Father of Robert Samuel LAYTON ( civilian – died Nov 2018 ) & Husband to Marian ( civilian )( R.I.P. 2020? )
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 095
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 10692
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 13 May 1963 ( aged 25 years, 11 months, 16 days )
Constable 1st Class – appointed 13 May 1968
Senior Constable – appointed 13 May 1972
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 17 August 1979
Final Rank = Sergeant ( 2nd Class ? )
Stations: ?, South Coast, Pt Kembla, Warilla ( Sgt ),
Service: From? ? pre May 1963?to? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: *National Medal – granted 17 March 1989 ( Sgt ) or – granted 20 January 1981 ( Det Sgt )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted17 March 1989
* most probably the 17 March 1989 refers to ‘our’ Robert Edgar LAYTON. There was no other R.E. Layton in NSWPF
Born: Thursday 27 May 1937
Died on: Sunday 12 May 2019 at 3am in hospital ( 2 weeks prior to his 83rd b/day )
Age: 81 years, 11 months, 15 days
Cause: Fall – striking his head – leading to his death ( suspected blood clot )
Event location: Home
Event date: Saturday 11 May 2019 during the morning
Funeral date: Friday 17 May 2019 @ noon
Funeral location: Parsons Funeral Home, 10 Woolworths Ave, Warilla ( same location as his son’s funeral )
*Family would like Medals to be worn
Wake location: ?TBA
Funeral Parlour: Parsons, Warilla
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial located at: ?
THURSDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2012 THE INAUGURAL RETIRED POLICE PIN CEREMONY AT OAK FLATS ( WARILLA ) ( LAKE ILLAWARRA ) POLICE STATION. RETIRED POLICE RECEIVING THEIR PINS AS A MARK OF RESPECT FOR THE COMMITMENT TO POLICING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OF NSW.
Retired Sgt Robert Edgar LAYTON ( Bob LAYTON ) # 10692 & Supt. Wayne Starling. Thursday 6 September 2012
BOB is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
Funeral location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Marian LAYTON, thanks all members/workmates that attended Bob LAYTON’s Funeral on 17 May 201 and wishes you all, the very best.
Bob was a Sergeant at the old ( now decommissioned ) Warilla Police Station, 15 Lake Entrance Rd, Warilla, for many years.
His wife, Marian, was also a long time Cleaner at the Police Station and VKG2 ( Warilla ).
May Bob, and his son, Bob, forever Rest In Peace.
Funeral details to be announced.
Please revisit this page in order to find out about the funeral details.
Cal
130519
1968 – 1969
Parliament of NSW
Report of the Police Department
p23
BRIEF FACTS OF ACTS OF BRAVERY BY POLICE
The facts, briefly, associated with acts of bravery performed by Police during the year 1967 are as set out hereunder.
8. On 27th March, 1967, Senior-Constable Ronald John Foster and Constable Robert Edgar Layton rescued three youths from a cliff face at Macquarie Pass and recovered the body of a fourth who had suffered fatal injuries in a fall from the cliff.
Bob had the NSW Personal number plates SPY-111 for his vehicle.
Just been looking at some old Police photos I have from Albury days. These two photos would have been taken in the late 70’s of the Albury District SWOS at the time. I recall some of the names, Graham (Squizzy) Taylor who is now deceased, Terry Frazer, Bill Drummond, Col Harrington, Bob Schmidt and possibly Craig Whitmore (although not certain if it is Craig) The two guys at front in the bigger group photo and the guy in uniform I am not sure of. I think Bob Schmidt and Bill (bulldog) Drummond are still around Albury. Not sure of the others. Remington 370 pump action 12 gauge shotguns. Certainly better than the old 38 Smith & Wesson in dangerous situations.
Kelvin Edward TURNER
| 13/05/2019
Kelvin Edward TURNER
AKA TED
Father of Steve TURNER, NSWPF # ????
Late of Berry
NSW Redfern or Penrith Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 9338[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 1 June 1959
Constable 1st Class – appointed 1 June 1965
Senior Constable – appointed 1 June 1969
Detective Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 September 1974
Detective Senior Sergeant – appointed 26 August 1984
Kelvin (Ted) Turner passed away this morning at Berry Hospital after suffering from cancer for some time.
Ted was a former Senior Sergeant Reg No. 9338 and my father.
He was not a RPA member but his funeral will be on Tuesday at 12md Sandridge Cemetery Mollymook followed by a celebration of his life at the Mollymook Golf Club.
While police both serving and retired are more than welcome it is requested that any serving Police that are attendingdo so in plain clothes.
NSW Redfern or Penrith Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 9051
Rank: Commenced Training at ? on Monday ? ? ?
Probationary Constable – appointed 30 June 1958
Constable 1st Class – appointed 30 June 1964
Senior Constable – appointed 1 July 1968
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 April 1974
Senior Sergeant – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = ?
Stations: ?, Northern District ( Cst 1/c ), North Coast District ( S/Cst ), Kingscliff Lock Up Keeper ( pre 1974 ), Narrandera (SenSgt )( 1983 – 84 ), Albury ( SenSgt ) – Albury District Office as District Licencing Sgt,
Service: From? ? pre June 1958?to? ? pre 1979? = ? years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 3 September 1985 ( Sgt 3/C ) ( Sgt 1/C )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 3 September 1985 ( Sgt 1/C )
Born: Thursday 26 May 1938
Died on: Friday 3 May 2019 ( 23 days off his 81st birthday )
Age: 80
Cause: Illness – ?
Event location: Albury Base Hospital, NSW
Event date: Friday 3 May 2019
Funeral date: Monday 13 May 2019 @ 2pm
Funeral location: Evergreen Chapel, Lest & Son Funeral Home, 359 Wantigong St, North Albury, NSW
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: Lester & Son, Albury 6040 5066
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial located at: ?
Congratulations to both Bill Morley and Warren Mitchell, who were formally presented with their Veteran Retired Police Association (RPA) membership certificates. These certificates are presented when a member reaches 80 years of age! The presentation was held, on Tuesday, 29th May, 2018, in Albury NSW, as part of our local Murray River RPA meeting. Big thanks to Superintendent Beth Docksey (Ret’d) and Brian Rosewarne for organising this important event.
Senior Sergeant Morley centre Narrandera 1983-4. You often wonder about your old Sergeants and how they are going.
BILL is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Police Widow – Alexandra Rose (Zan) Morley, 80 old.
Passed away 13.2.2023.
Associate/Veteran Member & Treasurer of Murray River RFPA.
Wife of William (Bill) Morley, also deceased.
It is with a heavy heart that I notify all of you that our lovely family member and branch treasurer Alexandra Rose (Zan) Morley passed away peacefully with family at her side yesterday morning in Wodonga Hospital on 13th February 2023. She will be sadly missed by all of us.
Rest in Peace Zan.
Funeral service will be held on Monday 27th February, 2023 at 2pm at the Lester & Sons, Evergreen Chapel, 359 Wantigong Street, North Albury, NSW.
MORLEY William Alfred (Bill)
26.5.38 – 3.5.19
Passed away after an illness at the Albury Base Hospital.
Beloved husband of Alexandra (Zan).
Loved father and father-in-law of David and Maree, Stuart, Carolyn and Matt.
Congratulations to both Bill Morley and Warren Mitchell, who were formally presented with their Veteran Retired Police Association (RPA) membership certificates.
These certificates are presented when a member reaches 80 years of age!
The presentation was held, on Tuesday, 29th May, 2018, in Albury NSW, as part of our local Murray River RPA meeting.
Big thanks to Superintendent Beth Docksey (Ret’d) and Brian Rosewarne for organising this important event.
via Graham Slingsby
MORLEY William Alfred (Bill)
Family and friends of the late Mr Bill Morley are informed that the celebration of his life will take place at the Evergreen Chapel, Lester & Son Funeral Home, 359 Wantigong St North Albury on Monday 13th May 2019 commencing at 2:00pm, followed by a private cremation.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 9 March 1979 (No.36), page 1089
PUBLIC HOSPITALS ACT, 1929
Appointment of Director
The Barraba Hospital
I, Kevin James Stewart, Minister for Health, in pursuance of the provisions of section 24B of the Public Hospitals Act, 1929, do by this notification appoint Mr William Alfred Morley, Police Sergeant, Corner Maude and Cherry Streets, Barraba, to hold office as a director of The Barraba Hospital, subject to the provisions of that Act, vice Mr T. Butterworth, for the balance of his predecessor’s term of office, namely, until 7th December, 1981.
Training: Empire Air Training Scheme ( EATS ) Trained in Rhodesia
Embarkation: ?
Next of kin: ?
Religion: ?
Single / Married: ?
Returned to Australia: ?
Military Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross ( Imperial ) DFC – granted 28 March 1944
Formal portrait of RAN and RAAF officers at the RAN/RAAF Australian Joint Anti-Submarine School (AJASS) at HMAS Albatross at Nowra NSW. The only identified officer is O210106 Flight Lieutenant David Valentine Paul DFC RAAF at front row far left. Flt Lt Paul enlisted on 4 January 1941 and trained as a pilot with the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS) in Rhodesia. He was posted to 454 Squadron RAAF. Flying a Baltimore aircraft from a base in North Africa he was shot down on 4 December 1943 during a sortie over the Mediterranean. Rescued from the sea he became a prisoner of war (POW) of the Germans, finally being released in 1945 at Stalag IVb POW camp in 1945 at Muhlberg, Germany. He joined the NSW Police Force after the war and remained in the RAAF Reserve rising to the rank of Squadron Leader.
[/blockquote]
Awards: No NSWPF Awards found
Born: Thursday 10 June 1920
Died on: ? ? pre 14 May 1973?
Age: 52
Cause: Heart attack
Event location: Richmond Air Base, Richmond, NSW
Event date: ? ? pre 14 May 1973
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ? – usual searches fail to locate a grave or mention of death
Memorial located at: ?
Studio portrait of 403215 (O210106) Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) David Valentine Paul DFC RAAF. Flt Lt Paul enlisted on 4 January 1941 and trained as a pilot with the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS) in Rhodesia. He was posted to 454 Squadron RAAF. Flying a Baltimore aircraft from a base in North Africa he was shot down on 4 December 1943 during a sortie over the Mediterranean. Rescued from the sea he became a prisoner of war (POW) of the Germans, finally being released in 1945 at Stalag IVb POW camp in 1945 at Muhlberg, Germany. He joined the NSW Police Force after the war and remained in the RAAF Reserve rising to the rank of Squadron Leader.
DAVID is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Grave location: TBA
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
David was an RAAF Pilot during WWI and, afterwards, joined the NSW Police.
He was also a member of 22 Squadron, Richmond, NSW and apparently died of a heart attack at the Squadron at Richmond in 1973.
The Sun Friday 2 Sep 1949 page 1
“LEGACY” SMILE. Traffic Constable David Paul was ” arrested ” today by Mrs. Eric Bennett, president of the women’s auxiliary of Associated Newspapers ( The Sun ) RSL sub-branch, but was ” discharged ” when he bought a button for Legacy War Oprphans’ Day. Constable Paul is one of the pilots of the NSW Police aircraft Nemesis. A former RAAF Squadron-Leader bomber pilot and DFC winner, he was shot down over Greece and was a POW in Germany for several years.
c1942 Description Informal group portrait of four graduates of an Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS) course in Rhodesia. Probably taken at the port of Mombassa, Kenya, several of these recent graduates were about to depart for service with 454 Squadron RAAF in the Eastern Mediterranean. Left to right: 406684 Sergeant (Sgt) Ralph Mervyn Simpson RAAF, killed in action on 4 December 1943, Charlie Mumford, 403215 (O210106) Sergeant David Valentine Paul and 400954 Sergeant George Townson Agg. Sgt Paul, later promoted to Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) enlisted on 4 January 1941 and trained as a pilot with the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS) in Rhodesia. He was posted to 454 Squadron RAAF. Flying a Baltimore aircraft from a base in North Africa he was shot down on 4 December 1943 during a sortie over the Mediterranean, Sgt Simpson being killed after parachuting from the crashing aircraft. Rescued from the sea with surviving crew members Agg, now a Warrant Officer (WO) and WO 645357 Jim Rennie RAF, Paul became a prisoner of war (POW) of the Germans, finally being released in 1945 at Stalag IVb POW camp in 1945 at Muhlberg, Germany. He joined the NSW Police Force after the war and remained in the RAAF Reserve rising to the rank of Squadron Leader.
c1942 Description Formal group portrait of recent graduates of an Empire Air training Scheme (EATS) pilot training course in held in Rhodesia. The only identified man is 403215 (O210106) Sergeant, later Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) David Valentine Paul DFC who like all the new pilots standing in the rear and middle rows is wearing his newly presented wings.
c1965 Description Formal portrait of RAN and RAAF officers at the RAN/RAAF Australian Joint Anti-Submarine School (AJASS) at HMAS Albatross at Nowra NSW. The only identified officer is O210106 Flight Lieutenant David Valentine Paul DFC RAAF at front row far left.
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette (National : 1901 – 1973), Thursday 9 September 1943 (No.200), page 2054
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE.
HIS Excellency the Governor-General in Council has approved of the following changes being made:—
CITIZEN AIR FORCE.
General Duties Branch.
The following non-commissioned officers (Pilots) are appointed to commissions on probation with the rank of ( Sergeants ) with effect from the dates indicated: –
No. 403215 David Valentine Paul (17th April, 1943)
* the only link is the name. Not confirmed as the same person.
Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 – 1954), Sunday 11 May 1947, page 8
This Week’s Case-book
THE DOOR WAS MADE READY FOR A RAID HUSBAND,
suspicious of his wife, loosened screws in a bolt on the front door of his flat to gain easy entry for a raid he planned to catch her with the co-respondent.
The husband, pastry cook Reginald John Ginns, of Kirribilli, was 21 when he married Doreen Frances Ginns, formerly Angove, in February, 1940, she being 22.
Ginns said he became suspicious of his wife and engaged an inquiry agent.
On the night of December 1, 1946, a man was seen to enter the flat at 7.30. The lights went off at 8.30 and were put on again at 9.25 when tea was made, according to sounds from the flat.
On December 7, the raiders forced the door. Ginns said he switched on the light and found his wife and a man on the floor of the lounge room.
A lumber jacket belonging to the man yielded the name of David Valentine Paul, of Crow’s Nest, he added.
Ginns was given a decree nisi on the ground of his wife’s adultery with Paul; he also obtained custody of the only child of the marriage, a boy of six.
National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 – 1954), Thursday 21 October 1948, page 5
STUNT PRECEDED CRASH
TENTERFIELD PLANT FATALITY TENTERFIELD,
Wednesday.
The Tenterfield Coroner found today that Richard Colin Perram and Eileen Emily Wratten had died from burns accidentally suffered when the aeroplane in which they were flying, crashed last Sunday.
Frank Lawrence Cornford said that he was at Tenterfield aerodrome and heard Mrs. Wratten say to Perram prior to taking off ” I want you to do some loops and turns.”
When the plane took the air the pilot started to loop the loop and do steep turns and rolls. The plane then started to Shoot up the ‘drome, he said. ”
The plane was flying excessively low and when about 150 feet up the plane made a stall turn. It then went into a spin and crashed to the ground.
Within a matter of seconds it burst into flames.”
Cornford said that with others he rushed to the plane, but by the time he got there it was impossible because of the heat and flames to get near enough to be of any assistance.
Constable David Paul, of Clarence Street Police Station, Sydney, said he saw the plane in the air over the aerodrome. It was stunting at a height of about 500 feet and stall turning. In a final dive the plane passed over the head of a person on the aerodrome at about 25 feet, pulled up to a height of about 150 feet and attempted another stall turn. At the top of the turn the aircraft stalled completely and crashed.
Charlie was a former school teacher & quite academically gifted together with being an all round nice guy.
He was also the Forward Commander at the Thredbo Landslide and the ‘face of’ the Police during that event and a legend as the Commander.
We give our deepest condolences to Sue and his 7 kids.
SANDERSON David Charles ( CHARLIE )
29 April 1947- 28 April 2019
Beloved husband of Sue.
Father of Matt, Joe, Sarah, Paul, Annie, Pete and Christina.
Passed away peacefully the morning of Sunday, 28 April surrounded by his family.
Charlie will be remembered as a loving father, a dedicated Police Officer and a great mate to all who knew him.
The funeral service for Charlie will be held at St Raphael’s Catholic Church, Lowe Street, Queanbeyan on Thursday 2 May 2019, commencing at 1:30 pm.
Burial will follow at Queanbeyan Lawn Cemetery.
Published in The Canberra Times on Apr. 30, 2019
May 4, 2019
Dear Sue and family, we were both saddened and shocked to read of Charlie’s passing in our church bulletin at Mass tonight. We have fond memories of family connections in Queanbeyan and beyond. Charlie will be remembered as a true gentleman, wonderful family man and exemplary policeman. I hope we can make contact in the near future. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we send you our love.
The de Jongh family.
Pauline de Jongh, Queanbeyan, New South Wales
May 2, 2019
To Sue and family. I arrived in Canberra yesterday 1 May, as part of the Salvation Army Australia Red Shield Ride from Sydney to Melbourne. I hoped to catch up with Charlie while here, so to find he has just passed away is terrible news. We leave to ride south to Cooma today so will not be able to attend his funeral and pay my respects to the family.
I valued the friendship of Charlie and Sue during our time on Mornington Island and since, and still remember how easily he made friends during our time together on the Great Vic Bike Ride.
Rest in peace Charlie. You left a wonderful legacy in your family and your industry and we are the better for knowing you.
From Robert Cooper and Sharon Donald.
To Sue and family, after knowing Charlie through work in the New England area and with him at Lismore he was a great man, leader and friend. His family was his number one priority and he will be surely missed by everyone that has known him. Irene and I are not able to share in your grief first hand but we will from a distance. Irene and Les Bulluss.
Les Bulluss, Evans Head, New South Wales
share
April 30, 2019
Dear Sue and family, sending you love and strength at time. Melissa, Sarah and Genevieve – Rise Above – Capital Region Cancer Relief
Rise Above, Queanbeyan, Australian Capital Territory
May 1, 2019
To Sue and family. Sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. Sad for all. RIP
Mark Francisco, Nambucca, New South Wales
April 30, 2019
To Sue and family, after knowing Charlie through work in the New England area and with him at Lismore he was a great man, leader and friend. His family was his number one priority and he will be surely missed by everyone that has known him.
Irene and I are not able to share in your grief first hand but we will from a distance.
Irene and Les Bulluss.
Les Bulluss, Evans Head, New South Wales
April 30, 2019
Dear Sue and family, sending you love and strength at time.
Melissa, Sarah and Genevieve – Rise Above – Capital Region Cancer Relief
Rise Above, Queanbeyan, Australian Capital Territory
David Aspland New South Wales Policing History Forum September 7, 2017 · I trotted along to Retired Police Day 2017 in Queanbeyan today and had a great time catching up with a few old reprobates and listening to some very interesting presentations by current police of the issues of today. Here is me catching up with Retired Superintendent Charlie Sanderson (LEFT) and Retired Sergeant Scott Ide (RIGHT).
These photos appeared in the Deniliquin Pastoral Times, February last year ( 2018 ). The first one was taken at Charlie’s sendoff from Deniliquin around 1990…they recreated the shot at the Deni Police Re-union in February last year ( 2018 ). We did indeed have fun with Charlie…may he rest in peace. The two guys to the right who did not make the reunion are Paul Hansen (glasses) and Cameron Wendt. So proud to have worked with all these fellows. Pat Seccull
Survivor found in resort rubble
Rescue workers sift through the debris at Thredbo on July 31, 1997, the day after a landslide tore through the village.
Rescuers eased aside dirt and rubble Saturday to reach a man found alive nearly 2 1/2 days after 20 people were buried by a landslide.
“A miracle has occurred,” New South Wales police inspector Charlie Sanderson said after Stuart Diver was heard by rescuers about 54 hours after the landslide swept over a ski resort. The discovery raised hope that others may have survived. The confirmed toll so far is one survivor, three bodies located and 16 people still missing. Hours earlier, police had warned relatives that there was no hope of finding anyone alive.
After digging all night, rescuers “went ballistic” when sensitive sound monitoring equipment picked up noises from under a concrete slab, said police spokesman Mark Hargreaves.
Diver was conscious during the ordeal but had little feeling in his body, police said.
Officials said Diver, a ski instructor, was in peak physical condition, which would have aided his survival as temperatures plunged to 16 degrees over the past three nights.
Despite the threat of another landslide, rescue crews – at times using their hands to avoid sending rubble into the excavated area – worked their way through debris to within three feet of Diver.
An oxygen cylinder and mask and what appeared to be a foil space blanket were passed to workers trying to reach Diver. A medical helicopter was waiting nearby to take him to a hospital.
“If we can keep this person alive, that’s marvelous,” Ambulance spokesman Steve Johnson told TV Channel Seven.
Sanderson said police were very confident of getting him out some time Saturday.
The threat of another avalanche prompted the area to be evacuated temporarily Saturday.
“In this case two ambulance people stayed in the tunnel at great peril to themselves in proximity to where this person is,” Sanderson said.
We talked about community service and community policing. I told him of the success of Sgt Neville Plush in Nimbin and how much love and support he gets and how different that was to the corrupt crew who occupied the Nimbin Police Station before Inspector Charlie Sanderson took over as Lismore Area Commander. “Community is the eyes and ears of policing,” said Callum. Later Callum came by again because he was interested in the progress of the cardboard jail.
Liverpool ( NSW ) Police Time Line ( 1788 – 2016 )
June 1973: Police Serving in the Citizens Military Forces (C.M.F.)
March/April, 1973, the 1/19th Battalion, Royal NSW Regiment, CMF, completed the last of its 3 day camps, which had been designed for the training of National Service personnel, and the first camp in which the Unit was entirely composed of volunteers.
The unit was often referred to as the ‘1/19 th Police Battalion ’, due to the number of Police who served in the Unit.
Members of the NSW Police Force in camp were :-
Captain R. R. Lidden, a Senior Constable at Scarborough Police Station; Lieutenant D. C. Sanderson, a Constable at Liverpool Police Station; Warrant Officer Class II K. W. Jones, a Constable 1/c at Bega Police Station; Sergeant P. Delamont, a Constable at the S.T.P North Sydney ; Corporal R. N. Deards, a Constable 1/c at Lake Cargelligo Police Station; Corporal J. Gibbs, a Constable at the S.T.P. North Sydney; and Private P.E. Graham, a Constable 1/c at Orange Police Station.
Interesting story about a defining moment in Emergency Rescue in Australia, the Thredbo Landslide. I was transferred to Monaro LAC a couple of months after it happened as the A/Crime Manager (I still wonder about that title, but Crime Coordinator sounds even worse 🙂 ). The Commander, Supt Charlie Sanderson was still working on the Coroners Brief. It was one of the most amazing documents I have ever read in policing. Charlie was a great detective.
Training for a nightmare: How first responders prepare for the worst
As rescuers scanned for life in sub-zero temperatures after the Thredbo landslide, the dangerously unstable site and freezing conditions stalled search efforts and caused equipment to seize.
One of Australia’s most popular holiday spots became the site of one of our greatest tragedies when 18 people died in the landslide in 1997.
It marked a turning point in the way authorities responded to natural disasters in Australia.
“We’ve gone really from a system that was ad hoc and everyone was doing the best they can to a system that’s well-maintained and regulated,” Fire & Rescue New South Wales Chief Superintendent Paul Bailey said.
In 1997, Fire & Rescue NSW had about 30 urban search and rescue trained staff — now the figure is almost 10 times that.
Training and technology have both vastly improved in the past 20 years.
Australia now has two internationally accredited urban search and rescue teams, meaning they can deploy anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.
Six hours to get in the air
The NSW team is one of two in Australia to hold classifications with United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group.
“When we’re told there’s an incident we need to be up and out of the here in six hours,” Chief Superintendent Bailey said.
“So that means getting a team of 72 people, all our equipment, which is over 36 tonnes of equipment, all together onto a cargo plane and anywhere in the world within six hours.”
Responding quickly is crucial — search and rescue crews say after around 100 hours life expectancy falls significantly.
They’ve been tested too. Firefighters say in 2011, Australian crews got to the Christchurch earthquake before some teams from Auckland.
The NSW team was deployed to the Japan earthquake and tsunami and also Tropical Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu in 2015.
To remain permanently prepared, the search and rescue teams train in gruelling and realistic scenarios.
“What we do is simulate a pancake collapse — so that’s when building floors topple on top of one another,” Fire & Rescue’s Manager of Specialised Operations Darryl Dunbar said.
“Then our crews have to make entry through those floors to gain an entry underground to access that tunnel network.”
Once teams arrive on the scene, they use an array of gadgets to search for life — including vibration sensors that can detect the slightest bit of scraping or tapping on metal or concrete.
“[Vibrations] can actually travel more than 50 metres through a structure depending on how a building has collapsed,” station officer Daniel O’Dea said.
“These crews, that’s their job to identify that sound, work out what it is exactly if it’s in fact a distress call from someone.”
“We’ve got cameras that can snake down into a void, a tiny gap that was a wide as your finger and go down through that gap to manoeuvre that to locate any signs of life.”
First responders’ training facility revealed
When the ABC visited the Ingleburn training facility, search and rescue teams were running a refresher course for firefighters.
The idea is to get as many firefighters as possible around the state trained because they are likely to be the first responders.
It begins with the basics — cutting through tonnes of concrete and then using timber as a lever to create access.
One of the firefighters on the training course was Scott Featherstone, son of Paul, the paramedic who helped Stuart Diver for 12 hours until he was freed from the concrete after the Thredbo landslide.
He said his dad’s efforts in part inspired him to become a firefighter.
“I always wanted to do something where I could [help people],” he said.
Cal, I worked with Glyn when he began in the early 80‘s at Sydney VKG, in the hat factory. He was a very good radio and Telex operator.
He transferred to Newcastle VKG where he retired.
Glyn was a Comms. Operator in the Royal Navy, serving as a Submariner prior to coming to Australia.
His wife, Marion George, a Police Woman, also worked at Sydney VKG prior to transferring to Newcastle area G.D.
She resigned and later worked at Newcastle VKG.
They were a terrific couple.
EDWARDS, Glyn
Late of Swansea Formerly Belmont Nth
Passed away 20th April 2019
Aged 72 years
Beloved and cherished husband of Marion.
Much loved father and father-in-law of Garreth and Janelle Edwards.
A grandfather to Corey, Sammi-Lee and Shayla.
Adored and much loved son-in-law of Eric and Joan George (both dec’d).
The family and friends of Glyn are warmly invited to attend a celebration of his life, to be held in The Chapel, 444 Pacific Hwy Belmont (parking via Henry St) on Friday 26th April 2019, service commencing at 12.30pm.
Published in The Newcastle Herald on Apr. 24, 2019
SYDNEY, Sun.: Ronald Vincent Holl, had admitted Shooting Olaf Perkman in the Narrandera – Sydney train on Saturday, February 20, the Police Prosecutor ( Sgt. K. B. McGrath NSWPF # 4003 ) told Central Court of Petty Sessions yesterday.
Holl, 24, laborer, of Belmore Road, Herne Bay, was charged with having murdered Perkman, 40, C.S.I.R.O. scientist, who was shot through the head.
A railway employee found Perkman‘s body when the train reached Central Station.
Allegedly near Picton
Sgt. McGrath said Holl had told police the train was passing through a tunnel near Picton when the shooting occurred.
Sgt. McGrath told Mr. C. H. Blakemore. S.M., that Detective Sgt. Fergusson and Detective-Constable F. Krahe ( NSWPF # 4530 ) had extensive inquiries to make in the Griffith area.
At Sgt. McGrath‘s request, Mr. Blakemore remanded Holl to Central Police Court tomorrow when, Sgt. McGrath said, the police would apply for another remand to the date of the Coroner’s inquest.
Holl was refused bail.
Holl was escorted into the C.I.B. and about an hour later was placed in a police car and taken to Picton, where police continued inquiries.
North Western Courier (Narrabri, NSW : 1913 – 1955), Monday 29 March 1954, page 1
RAIL – CARRIAGE DEATH BEING INVESTIGATED
SYDNEY, Monday,
A C.I.B. Scientific Bureau constable described in the City Coroner’s Court today how he found the body of a C.S.I.R.O. scientist lying in a pool of blood on the seat of a railway carriage. Constable James Ernest Merrett was giving evidence at the inquest into the death of Olf Perkman, 40, research officer stationed at Griffith Irrigation Station, on February 20. Present in court, in custody, was Ronald Holl, 24, labourer, of Belmore Road, Herne Bay,; who has been charged with the murder of Perkman.
Constable Merrett said he had gone to Central railway station about 8.30 a.m. on February 20.
He told the Court he had seen the body lying full length on the seat in a compartment in the rear carriage of the South West Mail train. The body was covered with a brown checkered travelling rug.
Blood on Floor
Constable Merrett said the body was lying on its left side, with the left hand across the body and the right hand clasping the head and forehead.
There was a considerable quantity of blood on the head and the seat, and some had run down onto the floor and been partially wiped up, he told the Coroner ( Mr. E. J. Forrest ). The body was dressed in a khaki shirt, with a navy blue and orange tie, red-brown trousers, and tan rubber soled shoes.
After the Government Medical Officer had conducted an examination of the body, a search was made of the compartment.
Pockets Turned Out
Const. Merrett said a number of hairs had been found on Perkman’s right hand, on the heel of his right shoe and a long hair near his right hip pocket. He said the right and left hand trouser pockets and the fob pocket of the deceased were turned out.
The Government Analyst ( Dr. H. B. Taylor ) said he had examined blood and a piece of skin from the body. He said there was a small hole in the skin taken from the forehead of the dead man. Surrounding the hole was a black patch which was found to contain particles of carbon and nitrate, components of certain types of ammunition.
Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 – 1954), Sunday 6 June 1954, page 44
The fingerprint that trapped a killer
When swarthy, slightly built Ronald Vincent Holl (24), laborer, and the father of three children, including twins, launched on a series of escapades at 13 years of age in 1943 he triggered a trap that 11 years later landed him in Central Criminal Court dock charged with murder.
As Holl came to police notice, his fingerprints were filed by the C.I.B. Holl grew older and wiser and had gone straight for a number of years when in 1952 he married a girl of 15. On Feb. 26 this year the couple had twins aged 18 months, a baby aged five months and were expecting another child when a call went out to police to bring in Holl for questioning.
Six days earlier, at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Feb. 20, railway porter Francis Ernest Vicq, of Western St., Dulwich Hill, had found the body of C.S.I.R.O. agricultural scientist Olaf Perkman (41), shot through the head in the last ‘dog box’ carriage of the South West Mail train shortly after it reached Central Station.
Perkman had been returning from the C.S.I.R.O. station at Griffith to spend the weekend with his wife and family.
Wide search
The hue and cry for the callous killer — who had cut short Perkman‘s brilliant academic career in his sleep and had then plundered his pockets — had run into a deadend.
A police search for the murder gun and clues all along the rail link from Goulburn to Sydney had proved fruitless. But Const. J. K. Hennessy, of the C.I.B fingerprint branch, had dredged up a fragmentary fingerprint on the door of the lavatory in the death carriage of the South West Mail.
Because of the minuteness, the orthodox classification of this print was impossible. With dogged patience Hennessy searched for days through thousands of individual prints in the C.I.B. records until finally he came across the print he wanted — among those of Holl.
Social misfit
Hennessy‘s work was considered by fingerprint experts to be outstandingly brilliant. The story from that stage was told Mr. Justice Clancy and jury on Tuesday at Central Criminal Court, when Holl, said by Dr. E. A. Marsden, psychiatrist, to be a social misfit, was convicted of murder and sentenced to death.
Armed with the fingerprint identification of Holl, Det.-Sgt. D. G. Fergusson and Det. Krahe ( possibly F.C. KRAHE # 4530 ), of the C.I.B., interviewed tiny, attractive Mrs. Gloria Holl (17) at her home at Belmore Rd., Herne Bay.
The detectives then confronted Holl with the fact that he had not been home on the night of February 19 and next day had given Mrs. Holl £8, though he had been out of work for six weeks.
Eventually Holl confessed that he had shot and robbed Perkman. He said he had intended to ” do a couple of busts ” and had taken french leave with his brother’s rifle.
He had ” scaled ” on the Albury Mail train to Goulburn and was returning in the South- West Mail to Sydney when he shot Perkman.
Judge’s view
Dr. C. E. Percy, Government Medical Officer, said Perkman while lying asleep was apparently shot by Holl from a distance of between four and eight inches.
In a statement from the dock Holl admitted most of these things, then added he was not conscious of pulling the trigger.
That raised what Mr. Justice Clancy later told the jury was the only issue that stood between Holl and a guilty verdict, the defence of insanity at the time.
Called by Mr. F. W. Vizzard, the Public Defender, Dr. Marsden said Holl‘s whole history was that of a chronic mixed anxiety depressive state. Dr. Marsden said that, overcome by frenzy caused by Perkman‘s alleged attentions, Holl could have pulled the rifle trigger in a state of unconsciousness.
” No disorder “
Called in reply by Mr. L. C. Furnell, for the Crown, Dr. John McGeorge, consulting psychiatrist to the Attorney General’s Department, said his examination of Holl had failed to reveal any psychiatric disorder which would explain or excuse Holl‘s act.
The jury returned their verdict of guilty after half an hour’s retirement.
Mr. L. C. Furnell ( by the Clerk of the Peace ) for the Crown; Mr. F. W. Vizzard Public Defender ( by the Public Solicitor ) for Holl.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 19 February 1965 (No.25), page 537
IN the Supreme Court of New South Wales.—Probate Jurisdiction. -In the will of PEARL ELIZABETH MERRETT, late of 82 Barton Street, Kogarah, in the State of New South Wales, widow, deceased, testate.— Probate granted by the Supreme Court of New South Wales on 3rd December, 1964. — Pursuant to the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1898-1947 ( Testator’s Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Act, 1916-1938, and Trustee Act, 1925-1942 ), James Ernest Merrett and Jack Richard Merrett, the executors of the will of the said Pearl Elizabeth Merrett, who died on the 16th July, 1964, hereby give notice that creditors and others having any claim against or to the estate of the said deceased are required to send in particulars of their claims to the said executors at 17 King Street, Rockdale, on or before the 12th April, 1965, at the expiration of which time the said executors will distribute the assets, having regard only to the claims of which they then have notice.—
Dated the 10th day of February, 1965.
L. J. SHARPE & CO.,
Proctors for the Executors,
17 King Street, Rockdale.
By their City Agents, J. B. Lange & D. C. Andersen,
DEVOTED rugby referee Ian Hooper passed away on Saturday after suffering a fatal heart attack while refereeing a rugby union game at the Lennox Head football club.
Ambulance crews were called to the grounds after Mr Hooper, 58, collapsed seven minutes into the senior reserve grade game between Lennox Head and Ballina.
While waiting for the ambulance to arrive qualified off-duty professionals from both clubs assisted immediately with first aid protocol and united in a community effort to keep Mr Hooper alive.
Current president of the Far North Coast Rugby Referees Association, Allan Thomas, said Mr Hooper stepped in to referee the game at late notice after another referee was unable make the appointment.
“The incident occurred very early into the first half where Hoops suffered a significant heart attack, they tried to resuscitate him, which they did,” he said.
Mr Hooper later died in hospital.
Ian Hooper known as ‘Hoops’ in the middle of one of the many Rugby Referee Groups he coordinated at the Byron 7’s. (2017). Photo: William Palmer.
“That just goes to show his devotion to the game, which was his passion and something he loved doing,” Mr Thomas said.
Mr Hooper, a former NSW Police officer in Sydney for more than 20 years, relocated to Georgica before joining the FNCRRA and becoming a life time member.
He is recognised by FNCRRA as a past President, current Chairman of Coaching & Grading, current Referee Appointments Officer, Referee, and Referee Coach for this Zone & NSWCRRA who helped mentor and develop Junior and Senior Referees over many years.
“Last year he gave that up so he could focus on the development and mentoring of junior and senior referees on the Far North Coast,” Mr Thomas said.
“Hooper has made an instrumental and massive contribution to the Far North Coast Referees Association and has left a big hole in our association.
“He was a very happy fellow and got on well with all his peers. He touched people’s lives and he will be sadly missed.
“He used to play rugby union in Sydney and I was told he was a very cheeky halfback. He was charismatic.
“From a zone’s perspective, he will be sorely missed as a friend, mentor, a coach, a referee and a devoted father and husband.
“We would like the community to acknowledge the feats this person has made to the community at large.”
Long-term friend and fellow life member of the Far North Coast Rugby Union Referee Association, Stephen Miller, said Mr Hooper was not only imperative to the development of a strong referee group, but a family man who acted with the utmost integrity throughout his career.
“The conviction and devotion that he had for the country referee development program was remarkable,” he said.
“He was absolutely devoted to his partner Julie and his two boys Tom and Max.
“His personality was something else – if there was something that needed to be said, he was the one who would say it how it was.
“He was never a plain critic, but when he saw that something was wrong, he saw the opportunity for someone to right it.
“So good to work with, so dependable, so reliable.”
Mr Miller said Mr Hooper was a man who had his priorities straight and was always open to a glass of red wine and a few jokes.
Fellow member of the FNCRRA, Will Palmer said he was also an integral part of the Byron 7’s Carnival for years and co-ordinated the appointment of Referees from across Australia & Overseas.
“Without which the event couldn’t happen,” Mr Palmer said.
“Apart from being a cheeky half back in his Rugby playing days, Hoops also was a Police Officer for many years and made a valued and significant contribution to the citizens of NSW. He touched many people’s lives and will be sadly missed. RIP Hoops.”
A spokesperson from NSW Ambulance media said Mr Hooper was revived on the field by an off-duty officer before crews arrived to take him to Ballina hospital.
