Kevan Francis McAULIFFE

| 28/01/2016

Kevan Francis McAULIFFE – QPM

New South Wales Police Force

Joined via NSW Police Cadet system on 4 July 1939

Cadet # 233

Regd. # 4603

Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced 4 July 1939

Probationary Constable – appointed 12 June 1942

Sergeant 1st Class – appointed 22 March 1968

Inspector 2/c – appointed 11 May 1975

Superintendent – appointed 14 June 1977

Superintendent 3rd Class – retired

Stations: ?, Chief Supt. Metropolitan Area – retirement

Service: From 4 July 1939 to 21 October 1981 = 42 years Service

Awards: Queen’s Police Medal ( QPM ) – granted 3 June 1978

National Medal – granted 8 November 1979

Born: Saturday 22 October 1921

Died on: Thursday 21 January 2016

Cause: ?

Age: 94 years, 2 months

Funeral date: Friday 29 January 2016 @ noon

Funeral location: West Chapel, Rookwood Crematorium, Hawthorne Avenue, ROOKWOOD

Buried at: Cremated

Memorial at: ?

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

Funeral location:

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

Supplement to the London Gazette 3rd June 1978 p6258 — Supplement to the London Gazette 3rd June 1978 page 6258

1978 Birthday Honours

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1978_Birthday_Honours

John Anthony ALLAM

| 28/01/2016

John Anthony ALLAM

AKA Tony

Late of Myrtleford, Victoria

New South Wales Police Force

Redfern Police Academy – Class 131

Regd. # 15324

Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 8 May 1972 ( aged 24 years, 10 months, 11 days )

Probationary Constable – appointed 19 June 1972 ( aged 24 years, 11 months, 23 days )

Constable 1st Class – appointed 19 June 1977

Senior Constable – appointed 19 June 1981

Final Rank: Senior Constable – retirement

Stations: ?, Auburn, Flemington – retirement

Service: From 8 May 1972 to 31 July 1989 = 17 years, 2 months, 23 days Service

Age at Retirement: 42 years, 1 month, 4 days

Years in Retirement: 26 years, 5 months, 4 days

Awards: National Medal – granted 7 November 1988 ( SenCon )

Born: Friday 27 June 1947

Died on: Monday 4 January 2016

Cause: Cancer – lung

Age: 68yrs 6mths 12days

Event Location: Alpine Health, Myrtleford, Victoria

Funeral date: Monday 11 January 2016

Funeral location: Myrtleford, Victoria

Buried at: ?

Memorial at: ?

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

Funeral location: ?

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

May you forever Rest In Peace.

Nothing further is known about this man, or his life and any photos and further information would be appreciated for his Memorial Post.

Cal

Police Dog DIESEL

| 28/01/2016

Police Dog DIESEL

Victoria Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank: Police Dog

Stations: ?

Service: From ? ? 2009 to ? ? 2016 = 7 years Service

Awards: ?

Born: ? ? 2007

Died on: Sunday 17 January 2016 during the evening

Cause: Medical issues – enlarged prostrate

Age: 9

Funeral date: ?

Funeral location: ?

Buried at: ?

Memorial at: ?

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

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Funeral location: ?

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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Police dog Diesel passed away on Sunday evening as a result of ongoing medical issues.

Leading Senior Constable Mark Gray and Diesel worked together from 2009 to 2016. During this time they provided an excellent service to Victoria Police and the community with over 120 arrests.

Diesel came from a strong bloodline of police dogs with his father and three half-brothers also serving Victoria Police.

He was brave, fearless and fiercely loyal.

Diesel will be sorely missed.

Photo by Margaret Burin, ABC News

VicPol FB page

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David BOND

| 28/01/2016

David BOND

New South Wales Police Force & Victorian Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank: Victorian Police Chaplain & Honorary NSW Police Force Chaplain

Stations: VicPol & NSW South Region

Service: From ? to ?

Awards: ?

Born: ?

Died on: Friday 15 January 2016

Cause: ?

Age: 67

Funeral date: Thursday 21 January 2016 @ 2pm

Funeral location: St John’s Anglican Church, 27 Niemur Street, Barham, NSW

Buried at: ?

Memorial at: ?

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Funeral location:

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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Thank you for your Service and looking after our troops.

May you forever Rest In Peace

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Richard Anthony LAMB

| 28/01/2016

Richard Anthony LAMB – BM

aka Dick

( late of Harrington Park, NSW )

New South Wales Police Force

Honorary Life Member of the NSW VRA ( Volunteer Rescue Association )

[alert_yellow]Regd. # 13222[/alert_yellow]

Redfern Police Academy Class 115

Rank: Probationary Constable – 24 June 1968

Constable – appointed 24 June 1969

Senior Constable – 24 June 1977

Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1983

Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 25 February 1984 – Seniority date = 26 January 1984

Inspector – 1992

Superintendent – 1996

Superintendent – retired 2 July 2003

Stations:

1968 – 1970 Regent Street then Glebe.

1970 – 1983 Police Rescue Squad.

1983 – 1985 Liverpool.

1985 – 1988 Police Rescue Squad.

1988 – 1990 Police Air Wing.

1990 State Emergency Management.

Sydney Olympics 2000. Olympic Security Command Sydney Airports Corporation during the Olympics as a Policy and Security Advisor.

2002 – 2003 State Protection Group – retirement

Service Medals :

1977 – Queens Silver Jubilee Medal awarded under the Imperial Honours System for services to the community of NSW.

1978 – Granville Train Disaster Medal in recognition of outstanding service at Granville.

1984 – National Medal.

1994 – First Clasp to the National Medal.

2003 – National Police Service Medal.

2003 – 2nd clasp to the National Medal

Service from pre 24 June 1968 to 2 July 2003 = 35 years Service

Awards/Commendations:

1970.

Thiess Toyota Award for Courageous Conduct rescuing a man from the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The Thiess Toyota Award was awarded annually for the most courageous rescue of the year undertaken by NSW Police Rescue Operators. This award was later opened up to Officers of the Water Police, the Police Air Wing and Dog Squad

1974.

2nd Thiess Toyota Award for Courageous conduct in effecting a rescue

1975.

Recognised for his dedication and teamwork in Rescue Operations in Darwin following Cyclone Tracey.

1979.

Recognised for his efforts at Granville by being Commended for Courage and devotion to duty by the Commissioner of Police

1979.

Senior Constable Dick LAMB, Arthur ACKROYD and Bruce GANE rescued a mentally ill man from the top arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Arising from this Rescue, Senior Constable LAMB and ACKROYD were awarded a “Bravery Medal” and Senior Constable GANE was awarded the “Commendation for Brave Conduct”.

Senior Constable LAMB’s citation reads:

Be it known that, with the approval of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Australia, I have awarded the Bravery Medal to Richard Anthony Lamb in recognition of an act of bravery in hazardous circumstances”

Citation

“On 28 March, 1979 at around 3pm a man was seen on the upper girders of Sydney harbour Bridge about 80 metres above the roadway. He appeared to be preparing to jump. In company with 2 other police officers Senior Constable Lamb climbed up towards him. Winds at the time were blowing at approximately 70 km/h. After getting close and when the man was preparing to jump Senior Constable LAMB and one of the other officers seized the man and after a brief struggle he was carried to safety

Senior Constable LAMB displayed considerable bravery in effecting a rescue in such hazardous conditions.”

Sir Zelman COWAN.

Governor General, Commonwealth of Australia.”

1980.

Senior Constable LAMB was awarded his Bravery Medal, received a Commissioner of Police Commendation for Courage and was again awarded the Thiess Toyota Award for Courageous conduct in effecting a Rescue. All of these were from the rescue on the Harbour Bridge in March 1979.

1981.

Senior Constable Dick LAMB BM was again awarded the Thiess Toyota Award for a Courageous conduct and in August, 1981 awarded a Commissioners Commendation for Bravery and devotion to Duty for the rescue in company with Constable First Class JOHN LOWE at the Glen Lea Coal Washery at Narellan of Ross CHIDDY was trapped by the blade of a 60 tonne bulldozer when it fell backwards into a crater that formed when a stock pile of crushed coal collapsed.

Born: 7 October 1946

Died on: Monday 18 January 2016 during the afternoon – ON the 39th anniversary of the Granville Train Disaster of 1977

Cause: Bowel Cancer

Age: 69

Funeral date: Thursday 28 January 2016 @ 1pm

Funeral location: Gledswood Homestead,

900 Camden Valley Way,

Gledswood Hills ( CATHERINE FIELD ) x of Catherine Field Rd.

Buried at: Cremated, ashes taken

Memorial at: Awaiting notification from family

[alert_yellow]DICK is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow]

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39 years ago today I was with my family on our way to Brooklyn to see my nanna and pop.

We drove up to a bridge in Granville which we normally drive over. Moments before the bridge had collapsed on a busy commuter train.

My dad, Dick Lamb was the first off duty Policeman on the scene, he made the call to triple o to alert our emergency services of this disaster. My mum left him on the scene, returned home to get him his rescue squad overalls where he worked day and night along side his colleagues of the Police Rescue Squad and other emergency services to save the lives so many.

That day, 83 people died and over 200 people injured.

We are so proud of you dad, we love you xx
‪#‎everydayheroes‬

Jennifer Smith

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One of the first people to rush to the scene of the 1977 Granville train disaster has died, one day after the anniversary of the crash.

Off-duty police officer Dick Lamb was one of several volunteers who tried to help those injured when the Mt Victoria to Sydney express train derailed on January 18.

The derailment brought down the Bold St bridge onto the carriages, leaving 83 people dead and more than 200 injured.

Mr Lamb, believed to be aged in his 70s, died from cancer on Tuesday, Granville Memorial Trust president John Hennessey said.

“He was one of the unsung heroes of the disaster,” Mr Hennessey told AAP.

“He was a very brave, humble man and provided great support to all the victims over the last 39 years,” he said.

“We are all in mourning and were saddened to hear of his death”.

Survivors, emergency crews and those who lost loved ones gathered for a ceremony on Monday to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the disaster.

Mr Lamb, who had been battling cancer for the last few months, was unable to attend the memorial.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/a/30611539/granville-train-disaster-volunteer-dies/

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Email Received on 28 January 2016:

Dear Cal,
Am just home from the funeral and feel totally emotionally drained.
About 200 people turned out, some were family, some friend’s but mostly were former colleagues comprising of Police Rescue, Volunteer Police Rescue and other parts of the police brotherhood.
As Richard’s coffin was carried from the venue, all of these people formed a guard of honour.
Then a Police helicopter did a fly over. As the hearse drove out the Police Rescue Squad truck followed it closely.
I am overwhelmed at the love that was in that room for my cousin. I was not aware of just how courageous Richard was and felt proud to be there.
As promised, I have the program from the funeral and will get my husband to scan it and send it on.
I have also asked for copies of the photo’s that were taken and will forward these when I get them.
Thank you for your interest in Richard.
I remain
Your’s
Lesley

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Max Sladden, Nev Greatorex, Pete Robb & Dick Cordwell await Dicks arrival at the service.

Gary Smith APM, John Glossop, Col Kelson VA, Brian (Storky ) O'Rourke & daughter, Gary Thornton SC await Dicks arrival. — Gary Smith APM, John Glossop, Col Kelson VA, Brian (Storky ) O’Rourke & daughter, Gary Thornton SC await Dicks arrival.

Dick Lamb BM prepaparing to leave the service.

POL AIR Honour Fly Past for Dick Lamb BM

Dot Smith, 'Blue' Thompson, Rod Stewart at Dick Lamb BM send off — Dot Smith, ‘Blue’ Thompson, Rod Stewart at Dick Lamb BM send off

Rescue class of 1978 members at Dicks farewell, Max Sladden, Col Kelson VA, Gary Smith APM, Gary Thornton SC

Gary Smith APM, Ken Holmes, Paul Kelly, Gary Thornton SC, Dot Smith, Blue Thompson. with Paul Kelly and George N Gretta Letherbarrow.

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Robert Bruce GOULD

| 28/01/2016

Robert Bruce GOULD – APM

aka Bruce

( late of Elderslie )

New South Wales Police Force

[alert_yellow]Regd. # 7677[/alert_yellow]

Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 4 January 1954

Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 24 February 1977

Chief Superintendent – retired

Stations: ?, Newtown ( 1960’s ), Emergency Management

Service: From ?pre 4 January 1977 to 4 June 1989 = 35 years Service

Awards: Australian Police Medal – APM – granted 13 June 1988 ( In recognition of service to the NSW Police Force )

Born: 11 September 1933

Died on: Saturday 9 January 2016

Cause: ?

Age: 82

Funeral date: Monday 18 January 2016 @ 10am

Funeral location: Gledswood Homestead & Winery, 900 Camden Valley Road, CATHERINE FIELD

Buried at: ?

Memorial at: ?

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

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Funeral location:

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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Gould, Robert Bruce
“Bruce”
9th January 2016
Late of Elderslie

Beloved Husband of Nance
Treasured Father of Phillip & June; John & Fiona
Loving Brother to Ray
Grandfather to Elisha, Ryan, Sarah, Brooke, Jack and Abbey
Great Grandfather to Leevi

Aged 82 Years
So dearly loved…
So sadly missed.

The relatives and friends of Bruce are kindly invited to attend his funeral service To be held on Monday 18th January 2016

At Gledswood Homestead, 900 Camden Valley Way, Catherine Field at 10:00am

Michelle Roffe
Funeral Services
17 Hill Street,
Camden 2570
4655 2800

Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Jan. 14, 2016

Thursday, 14 January 2016

Our thoughts and love to Nance and family. Treasured memories of a great person.

http://tributes.smh.com.au/obituaries/smh-au/obituary.aspx?n=robert-gould&pid=177272569

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Raymond Stanley BELL

| 28/01/2016

Raymond Stanley BELL

aka Ray

( late of Glenreagh )

New South Wales Police Force

Probationary Constable # 92015

Regd. # 18004 – disengaged 18 August 1992 as a Senior Constable

Commenced with Redfern Police Academy Class # 158

Service 1: From 3 April 1978 to 18 August 1992 = 14 years, 6 months, 26 days Service

Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 23 January 1978 ( aged 25 years, 2 months, 27 days )

Probationary Constable – appointed 3 April 1978 ( aged 25 years, 5 months, 7 days )

Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Constable 1st Class – appointed 3 April 1983

Senior Constable – appointed 3 April 1987

Final Rank: Senior Constable

Stations: ?,

Rejoinee

Regd # 28911 – retirement

Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on ? ? 1995

Service 2: From: 25 September 1995 to 13 October 2011 = 15+ years Service

Rank: Commenced Training ‘ possibly ‘ with Goulburn Police Academy Class # 261 or 262 ( aged 42 years, 10 months, 29 days )

Probationary Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?

Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?

Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?

Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?

Inspector – appointed ? ? ?

Chief Inspector – appointed ? ? ?

Final Rank: Chief Inspector – retirement

Stations: ?, Green Valley ( 22 Division )( Chief Inspector ), Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour / Clarence LAC ( Duty Officer )

Total Years Service ( Service 1 & 2 ) 30 years

Age at Retirement: 63 years, 2 months

Time in Retirement: 4 years, 2 months, 14 days

Awards: National Medal – granted 30 August 2000

Born: Monday 27 October 1952

Died on: Saturday 9 January 2016 during the morning

Cause: ?

Age: 63 years, 2 months,

Funeral date: Wednesday 13 January 2016 @ 10am

Funeral location: Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour, NSW

Buried at: Cremated

Memorial at: ?

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

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

BELL, Raymond Stanley `Ray’

9th January 2016, peacefully at Coffs Harbour Health Campus, late of Glenreagh.

Dearly beloved husband of Glenice,

loving father & father-in-law of Melissa & Matthew Zielinski, Reannan & Steve Loughlin,

loving Poppy of Ryan, Luke, Sunny & Cooper,

dear brother & brother-in-law and

uncle of his nieces & nephews.

Aged 63 Years

“Sadly missed”

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Ray’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour TODAY, Wednesday 13th January 2016 commencing at 10.00 am.

All retired and serving Police Personnel are kindly invited to attend.

Friends are invited to join the family in the Garden Lounge for light refreshments following the Service.

http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/classifieds/ad/2423740/

David Neil RICE

| 28/01/2016

David Neil RICE

New South Wales Police Force

Redfern Police Academy Class # 135

Regd. # 15855

Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy in May 1973

Probationary Constable – appointed 2 July 1973 ( aged 20 years, 5 months, 7 days )

Constable – appointed 2 July 1974

Constable 1st Class – appointed 2 July 1978

Stations: ?, Invergowrie ( Armidale )

Service: From pre May 1973 to ?

Awards: National Medal – granted 15 December 1989

Born: Sunday 25 January 1953

Died on: Sunday 10 January 2016

Cause: ?

Age: 62 years, 11 months, 16 days

Funeral date: Monday 18 January 2016 @ 10am

Funeral location: Piddington’s Funeral Chapel, 10640 Uralla Road, ARMIDALE

Buried at: Cremated

Memorial at: ?

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

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Funeral location:

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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May you forever Rest In Peace David

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RICE, David Neil. The funeral service of the Late David Rice will be held at Piddingtons Crematorium Chapel, Armidale commencing at 10:00 am followed by a cremation at Piddington’s Crematorium, Armidale.

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Didar SINGH

| 28/01/2016

Didar SINGH

Royal Malaysian Police

Regd. # ?

Rank: Deputy Superintendent

Stations: ? Prosecution, Criminal Investigation Department ( C.I.D. ), Flying / Jungle Squad, O.I.C. of Police District ( OCPD ), Officer Superintending of Police Circle

Service: From ? ? 1932 to ? ? 1969 = 37 years Service

Awards: ?

Born: 13 February 1913 Gaggarwal near Morinda in Punjab

Died on: Wednesday 31 December 2015 peacefully @ 3.30pm

Cause: ?

Age: 102

Funeral date: 6 January 2016 from 2.30pm – 4pm

Funeral location: Chapel of Reflection at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, 600 Princes Highway, Springvale, Victoria

Buried at: ?

Memorial at: ?

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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SINGH Didar D. S. P.

13.02.1913 – 31.12.2015

Passed away peacefully at 3.30 p. m. on Dec. 31, 2015 aged 102.

Beloved husband of Harbajan Kaur and much loved father of Gerry, Sukhvinder and Jagdeep.

An officer and a gentleman. The quintessential man who served his country (Royal Malaysian Police 1932 – 1969), the community, and God.

A dedicated family man who was one of a kind.

A special soul that no one can replace. He was deeply loved by all who had the pleasure to meet him and he will never leave the minds and hearts of those he came across. A smiling face, a gentle nature and a heart of gold.

May Waheguru bless his beautiful soul.

Obituaries

Published in Herald Sun on 05/01/2016

– See more at: http://tributes.dailytelegraph.com.au/notice/237492037/view#sthash.PRWSvCnu.dpuf

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SINGH.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of Sardar Didar Singh Ji

TOMORROW (Jan. 6, 2016) from 2.30 – 4.00 p. m. at the Chapel of Reflection at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, 600 Princes Highway, Springvale.

Thereafter Akhand Paath service to commence at Blackburn Gurudwara.

ALL AREAS 9758-1523

Funerals

Published in Herald Sun on 05/01/2016

– See more at: http://www.oliverose.com.au/notice/237502031/view#sthash.DuED0W1Q.dpuf

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SENIOR CITIZEN DIARY Reflections From A Melburnian Centenarian Didar Singh

14 February 2013

This February, Sardar Didar Singh will turn 100 years old, a notable milestone few of us are able to achieve. We walk down memory lane with a man whose life has spanned three countries – India, Malaysia and now Australia.
Born in the village of Gaggarwal, near Morinda, in Punjab on 13 February 1913, it was the time when the British ruled India giving it independence in as late as 1947. So, war and peace were very much part of the social fabric Didar Singh grew up in. Singh was just four when his mother passed away, the First World War had begun and his father Harnam Singh was serving in the Middle East as he was in the private army of the Maharaja of Patiala, the Patiala Lancers. Singh was left in the care of his elder sister, Tej Kaur. Upon his father’s return, he was back living with him and his brothers. When his father retired, he went back to farming.
Singh received his initial education at the village school in Gaggarwal. “We walked ten km everyday rain, hail or shine,” says Singh. The pursuit of education saw him shift to Middle school in Khant, then to Kainor Khalsa College, Chamkaur Sahib Khalsa College, and finally City High School in Patiala. After completing high school in Patiala, Didar Singh returned to his village and briefly helped his father with the farming and planting an orchard.
Singh’s memory of his father is that of a strict disciplinarian given his military background. “It was military discipline at home too and everything had to be done a certain way, if not we would get a caning,” he recalls. The children took part in all the domestic chores including looking after the animals, cleaning the cow dung in the sheds, milking the buffalos, drawing the plough across the fields with the oxen and extracting water from the well. Far from the days of electricity, running water or automobiles, says Singh.
It was also during this time when he had completed high school that a person from the village had come back home on leave from overseas. This person convinced Singh that he could get a job as an office clerk as he was now well versed in Punjabi, Urdu and English. The person also persuaded Singh’s friend Amar Singh who had not gone to school that he could work in the mines. They were both assured of jobs in the east. Colloquially, the east was known as ‘Chine’ – anything past Calcutta or Kolkata as is now known.
It was a decision that would herald another journey in his long life. With his father’s blessings and financial help, Didar Singh took a train from Punjab to Calcutta. From there he boarded a steamer with the best room on the ship – on the deck and open to the elements. Few days later, he arrived in the Island of Penang in Malaysia. After being in quarantine for a few days, he learnt from the Punjabis living in Penang that the state of Kedah were recruiting people for their police force. Each State in Malaysia had its own police force.
Not wanting to lose any opportunity, Singh travelled to Alor Setar, the capital of Kedah and found himself among a queue of 30-40 Punjabis hopefuls. He had already passed the medical and physical tests. He remembers vividly how the recruiting officer Commissioner J.P. Pennefather-Evans walked up and down the line scrutinising the next batch of police officers. Singh took the opportunity to hand him a letter written in English at which the Commissioner asked in Punjabi ‘who had written this letter’. When Singh replied that he had written it himself, Commissioner Evans proceeded to look at his hands. Fortunately for Singh, his hands were very rough from the agricultural work he had done back home and, thus on this basis, he was recruited. Out of the hopefuls, only 10 were selected.
Singh’s initial duties were to guard members of the Royal family of Kedah. “They preferred Sikh guards as they would not interfere with their women and were excellent guards,” he says. During his night shifts, he used to study under the street lamps. He had a pocket dictionary and used to read books and newspapers to better his English. He also studied and learnt Malay. Clearly, a self-made and self-taught man, it was his drive to excel that would see him rise to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police during the British times.
Singh went on to serve in different divisions in the police, including prosecution (where he had to learn Criminal Procedure Act, Evidence Law and other legal subjects); the Criminal Investigation Department (CID); Flying/Jungle Squad (after WWII there was a problem with communists in Malaya. The Flying squads were the first ones sent in at any sign of trouble and they had to conduct jungle warfare with the communists). Singh rose through ranks. He not only became a gazetted officer, a Deputy Superintendent of Police but was also Officer In Charge of Police District (OCPD) and Officer Superintending of Police Circle (which included several districts) in various states of Malaysia, gaining fame and respect in not just Malaysia but Singapore and India as well.
Singh retired from the services in 1969 and spent time in India. By then Malaysia was also undergoing its own transition in history. The government was heading towards racial bias and non-Malays were beginning to be treated as second class citizens.
Moving to Australia in 1986 was a decision based on giving his children a better education and future. And while he enjoys life in Australia, he reminisces about life in Malaysia fondly as he was at the prime of his career and had it all – a good life, fame and challenges.
“The times have changed, of course,” says Singh, adding, “Compared to the hard life we had to endure, the lifestyles of people have changed, children enjoy comforts and many things are taken for granted. But it is a progress that we take in our stride and I am always amazed by the rapid change and progress mankind is making.”
A strong believer of Waheguru, Singh has lived life according to its diktats especially in the true style of a Sikh “rehat maryada”. Hard-work (kirat karni), prayer (naam japna), voluntary service (seva), communal life, and daswand (donating 10 per cent of your earnings), have been the principles of his life. He has served in Gurudwara committees across Malaysia and has been integral part of the Sikh Community in Melbourne as well. He was Chairperson of the Blackburn Gurudwara Committee, during 1999-2000 at the age of 86.
For all his time in Malaysia or Australia, Singh has never forgotten his roots and never misses a chance to pay homage to his village whenever he is in India. He also built a school and funded generously towards the building of a Gurudwara in his village.
Singh’s knowledge, humility and integrity shine through his personality. Little wonder, why he is such a respected member of the Indian community. “To be able to live in harmony, we have to treat everyone equally no matter who you are,” he says. Pearls of wisdom from a centenarian.
By Indira Laisram

James LYON

| 28/01/2016

James LYON

aka Jim

Victoria Police Force

Regd. # 13008

Rank: ? – Retired

Stations: ?

Service: From ? to ?

Awards: “possibly” received the National Medal – granted on 6 February 1998?

Born: 7 January 1937

Died on: Sunday 28 December 2015

Cause: ?

Age: 78

Funeral date: Monday 4 January 2016 @ 10.45am

Funeral location: Blair Chapel, Springvale Botanical Cemetery, 600 Princes Hwy, Springvale, Victoria

Buried at: ?

Memorial at: ?

[alert_yellow]JAMES 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.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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LYON. James (Jim).

Police Officer Retired 13008

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Service of James Lyon to be held at the Blair Chapel, Springvale Botanical Cemetery on MONDAY (Jan. 4, 2016) commencing at 10.45 a. m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cancer Council.

Funerals

Published in Herald Sun on 02/01/2016

– See more at: http://tributes.dailytelegraph.com.au/notice/238972090/view#sthash.dX8H412A.dpuf

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LYON. James (Jim).

7.1.1937 – 28.12.2015 (78 years old)

Passed away peacefully with his family by his side.

Loving husband of Beverly. Father and father-in-law of Damien and Shari and Poppy of Harley and Taleah.

My Inspiring Father, I loved you every day and will miss you every day. You will be sadly missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace.

Love Beverly, Damien, Shari, Harley and Taleah.

Obituaries

Published in Herald Sun on 02/01/2016

Supporting Notices

LYON. James. Passed away Dec. 28, 2015 Rest in peace brother Colin and Sally Henderson.

Obituaries

Published in Herald Sun on 02/01/2016

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LYON James. Passed away peacefully Dec. 28 2015. Loved brother of Joyce, brother-in-law of Rod. Will be remembered always. Rest in Peace.

Obituaries

Published in Herald Sun on 02/01/2016

– See more at: http://tributes.heraldsun.com.au/notice/236142178/view?random=1452528371471#sthash.fjGxe5Az.dpuf

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http://tributes.heraldsun.com.au/notice/231922076/view

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