fateful day and descibed the experience to the ABC’s Phil Staley.
Born in Shepparton, Victoria, Senior Constable Trannore came to Queensland to work in the cane fields before deciding he wanted to be a police officer.
“Des couldn’t swim a stroke before deciding to join the police force, so he actually used to jump off the old bridge to teach himself to swim,” said Sgt Webb.
After being sworn in he served at Gordonvale, Cairns, Thursday Island and Brisbane, before coming back to serve in Gordonvale in 1956.
Sgt Webb describes it as a time where in the small farming town of Gordonvale police officers were well known local figures in the community and some like Senior Constable Trannore were something more.
“He was a bit of a knock about bloke, he played Aussie rules and he taught boxing and he was well known to give a few of the young blokes a fair kick up the backside if they played up,” he said.
“He was well respected in that town amongst the young people and the older people, and he still is to this day.”
A dark day for FNQ
On the evening of October 27, 1964 Senior Constable Trannore was on the 4pm to midnight shift alone.
At 5:45pm he received a call saying there was a domestic disturbance on a property at Little Mulgrave.
“Des wrote a note that said ‘5:45pm, domestic brawl, Little’s place, Little Mulgrave’ and left it on the typewriter so that the officer-in-charge would know what was going on if anything happened,” said Sgt Webb.
“You’ve got to bear in mind that in those days radios were pretty well non-existent and there was no such thing as mobile phones.”
Mr Verney had assaulted one of his stepsons and was assaulting his wife.
“Verney had caught Clifford and his sister Karen playing in the creek down the road and he attempted to drown Clifford and he smashed Clifford’s head against the side of his utility,” said Sgt Webb.
“Mrs Little came down and tried to intervene and told Clifford to go to the neighbours and get them to call the police.
“Des arrived at the neighbour’s house where he saw young Clifford and he told him to get into the police car.”
Senior Constable Trannore then drove to the farmhouse and asked Mrs Verney and her daughter to get in the police car.
Mr Verney confronted Senior Constable Trannore, threatened him and repeatedly ordered him off the property before disappearing into the house.
He came back out with a .310 rifle and aimed it at Senior Constable Trannore.
“Desmond turned around, approached Verney with no fear and said ‘that’s it, I’ve had enough, give me the bloody rifle’,” said Sgt Webb.
“And with that Verney pointed the rifle and fired from the hip through Des Trannore’s chest – piercing his heart.
“Des turned and ran 20 metres towards the children and said to them ‘run for your life’ before collapsing to the ground.”
Clifford ran towards the cane fields as Mr Verney lifted his rifle to shoot at him.
“He didn’t get a shot out because Clifford disappeared into the cane,” said Sgt Webb.
Mrs Verney heard the shot and ran outside to where Senior Constable Trannore was lying dying.
She attempted to resuscitate him, but he died at the scene. Mr Verney, meanwhile ,fled in his ute.
When word got back to Gordonvale, one of the largest manhunts in far north Queensland history began.
Around 300 on and off-duty police joined the hunt for Mr Verney as well as a large group of Gordonvale residents.
The following day Mr Verney presented himself at the Cairns police station.
“It is thought that Verney got word of the lynch mob at Gordonvale and surrendered for his own safety,” said Sgt Webb.
John Thomas Verney was charged and later convicted of the wilful murder of Senior Constable Trannore and sentenced to life in prison.
Remembering Desmond Trannore
A quote from an unknown Gordonvale resident in the Cairns Post on Tuesday October 27, 1964 reads:
“[Senior Constable Desmond Trannore] was a terrific man and one of the most popular police officers we have ever had, if they ever brought the killer here I would not give much for his chances.”
A letter by Clifford Little describes the event and praises Senior Constable Trannore as a hero and a man unlike any other.
Here is an excerpt from that letter:
“He died with dignity and kept that dignity to his last breath. Desmond Trannore was a humanitarian. His actions that day went beyond that of a serving police officer. Concern for fellow human beings is the most honourable emotion. It becomes even more commendable when the courage of one’s convictions is carried out. I knew a man that other men could only hope to be.”
Researching the case became a passion of Sergeant Webb and in 2009 he suggested the new bridge over the Mulgrave River be named after Senior Constable Desmond Trannore.
“People should remember who he was and the fact that he gave his life to save a family and he did save that family,” he said.
Minister for Main Roads
The Honourable Craig Wallace
Monday, December 07, 2009
Local officer honoured in naming of Mulgrave River bridge
Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace today announced the new bridge over the Mulgrave River at Gordonvale will be officially named ‘Desmond Trannore Bridge’ as part of Queensland’s 150th birthday celebrations.
“This name is chosen in honour of Senior Constable Desmond Trannore, whose bravery and dedication to both the community and his profession is held in high regard by many Gordonvale locals,” Mr Wallace said.
“Mr Trannore was a well respected police officer and member of the Gordonvale community, where he was stationed throughout most of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
“He was heavily involved in community activities – teaching boxing at the local youth club and running the Gordonvale Pony Club, Aussie Rules, tennis and cricket clubs.
“Mr Trannore was tragically killed in the line of duty in 1964 while attending a domestic dispute at Little Mulgrave, north of Gordonvale, and this bridge naming is a community tribute to his bravery.”
Mr Wallace said the bridge name was chosen from more than 50 nominations received across the community.
“It is wonderful to see the Gordonvale and greater Cairns community getting behind this Q150 initiative,” he said.
Mr Wallace said members of the Trannore family will join local members and representatives of the Cairns community in celebrations to officially commission and name the $48 million bridge on Thursday, 17 December.
Jim Turnour, Federal Member for Leichhardt, will join Curtis Pitt, State Member for Mulgrave, on the banks of the Mulgrave River to officially commission the $48 million bridge and unveil the new name sign for the bridge.
“The new bridge is a valuable and vital piece of road infrastructure for Far North Queensland,” Mr Turnour said.
“It will reduce the duration of closures due to wet season flooding and better serve to stabilise the local economy by keeping communities connected all year round.”
The new bridge is part of the Rudd Government’s commitment to improving flood immunity and accessibility between Cairns and Townsville.
“The new 480-metre-long bridge, which opened to traffic in April this year, ahead of time and under budget, is providing significant benefits for far north Queensland.
“Standing five metres higher than the existing bridge and located on a better road alignment, this bridge will limit disruptions to residents and motorists during the wet season by minimising delays caused by wet season flooding.”
The bridge was just one component of the Australian Government’s $347 million Accelerated Bruce Highway Upgrade Package, delivered by the state government.
The majority of works have been delivered, with remaining projects to be completed in early 2010.
Mr Wallace said naming the new bridge over the Mulgrave River after Desmond Trannore recognised the integral role people have in building a community.
“We have chosen a name that recognises an important local identify and also reflects community spirit and local history,” he said.
“This is what the Q150 bridge naming celebrations are all about – Queenslanders having their say on what makes our state unique and being able to recognise these things through the naming of significant road structures.”
A memorial ceremony will be held at the Gordonvale Police Station this week:
WHEN: 10.30am Friday 24 October 2014
WHERE: Police Station, Cannon Street, Gordonvale
Gordonvale Police and members of the Trannore family would like to extend an invitation to members of the community, to help commemorate and honour the memory of Senior Constable Desmond Trannore, who so bravely gave his life in service to the community.
A 8.25 metre glass reinforced epoxy resin planing catamaran powered by twin 225 h.p. Outboard motors.
Qld Police Vessel “D.TRANNORE III” – Brisbane
“D. Trannore III”
The “D. TRANNORE III” was launched on the 9th April 2009 by Senior Constable Trannore’s widow (see photo right) in the presence of the Police Minister Neil Roberts, Deputy Commissioner Kathy Rynders and invited guest.
Capable of speeds in excess of 45 knots the “D. TRANNORE II” was built by Swift Marine of the Gold Coast and is a rigid hull inflatable speedboat capable of carrying up to 12 people. The “D. TRANNORE II” was purpose built for use by the Redland Bay Water Police to patrol the waterways and islands of Moreton Bay.
Widow of the late Constable Desmond Trannore launches the D Trannore III
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Queensland Police Service remembers fallen colleagues during Cairns march
Rebecca Elliott
The Cairns Post
September 30, 201412:00AM
RESPECT: Cairns police march down the Esplanade and towards St John’s Anglican church to mark National Police Remembrance Day. The Federal Police canine squad participated in the march. Picture: Brendan Radke.
KATELIN and Kieren Trannore never got to meet their grandfather, but yesterday the Queensland Police Service showed them just how exceptional his sacrifice was.
As the rain came down, the 16-year-old and 14-year-old marched with their dad, Shane Trannore, Aunty Karen Trannore, and Cairns police as part of National Police Remembrance Day.
The Trannores’ father and grandfather was recognised at this year’s Cairns service for the 50th anniversary of his death.
“I didn’t know much about my grandfather except that he died in the force and just being here is really nice, I am really proud,” Katelin said.
Katelin said it was overwhelming to be part of the day which honoured her grandfather.
“It was, just being part of the march and walking down the street,” she said.
“It was amazing, I really enjoyed it.”
Senior Constable Desmond Trannore was stationed at Gordonvale in 1964 when he attended a domestic disturbance and was gunned down while he was trying to get the mother and the children medical attention.
Senior Constable Trannore’s daughter, Karen, who was only a child when her father was killed, said it was a great honour to be there.
“It was very important and quite emotional to march with the officers,” she said.
“It’s such a hard job to do and I respect each and every one of them and they always have our support.”
RESPECT: Cairns police march down the Esplanade and towards St John’s Anglican church to mark National Police Remembrance Day. Picture: Brendan Radke.
Just under 80 Queensland Police and Australian Federal Police officers marched in the parade.
Acting Chief Superintendent, Brett Schafferius said the dangers involved in policing were always in the back of officers’ minds.
“Today is the most important day on the policing calendar, it is the day we get to recognise and remember the sacrifice police women and men have made over the past 150 years of policing in Queensland,” he said.
“We acknowledge our job at times can be inherently dangerous, that’s why we are here, we are here for the community and to attend those matters on their behalf.”
The names of the 140 fallen police officers were read out during the service.
There are about 850 sworn officers in the Far North district and about 1050 employees overall.
Over the past 150 years, 25 fallen Queensland officers have been from the Far North district.
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Desmond Trannore Bridge, Gordonvale, Qld:
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Gordonvale Cemetery:
Police Dog CARTS
| 25/11/2014
Police Dog CARTS
New South Wales Police Force
Died 9 December 2007
Murdered – stabbed
5 years old
4th NSWPF Dog to be killed ‘ on duty ‘ since formation of the Squad in 1932.
Police Dog CARTS & Senior Constable Dave WILLIAMSON.
The fourth Police Dog killed ‘ on duty ‘ was Police Dog Carts, who died after being stabbed during a police operation at Corrimal Surf Life Saving Club on December 9 last year. Last Wednesday, 18-year-old Nemanja Vukadinovic, of Balgownie, was sentenced to 18 months’ jail for fatally stabbing Carts.
Police Dog CARTS & Senior Constable Dave WILLIAMSON at David Carty Reserve, at the corner of Horsley Drive and Fairfield St, Fairfield.
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Location of Event: Corrimal Surf Life Saving Club
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Like his namesake, hero police dog ‘Carts’ slain on duty
By Gemma Jones
The Daily Telegraph
December 10, 200712:00AM
A POLICE dog named after a slain officer was stabbed to death yesterday morning after successfully cornering a fleeing suspect.
Senior police yesterday paid tribute to veteran Police Dog Carts, who was raised by police and named after murdered officer Constable David Carty.
Carts and his handler Senior Constable Brett Williams, were called to Corrimal Surf Life Saving Club north of Wollongong just after 3am yesterday following reports of a break in. Two offenders allegedly fled the scene when police arrived, with officers apprehending one of the men. The second alleged offender, an 18-year-old Balgownie man, fled and was chased by Carts into nearby bushes and cornered.”It will be alleged Police Dog Carts was stabbed with a sharp implement and later died in a veterinary hospital from his wounds,” a police spokesman said yesterday. “On this occasion, Carts was not wearing a vest as there was no indication of those people on the premises having any weapons.”
Special stab proof vests were brought in after Police Dog Titan was stabbed to death three years ago but Carts was not wearing one because it was believed the alleged offenders were unarmed.
Titan was the first police dog to be stabbed in the line of duty. His killer Luke Graham Curtis was last year sentenced to seven years jail over the killing.
Chief Superintendent Wayne Benson said Carts had served NSW Police with honour and in his final act had secured the arrest of an alleged offender.
“Without doubt he served with honour, he has performed his task, that was what he was trained for and tragically he has died,” Supt Benson said.
He said Carts death also highlighted the terrible loss of Constable Carty who was murdered at Fairfield in 1997.
“The death of David Carty still lives on in all our memories and whether it is this incident or any other, it is just the nature of police work,” Supt Benson said.
Carts’ first handler Sen-Constable David Williamson last year paid tribute to the special connection between his charge and Constable Carty when he took Carts to a memorial service.
Both alleged offenders were charged with aggravated break and enter and take conveyance without consent of owner.
Carts‘ alleged killer was also charged with kill or seriously injure animal used for law enforcement and use weapon to resist arrest. He was refused bail and will face court today.
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Police Dog Memorial – Thamoor NSW
Ode’ to Police Dogs – Will we leave a pawprint ?
Police Dog TITAN
| 25/11/2014
Police Dog TITAN
New South Wales Police Force
Died 23 December 2004
Murdered – stabbed
Police Dog TITAN – stabbed to death during a siege at Seven Hills, NSW.
Police Dog Titan. (Beychief Magic Return) Titan was tragically stabbed to death during a siege at Seven Hills, December 23rd, 2004.
His slaying caused new laws to be passed giving higher prison sentences for killing or injuring Police Service Animals. Titan‘s handler was Snr Const Sean McDowell.
NSWPF – ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )
Rank: Mounted Constable
Service: From 6 June 1881 to 8 December 1881 = 6 months Service
Stations: Goulburn ( only six weeks )
Born: 23 October 1853 in England
Died: Thursday 8 December 1881
Age: 28 old
Cause: Accident – Thrown from horse – On Duty
Funeral: Saturday 10 December 1881
Buried: at St Saviour’s Cemetery,
Cemetery St, Goulburn ( opposite the gaol )
GPS of grave: -34.74095, 149.74291
The Pointer on the below map is the exact point of the grave
NSW Deaths Registration # 4783/1881
On Thursday 8 December 1881, the Mounted Constable who had only been stationed at Goulburn for about six weeks after leaving the Police Depot ( Redfern Police Academy ), was riding his Police Mount with Mounted Constable Pritzler to Mummel ( an area nth west of Goulburn ) to fetch a person suspected to be of unsound mind.
Maule was riding ahead and Pritzler was behind, when Maule‘s horse shied and plunged forward over a log, causing Maule ( an inexperienced rider ) to lose one of his stirrups. The horse jumped a second log and Maule lost his second stirrup iron and was unseated and fell with his head violently against a tree.
Maule, unconscious and bleeding from the nose, was later loaded into a buggy, with the assistance of the messenger and the prisoner, and taken into Goulburn Hospital – arriving there about 5.30pm.
Maule died from his injuries about 10.30pm as a result of his injuries, including a smashed lower jaw, a split lip, broken nose and severe cut over the temple & concussion of the brain.
Maule was not married.
An Inquest was held on Friday 9 December 1881 with a verdict that Maule was killed by being thrown from his horse accidentally, and added as a rider that they think that more discretion might be exercised in the Sydney depot as to the horsemanship of the men they send out for duty in the country.
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Maule joined the New South Wales Police Force in June 1881. He left England and came to Australia, though it appears his siblings remained in England. We don’t know why he chose to come to Australia and join the NSW Police Force. Two of his brothers served in the military, as did his father, and one of his brothers was a solicitor. His grandfather was a chaplain and his great-grandfather – mayor, alderman and burgess of Huntingdon.
[alert_red]WILLIAM is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_red] * BUT SHOULD BE
( This incident was discovered, by accident, in September 2014, by Cal, whilst searching Trove. This Constable is NOT mentioned in any documentation or recognised as having been killed ” on duty ” by the NSW Police Force, at this time, or mentioned on any official Wall of Remembrance. Shortly, this matter will be brought to the attention of those who have the ability to have this Constable officially recognised as being killed ” on duty “. )
Upon checking npm.org.au on 2 May 2018 – William is NOW mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra
[alert_green]WILLIAM IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
An inquest was held last evening at the Goulburn Hospital by the coroner, Mr. Betts, on the body of William Norman St. George Maule, who had died from the effects of injuries received on the previous day. The jury having been sworn and the body viewed, the following evidence was taken: — Simon Pritzler, a mounted policeman stationed at Goulburn, deposed: The body just viewed was that of constable Maule, of the N.S.W. police ; he had been in the force since last June; the deceased was single and 28 years of age ; on Thursday afternoon last he and witness were going to Mummel and got along all right for about 13 miles, when the deceased’s horse shied to the right of a tree and Maule had pulled him to the left; then he had lost one of his stirrup-irons, when the horse bolted, and about 20 yards away witness saw the horse jump a log, when the deceased lost his other stirrup-iron ; witness then saw the deceased lying on the horse’s neck ; the horse took another bound and the deceased fell off; witness, on galloping up, found him lying on the ground insensible; the deceased’s face was all knocked in ; he sent for assistance and fetched him into Goulburn Hospital in a buggy ; he never recovered consciousness and died five hours after the accident occurred ; witness thought deceased must have been dashed against a tree by the horse just after falling off as it rushed on. Deceased was not a good horseman, having no control over his reins.
Dr. Gentle deposed that he had been asked to see the deceased on the previous evening and found him in a comatose condition with nose broken also lower jaw. He found in addition a wound over left eve about 2 inches in length exposing the bone; blood flowed from his right ear. He believed concussion of the brain to be the cause of death. The jury returned a verdict that the deceased met his death by being accidentally thrown from his horse and they would like to add a rider to the effect that they think more discretion might be exercised in the Sydney depot as to the horsemanship of the men sent out for duty service in the country.
( On Tuesday 7 October 2014, I attended the Mortis Street General Cemetery, Goulburn, in an attempt to locate the grave of this Constable. Unfortunately, this historic cemetery is in an extremely poor state with most of the head stones having fallen and most of the graves heavily overgrown with weeds.
There are hundreds of graves at this location, dating back to the early – mid 1800’s. I had to attend the local library where I obtained the attached ‘ plan ‘ of the cemetery in order to find plat CE79 – the recorded location of the Constables grave.
I returned to the cemetery but, at this stage, could not find CE79 at the location as there are many unmarked graves and fallen head stones in this, Goulburns second oldest cemetery which was established in the late 1830’s. )
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Some records have him buried at Goulburn Anglican Cemetery, Cemetery St, Goulburn ( near the gaol ) plot CE79 but his grave is located at the St Saviour’s Cemetery, Cemetery Rd, Goulburn, OPPOSITE the Goulburn Gaol & NOT in the Mortis St Cemetery.
On Tuesday 24 April 2018 I attended the St Saviour’s Cemetery, Cemetery Rd, Goulburn, opposite the Goulburn Gaol where I located the grave of MAULE.
The below images are what it presented like on that date.
GPS of grave: -34.74095, 149.74291
The grave has been cleaned up and headstone cleaned also. The cleaning has made the inscription, especially the dates, a lot harder to read.
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On Tuesday 21 October 2014 I attended the St Saviour’s Cemetery, Cemetery Rd, Goulburn, opposite the Goulburn Gaol where I located the grave of MAULE.
The below images are what it presented like on that date.
GPS of grave: -34.74091, 149.74289
William Norman St. John MAULE
William Norman St. John MAULE
William Norman St. John MAULE
William Norman St. John MAULE
William Norman St. John MAULE
[blockquote]
note:
Email sent:
G’day Bundy,
During my research for my website, I have come across another NSW Mounted Constable who was killed ‘ on duty ‘ at Goulburn on Thursday 8 December 1853 as result of horse accident.
See the link for further details and photos of the grave: https://police.freom.com/william-norman-st-john-maule/
This man is NOT mentioned on any official documentation in relation to the Wall of Remembrance and, according to the paper’s, was ‘ on duty ‘ at the time of the horse accident which resulted in his death.
Can you forward this information so that he may be officially recognised to be included in the Wall of Remembrance.
Cheers mate
Greg ‘ Cal ‘ Callander www.AustralianPolice.com.au 23 October 2014
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Attack upon the Western Escort
| 25/11/2014
Goulburn Herald ( NSW ) Saturday 28 February 1863 page 2 of 4
ATTACK UPON THE WESTERN ESCORT.- Intelligence was received on Wednesday morning by telegram that a daring attack had been made on the previous evening ( 24 February ) near Hartley upon the armed gold escort from the western districts. Fortunately the attack was not attended with any serious injury, and no attempt was made to rob the gold. The escort party arrived safely in Sydney last night, and from them we have learned the following particulars of the attack. The western escort, in charge of Sergeant McClure, with about 2300 ounces of gold, arrived in Little Hartley on Tuesday evening, and started thence at a little after nine o’clock for Big Hartley, a distance of three miles. The road between the two Hartleys being well populated, the sergeant considered it safe, and accordingly dispensed with the attendance of the mounted men. The escort consisted of the sergeant and three constables, two of whom were in the coach, and one on the box with the driver. About three-quarters of a mile on this side of Little Hartley, while driving at a rapid pace along a macadamised road, the coachman observed some logs thrown across the road, and uttered an exclamation of alarm. The leaders stumbled at the obstruction, but by prompt use of the whip the coach was pulled over. Just as the driver was whipping the horses, a succession of shots were fired from the left side of the road. The shots were seven or eight in number, and appeared to have been intended for a volley, but were not fired quite simultaneously. After proceeding about eighty yards beyond the logs, one of the leading horses dropped down dead. The coach being thereby stopped, the escort got out, and on examining the horses found that two of them were wounded. Under the orders of Sergeant McClure (whose face had been grazed by one of the shots) the men took up a position on the opposite side of the road to that from which the shots had been fired, the men being under cover of stumps. They remained in that position for nearly three-quarters of an hour, but no more shots were fired. While thus waiting they could hear a low whistling in the direction from which the firing had come, and immediately afterwards they heard the barking of the settlers’ dogs, indicating that some people were running past. It was supposed that there must have been at least five men in the gang, as in addition to the wounding of the sergeant, the killing of one horse, and the wounding of two others, the driver’s coat was pierced with a bullet, and a shot went through one of the lamps. The gang were in ambush, and as none of them could be seen, no shots were fired by the police. The escort reached Big Hartley without further obstruction, remained there on Tuesday night, started early yesterday morning for Penrith, and arrived in Sydney with the gold by the last train. It should be stated that it was the same escort that was attacked a short time ago; it was not then, however, in charge of Sergeant McClure, he having shortly before received some injuries by the breaking down of the escort coach. Nothing has yet transpired to give any clue to the identification of the rascals, but it is conjectured that Lowrie, who last week made his escape from the Bathurst gaol, was one of the gang. – S. M. Herald.
Sergeant Flannery, who for many years has been in charge of the Flinders street, Melbourne, police station hanged himself on Tuesday morning in the office which he occupied at the station. The office is a very small building, six feet by six, and with a roof which is only about eight feet high. Deceased was found hanging by a window-blind cord, which had been tied to the roof, and then passed in a slip-knot around his neck. The determination of the deceased was evidenced by the fact that, not having sufficient length in which to accomplish his object, he had drawn his legs up by bending the knees, and even then his feet were barely off the ground. Had he relaxed in this effort, his feet must have reached the ground and taken the weight off the cord. A loose end of the latter he had twisted around his right thumb, and the hand was across his breast in a line with the shoulder, over which the cord hung. The body was fully dressed, with the exception of the jumper. No letter or documents of any kind were upon the body. During the past week it had been observed that deceased was very despondent and gloomy.
