About 8am on 2 July, 1881 the constable was on foot patrol in Clarence Street, Sydney when he endeavoured to stop a runaway horse and cart near Broughton-lane. As he did so he slipped and fell under the cart and its wheel passed over his head. He died on the way to the Sydney Infirmary a short time later. The runaway horse proceeded into Druitt-street, where he was stopped.
Hawkins joined the police force about two months since. He was the son of Mr. Hawkins, postmaster at Dural.
The Manaro Mercury and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser of 9 July, 1881 reported on the death of the constable.
“A POLICEMAN KILLED.
An inquest was held on Saturday, at the Coroner’s Court, with respect to the death of a policeman named James Hawkins, who was killed in endeavouring to stop a runaway horse in Clarence-street, Sydney.
Rebecca Cross deposed that deceased was her nephew and a native of Pennant Hills. He lodged with her at 401, Pitt-street. He was 21 years of age and a single man, and had entered the force on the 5th May last, and was sent on day duty that morning for the first time, having previously been employed on night duty.
John Downer deposed that he resided at 128, Harris-street, and he was a carter. He was in charge of a horse and cart on Saturday morning about 8 o’clock, and was going along Kent-street, when his horse shied and commenced kicking, and he fell off the cart, and was dragged a short distance by the reins. He got clear of them and the horse then bolted and ran down Clarence-street, and Hawkins, who was on duty there, ran up and endeavoured to stop it, but in doing so he fell and the wheel of the cart passed over his head. The accident was witnessed by Wm. Salway, of Market-street and Wm. Henry Thompson, of Goulburn-street, who gave evidence.
Hawkins was placed in a cart, and conveyed to the infirmary, but died before he arrived there.
Dr. Williamson deposed that the bones of the right side of the head and face of deceased were broken, and there was compound depressed fracture of the skull.
The constable was born in 1860 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 9 May, 1881. He was stationed at Central Police Station, Sydney. He is not listed in the official New South Wales Police Honour Roll.
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The Sydney Morning Herald Monday 4 July 1881 p 7
An inquest was held on Saturday morning by the City Coroner, at his chambers, with reference to the death of constable James Hawkins, who died that morning from injuries which he had received whilst in the discharge of his duty. Deceased was 21 years of age, and a native of Pennant Hills, New South Wales, and was unmarried.
He joined the police force on May 5th last, since when he had always been employed on night duty. On Saturday he was employed on day duty.
He resided at a boarding-house, No. 401, Pitt-street, kept by his aunt, Mrs. Rebecca Cross.
John Downer, a young man, residing at No. 128, Harris-street. deposed that he was a carter, in the employment of Mr. Read, of Crown Road, Ultimo.
Shortly after 8 o’clock on Saturday morning, witness was in charge of a horse and tip-cart, and proceeding along Kent-street in a southerly direction. A waggon, drawn by two horses, passed witness, when his horse shied, and carried the cart on to the footpath. Witness managed to get his horse and vehicle off the footpath, and as the wheels passed over the curb, he fell on to one of the shafts. As witness endeavoured to recover his seat, one of his legs touched the horse which commenced kicking, and threw him off the cart. He was dragged a short distance by the reins, but then got free.
The horse with the dray went on.
William Salway deposed to seeing the horse gallop along Kent-street, then into Market-street, and afterwards into Clarence-street. When it arrived near Broughton-lane, constable Hawkins rushed out towards the animal, and after running alongside of it for about ten yards, he endeavoured to seize the reins, but fell, and one of the wheels immediately afterwards passed over his head. The cart was then tipped up.
Hawkins died at once. His body was conveyed to the Infirmary. Dr. Williamson deposed that death arose from a compound depressed fracture of the skull.
Kiama Independent & Shoalhaven Advertiser ( NSW ) Friday 8 July 1881 P 2
FATAL ACCIDENT,
A shocking accident happened early on Saturday morning in Clarence-street, which caused the death of a police constable named James Hawkins.
At about eight o’clock that morning a man named Downer was driving an empty tip-dray along Kent-street.
He was going along at a walk, when he was overtaken by a waggon and two horses, the noise of which startled his mare, and caused her to bolt.
Downer was thrown out, and getting entangled with the reins was dragged a few yards.
The frightened animal then galloped off with the dray into Clarence street.
Constable Hawkins, who happened to be there on duty, ran after and attempted to stop the runaway horse, and succeeded in clutching the reins, when his foot slipped. He fell forward on his face in the road, and in a moment afterwards, the wheel of the vehicle passed over his head, killing him on the spot. The accident was witnessed by several persons, who ran to help the poor fellow, but it was seen that he was past all aid, his skull being crushed in on one side.
The deceased was conveyed to the Infirmary, and two hours later an inquest was held on the remains by the City Coroner and a jury, who found a verdict of accidental death.
Hawkins was a promising young man, who had only very recently joined the police force, and it so happened that the day he thus met his death was the first time he had been sent out on day duty.
Message from Andy Spring to NSW Fallen Police FB Group on 30 June 2016:
I have finally closed another Chapter, I have finally found our 3 x Great Uncles resting place.
William Edward Spring, born 1879, to James and Julia (2nd Wife) at Grafton NSW.
William went to live with his Step sister after the deaths of his Parents, James 1886, Julia in 1890.
In 1902, he joined the Army to fight in the Boar War. He made it to Africa in time to come home again, once he got back, he joined the NSW Police Force in 1902, and retired as a Inspector 1n 1949 and resided in Hornsby (Sydney) until his death in 1963.
His second wife Violet passed away the following year – 1964.
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Further followup stories: To be confirmed if it is, in fact, the same person:
TWYFORD. – The Friends of Constable William SPRING, of Redfern, are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of his late beloved Brother-In-Law, George William Twyford ; to move from his late residence, Rawson avenue, West Kogarah, This ( Thursday ) Afternoon, at 2 o’clock, for Sutherland Cemetery.
Furniture Sale. WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26TH T. H. ELWIN has received instructions from Constable W. E. Spring, who is leaving for Sydney, to sell by public auction at his residence, the Police Station, Narandera, on the above date, at 2.30 o’clock, all his household furniture and effects, comprising : Dining tables, Austrian chairs, single and double bedsteads, wire mattresses and bedding, washstands and ware, duchess chests, linoleums, crockery, kitchen and laundry requisites, etc., etc. NO RESERVE T. H. ELWIN, Auctioneer.
Paul succumbed to his cancer at 7.40am Thursday 7 July 2016.
He, and wife Trish, were the Licensee of the REX ( Royal Exchange Hotel ) at Windsor prior to moving to Lake Macquarie area about 6 months prior to his death.
May he forever Rest In Peace.
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John William DOUGHTY
| 07/07/2016
John William DOUGHTY
aka Jack
( late of ANZAC village, Narrabeen )
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ?
Rank: ?
Stations: ?, Coolabah,
Service: From? ? ? to? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: ?
Born: ?
Died on: ? ? 2006 in Manly Waters Private Hospital
Cause: ?
Age: 81
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: ?
Jack Doughty in centre – taken at back of Coolabah Police Station. On left on the seesaw is Bob Doughty, next standing is Alan Doughty and in the middle is Jack Doughty.
[alert_yellow]JACK is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Thank you very much for letting me know of Ken Astill’s passing. Ken was a friend of the Doughty family, through my uncle Jack Doughty, who for many years was a serving Police Officer at Coolabah.
Many years ago when I was a teenager, Ken, Jack, the Doughty brothers and myself, went on many pig shooting expeditions around Coolabah. I am attaching a photograph of Ken taken with my Uncle Bob Doughty and also a photograph of the Doughty family at the back of the Police Station at Coolabah.
When Uncle Jack retired be and his wife Joan, lived at the back of Manly Lighting on Pittwater Road in Manly, where Joan worked as the company’s Bookkeeper.
Jack passed away in 2006 in Manly Waters Private Hospital aged 81.
At this time he was living in Narrabeen at the Anzac Village. I know that Jack was still in touch with Ken, while he was living in Manly, I am not sure if Ken was at the Anzac Village at the same time as Jack.
Regards,
Alan Doughty
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Kenneth Stanley ASTILL
| 07/07/2016
Kenneth Stanley ASTILL
( Late of Fairlight and recently of Kokoda House at the War Veterans’ RSL Village, Narrabeen. )
Police Long Service & Good Conduct Medal – presented 16 September 1968
National Medal – granted 13 December 1983
Anti Narcotics General Administration Medal – granted ? May 1981 ( presented by Egyptian Government )
Nominated for the Order of Australia – 1980
Born: Monday 29 August 1921 – Marrickville, NSW
Army records have him born same day / month but in 1920
NSW Police have him born with same day / month but in 9121
Died on: Tuesday 28 June 2016
Cause: ?
Age: 94 years, 9 months, 30 days
Funeral date: Tuesday 5 July 2016 @ 2pm
Funeral location: the War Veterans’ RSL Village Chapel, John Edmondson Drive, Collaroy Plateau
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to NSW Police Legacy.
Buried at: ?TBA
Memorial at: ?TBA
Retired police officers Bill McIntosh, Ken Astill and Ross Nixon were awarded the National Police Service Medal at the War Vets Village at Collaroy Plateau. ( See article below )
Bob Doughty on the left ( family friend ) and Ken ASTILL on right. Pig shooting around Coolah
KEN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Passed away peacefully in his sleep. Late of Fairlight and recently of Kokoda House at the War Veterans’ RSL Village, Narrabeen.
Loving father of Julie, Debra and Ian, father-in-law to Phillip and grandfather and great-grandfather to their families.
Aged 94 years
A LIFE WELL LIVED
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend his funeral service at the War Veterans’ RSL Village Chapel, John Edmondson Drive, Collaroy Plateau, on Tuesday 5th July, 2016 at 2.00pm.
Ken’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Kokoda House for their kindness and compassion shown to him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to NSW Police Legacy.
Ann Wilson Funerals
An Australian Company
9971 4224
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on July 2, 2016
Gratitude displayed to officers MEDALS FOR RETIRED POLICE
MORE than 20 retired police officers were awarded the National Police Service Medal at the War Vets Village at Collaroy Plateau on Wednesday, including one officer – 1980’s – who retired 30 years ago.
Retired police officers Bill McIntosh, Ken Astill and Ross Nixon were awarded the National Police Service Medal at the War Vets Village at Collaroy Plateau.
Former officer Bill Bush, who retired in 1998, said the Retired Police Association had lobbied the State Government for some time for a medal to be awarded to officers who had served the community well.
“We eventually convinced the Government that retired cops who served with distinction should be awarded these medals for their contribution to society,” Mr Bush said.
The National Police Service Medal is a special service award within the Australian honours system to provide “recognition for the unique contribution and significant commitment of those persons who have given ethical and diligent service as a sworn member of an Australian police service”. Northern Beaches local area commander Superintendent Dave Darcy presented the medals.
Mr Bush said this was the first occasion the medals had been awarded to retired officers on the northern beaches but expects further award ceremonies in the future due to the number of retired police officers living in the area.
> Hello Warren and Phyllis,
>
> I am not sure if there is a connection with my husband’s Uncle Jim
> Noonan’s
> family (now deceased).
>
>>
> Also, my husband’s family had a good friend by the name of Kenny ASTILL.
> He was a Detective in the NSW Drug Squad in the 1950s 1960s. Kenneth Stanley ASTILL married Norma May WEEKS in 1952 and the marriage was registered in BURWOOD. The family lived at Stanmore and later were living in Manly.
>
> Regards,
> Janice
SYDNEY, Wednesday. — A magistrate told a drug addict today that he was lucky he had been taken to hospital and not to the morgue.
The addict, Leigh Francis Caines, 24, formerly of the Lithgow area, appeared in Central Court on charges of administering heroin to himself and possessing indian hemp.
The court was told that Caines had taken “a massive dose” of heroin, at least 10 grains.
Detective Sergeant Ken Astill, of the CIB drug squad, had said Caines had been found unconscious in a locked toilet after injecting himself with the dose.
When told that the defendant had spent two days in hospital, Mr W. Lewer. SM. said, ” You just missed getting into the morgue “.
Mr Lewer felt that what Sydney lacked most of all was a lock-up hospital.
He remanded Caines in custody until October 21 ordering that a psychiatric report be completed.
Government Gazette of NSW Friday 12 July 1974 p 2712
POISONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
IT is hereby notified that Detective Sergeant 1st Class Kenneth Stanley Astill has been appointed as ex-officio member of the Poisons Advisory Committee, vice Inspector C. R. Abbott, resigned, as the nominee of the Commissioner of Police.
( bottom paragraph in second column of p 11 )……In the large office occupied by Detective Sergeant Ken Astill, chief of the Drug Squad at the CIB, there’s a baby’s feeding bottle – complete with teat. But a hole has been drilled at one end of it and a pipe bowl fitted into it. The drug addict (sic) who once owned it used to put his ‘pot’ into the bowl, light it. shove the teat in his mouth and suck as eagerly as any baby.
Back to the ’40’s for CAPO’s ball ( Capital Arts Patrons Organisation )
………… Ken Astill, from Sydney was also a guest. He is Australia’s foremost collector of police memorabilia and badges and a life member of the Police Insignia Collectors of Australia, and of the Police Historical Society. ……….
Email received on 30 June 2016:
Hi Greg,
Thank you very much for letting me know of Ken Astill’s passing. Ken was a friend of the Doughty family, through my uncle Jack Doughty, who for many years was a serving Police Officer at Coolabah.
Many years ago when I was a teenager, Ken, Jack, the Doughty brothers and myself, went on many pig shooting expeditions around Coolabah. I am attaching a photograph of Ken taken with my Uncle Bob Doughty and also a photograph of the Doughty family at the back of the Police Station at Coolabah.
When Uncle Jack retired be and his wife Joan, lived at the back of Manly Lighting on Pittwater Road in Manly, where Joan worked as the company’s Bookkeeper.
Jack passed away in 2006 in Manly Waters Private Hospital aged 81.
At this time he was living in Narrabeen at the Anzac Village. I know that Jack was still in touch with Ken, while he was living in Manly, I am not sure if Ken was at the Anzac Village at the same time as Jack.
Regards,
Alan Doughty
From Russell LLOYD:
35 years ago I was a junior trainee at the Drug Squad where Ken was the 2IC to Mr. Lawrence. I was fortunate that he took the time to take me under his wing, being extremely helpful, knowledgeable and a great bloke who I had a lot of respect for. I acquired some of his work library as he approached retirement, and yes, each of the books contained his personal stamp. May he rest in peace.
The Muswellbrook Chronicle ( NSW ) Friday 9 June 1950 p 1
POLICE FUNERAL AT MUSWELLBROOK.
LATE CONSTABLE JOHN KEEGAN
The death occurred at Narrabri on Tuesday last of Senior-Constable John Keegan, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Keegan, of Sydney Street, Muswellbrook. Deceased had been off duty for six months prior to his death, owing to ill-health.
The late Constable Keegan was born at Raymond Terrace 50 years ago. He had resided in Muswellbrook until the time of his marriage to Miss Minnie Galvin, 25 years ago. He was educated at Raymond Terrace and St. Joseph’s College ( Hunter’s Hill ) and at Springwood. He joined the Police Force on 14th February, 1926, and had since been stationed at Stockinbingal, Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Candelo, Cooma, and Narrabri since
1940.
Deceased is survived by a widow and five children, John, Patricia, Desmond, Kerry and Michael, all of Narrabri. He leaves also his parents and the following brothers and sisters:— Mrs Bush (Imelda), of Muswellbrook, Mathew (Toronto), Dominic ( Muswellbrook ), Mrs. Frank Neville ( Ellen ), of Liverpool, and Misses Cecilia and Mollie Keegan (Muswellbrook).
The burial took place to the Catholic cemetery at Muswellbrook on Wednesday, the Very Rev. Father Fitzgerald officiating at St. James’ Church and at the graveside. The Rev. Father Mahoney officiated at a servic
held at Narrabri.
The late Constable Keegan was given a police funeral, the cortege being led by 1/c Constable Livermore
( Aberdeen ) and Constable Logan ( Muswellbrook ). The police truck, laden with wreaths, followed the hearse. The pallbearers were 2/c Sgt. Robinson and Newell, 1/c Constable Baker, Constable Broomfield ( Muswellbrook ) and 1/c Constable Driscoll ( Scone ), Constables Dick ( Scone ) and Gleeson – ( Aberdeen ), also attended. Sgt. Newell and deceased had
trained together at N.S.W. Police Depot. .
Floral tributes were received from:
St. Joseph’s College, Hunter’s Hill; Narrabri Old Boys; Mr. and Mrs. E. Kilroy and family; Thelma and Con Dolahenty; Mr. and Mrs. J. Maloney and family; Mr. and Mrs. A. Hyde and farmily; Mr. and Mrs. James O’Brien and family; Narrabri Police; “Snow” Panton and family; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Wilkin’s and family; R.R.R., Muswellbrook; Mr. and Mrs. Brind; Muswellbrook Police; the Hunter Valley Dairy Co.; Mr. and Mrs. Quinn and family; Mr. and Mrs. Lowe and Frank; Daph. and Harold Stafford; Gladys and George Post; Supt. Delaney and Police of Northern District; Harry and Charlie Jenkins; Mr, and Mrs. E. J. Mills and family; Kit and Lil; Aunty Theresa and family; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Blake and family; Marie and family; Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Feeney and family; Rita and Frank Thompson and Kevin; Mr, and Mrs. R. Hardman and family; Mr. Alick and family; Mr. and Mrs. E. Cretan; Dot and Albert; Rowley Roe and family; Mr. and Mrs. Peadon and family; Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Bendeich and family; staff at Bendeich’s, chemist; Many telegrams and cards were
The Evening Advocate ( Innisfail, Qld ) Tuesday 20 April 1943 p 1
FATAL FIGHT ABOUT SHEEP
NARRABRI. — A row about the death of a sheep was alleged to have led to a fight in which a man was killed. Mr. Thornton, PM remanded Henry Charles Legg, 68, teamster, to April 19 on a manslaughter charge, and jailed three other men for assault.
Legg is charged with having feloniously slain William James Dalton on April 3. Royal James Dalton and John Thomas Dalton were sentenced to two months’ jail, and Alfred Dalton to one month on charges of having assaulted Mounted Constable John Keegan, who was not on dut.
Royal and Alfred Dalton are sons, and John Dalton a brother of the dead man.
Constable Keegan said that in the yard of the Tourist Hotel, shortly before 6 pm, John Dalton accused him of having lied about the death of a sheep. Keegan said that when he told Dalton to go away or he would find himself locked up, Dalton said : “You are not game to put me in.” He replied: “None of you Dalton mob will bluff me.” Keegan said that Royal Dalton came out of the hotel, said, “You can beat the Daltons, can you?,” and attacked him. He knocked ” Royal Dalton down. Keegan added: “As I went to speak to Legg, who had asked to see me, Alf Dalton ran out of the hotel, and grappled with me. “Then Royal, John, Alf, and William Dalton were all on top of me, punching, and Alf was kicking me.
“I saw Legg pull William away and give him a sort of punch. William fell and struck his head on a concrete path.
” Legg said he saw the fight start, and tried to stop it.
Jean Elma Comber, barmaid, said that Keegan might have had two drinks that afternoon. He was sober.
Detective Chamagn: Was Legg drunk?— No. I don’t think so.
![https://police.freom.com/kenneth-stanley-astill Kenneth Stanley ASTILL aka Ken & Kenny New South Wales Police Force Regd. # 4940 Rank: Probationary Constable - appointed 21 January 1946 Detective Sergeant 1st Class - appointed 6 July 1971 Stations: ?, CIB Drug Squad ( 1950's 60's ), Service: From ? ? pre January 1946 to ? ? ? = ? years Service [blockquote] World War II Australian Imperial Force - Australian Army Regiment: ? Enlisted: 13 August 1942 @ Taree, NSW Service # NX109343 (N246474) Rank: Bombardier Embarkation: ? Next of kin: Stanley ASTILL Religion: ? Single / Married: ? Returned to Australia: ? Date of discharge: 2 January 1946 Posting at discharge: 554 Australian Light Anti Aircraft Battery. POW: No [/blockquote] Police Awards: National Medal - granted 16 October 1983 Born: 29 August 1921 - Marrickville, NSW Army records have him born same day / month but in 1920 NSW Police have him born with same day / month but in 9121 Died on: Tuesday 28 June 2016 Cause: ? Age: 94 Funeral date: Tuesday 5 July 2016 @ 2pm Funeral location: the Chapel, Anzac Village, Colooli Road, NARRABEEN Buried at: ? Memorial at: ? Jack Doughty in centre - taken at back of Coolabah Police Station. On left on the seesaw is Bob Doughty, next standing is Alan Doughty and in the middle is Jack Doughty. JACK DOUGHTY WAS ALSO A SERVING NSW POLICE OFFICER. Hi Greg, Thank you very much for letting me know of Ken Astills passing. Ken was a friend of the Doughty family, through my uncle Jack Doughty, who for many years was a serving Police Officer at Coolabah. Many years ago when I was a teenager, Ken, Jack, the Doughty brothers and myself, went on many pig shooting expeditions around Coolabah. I am attaching a photograph of Ken taken with my Uncle Bob Doughty and also a photograph of the Doughty family at the back of the Police Station at Coolabah. When Uncle Jack retired be and his](https://police.freom.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Kenneth-Stanley-ASTILL-2-NSWPF-Died-28-June-2016.jpg)
