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
| 31/10/2014
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 ?
Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance
| 31/10/2014
Wall to Wall Ride logo http://www.walltowallride.com
In 2009, two mates, both police officers and both keen motorcyclists, started a conversation over a beer or two. “How about we organise some mates to ride to Canberra and meet at our National Memorial?”
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy from the NSW Police Force and Inspector Brian Rix of the Victorian Police had been motivated and inspired by the immense popularity of an American police motorcycle and charity event held in Austin, Texas.
Known as the “Ride for the Fallen”, the ride is a special tribute that honours the service and sacrifices of the many law enforcement officers killed in the service of Texas over its long and proud history.
Around the same time, a chance meeting with Western Australia Assistant Commissioner Steve Brown invariably turned into discussions of motorcycling and plans for Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan to lead a children’s charity ride across the country.
So a few phone calls later and with the much valued support and assistance of the Police Federation of Australia, a group of like minded police, serving and retired, were brought together to develop Australia’s own memorial ride.
With the National Police Memorial as a focal point and highlighting the positive image of police in the promotion of motorcycle safety and awareness, this has now become a much anticipated annual charity event in commemoration of the service and sacrifice of our police and for each of the State’s to raise much needed funds in support of their police charity organisations.
Each of the Australian Police Forces has a dedicated place of remembrance and reflection, where they pay homage to and remember their police officers who have died as a result of their service to the community. From these sites a very special journey begins with the intention of arriving at the outskirts of our national capital to meet and join the other contingents of riders from across Australia.
In a final gesture of police solidarity and remembrance, the ride travels through Canberra to the National Police Memorial for a short, but poignant ceremony to commence the week in honour of our colleagues and mates; their names recorded on the touch stones of the memorial wall.
The Wall to Wall : Ride for Remembrance is promoted through a national organising committee under the auspice of the Police Federation of Australia and the National Police Memorial. Stringent operational and financial controls are maintained to ensure the charitable status of the event and that funds raised are directly used to support the identified policing legacy organisations and charities.
Fully supported by all the police jurisdictions, every State and Territory is represented. Our past rides have been led by the Police Commissioners of the Australian Federal Police, Western Australia, New South Wales, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, all of whom share the thrills and excitement found only on a motorbike and who are integral role models in demonstrating our message of motorcycling safety and awareness
Open to serving and retired members (sworn and unsworn) and all other friends, family and proud supporters of policing, the ride is not only a wonderful commemoration of service and sacrifice , but also a fantastic social event for enthusiastic motor cyclists across Australia in celebration of the police family.
So make this the year that you get the bike out from the back of the garage and serviced, renew or obtain you riders licence and join us on a special ride in support of all that is good within the motorcycling community and the policing across Australia.
Our Website will be updated regularly throughout August and September with news of event, routes to be travelled and groups to join up with.
Like Us on Facebook and join our conversations in the lead up to our Australia’s own, Wall to Wall : Ride for Remembrance.
Police Association of Victoria President, Brian Rix travelled by motorcycle to every Capital city in Australia during the month of July 2011 to deliver a hand-made wooden Wall to Wall Ride Baton to each Police Commissioner. The Batons have been engraved with each jurisdiction’s Police Service Logo alongside the Wall to Wall Ride Logo and have a hollow centre allowing for the names of any fallen members to be inserted and carried by their Commissioner (or an appointed representative) on the Wall to Wall Ride to Canberra. These Batons will form an important part of the Wall to Wall Ride Ceremony in future.
Two decades ago at Lightning Ridge NSW Supt Stanley Single began fashioning wooden batons as a gift for departing officers. As an extra special touch each hand-made baton featured small opal doublets – one gem for each year served at the command. Supt Single, originally a fitter and turner by trade, served at Lightning Ridge from 1990 until he transferred to Walgett as commander in 1996. He said that, by then, word had spread about his novel departing gifts. “It just took off from there and it became a monster,” he said. “Everywhere I went everyone wanted one for their send-offs.” Then he got the call from Assistant Commissioner Mick Corboy about making his handiwork hobby a part of policing history – and future. The perpetual batons created for the ride are a hand-crafted wooden style classical baton, slightly embellished with the Wall to Wall logo and a laser engraving of the NSW Police Force badge, along with the wording: ‘We remember them.’
Supt Single said a unique feature of the batons will be their hollow centre. “When I started making batons back in Lightning Ridge I found it to be therapeutic – but it was a bit more work this time around because of the hollow centre, which required a bit more engineering,” he said. “There have been a few malfunctioning problems and it has been quite time consuming, however the hollow tube can contain a scroll sealed within with the names of any deceased police officers for that particular calendar year, bearing in mind the best result would be that each baton arrives at the Wall of Remembrance empty.” Each Australian Hardwood baton took around three hours to make, and each one was individually turned freehand – meaning that although they are similar in shape, size and style, no two are identical. A ceremonial ritual will mark the presentation of the batons at the Wall to Wall Ride’s arrival point in Canberra. In addition to the nine batons created for each commissioner of the nation’s policing jurisdictions, Supt Single has also produced a tenth baton to be auctioned off for charity on the day of the ride. The auction baton features engravings of each of the nine Australian police badges and will contain a scroll bearing the signatures of all the current commissioners. The vision is that from this year onwards, each police commissioner from each Australian jurisdiction will keep their perpetual baton safe, to be carried by them each year in the Wall to Wall Ride, and containing within its hollow centre a list of that year’s deceased officers. And in years to come each commissioner will also hope, as they reach for the scroll inside, to discover an empty page.
Ride – Lunch break at NSW Police Academy, Goulburn on Saturday 13 September 2014
photos taken by Greg Callander – Retired SenCon, NSWPF
[blockquote]NSW Police Academy Lunch break for the riders between Sydney and Canberra during the Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance – Year 5.[/blockquote]
36 OF 237. Remainder will be uploaded when I have the time.
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2013
Ride – Lunch break at NSW Police Academy, Goulburn on Saturday 14 September 2013
photos taken by Greg Callander – Retired SenCon, NSWPF
[blockquote]Ride – Lunch break at NSW Police Academy, Goulburn on Saturday 14 September 2013[/blockquote]
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2012
Ride – Lunch break at NSW Police Academy, Goulburn on Saturday 15 September 2012
photos taken by Greg Callander – Retired SenCon, NSWPF
[blockquote]SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2012
WALL to WALL POLICE RIDE FOR REMEMBRANCE – TO HONOR ALL THOSE POLICE WHO HAVE BEEN KILLED ON-DUTY SINCE AUSTRALIAN POLICING STARTED OVER 150 YEARS AGO.
THIS IS THE CONTINGENT THAT ARRIVED AT THE NSW POLICE ACADEMY, GOULBURN, FROM AROUND 11AM AND LEFT AROUND 1PM FOR THE RUN TO THE NATIONAL WALL IN CANBERRA.
THIS IS THE SECOND YEAR THIS EVENT HAS BEEN HELD.[/blockquote]
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2011
Ride – Lunch break at NSW Police Academy, Goulburn on Saturday 17 September 2011
photos taken by Greg Callander – Retired SenCon, NSWPF
Ashley is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
Constable Ashley John HARDIN, NSWPF
Ashley HARDIN, aka Bull, died as the result of a gun shot wound to the head with his service revolver.
He committed suicide as a result of how Police management treated him in relation to a 181D ( show cause why his employment should not be terminated ).
The NSW Police Commissioner at the time was Peter Ryan.
Plaque in the Muster Room of Sutherland Police Station in memory of Ashley John HARDIN
14 September 2015:
Ray Lambie: Gosh it is bad today! I went to Sutherland in 1998 & I was a team leader there. Bull was on my team and had suffered a malicious complaint arising from a domestic dispute that had occurred prior to his entry to the academy. Every time the domestic dispute was re visited a complaint was lodged with NSWPOL. He was cleared to enter the job, cleared whilst in the job on a number of occasions. In 1998 when the domestic complaint was raised again PIAB decided to give Bull a 181D ostensibly to make him do the work to get out of the complaint merry go round. He was suspended. He one day came in and took his service revolver to Darks Forest and committed suicide. On the day of his funeral I returned to the Sutherland Police Station and submitted my resignation. An absolute disgrace.
Noel John LOVES
| 31/10/2014
Noel John LOVES
New South Wales Police Force
Senior Sergeant
Regd. # ?
Stations: Wollongong Rescue Squad, Corrimal.
Born 24 December 1939
Died 2 August 1989
49 old
Late of Towradgi
Funeral: ? Bulli General Cemetery, Carrington St. Portion: GoM, Row 3
Further information needed.
John COADY
| 31/10/2014
John COADY
New South Wales Police Force
Sub-Inspector
Stationed at: Wingham – 2 years, Taree – 9 years,
Kempsey – 6 years, Scone until 1906 – Retired
late of Woollahra
Joined NSW Police Force – Mounted Police
83 old
Died 1920
Laid to Rest in the Vault, with his wife, at Waverley Cemetery.
OBITUARY.
Sub-Inspector John Coady.
On the 12th ult., at his residence, 26 Edgecliffe-road, Woollahra, John Coady, late Sub-inspector of Police, Scone, passed to his reward, at the age of 83. He was only six days ill before his death.
The late sub-inspector was a native of Freshford, County Kilkenny, Ireland, and came to New South Wales in 1860, allured thither by the gold fever 0f those days.
He spent several years on the Gulf diggings at Moruya, and afterwards joined the mounted police. From the Sydney depot he was sent to Wingham, Manning River, as senior-constable in-charge. After, two years he was transferred to the charge of Taree. There he remained nine years, and was promoted to Kempsey; and, after six years in Kempsey, was transferred to Scone, where he remained until 1906, when he retired from active service, and lived ever since at Woollahra.
He had an honourable and striking record of service well rendered, and of duty well fulfilled. He had many thrilling stories to tell of encounters with bush rangers and notorious criminals — notably, the famous Fred Ward, the bushranger ( known us Thunderbolt ), the Dora Dora blacks, the Breelong blacks, and others. As a bushman, the late sub-inspector was famous, and it was largely due to his close pursuit that Thunderbolt had to quit the coast districts of the Manning and Hastings rivers, and confine his operations to the tablelands, where he was finally captured, at Guyra. On one occasion, the ex-sub-inspector tracked Thunderbolt to Tomalla Tops, the plateau whence the Hunter, the Manning, the Barrington, and other rivers take their rise. On that occasion he captured the camp of the bushranger, but Thunderbolt made good his escape. The ex-sub-inspector was often heard to tell how he’d have caught the bushranger, too, but his mount was too slow on the mountain side. Thunderbolt was remarkable for the splendid horses he always rode. On that occasion 13 horses were taken at the bushranger’s camp and brought to Taree, where they were sold by public auction.
The deceased was the father of a large family. His wife predeceased him by two years. His son, James, died some years before, as also did his daughter, Sister Mary Ignatius, who died at Moree three years ago. He leaves three sons and four daughters to mourn their loss. They are Rev. Father J. J. Coady, P.P., Taree. Rev. Mother Francis, Brigidine Convent, Cooma; Sister Mary Francis, superior of the Convent of Mercy, Narrabri ; and Sister Mary Raymund, Dominican Convent, Strathfield ; Mary and Vincent, Woollahra ; and William, Queensland.
During the last 13 years he was a familiar figure at the Holy Cross Church, Bondi Junction. He was always at morning Mass, and was a daily communicant. His death was as holy as his life. The Rev. Father Smith administered the last Sacraments several hours before he died, and he was conscious right to the end. His remains were laid to rest in the vault at the Waverley Cemetery, where rests the remains of his late beloved and faithful wife.— R.I.P.
James Smith was a brother of Mr. G. Smith of Oak Farm, Rosemonte, near Goulburn, NSW, and his father, who died a few years ago, was a well-known gardener of that place.
Father’s name: George
Mother’s name: Isabella
The Sydney Morning Herald ( NSW ) Friday 1 January 1897 page 5 of 8
SUICIDE BY A SUB-INSPECTOR OF POLICE.
NARRABRI, Thursday.
This morning Sub-inspector James Smith, the officer in charge of the Narrabri police district, was found dead. A report of a shot was heard and deceased’s son, who rushed into the room, found his father lying on the bed with a revolver on his breast. From appearances that weapon had exploded in the mouth and the bullet had passed into the brain. During the past fortnight Mr. Smith had been indisposed, and it is stated that when unwell he always became very despondent and developed symptoms of melancholia. Only one chamber of the revolver was discharged, and death was apparently instantaneous. Deceased was 50 years of age. He joined the police force 27 years ago, and, beginning as a constable, worked his way up to his present rank. During the past six years he has had charge of the Narrabri police district. Deceased leaves a widow and seven children. An inquest was opened at the courthouse this morning and adjourned till Monday.
Later particulars of the death of Sub-inspector Smith show that the deceased left three letters, one addressed to his wife, the second to Mr Kenyon, P. M., ( Police Magistrate ) and the third to Mr A. R. Stafford, of Barry and Stafford. In one letter he stated that he felt his mind was becoming unhinged and preferred death to living the remainder of his life in an asylum. The deceased had arranged all his affairs, leaving everything provided for. The Masons will accord the deceased a Masonic funeral, which takes place tomorrow morning. The family are left provided for.
Singleton Argus ( NSW ) Saturday 2 January 1897 page 2 of 6
The Late Sub-Inspector Smith.
Many old residents of Singleton will regret to hear of the death of Police Sub-Inspector James Smith at Narrabri, an account of whose tragic end is published in another column. Sub-Inspector Smith joined the police force about 1868, and after doing duty at Maitland for about two years he was transferred to Singleton, where he remained for some time under Inspector Thorpe, and afterwards he was stationed at Wollombi with the rank of senior-constable.
Singleton Argus ( NSW ) Saturday 2 January 1897 page 6 of 6
SUICIDE OF A SUB-INSPECTOR.
Sub-Inspector James Smith who has had charge of the division at Narrabri aged 50 years, committed suicide on Thursday. He got up as usual, and went round the barracks, and at 8 o’clock went back to his bedroom. A few minutes later Senior-Sergeant Thomas Clarke, hearing a report of firearms rushed into the bedroom, and found the sub-inspector stretched on his bed with a bullet wound in his head. Death was instantaneous. The revolver was quite hot when the sergeant took it from the dead man’s hand. The only cause that ran be assigned for the terrible deed is that the sub-inspector had been ailing for the last three weeks, and his wife has also been ill for some time, and is at the present moment in a very bad condition.
Great surprise was expressed locally at the news, and also regret. Sub-Inspector Smith was well liked both in his official and private capacity. He was a member of the Masonic order, and also the M.U. ( Manchester Unity ) Order of Oddfellows. The deceased inspector joined the mounted police on January 15, 1868. On leaving the depot in Sydney he was sent to the north-western district, being first stationed at Maitland. From that place he was transferred to Muswellbrook as sergeant, and was promoted to senior-sergeant in April, 1883. In 1891 Mr Smith attained the rank he held at the time of his death, and was appointed to the Narrabri sub-district.
The Maitland Weekly Mercury ( NSW ) Saturday 2 January 1897 page 3 of 16
Suicide of Sub-Inspector Smith at Narrabri.
Narrabri, Thursday
Great excitement prevailed in town this morning when a report became current that police Sub-Inspector James Smith had committed suicide at his residence between 8 and 9 o’clock by shooting himself through the head with a revolver, death being instantaneous. The report was immediately confirmed, and the particulars furnished go to show that the Sub-Inspector had been suffering from some slight illness for the past week, and had been subject to fits of melancholia for some time previous, but the commission of such a rash act was never dreamed of by his friends. The greatest sympathy is felt for his wife and family. An inquiry will be held during the day. Alater telegram states that Mr. Smith got up as usual, and went round the barracks. At 8 0’clock he went back to his bedroom, and a few minutes later Senior-Sergeant Clarke, hearing the report of firearms, rushed into the bedroom and found the Sub-Inspector stretched on his bed with a bullet wound in the head. Death had been instantaneous, and tbe revolver was quite hot when the Sergeant took it from the dead man’s hand. The only cause assigned for the terrible deed is that the Sub- Inspector has been ailing for the last three weeks, and his wife had also been ill for some, and at the present moment is in a very bad condition. Great surprise is expressed in town at the news, also regret. Mr. Smith was well-liked both in his official and private capacity. He was a member of the Masonic Order, and also of the Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows. The late Mr. James Smith, or ” Long Smith ” as he was generally called by other members of the force to distinguish him from another officer of the same name, was well-known in the Maitland district, where the news of his death will create some excitement. Mr. Smith joined the police force about the year 1868, so that he had served 28 years and would in the natural course of events have retired in a couple of years’ time. In the 70’s he was stationed at Singleton under Inspector Thorpe, who has since retired, and later with the rank of senior-constable he was in charge at Wollombi. He was also stationed at several other places, and for a number of years prior to 1896 be was a senior-sergeant at Muswellbrook, in which year he was superseded by Senior-sergeant Cowan, now of East Maitland. Mr. Smith then went to Narrabri, with the rank of sub-inspector in charge of the sub-district of Narrabri, which is a most important one, including as it does Moree. During the miners’ strike at Greta, Mr. Smith was one of the officers engaged there. He was 50 years of age, and, as stated in our telegram, leaves a wife and family. Mr. Smith was a fine soldierly man in appearance, and was a noted strict disciplinarian.
Interred 1 August 2014 – HENRY KENDALL GARDENS – ROSE GARDEN 40 – Position 0056
Henry BRENNAN
Harry (Henry) BRENNAN GM, 86 old, former Regd. No. 6424, an Unattached member of Caringbah.
Henry passed away on 01/06/2014 and his funeral is proposed to be held at 9am on Friday 6th Instant at Southern Chapel, Woronora Crematorium, SUTHERLAND
Funeral location: Dress is winter uniform (leather jacket) plus full size medals. For plain clothes Police it is suitable day dress with medals.
Not all names come up in the 1968 ‘ Stud Book ‘ Inscription: Traffic cyclists L – R: Jack ” Happy Jack ” AGNEW ( NSWPF # ??? ), Col ” Smoothie ” COGLE, Joe Dainer, Max ” Slobber ” Robertson, Harry ” Bren ” BRENNAN ( NSWPF # 6424 ), John Ackroyd, Charlie Spicer ( NSWPF # 7263? ), Dino Tallon, Brian ‘ Boofa ” Skyes and Wally ” Sockeye ” Salmon. Names are from an article in an old Retired Police Journal by Harry BRENNAN, which featured the photo. I am guessing mid 60’s, leather caps have given way to black helmets and BMW’s instead of the earlier Triumphs. Looks like Centennial Park – possibly on delivery of the BMW’s??? https://www.flickr.com/photos/nswpoliceforce/5599527423/in/photostream/
Constable Harry Brennan – 14 October 1954
The Sydney Morning Herald Thursday 14 October 1954 page 1 of 32
Two Policemen Shot In Wild 80-m.p.h. Chase Across City:
Dragnet Out For Gunman
In Sydney’s biggest manhunt hundreds of police last night and early this morning were searching for a gunman who had shot and wounded two police, during an 80-mile-an-hour chase through eastern and southern suburbs.
The gunman wounded Sergeant Neville Townsend and Constable John Melton ( both of Bondi ).
Sergeant Townsend was shot in the ring finger of the right hand, which was later amputated.
Constable Melton was shot under the left arm.
Police have been told that earlier the gunman fired five shots over the head of a woman at Manly and threatened to shoot her dead.
He then made off in a grey sedan car with a Victorian number-plate.
Constable Harry Brennan, a motor cyclist of the Safety Bureau, heard the description of the car over the police radio.
He was patrolling Bondi Promenade five minutes later when he saw the wanted car being driven slowly past him.
The driver saw that he was being followed but he still did not hurry.
SOUNDED SIREN
Constable Brennan sounded his siren as they passed Bondi Police Station.
The crew of the Bondi police truck – Sergeant Townsend, Constable Melton and Constable Len Ryan – heard the siren and ran out.
They jumped in the truck and joined in the chase.
The truck drew level with the car at the end of Blair Street. The car driver leant out and the shooting started.
Police said that Sergeant Townsend’s handcuffs saved his life. A bullet fired by the gunman passed through Sergeant Townsend’s clothing and struck his handcuffs, hanging from his belt.
The handcuffs deflected the bullet, which only grazed the skin around Sergeant Townsend’s ribs.
A second bullet hit him on the hand.
A shot passed through Constable Ryan’s cap just above the badge.
Another shot broke a glass wind deflector.
Police in the truck, Constable Brennan, and the driver were firing together at one stage.
One bullet whistled past Constable Brennan’s face. Constable Melton, who was driving the van, had his revolver ready but did not fire any shots. He received a bullet under the left arm, but continued to drive the van while Constable Ryan called other police cars to the scene.
When the other cars arrived the Bondi police van pulled out of the chase and took the injured officers to St. Vincent’s Hospital.
The man fired about seven shots. Constable Brennan did not know that the police in the truck had been hit. He chased the car when the driver, apparently having emptied his magazine, stopped firing and increased his speed.
Police think that the man must have reloaded while driving.
The car entered Birriga Road, slewed round at a bend and nearly overturned.
Constable Brennan, who was following close behind, nearly crashed into the side of the car.
The driver leant out and fired a shot point blank at Constable Brennan but it missed.
The chase continued through Bondi Junction, along Oxford Street, down Lang Road into Robb Road and into Anzac Parade.
CYCLE HIT
In Robb Road, approaching Centennial Park, Constable Brennan drew close to the racing car. The man slowed down suddenly and swerved across the road.
The car struck Constable Brennan’s motor cycle and sent it careering sideways, but he managed to keep it from crashing.
The man leaned out of the window and fired a shot at Constable Brennan.
The car then entered Anzac Parade at Moore Park and headed south and the man fired two more shots both of which missed.
A car in Anzac Parade near Cleveland Street was struck and hurled on to the footpath.
Soon after the fugitive car crashed into another car and then almost immediately scraped past the front of another car.
The driver braked just in time to stop a serious crash.
The fugitive swerved repeatedly in attempts to wreck Constable Brennan’s motor cycle.
Constable Brennan fired five shots during the chase and he thinks several of them hit the car.
The car was travelling at about 80 m.p.h. when it approached Prince Henry Hospital.
Constable Brennan raised his pistol to fire the last shot in the magazine, but the bullet jammed in the barrel.
The car then swerved hard to the right past St. Michael’s Golf Course. Constable Brennan had to stop when his pistol became useless.
He ran into the hospital and called for reinforcements.
A man who resembled the fugitive was seen at Yarra Bay about 10.30 p.m. and shortly afterwards near Bunnerong Power-house.
Practically every available police car in Sydney was sent to the La Perouse and Bunnerong area.
Hundreds of police, armed with pistols and “shot guns,” began to search St. Michael’s golf course and the surrounding area.
It was thought the gunman might have taken cover on the golf course.
“FROGMAN”
About midnight police began to think that the fugitive had slipped through their cordon.
The man is believed to know the area very well and in the few minutes he had after escaping from Constable Brennan he might have had time to double back possibly by the road running between Bunnerong power station and Botany Bay.
This would have enabled him to reach Botany Road and reach the southern suburbs while he was still thought to be at La Perouse.
The man is said to be an accomplished “frogman” and a strong swimmer. Police think he could have swum out to a ship or yacht anchored in Botany Bay.
Early to-day police were searching a tanker anchored in Botany Bay.
A police launch from Blakehurst was speeding to Botany Bay to assist in the search.
POLICE PUZZLED
Police are puzzled by the fact that they have not been able to find the grey car, which is believed to be bullet scarred.
Detectives have considered the possibility that the man realised he could not escape unobserved in the car and drove it over the cliffs before trying to escape on foot.
Using searchlights they began a yard by yard search last night of the cliff edges for tyre marks.
Squads of police made an intensive search of caravans, humpies, sheds, backyards, and other buildings at Yarra Bay and nearby.
Other police searched among the tombstones of the Botany cemetery.
Aborigines from the settlement assisted police in the search.
Police, outside Prince Henry Hospital confer on moves in the search for the gunman. On the left is Constable Harry Brennan who exchanged shots with the gunman.
Sunday Mail ( Brisbane, Qld ) Sunday 17 October 1954 page 1 of 36
‘DON’T SHOOT’ : GUNMAN’S PLEA TO POLICE AT CAPTURE HUNT ENDS ON THIRD DAY
Offender – Robert Brown
SYDNEY— After the grimmest manhunt New South Wales has known Robert Michael Brown, 20, surrendered to two young police officers on Bushrangers’ Hill, in the Sydney suburb, Newport, at 11.25 a.m. yesterday. Brown, who was dirty arid dishevelled, was hiding in a crevice under a clump of bushes when the police arrested him.
With their guns drawn, the two policemen, Constables Clive Curtayne and George Spowart, stood over Brown as he crouched in the bushes and ordered him to surrender.
“Throw up your hands and submit quietly or we will shoot,” Constable Curtayne ordered. Rising slowly to his feet and with both hands’ in the air, Brown said: “I’ve had it. Don’t shoot. You’re too good. I’m all in. Give me a break. I’ve thrown my gun away. I’ll go quietly.” Brown’s capture was the climax to the biggest search on land, sea, and air in the history of New South Wales. He had been at liberty for 62½ hours. The police search for Brown began on Wednesday night after two police men had been shot in a running gun battle between Bondi and La Perouse.
Ate meal
Brown threw back his head and stared defiantly at police and Press while his picture was taken from all angles. He made no attempt to conceal his face and made a couple of half-hearted wise cracks to photographers as the bulbs flashed. With the Commissioner of Police ( Mr. C. J. Delaney ) in the front seat, Brown was driven to the Collaroy Police Station where he dictated a long statement.
[blockquote]While making the statement Brown ate ravenously and gulped down several cups of water. Later he smoked cigarettes and drank tea. [/blockquote]
It is understood that Brown commandeered the trawler Aklavic from The Spit about 9 p.m. on Friday and sailed it out of Sydney Harbour. The trawler struck heavy seas late on Friday night and about 1 a.m. yesterday it is believed that Brown dived overboard. Brown told police that the trawler was running against a strong wind and a high tide. The vessel was found firmly aground on the sand on Newport Beach. It showed no signs of serious damage.
‘The swim knocked it out of me.” Brown told police. “I didn’t think I would make the shore. I’ve had practically no sleep since last Wednesday. It’s been a terrible business.”
After receiving countless false alarms, police finally pinpointed Brown soon after 9.15 a.m. yesterday, when residents sighted him on Bushrangers’ Hill.
No shoes
An anonymous phone caller told police: “Brown is at Newport on Bushrangers’ Hill. He has just gone into a house. I think the house is unoccupied.”
About 20 police cars, police trucks, and motor cycle police gathered at the foot of the hill, and the hunt began. A shout went up when Brown was sighted by police about 300 yards from a house.
Brown, who was wearing a light sweatshirt, shorts, and gaberdine overcoat, was barefooted when police caught him.
He showed only one visible sign of injury — a deep scratch on the left side of the face.
He looked a picture of misery when police handcuffed him and marched him back to the main road, where scores of police had been posted.
His shoulders sagged, and he was limping. His eyes were bloodshot, and he had a stubble of beard on his chin.
Had limp
At times police had to hold him up as he staggered through the dense bush back to the road. Placed in a police car between the two arresting officers. Brown said wearily: “There’s no doubt about you boys, you’re too hot.” “For God’s sake, give me a cigarette, and I want a drink of water. I’m thirsty and I’m hungry.” ‘There was no need to worry about a gun. I threw it away. It went into the water. I had to throw it away.”
Brown’s grandmother, Mrs. Florence Brown, said to-day: “My grandson, Bobbie, is ill . . . mentally very ill … I am sure of it.”
Last Tuesday he had told her : “I’ve got women-trouble Nan. Bad women-trouble.” Mrs. Brown said Brown’s wife had a maintenance order out against him. His parents had divorced when he was about 16, and his father, a dog trainer; now lived at Southport, Queensland.
After Brown had been questioned he was charged with the following: —
Shooting with intent to murder Constable Harry Brennan, Detective Sergeant N Townsend, and Constable Len Ryan.
Stealing a diesel trawler, valued at £5000, the property of Dr. T. J. Cottee, sen., dentist, of Military Road, Mosman.
Disobeying a maintenance order. Having in his possession a motor car stolen from another State.
Police refused bail and Brown will appear before the Central Court of Petty Sessions tomorrow.
Find car
Police late yesterday found a stolen Victorian car, in dense bush on St. Michael’s golf course near Malabar with seven bullet holes in it. The car was reported stolen from Victoria at the beginning of the week.
On Wednesday night about 25 shots were exchanged by police and a man in the car during a chase.
DETECTIVES escort fugitive gunman Robert Michael Brown, 20, to a waiting police car after his capture yesterday. — RADIOPHOTO.
The Sun-Herald ( Sydney ) Sunday 24 October 1954 page 40 of 64
FEATURES
A Worried Young Man Has –
ONE LESS FEAR
By A Staff Correspondent
ROBERT MICHAEL BROWN, the 20-year-old ex-skin diver who sits today in Long Bay Gaol on remand, has at least one thing less to worry him at the moment. He has not got T.B.
AS 300 police, armed with sub-machine guns, turned Sydney into what seemed like Chicago on-Sea the week before last, word spread that Brown was worried about a spot on his lung.
Pleas to surrender went out from his girl friend. Relatives said he needed medical treatment.
He was reported to be extremely worried about the condition of his lungs. This amounted, it was said, almost to a phobia with him.
But last week that fear ended. Under a heavily armed escort of prison officers, Brown was taken from behind the big walls of Long Bay Gaol to the Prince Henry Hospital for an X-ray examination.
This showed that his lungs were clear.
Back in Long Bay the young man spends much of his time in a padded cell under constant observation.
Glass panels give prison officers a view of him, even as he sleeps.
However, he is not isolated in the observation block. Every day about 35 other detained men are his companions, and with them Brown plays handball, cards, and chess.
The only member of his family to see him in the gaol so far has been his father.
Last week, only a few minutes walk from Long Bay’s grim walls, a “Sun Herald” reporter visited Brown’s grandmother. Mrs. Florence Brown.
Her well-kept, modern, little brick home in Anzac Parade, Maroubra, was shuttered against inquisitive eyes.
A doctor’s car stood outside. Mrs. Brown peered through the half-open door and nervously said that her grandson’s alleged escapade had no effect on her apart from the worry and strain.
People had left her alone.
She had not been bothered by the curious.
She obviously intends to stay that way, for she shut the door very firmly as she said: “I don’t think I had better say anything at all now.”
Brown will appear in court on November 1.
He is charged with wounding two policemen with intent to murder them; shooting at two other policemen with intent to murder them; having an unlicensed pistol and a stolen car in his possession; and stealing the trawler Aklavic from The Spit on October 14.
Queensland Times ( Ipswich ) Wednesday 3 November 1954 page 3 of 8
Policeman’s Claim:
“FIRED AT FROM 10ft., BUT MISSED”
SYDNEY, Nov. 2. – A motor cycle policeman said today that Robert Michael Brown (20) had fired at him from a distance of 10ft., but missed. The policeman, Constable Harry Brennan, was giving evidence in the Central Court in the hearing of seven charges against Brown.
Brown was charged with having attempted to murder four policemen, having carried an unlicensed revolver, possessed a stolen car, and stolen a £5000 trawler.
Police have alleged that Brown tried to murder the police officers when he fired at them during an 80 mile an-hour car chase through Sydney streets on October 13.
Constable Brennan described how he questioned Brown on October 13, at Bondi, about the Holden car he was driving. The car had been reported stolen from Victoria. Brennan said he asked Brown to follow him to the police station.
Brown had agreed, but instead accelerated the car and drove at the police motor cycle. The car collided with the cycle and then drove off.
Brennan said he followed the car, and saw Brown lean out the window and fire a shot in his direction. The chase sped past Bondi Police Station, and a police van carrying three policemen joined in.
[blockquote]Brennan said at one stage during the chase Brown aimed at him from 10ft. away, but the bullet struck the ground between the motor cycle’s wheels. Brennan said his gun jammed, and Brown eluded the police pursuers. [/blockquote]
Constable Clive Curtayne said he and another officer arrested Brown on October 16 near the beach at Newport, 11 miles north of Sydney. Brown told them he had jumped overboard to swim to shore from the trawler Aklavic.
Curtayne said Brown told the police he would have shot them if he had not lost his gun in the swim for the shore. The hearing was adjourned until tomorrow.
Barrier Daily Truth ( Broken Hill, NSW ) Thursday 4 November 1954 page 2 of 8
GUNMAN FOR TRIAL
Sydney, November 3. — In Central Court today Robert Michael Brown, 20, was committed for trial on seven charges, including four of having attempted to murder policemen.
Mr. Beavers, S.M. refused bail and directed that Brown should stand trial at Central Criminal Court next Monday.
When he was asked if he had anything to say, Brown replied: “I have nothing to say, Your Worship.” During the proceedings Brown stood stiffly erect, with his fists clenched, and stared sternly ahead.
Illawarra Daily Mercury ( Wollongong, NSW ) Wednesday 8 December 1954 PAGE 1 of 12
Date Fixed For Hearing
SYDNEY, Tues. — Robert Michael Brown will stand trial in Central Criminal Court next March.
Brown, 20, of Darley Rd., Manly, is charged with having in October, wounded a police officer and shot at another with intent to prevent arrest, with possessing an unlicensed pistol and with larceny.
Brown is at present in custody in Long Bay gaol.
Mr. Justice Dovey, in Central Criminal Court today, adjourned the trial till the first week in March on the application of solicitor, Mr. P. Roach, who made no application for bail.
The Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday 8 December 1954 page 11 of 36
TRIAL OF BROWN
IN MARCH
Mr. Justice Dovey yesterday adjourned the trial of Robert Michael Brown until the March sittings of the Central Criminal Court.
Brown, 20, labourer, of Darley Road, Manly, was committed for trial at Central Court of Petty Sessions on November 3, on seven charges.
Indictments for Brown’s trial have not yet been laid, but he was committed on charges of having wounded a sergeant and a constable with intent to murder, having shot at two constables with intent
to murder, having used an unlicensed pistol, having been in possession of a car stolen from Melbourne, and larceny.
Brown’s solicitor. Mr. P. N. Roach, asked Mr. Justice Dovey yesterday to postpone the trial to enable him to interview a number of witnesses and obtain evidence.
Brown was in gaol, and no application would be made for bail, he said. Brown, therefore, would have to remain in gaol until the trial.
CAR REPAIRS
The Senior Crown Prosecutor, Mr. W. J. Knight, said the Crown did not object to the trial being stood over, but said the owner of the car, which would be an exhibit in the case, would like to have the car repaired.
Mr. Roach said he had no objection to photographs of the car being used in evidence.
The North Western Courier ( Narrabri, NSW ) Monday 28 March 1955 page 1 of 10
Manhunt Ends IN COURT
SYDNEY, Monday,
The central figure in a dramatic police search last October, Robert Michael Brown, (20) of Darley Rd., Manly, pleaded guilty to seven charges in the Central Criminal Court today.
Two of the charges alleged Brown maliciously wounded two police officers with intent to prevent his lawful apprehension, and two others alleged he shot at two other policemen to prevent lawful apprehension.
Brown also pleaded guilty to having in his possession a stolen car, without lawful excuse, having used a pistol, without a license, and, having stolen a trawler from Mosman.
The Canberra Times Tuesday 29 March 1955 page 1 of 6
GUNMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FIRING AT POLICE
SYDNEY. Monday,
Robert Michael Brown, 21, of Darley Road, Manly, pleaded guilty in Central Criminal Court today to four charges of shooting at police.
Detective Inspector Aldridge described the manhunt in Sydney last october in which Brown was alleged to have exchanged a number of shots with police.
The four charges were malicious shooting at Bondi of Sgt. Neville Bernard Townsend and Constables Henry Brennan, Leonard Ryand and Charles Melton, with intent to prevent arrest.
Brown also pleaded guilty to three other charge, relating to the possession of a stolen car, use of a pistol without a licence and the stealing of a trawler.
Inspector Aldridge said that last October a message was received from the Melbourne C.I.B. stating that Brown had left Melbourne in a stolen car with the intention of shooting his wife in Sydney.
After threatening his wife with a gun, she agreed to withdraw the warrant if he did not shoot her, Aldridge said.
Brown was detained at Bondi by Constable Brennan.
Brown swerved his car at Brennan’s motor cycle and drove off.
Brown fired a shot at Constable Brennan and later fired four more shots, all of which struck a police truck.
More shots were fired during the chase, and one struck Sgt. Townsend on a finger, which was later amputated.
The next day Brown boarded the trawler Aklavic and headed out to sea.
Inspector Aldridge said Brown swam ashore at Newport and was arrested.
Aldridge said Brown had told him he intended to shoot himself at Melbourne but he did not have the nerve.
Brown had said that he had never intended to injure the police, but had fired so that “they would get serious and shoot me.”
Mr. Justice MacGuire remanded Brown for medical observation before passing sentence.
The Argus ( Melbourne ) Friday 22 April 1955 page 5 of 26
Crown appeal on sentence
SYDNEY, Thursday : The Crown will appeal against a five years’ gaol sentence imposed on Robert Michael Brown, 21, frogman, for a number of offences, including maliciously shooting at police.
Mr. Sheahan, Attorney General, said today he had directed that an appeal be lodged.
On March 31 Judge Maguire imposed two sentences of five years, one of three years, two years, and one of six months’ gaol, , on Brown.
The Canberra Times Tuesday 22 November 1955 page 5 of 8
Cooma Police In Bravery Awards
SYDNEY, Monday.
Six policemen who took part in gun battles have been awarded bravery medals by the Queen, the Governor, Sir John Northcoft, announced to-day.
They are:
Constable Henry Brennan (George Medal), Sergeant Neville Townsend, Constable Leonard Eyan and Charles John Melton (British Empire Medals) for their part in the capture of Robert Michael Brown in October, 1954.
Sergeant Alfred Edmund Frederick Chapman and Constable William Alexander Graham (British Empire Medals), who shot dead Canadian migrant Harry Edgar Rymal, in a gun duel at Cooma in May this year.
In the Cooma gun battle, Rymal was shot by Constable Graham, as he was about to shoot Sergeant Chapman at almost point blank range.
Rymal and the police exchanged 10 shots at a range of less than 20ft. during the fight.
Earlier Rymal had dragged a woman acquaintance from a Cooma hotel and shot her in the thigh as she lay in a shop doorway.
The George Medal was granted to Henry Brennan on the 22 November 1955 as a result of apprehending an armed man during a shootout whilst pursuing the offender(s) on his motor cycle.
On the 8 June 1988, Henry was granted the National Medal.
May Henry forever Rest In Peace
Cal
Peter James MARTIN
| 31/10/2014
Peter James MARTIN
New South Wales Police Force
Born 23 November 1940
Died 31 December 1993
SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2006
In the yard of a small Churst at a place called ( Goulburn Police Patrol ) ‘BIG HILL’ WE STOPPED AT A CHURCH AND TOOK A FEW GRAVE PHOTOS IN THE Cemetery BEFORE HEADING OVER TO TARALGA AND THEN BACK TO GOULBURN.
THIS PLAQUE HAS THE NSW POLICE CREST BADGE ON THE UPPER LEFT CORNER. I DON’T KNOW THE STORY BEHIND IT AT THIS STAGE.
020108: Note added:
We were driving around aimlessly one day (090406) in the depth of Goulburns Patrol and we came upon this small Church at a place called ‘Big Hill’. Nothing there except for this Church and a few headstones. One of the headstones had the NSW Police Crest on it – together with another Crest – which is the Free Masons Crest. Even though it is relatively a new grave – the fact that it has the NSW Police Crest was interesting. I have no idea who he was, where he was Stationed etc or what the reference to Eucumbene is. I assumed that he has a Head Stone at ‘Big Hill’ (Goulburn / Taralga) but is buried at Eucumbene. But Peter James Martin was only 53 when he died and died on New Years Eve. I did a “Google” search on him but didn’t find any information on him.
Probationary Constable – appointed 13 December 1954
Constable 1st Class – appointed 13 December 1960
Senior Constable – appointed 13 December 1965
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 April 1970
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 13 January 1978 –
Retirement – Medical discharged on 17 June 1983
Stations: As a Cadet: M.O. Unit ( Method of Operation ) – January 1952,
Maroubra ( 15 Division ) May 1952,
Traffic Branch – December 1952,
Parramatta ( 18 Division ) February 1953,
Liverpool ( 22 Division ) June 1953,
Burwood ( 9 Division ) November 1953,
Liverpool ( 22 Division ) June 1954
Sworn in and stationed at: Regent St ( 2 Division ) December 1954,
Metro Supt. Office ( 20 Division ) July 1956,
Liverpool ( 22 Division GD’s ) January 1957,
Liverpool ( 22 Division – Inspectors Clerk ) February 1958,
Liverpool ( 22 Division GD’s ) December 1960,
Liverpool ( 22 Division – Outfit Cyclist ) November 1961,
Liverpool ( 22 Division – Licencing ) December 1961,
Liverpool ( 22 Division – Licencing Sgt ) September 1970,
Campbelltown ( 35 Division – Licencing Sgt ) May 1974,
Redfern ( 7 Division GD’s ) October 1975,
Fairfield ( 34 Division GD’s ) April 1978 until retirement on 17 June 1983
Service: From 14 January 1952 to 17 June 1983 = 31+ years Service
Awards: Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal – granted on 1 June 1977
Born: Monday 25 November 1935 @ Kempsey NSW
Died on: Monday 25 November 1985 – England
Cause: Heart attack
Age: 50 years
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ? ? ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial: Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Camden Valley Way, Leppington, NSW, OPPOSITE THE CAFE’
GPS: -33.9556 150.832
NOEL is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance* Not work related
Noel in his latter years
Noel is in the centre of the top row. This is part of a group photo of the Sergeant’s Course # 2 of 1971.
TUESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2010
I FOUND THIS NAME PLATE IN THE GARDENS OF THE FUNERAL HOME AT LEPPINGTON, ON CAMDEN VALLEY WAY. THE MEMORIAL IS OPPOSITE THE CAFE’.
NOEL THURGOOD WAS A SGT 2nd Class AT FAIRFIELD IN THE LATE 1970’s.
…….
I EVENTUALLY LOOKED UP THE PHONE BOOK AND FOUND THE WIFE OF NOEL THURGOOD, Grace, WHO TOLD ME THAT IT WAS, IN FACT, OUR NOEL THURGOOD AND THAT HE DIED ON HIS 50th BIRTHDAY.
NOEL AND HIS WIFE WERE VISITING FAMILY IN ENGLAND AND NOEL WAS IN THE LAUNDRY OF THE PREMISES THEY WERE VISITING WHEN HE COLLAPSED AND DIED.
I REMEMBER THAT NOEL HAD LIGHT BLUE EYES AND A STY OVER ONE OF HIS EYE LIDS.
A memorial ceremony will be held at the Gordonvale Police Station this week:
The George Medal
