Service: From 24 February 1915 to 6 June 1939 = 24+ years Service
Awards: No Find on It’s an Honour
Born: ? ? 1888 in Ireland
Died on: Tuesday 6 June 1939
Cause: Struck by a Motor Vehicle
Event location: Parramatta Rd, near Ross St, Camperdown
Age: 50
Funeral date: Thursday 8 June 1939 @ 8am
Funeral location: St Mary’s Church, Concord
Buried at: Rookwood Catholic Cemetery @ 2.30pm
Section: Mortuary 2 – 12 533
Lat / Long: -33.88171, 151.05267
CORNELIUS IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
About 6pm on 6 June, 1939Detective Sergeant ‘ Con ‘ Carroll, the Officer in Charge of Detectives at Petersham, left his station to meet with an informant near the Sydney University.
In Parramatta Road near Ross Street, Camperdown he was accidentally hit by a car and was killed instantly. A report of the death was published in the Sydney Morning Herald of 7 June,1939.
DETECTIVE KILLED – Knocked Down by Car. 1939
Detective Sergeant Cornelius Carroll, 50, of St David’s Road, Concord was knocked down and killed by a motor car in Parramatta Road near Ross Street, Forest Lodge last night. Detective Sergeant Carroll had been in the police force 25 years, mostly in the Burwood and Petersham areas. He was in charge of the detectives at Petersham.
Detectives Brown and Rowland were informed that Detective Sergeant Carroll was either walking across the road or had just alighted from a tram when the accident occurred. The driver of the motor car did not see him until the impact, which fractured Detective Sergeant Carroll’s skull and limbs, killing him instantly.
Detective Sergeant Carroll’s body was taken to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital by the Central District Ambulance. Detective Brown who was a close friend did not know whose death he was investigating until Detective Sergeant Carroll’s papers were found at the city morgue.
Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to communicate with Detective Parmeter or Detective Wiggins at the Camperdown police station.
The sergeant was born in 1888 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 24 February, 1915.
At the time of his death he was stationed at Petersham.
He was buried at Rookwood Catholic Cemetery.
As an aside, there was a Cornelius Daniel CARROLL who joined the NSW Police Force, as a Police Cadet, on the 12 February 1941. Cadet # 309.
It is not known if C.D. Carroll is related to Cornelius CARROLL who died in June 1939.
The Sydney Morning Herald
Thursday 8 June 1939 p8
CARROLL – June 6 1939 suddenly Cornelius John ( Con ) Carrolldetective sergeant of police dearly loved husband of Catherine Mary Carroll and father of Martin Josephine (Greta) Mary and Cornelius ( Conny ) aged 51 years Requiescat in pace.
On June 6 th. Detective-Sergeant Cornelius Carroll (“Con” to every one) had just signed off from duty at 6 p.m. and was waiting on the Parramatta Road, near the University, Sydney, for a bus to take him home to Concord, when he observed that a car coming along was one he was looking for.
On the impulse he stepped in front of the car to stop the driver, but the car crashed right into Carroll, who was flung and carried 100 yards.
He was picked up and given medical attention but died very shortly afterwards from his injuries.
The driver had gone on and escaped. ( This doesn’t appear to be true – after reading other articles stemming from the Coroners Court )
The funeral on Thursday went from Burwood R.C. Church to the R.C. portion of Rookwood Cemetery.
The cortege was headed by the Sydney Police Band playing The Dead March. Over 200 police followed as a tribute of respect to a comrade who had always been popular in the Force for his geniality and readiness to do a good turn.
He was well known to the “underworld,” who regarded him as a “holy terror.”
Con Carroll was liked and known to many of the people of the Fullerton district, as up to a few years ago he was a frequent visitor to his parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Horgan, of Cartwright’s Creek, he having married their eldest daughter. Besides his widow, he is survived by his four children, Martin, the Misses Gretta and Mary and Cornelius.
Detective Carroll was born in Ireland 51 years ago and always retained a great love for his native country and his church. He came to Sydney as a young man and had been in the Police Force in the Sydney district ever since his arrival in Australia. He had resided at Davis Street, Concord, for many years. The sudden tragedy came as a great shock to his aged mother-in-law, Mrs.
Mary Anne Hogan, who always looked upon the deceased as one of her own sons.
The City Coroner Mr Oram at an adjourned inquest yesterday into the death of Detective sergeant Cornelius John Carroll, 50, of Davidson Street Concord who was knocked down by a motor car in Parramatta Road Forest Lodge on June 6, found that he was killed accidentally.
In previous evidence it had been stated that Carroll was on his way to keep an appointment with a female informer near the University grounds when he met his death.
In announcing his finding Mr Oram said that he could not commit the driver of the car for trial on a charge of manslaughter. Evidence was conflicting but it seemed to suggest that the car that struck the dead man was travelling in excess of 30 miles an hour in a built up area when the accident occurred. It was a border line case but there was no evidence that the driver displayed gross carelessness amounting to criminal negligence.
A trail of broken glass for 120 feet and a blood trail 33 feet long were described by Constable Cecil Stanley Jardine in the Traffic Court to-day when Archibald William Johnson, of Ashfield. was convicted by Mr. Wood. S.M., of negligent driving and fined £7.plus 23s 6d costs and expenses.
The charge arose out of an accident in Parramatta-road, Forest Lodge, on June 6, which resulted in the death of Detective-Sergeant Cornelius John Carroll, of Petersham. James Aubrey Gibson told of a man crossing the road as though to board a tram when a car approached fast. It had dim lights. The man put a hand up but the car hit him and carried him along the road 40 or 50 yards.
Johnson, who is a printer, pleaded not guilty. He said he eased to about 12 miles an hour and then increased speed to about 30. He felt a bump and saw a form disappear in front of the radiator. ” I applied the brakes and drew into the side, ” said Johnson.
Mr. Wood said he would recommend the Transport Department to test whether Johnson was fit to drive a car. Either he had not been paying proper attention or there was a defect in his vision.
Although wounded in one shoulder when his companion’s revolver was accidentally fired last night, Detective Cornelius Carroll insisted on carrying on with the task of searching for burglars in a house before going to hospital.
When Mr W. T. Coggins, of Chalmers Rd, Strathfield, returned home last night he saw lights burning in the house and rang the police on a neighbor’s telephone.
Detective Carroll, Detective Clifton and Constable Gordon answered the call. Sir Coggins and Constable Gordon went to the rear of the dwelling, while Detectives Carroll and Clifton approached the front.
Carroll, with revolver drawn, was walking a few yards in front. Clifton was drawing his revolver from its holster when it went off, and the bullet, ricocheting off a brick wall, buried itself in the fleshy part of Carroll’s right shoulder.
Carroll took part in a search of the house, saying that the wound was a mere scratch. The burglars had decamped, however, taking £20 worth of clothing.
Examination at the hospital revealed the detective’s injury was not serious, but the bullet was still embedded.
So little did Carroll think of it that he rang the Burwood police station to inform officers there of his injury, joking with his mates and asking them to send him along a pair of slippers.
Detective Carroll, who was shot accidentally during a raid in search of suspects at Ashfield, is Cornelius John Carroll, a son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Hogan, of Cartwright’s Creek, Fullerton. ” Con. ” is often to be seen in Crookwell when on a visit to his wife’s parents. His genial nature and his coolness and pluck are outstanding attractions of this big, genial Irishman.
On the afternoon of 26 February, 1939 Constable Guise and Sergeant Werner were patrolling the Newtown area when they were advised of a possible break and enter offence occurring in Marion Street, Newtown. On attending the address, the police stopped their vehicle beside a truck which had apparently been used in the offence. As they stopped, two men jumped from the truck and fled on foot, pursued by the two police. As Constable Guise caught up with one of the offenders the man turned and threw a torch, striking the constable in the chest. In the struggle that followed the offender managed to shoot the constable in the abdomen. Constable Guise died in hospital a short time later.
The Advertiser dated 14 June, 1939 reported on the trial of the murderer Leslie Murphy.
CONSTABLE SHOT WHILE MAKING ARREST-
ACCUSED SENT TO GAOL FOR MANSLAUGHTER.
SYDNEY, June 13 – Leslie William Murphy, 28, was found guilty before Mr. Justice Owen and a jury in the Central Criminal Court this morning with the manslaughter of Constable Lionel George Guise, 22, and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. Constable Guise was fatally shot at Newtown early in the morning of February 26 and died in hospital about seven hours later. The Crown Prosecutor (Mr. L.J. McKean K.C.) said that the Crown alleged that Murphy had been doing an unlawful act in attempting to resist apprehension. If a person resisted lawful apprehension and did something which brought about the death of a police constable, then, the Crown contended, such person would be guilty of manslaughter. Following the theft of a lorry a struggle took place between Guise and Murphy and Guise lost his life while lawfully apprehending Murphy.
The dying depositions of Constable Guise, taken at the hospital, were read in court. They were as follows: “We had a fight and my own gun went off. The other man did not have a gun. I don’t know the people. One ran one way, one another. I caught one and he threw a torch and missed. We had a scuffle. My gun went off and I felt a terrible pain. I shot from the ground at the man. I don’t know whether I hit him or not. He was about 35 years old.”
The constable was born in 1916 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 22 November, 1937. At the time of his death he was stationed at Newtown.
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NEWTOWN LOCAL AREA COMMAND POLICE COMMEMORATION SERVICE
Ms CARMEL TEBBUTT (Marrickville) [7.07 p.m. 8 May 2013]: Recently at Rookwood Cemetery I attended a memorial service to commemorate police officers from the Newtown local area command killed in the line of duty. The moving service was attended by Deputy Police Commissioner Nick Kaldis, Superintendent Simon Hardman, the commander of the Newtown Area Local Command, many other police representatives, and relatives and descendants of the police officers. Those attendees included Ms Avona Wallace, Mr and Mrs Norman Stephenson, Mrs Lynette Everton and Ms Edna Stevenson. Representatives from the emergency services and community members were also in attendance. The member for Campbelltown, Bryan Doyle, attended representing the Premier.
The five officers being remembered at the ceremony gave their lives to protect the community. They were Constable First Class John Wallace, Constable First Class Ruston Stephenson, Constable Lionel Guise, Detective Inspector Reginald Stevenson and Constable Pashalis Katsivelas. The ceremony to mark the sacrifice of these officers reflected on the enormity of their contribution to the community, as well as the impact of their death on their families. It is often said, and it is true, that police officers leave their homes for each shift uncertain of what any day may bring and whether they will return at the end of the day. We owe these men and women our deepest gratitude for the risks they face and take every day in their job. At Rookwood Cemetery we visited each of the graves of those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and behind each individual was an illuminating life story.
We began at the grave of Constable First Class Ruston Stephenson, who died 80 years almost to the day of the commemoration. Constable Stephenson joined the Police Force in 1912, and four years later enlisted in the army, later joining the fight in France during the First World War. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry in rescuing injured soldiers while under fire. Remarkably, when he returned he rejoined the Police Force and continued to serve until his death on 9 April 1933 after a tragic accident involving a motorcycle at the then Newtown Stadium while performing general duties policing.
We were also told the story of Detective Inspector Reginald Hugh Stevenson—I was honoured on the day to meet his widow, Ms Edna Stevenson, who still had strong memories of the incident that led to Inspector Stevenson’s death. Detective Inspector Stevenson joined the NSW Police Force as a cadet in 1943 at the age of 17. In an act of extraordinary selflessness, Detective Inspector Stevenson was on annual leave on 9 December 1974 when he decided to go to work to assist in the planned arrest of a dangerous offender in Newtown, at the time telling his wife, “I don’t want my boys doing this on their own.” During the operation he was shot in the chest after leading his team in pursuit of the offender.
Detective Inspector Stevenson partially recovered and was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct and the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. However, he died in 1980 of a heart attack, deemed to be the result of the injuries he sustained on duty in 1974. These officers are just a few of many across New South Wales whose lives have been cut short as they have gone about performing their duty. I pay tribute to them all. They will not be forgotten and local events such as this are a powerful reminder of their sacrifice.
I also take this opportunity to acknowledge two Marrickville police officers, Sergeant Stewart and Constable Steele, who on Monday of this week rescued an intellectually disabled person from a house fire in Marrickville. Thankfully, those two officers who took huge risks survived and are quite rightly being hailed as heroes by their colleagues and the community. It is yet another example of the risk our police men and women take every day in order to keep the community safe. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to them.
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Harold William STURGISS
| 26/10/2012
Harold William STURGISS
( late of Emu Plains )
New South Wales Police Force
Regd #. 1943
Uniform # I690
Rank: Constable 1st Class
Stations: George St North Police Station, Granville, Penrith ( since 11 December 1928 ) – Death
Service: From 29 October 1924 to 2 February 1939 = 14+ years Service
Awards: No Find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? 1902 in Tarago in the Goulburn District
Died on: Thursday 2 February 1939
Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident – Police motor cycle rider
Location: High Street, Penrith approaching ( Victoria Bridge ) Nepean River bridge
Age: 36
Funeral date: Friday 3 February 1939
Funeral location: C of E portion of Penrith general cemetery
Grave updated: On Tuesday, 11 July 2017, the UNMARKED grave of Cst Sturgiss was suitably MARKED.
Constable Harold Sturgiss ( 1939 )
Touch plate at the National Police Wall of Remembrance – Canberra
The burial site of the late Harold William Sturgiss, unfortunately his burial site of Plot 14 is unmarked, the monument next to his burial site is Elizabeth and Frederick Lock, Plot 13, Row AB, Anglican 1 Section. In the photo, his burial site is to the left of the Lock Monument.
The unmarked grave of Harold is the dirt to the left of the well kept grave in the foreground
HAROLD IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
Another graves project completed today ( Tuesday 11 July 2017 ). Constable First Class Harold William Sturgiss died on the 2nd February 1939 as a result of a motor cycle accident on Victoria bridge Penrith, whilst on duty. It is with great satisfaction that today a 78 year old oversight has been remedied, and we are able to advise Cst 1/c Sturgiss’ elderly daughter that the work ( a properly marked grave ) has been completed.
As seen, by Col Colman on Friday 28 August 2020.
On the afternoon of 2 February, 1939, Constable Sturgiss was riding a police motorcycle outfit along High Street, Penrith. As he was negotiating a bend approaching the bridge over the Nepean River, the wheel of the sidecar struck the kerbing of the roadway. The cycle veered across the roadway and collided with a truck travelling in the opposite direction. Constable Sturgiss was thrown heavily to the roadway, sustaining severe injuries. He died in hospital a short time later.
The West Australian dated 3 February, 1939 contained the following brief paragraph relating to the constable’s death.
CONSTABLE’S FATAL INJURIES. SYDNEY, Feb. 2 –
Constable Harold William Sturgiss (37) died in the Nepean District Hospital today from injuries he received when his police motor cycle collided with a motor lorry on the eastern end of the bridge over the Nepean River at Penrith.
The constable was born in 1902 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 29 October, 1924. At the time of his death he was stationed at Penrith.
NSW Birth, Deaths & Marriages
Birth: 12276/1902 to David J & Margaret E STURGISS
Death: 3196/1939
The Sydney Morning Herald Friday 3 February 1939 p 9 of 26
STURGISS.- The Relatives and Friends of Mrs.
H. W. STURGISS and FAMILY, of Emu Plains, are invited to attend the Funeral of her dearly beloved HUSBAND and their dear FATHER, Harold William Sturgiss; to leave his late residence, Emu Plains, This Day, at 3.30 p.m.. for the Church of England Cemetery, Kingswood.
Nepean Times ( Penrith ) Thursday 9 February 1929 p 1 of 8
Fatality at River Bridge
DEATH OF CONSTABLE STURGISS
As briefly mentioned in the second edition of last issue, Constable Harold William Sturgiss (36), of Penrith Police Force, died in Nepean District Hospital last Thursday afternoon from injuries received shortly before when a motor cycle and sidecar he was riding got out of control at the eastern end of the Victoria Bridge, over the Nepean River, and ran into a motor lorry. The accident happened shortly after 1 p.m., when the constable was returning to his home at Emu Plains.
Approaching the bridge the constable was travelling on his correct side of the roadway, when the wheel of the sidecar struck the kerbing along the footpath. The wheel, it seemed, travelled hard on to the kerb and then suddenly swung across the roadway to the right hand side, striking the off front corner of a heavy motor truck carrying five tons of sand and travelling east.
Apparently the constable’s chest came in contact with the off corner of the lorry and then slid along the side, striking the off rear wheel. This threw him off the machine on to the roadway.
INQUEST
The district coroner, Mr E. F. Rule, held an inquiry into the fatality at Penrith Court House yesterday.
Sergeant Sheridan stated that approaching the bridge from the eastern end there was a very sharp curve to the left, and eyewitnesses stated that as the motor cycle was being driven around the curve the wheel of the sidecar struck the kerbing on the left hand side going west, and then suddenly the cycle swung to the left with the sidecar up in the air. Deceased appeared to make every effort to right the cycle, but failed to do so, with the result that it struck the motor truck with great force.
The Ambulance was soon on the scene and he was taken to Penrith Hospital.
Deceased was regarded as a very careful motor cycle rider, stated the Sergeant, and had been riding departmental bikes for ten years. The bike used on this occasion was in good repair, added the Sergeant.
Cedric Russell Neville, contractor, residing at Merrylands, stated that he was at present employed carting gravely sand, and blue stone from the Emu Plains Gravel Coy’s. works to the Water Board’s construction works at Eastern Creek. At the eastern end of the river bridge his lorry was doing about 10 – 15 miles an hour. The motor cycle ridden by the constable came round the bend on its correct side. Witness was on his correct side. The sidecar wheel bumped the kerb, and the car immediately jumped into the air. Then the cycle swerved across to witness’s lorry, striking the off rear wheel. Witness stopped immediately Some lady in the vicinity immediately rang for the Ambulance.
Dr. Barrow, who examined deceased at the Hospital, stated that his injuries were a fractured right arm, a double fracture of the right forearm, extensive fractures to the ribs on the right side of the back, pelvis bone fracture, and extensive shock. The cause of death was shock and visceral
injuries.
The coroner extended sympathy to the bereaved widow, and stated that deceased’s record as a police officer was of the highest, and it was a tragedy that the career of a man so young should be cut off in this way.
A verdict of accidental death was returned.
DECEASED’S CAREER
The late Constable Sturgiss was born at Tarrago 36 years ago and was the son of Mr and Mrs D. Sturgiss, of that town. Deceased joined the New South Wales police force in Sydney on 29th October, 1924. He was attached to George Street North and Granville stations before coming to Penrith on 11th December, 1928, and had carried on duties here as a motor cyclist of the force. He had been residing at Emu Plains since 18th March, 1929.
Constable Sturgiss was a very efficient officer of the force and both in his official and private capacity enjoyed the esteem of many who knew him. He was obliging, courteous, and conscientious, and his tragic passing is a great sorrow to many friends.
He is survived by Mrs Sturgiss, a son (Ramond) and daughter (Norma).
THE FUNERAL
The funeral, on Friday afternoon, was one of the most largely attended in Penrith for some time, the force and the civilian population being well represented. It was Impressive evidence of the esteem in which the deceased was held as an officer and as a citizen.
The cortege left deceased’s residence at Emu Plains at 3.30 p.m., escorted by four police motor cyclists, who acted as pall-bearers.
At Riley Street the procession was joined by the Police Band and a contingent of police of Penrith and surrounding stations, as well as some from the city.
Inspector Cannell, of Parramatta, represented the Commissioner of Police.
The Police Band and police unit escorted the cortege as far as the police station, after which the members proceeded to the cemetery by cars.
The interment was in the C. of E. portion of Penrith general cemetery, the service being conducted by the Rector. Rev. R. S. Capple.
Numerous wreaths were forwarded including wreaths from Penrith and Parramatta police and the Police Officer’s Association, Sydney.
It was an official funeral and the casket was draped with a Union Jack.
The P.A.F.S. and L.O.L. Orders were largely represented, deceased being secretary of the local lodges in each ease.
IN MEMORIUM STURGISS – In loving memory of my beloved husband and our dear father, Harold William, who was accidentally killed on February 2, 1939. Always remembered and sadly missed by his loving wife and children, Norma and Raymond.
Frederick James McLAUGHLAN
| 26/10/2012
Frederick James McLAUGHLAN
Frederick James McLAUCHLAN *
Late of Campsie
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ‘ Q ‘ 9623
For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 11 March 1913
Buried at: Cremated – Ashes scattered at Rookwood. No Memorial at Rookwood
Memorial located at: Oak Flats Police Station – main entrance wall and also inside security hall
THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 Located on the front wall to Oak Flats Police Station.
THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 RETIRED POLICE DAY HELD AT LAKE ILLAWARRA POLICE STATION, OAK FLATS. Memorial Plaque hanging inside the Secure foyer of Oak Flats Police Station, NSW.
[alert_green]FREDERICKIS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
On 6 January, 1922 Constable McLaughlan attended a disturbance at Port Kembla. While he was attempting to arrest a man who had been involved in a fight, another man tried to hit the constable with a bottle of beer. The constable consequently punched the man in the mouth and in so doing received a deep cut to his right hand.
After suffering some discomfort with the injury, the constable sought medical attention. Complications with his health developed over the next few years and it was eventually determined that he was suffering from an aortic aneurism, the result of an infection from the injury sustained when he punched the offender in 1922. He was discharged medically unfit in November, 1930 and passed away on 3 December, 1938.
The constable was born in 1890 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 11 March, 1913. At the time of his injury he was stationed at Port Kembla.
BIRTH: No find for McLAUCHLAN or McLAUGHLAN in NSW between 1880 – 1920
MARRIAGE: Reg. # 5225/1914 Frederick J McLAUCHLAN. BRIDE: Vera Alma BEST in Sydney (B: 1891 – D: 1 Sept 1954 )
DEATHS: Reg. # 22586/1938 Frederick James McLAUGHLAN Father: James Mother: Elizabeth Canterbury District. The parents in this Death have the same Christian names as the person born in N.Z.
In N.Z. his surname is spelt with the ‘C‘ but in NSW, his surname is spelt with the ‘G‘.
Whilst updating this Memorial page on 16 September 2018, I found that this person is recorded in the NSW State Archives & Records under Registers of Police as having the surname spelt McLAUCHLAN & not McLAUGHLAN.
Numerous local newspaper articles also have him as McLAUCHLIN.
Cal
160918
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Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), Saturday 19 December 1942, page 16
MARRIAGES
BRUSSEL – McLAUCHLAN – November 23 at St John’s Church, Campsie, by the Rev. C. C. Short, Pamela, younger daughter of the late Mr Frederick James McLauchlan, and of Mrs Vera McLauchlan, to Hendrikus Brussel (M. N.), younger son of Mr and Mrs P Brussel of Leiden, Holland.
South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 5 February 1926, page 16
NORTH ILLAWARRA COUNCIL.
At the meeting on Wednesday night, all the aldermen were present.
From Constable McLauchlan intimating that his transfer not having been yet arranged for definitely he was prepared to continue inspection of slaughter premises. — Agreed to.
South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 15 January 1926, page 19
WOLLONGONG COURT.
MONDAY.
Drink. — Walker Chaulker pleaded guilty to charges of drunkenness and of offensive words at Balgownie.
Constable McLauchlan stated that Chaulker was behaving in a violent manner with a paling in his hand, and when spoken to by himself addressed the language to him.
South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 27 February 1925, page 21
QUARTER SESSIONS
Assault.
William Pollack (18) pleaded not guilty to a charge of indecently assaulting Muriel Hughes at Tarrawanna. There was a second account of common assault.
Mr. Clancy, instructed by Mr. Morgan for defence. Accused exhausted his right of challenging jury.
Muriel Hughes deposed on the night of the 24th November, when she was on her way home from the Pictures at Corrimal to Tarrawanna, accused accosted her and threw her down. She screamed and he went off.
Witness had three years before had had an illegitimate child.
Br. Mr. Clancy witness was asked about habits of being out late at night; she went to dances.
Constable McLauchlan gave evidence of arrest of accused at Mount Pleasant Colliery, and produced a statement signed by accused.
Accused in a statement from the dock said he had merely put his arm round the girl’s waist; she struggled and they both fell; if he hurt her, he was sorry.
Alexander Drain deposed that on the day following the alleged assault, he had heard Muriel Hughes speak of it laughingly. Acquitted.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 20 Nov. 1925 (No.111), page 5044
[7918] Department of Lands,
Sydney, 20th November, 1925.
AUTHORITIES FOR PROSECUTION OF TRESPASSERS ON CROWN LANDS.
IT is hereby notified, for general information, that the undermentioned members of the Police Force and other persons are authorised and empowered to prefer informations in writing, under and in pursuance of the provisions of the Crown Lands Acts, against any person or persons in unlawful occupation or use of Crown Lands, or lands granted, reserved, or dedicated for public purposes, or found cutting or removing timber, or stripping or removing bark, or digging for or removing stone, soil, or other material therefrom, without holding a license.
They are further authorised to sue for and recover such penalty or penalties as any such person or persons shall have incurred for and in respect of such unlawful occupation, use, or proceedings.
[ Leases 1925-18,180]
P. F. LOUGHLIN,
Minister for Lands.
Friday 20 Nov. 1925 Government Gazette of NSW Page 5044
Station. Name of Person authorised Rank
Balgownie McLaughlan, Frederick James Constable 1st Class
South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 4 July 1924, page 16
NORTH ILLAWARRA COUNCIL.
At the meeting on Wednesday night | all the aldermen were present.
Correspondence.
Meat Inspector and Impounder
There were four applications in reply to advts. ( adverts ) for the above office. In the course of discussion, the Mayor said the finances would not admit of the appointment of the proposed officer. He recommended appointing a combined maintenance Workman and impounder and asking department’s permits for Constable. McLauchlan ( who had applied to be appointed for meat inspection ). This was agreed to, former position to be advertised. It was proposed to allow £1 a week for forage, but an amendment reduced this to 10/.
Wollongong — Friday, February 23rd. ( Before Mr. M. T. McMahon, S.M.)
Alleged Shooting with Intent.
Reginald Davidson, 21, was charged that on 20th February he did, at Fairy Meadow, shoot at Stanley Robinson with intent to do him grievous bodily harm. Mr. Morgan appeared for defendant.
Constable McLauchlan, stationed at Balgownie, deposed that at 10.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 20th inst., he went to Mr. Elliott‘s house at Fairy Meadow. He knocked at the door, which was opened by Mr. Elliott.
In the kitchen he saw defendant and said, ‘I want that revolver you were shooting with tonight,’ and he ‘replied, ‘I have no revolver, and did not shoot at anybody.’
He called Robert Robinson and pointing to defendant said, ‘Do you know this man?’ He replied, ‘Yes, that is the man who shot at us tonight.’
He then called Stanley Robinson and he said, ‘That’s the man who fired the revolver off at me.’
Witness questioned Davidson, who replied, ‘I did not mean to shoot them. I had a few drinks, and I will tell you all about it.’ I was with Jack Elliott at Wollongong this afternoon, We met Mrs. Robinson and a young lady with a baby. They told me her name was Mrs. Taylor. We all got pretty drunk and went home to Elliott‘s in a motor car. We had more drink at Elliotts.
At 9 o ‘clock someone knocked at the door, and I heard a man ask for Mrs. Taylor. They had an argument, as she wouldn’t go home with him. The man walked inside and took the baby. He ( defendant ) struggled with the man on the verandah and fired off a revolver to frighten him.
Defendant was then arrested. Defendant subsequently told witness that he had thrown the revolver into the dam, and which witness recovered loaded in four chambers, and with one empty shell.
Witness asked Davidson who the revolver belonged to and he replied Jack Elliott. About three months ago he had a row with his wife, and I told him I would throw the revolver into the dam, but I hung it up, behind a picture.’
Witness recovered the revolver in a dam about 200 yards away from Elliott‘s place. Defendant boards at Elliott‘s.
There were several bottles nearly empty on the premises when defendant was arrested.
Stanley Robinson, living at Fairy Meadow, deposed that he went to Elliott‘s place on the evening of the 20th to bring home his sister, whose name is Mrs. Taylor. His brother and brother-in-law were with him. While his brother was talking to his sister a man came out of the door and made a punch at him ( witness ). The blow missed and they closed, and they rolled from the verandah on to the ground, where witness was on top.
Defendant was the man who wrestled with witness. Defendant stepped back about four paces and pulled a revolver from his hip pocket and fired at him. He ( witness ) saw the flash, but the bullet missed.
When defendant fired witness went to run, but fell over the fence, and defendant said ‘I’ve got the ____.’
Witness had never seen defendant to speak to before.
Robert Robinson gave corroborative evidence.
Leonard William Taylor, hairdresser, Keira Street, Wollongong, deposed that. he went to Elliott‘s place on the night in question. Saw accused there, and saw him make a hit at Stanley Robinson, after which there was a scuffle and they both fell. The accused then fired the revolver at Stanley Robinson, and the two Robinsons ran away.
The accused reserved his defence and was committed for trial.
A sensational arrest was made at Balgownie Co-operative Store at 2 a.m. on Tuesday, when Detective Sergeants Barclay and Thornley, Plain Clothes Constables Morgan and Cameron, and Constable McLauchlan found Sydney Hill, 58, and Albert (Duck) Clarke, 45, on the premises with a kit of house-breaking tools. Both men were brought to Wollongong lockup, and charged with breaking and entering.
The defendants were brought before the Court on Tuesday, and charged. Evidence, however, was not entered on, and the cases were remanded till Monday next, 12th instant. Bail was allowed — self in £80 or two sureties of £40. In Clarke’s case alone was bail forthcoming.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 21 July 1922 (No.111), page 3943
[7918] Department of Lands,
Sydney, 14th July, 1922.
AUTHORITIES FOR PROSECUTION OF TRESPASSERS ON CROWN LANDS.
IT is hereby notified, for general information, that the undermentioned members of the Police Force and other persons are authorised and empowered to prefer informations in writing, under and in pursuance of the provisions of the Crown Lands Acts, against any person or persons in unlawful occupation or use of Crown Lands, or lands granted, reserved, or dedicated for public purposes, or found cutting or removing timber, or stripping or removing bark, or digging for or removing stone, soil, or other material therefrom, without holding a license.
They are further authorised to sue for and recover such penalty or penalties as any such person or persons shall have incurred for and in respect of such unlawful occupation, use, or proceedings.
[ Occ. 1922-4,267]
W. E. WEARNE,
Minister for Lands.
Friday 21 July 1922 Government Gazette of NSW Page 3943
South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 16 June 1922, page 4
WOLLONGONG COURT.
MONDAY. Fencing Posts for Firewood.
Godfrey Williamson pleaded guilty to a charge of larceny of posts, property of the Towrodgi ( Towradgi ) Park Trust.
Constable McLauchlan deposed that he visited a house at Balgownie, and found the missing posts there in a load of firewood.
Then spoke to accused who admitted having sold the posts in a load of fire wood.
G. W. Payne, chairman of the trust, deposed that a considerable part of the boundary fence had been taken away ; there had been much destruction done at the park ; about a dozen seats had been torn up and taken and a shed damaged.
Defendant, a returned soldier, said he had been off work and under the doctor for six weeks; he took the posts at the fence, seeing the state it was in and supposing these would not be required.
Mr. Payne said the trustees only wanted a caution administered.
South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 2 June 1922, page 9
BALGOWNIE
(Correspondent.)
On Friday evening, 19th, the local School of Arts was the scene of a very happy gathering of adults and young folks who had assembled to express feelings of goodwill and appreciation, and also farewell greetings to ConstableFrewin, Mrs. Frewin and family, who have been, recently transferred to Watson’s Bay.
The function also included a formal welcome to his successor, Constable McLauchlan; and Mrs. McLauchlan.
The early part of the programme was mainly vocal, and was shown much appreciation of Mr. P. Meizer presided, acting for Mr. Alridge, who had been called away to another urgent meeting.
The chairman directed the attention of those assembled to the aim of their presence there that evening— to do honor and show their appreciation both verbally and materially, to the guests of the evening. Mr. W. Madden spoke of the Frewin family, both in private and social life in terms of esteem.
Mr. S. W. Sproule, on behalf of the public, presented to the guests a very fine silver tea and coffee service, also personal gifts to Constable Frewin of a fountain pen, and to Mrs. Frewin a beautifully bound volume of Tennyson’s poems. Speaking, he said, from having known Constable and Mrs. Frewin, he spoke words of praise, congratulating the constable on his promotion to such a comfortable retreat as Watson’s Bay. He also welcomed Constable McLauchlan.
After Constable Frewin‘s acknowledgements, the remainder of the time was spent socially and in dancing.
South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 25 November 1921, page 17
WOLLONGONG COURT.
MONDAY.
Thomas J. Williams and Arthur Floyd for drunkenness in Main road, Corrimal, were each fined 5/ and 8/ costs.
Thomas A. Ryan and James Stewart were charged with being on hotel premises in prohibited hours. — Constable McLaughlan deposed to having seen the defendants at 10.30 p.m. in the Great Eastern Hotel, Port Kembla ; Stewart said he was seeking a bed. Each fined 10/ and 8/ costs.
Richard M?????a pleaded not guilty to a charge of being in the Great Eastern Hotel, he being a prohibited person.
Constable McLauchlan deposed that on the 12th instant he saw defendant go into the bar of the Great Eastern ; witness asked the licensee if he knew that man, he replied he did not know his name; the licensee also, in reply, said he had served him several drinks during the day; just then, he called for five drinks, but as he did not pay for them he (licensee) told him to get out. — In reply to Mr. Morgan ( for the defence ) witness said defendant had been a source of annoyance to the police ever since the order had been made against him. — Defendant denied having been inside, he merely looked in to see if his brother was there. — Mrs. Brunning deposed she had given defendant, who was her uncle, a letter to give to her father, who lived at the hotel.
By Sergt. McAuley : Defendant had had some drink that day.
Constable McLauchlan, recalled, deposed he saw defendant with his brother before he went into the hotel. —
South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 27 July 1917, page 22
WOLLONGONG COURT
TUESDAY.
Patrick Kennedy was charged with indecent language at Port Kembla, and with no lawful visible means.
Constable McLauchlan deposed that defendant had been discharged from the penitentiary on the 26th February; he had been at Port Kembla for five months, and had done about three weeks work. He had been about hotels a nuisance in the bars; if people would not shout, he wanted to fight them. He had earned £2 8s the last week and had 14s coming to him.
The D.S.M. said that when arrested he was not without lawful means, having been earning money. Information dismissed. A number of previous convictions were read by Sergt Toohey.
For indecent indecent language fined £5 or 2 months.
South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 2 June 1916, page 8
WOLLONGONG COURT
WEDNESDAY.
Thomas Osborne, thirty-three, was charged with drunkenness in Wollongong, fined half a crown. For insulting words to Constable McLauchlan, fined twenty shillings or seven days. Fines paid.
Grave Location: Roman Catholic Monumental Section 3 – Plot: 0493
In Loving Memory of our dear father and mother. Leslie Andrew NASH, Died 15 April 1935 aged 37 years. Catherine Sarah NASH, Died 2 June 1959, aged 56 years. R.I.P.
Coroners Inquest: Tuesday 30 April 1935
LESLIE is NOT mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance ( 2021 ) * BUT SHOULD BE
Constable Nash is thought to have been shot to death, possibly while on duty, on 15 April, 1935. It was thought that he had committed suicide however little is known about this incident and to some extent it remains a mystery.
The Hurstville Propeller newspaper dated 18 April, 1935 published the following article.
CONSTABLE FOUND SHOT AT HURSTVILLE POLICE STATION.
First-Class Constable Leslie Andrew Nash, station officer at the Hurstville Police Station, was found dead at the station early on Monday morning. Constable Nash commenced duty at 5 a.m. Constable Harvey left the station and when he returned Nash was missing. A search revealed his body in the bathroom attached to the station. Nash’s service revolver was nearby.
The Sydney Morning Herald of 16 April, 1935 added a bit more to the story.
POLICEMAN FOUND SHOT.Constable Leslie Andrew Nash, 38, was found dead in the bathroom at the Hurstville Police Station yesterday morning with a bullet wound in his head. A revolver was found nearby. Nash was to have sat for an examination yesterday morning and had been in ill-health for some time. For the last eight years, Nash, who was a first class constable with 14 years service, had been stationed at Hurstville and was well liked and respected in the district. He had previously been stationed at Sutherland. He is survived by a widow and five children.
The constable was born in 1897 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 5 April, 1921. At the time of his death he was stationed at Hurstville.
Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners’ Advocate
Tuesday 30 April 1935 P9
WORRIED OVER LECTURES
Constable Committed Suicide
SYDNEY, Monday,
Forgetting what he had been told at lectures, Constable Leslie Nash, 37, committed suicide at Hurstville Police Station on April 15.
At the inquest today, Constable James Harvey said that Nash told him that he was worrying over a departmental examination that day, and had forgotten what he had been told.
Returning a verdict of suicide, the Coroner said that the case was very sad.
Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser (NSW : 1856 – 1861; 1863 – 1889; 1891 – 1954),
Monday 15 April 1935, page 1
CONSTABLE SUICIDES
Strain of ill-Health Too Great
Sydney, Monday.
Constable Leslie Andrew Nash (38), was found dead at the Hurstville Police Station early this morning with a gun shot wound in the head.
He was acting as station officer. It appears that the man, who had been in ill health, had been told that he would have to undergo a serious operation. Some time later he was missing, and a search resulted in the discovery of his body in the bathroom attached to the station, with a revolver lying nearby.
Constable Leslie Andrew Nash. aged 38, was today found dead at the Hurstville Police Station, where he had performed duty as station officer.
Nash, who has been in ill health and had been told that he would have to undergo a serious operation, began duty at 5 a.m. He asked Constable Harvey to go on an errand, and when Harvey returned Nash was missing.
A search revealed his body in the bath room attached to the station. His service revolver was nearby.
Nash left a widow and four children.
He had been in the force for 14 years and was a first-class constable.
Today he was to have sat for an examination, which his inspector said he would have passed without the slightest difficulty.
NA8H.- H.A.C.B.S. St. DECLAN’S BRANCH, No. 659.- The Officers and Members of the above Branch are requested to attend the Funeral of their late Bro.. LESLIE A. NASH: to leave St. Declan’s Catholic Church. Penshurst, THIS DAY. at 2.30 p.m., for Woronora Cemetery. By road.
The Coroners Inquest returned a verdict of “Effects of a bullet wound in his head, wilfully self inflicted“
Inquest was concluded on 29 April 1935.
In the attached photo, his Uniform # is 87A or 97A.
The ‘ A ‘ used to depict the District that the member was attached to. ‘ A ‘ District was Sydney – so he may, at the time of the photo being taken, have been stationed at one of the Sydney CBD Stations.
NSWBDM
Birth = 6089/1898 Father = Patrick Mother = Amelia District = Parkes
Marriage = 2105/1925 Bride = McDonnell or MacDonnell District = Kempsey
Death = 7008/1935 Father = Patrick Mother = Amelia District = Hurstville
Leslie was born in 1898, the son of Patrick and Amelia, Leslie married on 10 Jan 1925 to Catherine McDonnell. Leslie was a First Class Constable Leslie passed away 15 Apr 1935 (aged 36)
Sources
NSW BDM
BIRTH NASH LESLIE A 6089/1898 PATRICK AMELIA PARKES
MARRIAGE 2105/1925 NASH LESLIE A MCDONNELL CATHERINE KEMPSEY
DEATH NASH LESLIE A 7008/1935 PATRICK AMELIA HURSTVILLE
RYERSON INDEX
NASH Leslie Andrew Death notice 15APR1935 Death 37 at Hurstville, late of Penshurst Sydney Morning Herald 16APR1935
The Sydney Morning Herald NSW 1842 – 1954
Tue 16 Apr 1935 DEATH NASH-April 15, 1835, suddenly, at Hurstville, Leslie Andrew, of 6 Clarence-street, Penshurst, dearly beloved husband of Catherine and father of Pat, Francis , Alma, John and Peter aged 37 years. Requiescat in pace.
The Sydney Morning Herald NSW 1842 – 1954 Tue 16 Apr 1935 Page 9 FUNERAL NASH.-The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. CATHERINE NA8H and FAMILY are kindly Invited to attend the Funeral of her dearly beloved HUSBAND and their FATHER. First Class Constable Leslie Andrew Nash: which will leave St. Declan’s Church. Penshurst, THIS TUESDAY, at 2.30 p.m., for the Catholic Cemetery. Woronora. Mrs. P. KIRBY and SON. LTD.. Leadlng Funeral Directors. phone, M2221-2. 263 Elizabeth-street, Sydney.
NASH.-‘The Friends of Mr. WILLIAM ROSS are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of his friend, the Late Mr. Leslie A. Nash: lo leave St. Declan’s Church. Penshurst, THIS DAY (Tues day. For further details please see above notice.
NASH.- H.A.C.B.S. St. DECLAN’S BRANCH, No. 659.-The Officers and Members of the above Branch are requested to attend the Funeral of their late Bro.. LESLIE A. NASH: to leave St. Declan’s Catholic Church. Penshurst, THIS DAY. at 2.30 p.m., for Woronora Cemetery. By road. W. J. MEACHMAN. Tres. R. J. MADDEN. Sec.
NASH Leslie Andrew Death notice 16APR1935 Death at Hurstville Sydney Morning Herald 22APR1935
The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954)
Mon 22 Apr 1935 Page 8 Family Notices
DEATH
NASH.—April 16 (suddenly), at Hurstville, Les- lie Andrew, beloved brother, brother-in-law, and darling uncle of Bob, Rene, and Aileen.
Death aged 37 at Hurstville, late of Penshurst
BURIAL Woronora Memorial Park
Sutherland, Sutherland Shire, New South Wales, Australia PLOT RC 3 0493
In 1931 Constable Nowland was the lone policeman attached to the Bendemeer Police Station. On the night of Sunday 4 October, 1931 a man came to the station to complain that he had been camped under the bridge at the river and had been accosted by a “madman” who had threatened to kill him. He requested that the constable come down to the bridge, which was at the McDonald River, a distance of less than 300 metres to look for the madman. The constable obliged, however after a brief search under and around the bridge, the alleged “madman” could not be found. The following night the man again came to the police station with the same complaint. (It was believed to have been the same man both nights as Mrs Nowland heard his voice on both visits, although she never actually saw him). The constable took his revolver and set out to search the bridge area again. When he failed to return home by the morning Mrs Nowland telephoned the police at Tamworth.
Police from Tamworth quickly travelled to Bendemeer and, with the assistance of an Aboriginal tracker, began to search for the missing man. Later that afternoon Constable Nowland’s body was found and recovered from the McDonald River. He was still fully clothed, except for his cap, and the body had no apparent signs of violence, although apparently the constable’s nose had been bleeding before he fell or was thrown into the water. At the spot where the body was found the water was only three to four feet (about 1 metre) deep.
The Brisbane Courier dated 7 October, 1931 reported that “The police believe that Nowland was insensible or dead before he entered the water. It is thought that Constable Nowland did not reach the bridge last night. His way would have taken him past a hotel, and beneath brilliant lights, and it is considered that he would certainly have been seen had he gone direct to the bridge from the police station. It is thought probable that he was attacked almost as soon as he left the police station, and was then taken to the river and thrown into the water insensible. The police are handicapped by the absence of any description of the man who twice called at the police station and spoke of the lunatic. Constable Nowland was the only one who saw him.”
The Sydney Morning Herald of 10 November, 1931 reported the open finding of the inquest into the constable’s death, as follows.
“BENDEMEER MYSTERY – CORONER’S OPEN VERDICT.
TAMWORTH. Monday.
The inquest into the death of Constable Nowland, whose body was found in the McDonald River on October 5, came to an end to-day, when the coroner (Mr. Geikie, P.M.) returned an open verdict. Six sessions of the inquest have been held, and 24 witnesses have been examined. In delivering his finding, Mr. Glekie said that the case was marked by many conflicting and mysterious statements. If it was suicide, then the deceased must either have been sane or insane. If he was sane, the first thing was to look for the motive, and the evidence adduced no such motive. If he was insane, no motive need be looked for. There was not a tittle of direct evidence of mental derangement in the constable up to the time of his death. His finding would be that Nowland was found dead in the McDonald River without any marks on the body; further, that death was due to drowning, but how or by what means drowning came about the evidence did not say.”
The mystery of what exactly happened to the unfortunate Constable Nowland has apparently never been solved, although theories ranging from suicide to poisoning to murder have long been put forward. A coroner’s inquest into the death gave the cause of death as drowning, however the surrounding circumstances remain unknown.
The constable was born in 1901 and was aged 31 years when he died. He joined the New South Wales Police Force on 25 August, 1922. At the time of his death he was stationed at Bendemeer. He is not listed in the official New South Wales Police Honour Roll.
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George Thomas WHITELEY
| 26/10/2012
George Thomas WHITELEY
AKA ?
Late of ?
NSW Penrith Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ‘Q‘ 9081
For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )
Rank: Constable ( Mounted Police Trooper ) – appointed 15 March 1910
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Sergeant 3rd Class
Stations: ?, Hill End ( Constable – 1913 ), Fifield ( SenCon 1920 ), Berrigan ( 2 years ) – Death
Service: From 15 March 1910 to25 March 1931 = 20+ years Service
Embarkation: 201014 at Sydney on H.M.A.T. A14 ‘Euripides”
Age at embarkation: 25 yrs 10 mths
Occupation: Mounted Police Trooper
Address: Bega
Next of kin: Father: George Edward WHITELEY – A farmer
Religion: Roman Catholic
Single / Married: Single
Returned to Australia: 191018 from Plymouth, England on D24, “Sardinia”
Awards: 1914 /15 Star, Returned Solider badge # 87105
Injuries: gunshot ( shrapnel ) wound to lower lip – 130515. 9 days under treatment. Gunshot wound to left leg, left foot & right side of head. He stated that while serving in Gallipoli, he suffered from indigestion for the first time and has suffered on and off whit it ever since. In the past twelve ( months ) the attacks of pain with occasional vomiting have been more frequent…. Twelve days before admission and on the 5th July, he vomited about a couple of pints of blood.
Attributable to service during war and active service conditions in Gallipoli.
Discharge #: 56009
Previously Served in the Colonial Force.
Description: 5′ 8″ tall, fair complexion, blue eyes and fair hair. Chest = 34.5 – 40″. 11 stone 12 lbs. No marks on body.
[/blockquote]
Sgt George Thomas WHITELEY ( 29 old ) of 1st Division H.Q., ( The Hutment Camp, Abbotsbury Rd, Wyke Regis, U.K. married Kate HARPER ( 22 old ), Spinster of 2 Block A, The Flats, Tidworth, England ( occupation: Clerk ) at St. Augustine’s Chapel, Dorchester Rd, Melcombe Regis, Weymount, England by Roman Catholic Priest Thomas Sheehan on the 3 October 1918. Registrar’s Reference # 80.
In 1936 – after the explosion, his wife was living at 134 Railway Pde, Carlton, NSW. This address ( 2019 ) is / was the Westpac Bank, Kogarah.
About 4am on 25 March, 1931Sergeant Whiteley and Constable McRae attended a fire at the Momalong Hotel, Berrigan.
During the fire both police officers were standing on the roadway outside the hotel when a gas cylinder exploded and a piece of flying metal struck the sergeant in the face, causing “injuries of a terrible nature” and killing him instantly.
Three bystanders (of an estimated two thousand who were watching the blaze) were also badly injured in the blast and another five were hit by flying steel, however all others recovered.
The sergeants faithful dog, which was standing beside his master, was also struck by flying debris and killed instantly.
The Canberra Times of 26 March, 1931 carried the following account of the incident.
FATAL EXPLOSION IN FIRE AT BERRIGAN. Police officer killed by flying steel.
Sydney, Wednesday.
The explosion of a gas cylinder occurred during a fire at the Momalong Hotel, Berrigan. Within a few minutes the entire population had turned out. The flames spread with great rapidity. The occupants of the hotel made a speedy exit. When the cylinder exploded with a terrific roar, Sergeant Whiteley and Constable McRae were standing in the centre of the roadway. A piece of steel became embedded in Whiteley’s head. He was quickly conveyed to a local surgery where life was pronounced extinct.
Michael Hurood, Elsie McGee, and Elaine Dawson were struck by flying steel and badly injured about the body. They are expected to recover.
A bucket brigade did splendid work.
More than two thousand persons turned out to watch the fire, but when the explosion occurred there was a wild dash for safety.
Whiteley, who was 41, suffered injuries of a terrible nature, while a dog standing beside him was killed instantly.
Five other men were hurt by flying steel.
Whiteley was married with five children.
The sergeant was born in Bega in 1886 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 15 March, 1910.
At the time of his death he was stationed at Berrigan.
Constable Chasling & Sgt Whitely ( Whiteley ) at Berrigan Police Station. And, no doubt, the “faithful dog of Sgt Whiteley” also killed in the explosion.
Western Argus ( W.A. ) Tuesday 31 March 1931 page 13 of 36
GAS CYLINDER EXPLODES POLICE SERGEANT KILLED. DISASTROUS FIRE AT BERRIGAN. Sydney, March 25.
A police sergeant was killed, three people were hurt and nearly 1000 others scattered in terror when, during a fire at the Momolong Hotel, Berrigan, a gas cylinder exploded. The dead man is Sergeant C. George Whitley (41) married, with five children.
Whitley saw service at the war, and was at the Gallipoli landing. Mick Hurwood, Miss McGee and Miss Elaine Dawson ( was a former Echuca girl, living in High Street ) were injured by flying fragments of steel and wood. The two girls were taken to hospital.
The entire population of 2000 turned out when a fire engine rushed up the main street at 4.30 a.m. Hundreds of people assisted the firemen in trying to quell the outbreak, but the hotel was burned to the ground. In the hotel was a 40 lb. gas cylinder, which exploded during the height of the blaze. With a terrific roar it burst into flames, and sparks shot high in the air. The crowd scattered in terror. Whitley and Constable McRae were standing in the middle of the roadway assisting the fire fighters when there was a yell from the crowd. “Look out,” shouted a number of men, and they and the police ran for safety. McRae tried to catch hold of Sergeant Whitley and threw himself flat on the ground. A piece of steel, became embedded in Whitley’s head. McRae was not injured. Pieces of steel and wood cut their way into Hurwood’s leg, and the two girls were hurt about the body. They are expected to recover. The cause of the fire is unknown. Residents of the hotel hurriedly left the building, which was a single storied one, when the outbreak occurred.
Daily Standard (Brisbane, Qld. : 1912 – 1936), Thursday 26 March 1931, page 9
POLICE SERGEANT KILLED BY EXPLOSION
FIRE BURSTS CYLINDER.
SYDNEY, Wednesday.
Police-sergeant George Thomas Whitley, 41, married, with five children, was killed, three persons hurt, and about 1000 others scattered in terror this morning, when, during a fire at the Momolong Hotel, Berrigan, a gas cylinder burst.
A fire broke out at 4.30 o’clock, and the entire population turned to in an effort to save the hotel. Nothing, however, could be saved, and the hotel was burnt to the ground, though adjoining premises were saved from destruction.
There was a 40lb cylinder of carbonic acid gas in the hotel, and during the fire this exploded with a terrific roar.
Sergeant Whitley was standing in the roadway with Constable McRae when the cylinder burst. McRae threw himself to the ground, endeavoring to pull Whitley with him, but a piece of steel embedded in Whitley’s head, killing him instantly.
Michael Hurwood, Elsie McGee, and Elaine Dawson were injured about the legs and body by flying steel, all being seriously hurt. They were taken in motor cars to Corowa Hospital.
Whitley was a well-known and popular officer, aged 43, and joined the force 21 years ago.
NSW Government Gazette – issue 108, page 3292. Friday 4 June 1920
Electoral Appointments
Second Class Constable George Thomas WHITELEY, Fifield ( near Trundle ). – Electoral District: Murrumbidgee – Polling place: Fifield In lieu of McLean – on leave. To take effect on 22 March 1920
Bathurst Times (NSW : 1909 – 1925), Wednesday 8 January 1913, page 4
POLICEMAN ASSAULTED.
CASE AT HILL END.
HILL END, Tuesday.
Considerable interest was centred in the local Police Court proceedings on Saturday morning, when Vivian Clyde Cook, a resident of Hill End, was charged with assaulting Constable George Thomas Whitley while in the execution of his duty.
The accused was represented by Mr. Casey, solicitor, from Orange, and Inspector Rank appeared for the police.
The facts of the case as stated by Constable Whitley were that on New Year’s night he was in Clarke-street when he heard the Roman Catholic Church bell ringing. He hastened away to the church, and when near there heard stones being thrown on the church. He also saw three men running away.
Witness and Constable Creevy gave chase. After running about 400 yards he came up with one of them, whom he recognised to be the accused. Witness said, “Alright, Cook, I will give you a summons for this.” Then he turned to run after the other two. When he had gone a few paces he was hit on the head with a stone, which knocked him down on the ground. He got up again quickly, and saw the accused lying on the ground, he also heard him saying someone had hit him.
Then witness and Creevy arrested Cook, and locked him up for the night.
Dr. Michael John Ryan stated that about 2.30 on New Year’s morningConstable Whitley was brought to him suffering from a severe wound on the head. He dressed the wound and put in two stitches. The wound was about a quarter of an inch from the temple.
The doctor said that he considered the constable was out of danger, but Constable Whitley could not go on duty for at least one week yet.
At this stage, Mr. Casey, solicitor, made a very strong appeal to the P.M. not to send the accused to gaol.
He pointed out that he had never been before the Court before; that he was a hard-working young man; that he was extremely sorry for what he had done, and that he belonged to a very respectable family.
There were a number of young men, most of whom were in the Court, at the time, who had made up their minds to give the police all the trouble they could. They were known as the “Kelly Gang.”
The police had had no trouble whatever with anyone.
The P.M. said that the case was a very serious one indeed, and on hearing the doctor’s evidence he had made up his mind to send accused to gaol.
The accused promised to be of good behavior.
The P.M. then imposed a fine of £15 and £3/4/ costs.
Four days were allowed in which to pay.
Two other charges— one for insulting language and the other riotous behavior were withdrawn.
Served: From 14 May 1926 & Resigned then rejoined on 26 September 1928 to 3 January 1931 = 3+ years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? 1901
Died: 3 January 1931
Age: 29
Cause: Shot – Murdered at Bondi Junction
Funeral date: 5 January 1931
Funeral location: Rookwood Cemetery
Buried: Buried in Rookwood Cemetery ( side by side with Ernest Andrews )
Zone: C Section: 09 Grave 4212
DOUBLE POLICE MURDER
Memorial location:
Constable Norman Thomas Allen ( 1931 )
Constable Ernest Andrews ( 1931 )
Norman Thomas ALLEN touch plate at the Australian National Police Wall of Remembrance
[alert_green]NORMAN IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
Constable Allen was shot in the street at Bondi Junction while attempting to detain an armed, deranged man named Kennedy who had earlier had an altercation with a local shopkeeper. The constable had been directing traffic and when informed of the dispute he found and confronted the offender. As he approached Kennedy from behind, the man spun around and shot Constable Allen in the chest at point blank range. He then shot the constable twice more in the heart. At this time Constable Andrews – unarmed, off duty and heading for the beach – passed by in a tram and saw a crowd gathered around the body of Constable Allen. Alighting from the tram he joined in the pursuit of Kennedy who managed to reach his home in nearby Lawson Street.
On arriving and finding the front door locked Constable Andrews went to the rear of the dwelling and burst through the back door. Unfortunately Kennedy was waiting with rifle raised and as Andrews lunged at him he shot him twice in the chest. He then took a knife and stabbed the constable in the throat. Sergeant Seery and Constable Johnson from Waverley Police then arrived and began to smash their way in through the front door. Although fired at by Kennedy, Constable Johnson returned fire, hitting Kennedy in the chest. Seery and Johnson then smashed their way in and found the offender in a bedroom bleeding to death. He died that night.
In the aftermath of the murders, the Brisbane Courier dated 5 January, 1931 published a complete account of the entire incident, and concluded with the following.
COMMISSIONER PRAISES MURDERED POLICE.
Both murdered constables were highly efficient and popular officers. Allen leaves a widow and young child. He lived in New Street, Bondi. Constable Andrews was single, his only relative in Australia being a sister, Mrs Clark. The men will be buried tomorrow with full police honours. The Commissioner of Police Mr. Childs, in an appreciation, said “I wish to pay a tribute to the manner in which both these young men carried out their duty according to the best traditions of the service. They saw their duty before them, and did not hesitate a moment in the execution of it. Although I would not make any distinction between them I cannot help referring to the action of Constable Andrews, who, though unarmed, rushed in to effect the arrest of a man who had already shot Constable Allen. “
Constable Norman Thomas ALLEN was born in 1901, joined the New South Wales Police Force on 14 May, 1926 and shortly thereafter resigned. He rejoined on 26 September, 1928. At the time of his death he was stationed at Waverley.
Constable Ernest ANDREWS was born in 1908 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 24 April, 1929. At the time of his death he was stationed at George Street North Police Station.
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Funeral procession through Railway Square in 5 January 1931 for two police constables, Allen and Andrews, killed in the line of duty. Source: Sydney Mail newspaper 7 January 1931
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The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 6 January 1931 page 10 of 14
DEAD POLICEMEN.
Impressive Scenes at Funeral.
THOUSANDS PAY TRIBUTE.
The State paid homage yesterday to the two policemen, Constable Norman Thomas Allen and Constable Ernest Andrews who met their death at the hands of a madman at Bondi Junction on Saturday. There were mourners from almost every part of New South Wales.
Many thousands lined the route as the funeral cortege moved from Wood Coffill’s funeral parlours George-street to the mortuary station; the mortuary platform was thronged when the funeral train moved off to Rookwood and thousands had assembled in the cemetery.
The scene in the vicinity of Wood Coffill’s funeral parlours is likely to be remembered by the thousands of people who thronged the streets leading into Railway-square. Early in the morning bearers of wreaths and floral tributes passed through the doors to deposit their tokens of sympathy. At the approach of noon people began to assemble on the footpath and many entered the chapel to view the coffins. The near relatives arrived at 1 o’clock and the chapel was cleared while Constable Allen’s widow and her mother approached the silver mounted caskets which rested on trestles side by side. An affecting scene followed. Then the simple Church of England burial service was conducted by the Rev Frederick Riley and the coffins were borne to the waiting hearses.
MUFFLED DRUMS
The scene was unforgettable. A solid mass of people crowded the thoroughfares. Presently the mounted troopers urged their restive horses forward and with the deep roll of muffled drums the cortege moved off. Thousands of hats were removed.
Handel’s Dead March in “Saul” was played by the Police Band. Behind the band came a contingent of foot police under the direction of Superintendent Leary. Two hundred men drawn from the various stations, marched behind. Then came the hearses, the wreath-laden carriages, and the chief mourners, Firemen, the sun glinting on brightly-polished helmets, were represented by over 40 uniformed officers and men. At the end of the slow-moving procession came numbers of retired men, friends of the dead officers, and business people from the eastern suburbs.
Along the route to the mortuary thousands stood bareheaded as the cortege passed. At the mortuary gates another huge crowd paid tribute to the dead men.
Among those who marched in addition to the police and firemen, were employees of motor bus companies in the eastern suburbs.
“THEY SAW THEIR DUTY.”
A most affecting scene at the graveside in the Church of England section of the Rookwood Cemetery was the playing by the police band of the hymns “Lead Kindly Light” and “Abide With Me.” The remains were buried side by side.
“Let men’s opinions be what they may,” said the Rev. Frederick Riley in an address at the graveside, ” we should be doing violence to the most sacred emotions of human life if we were to allow our brethren to depart without a word of farewell. We are met here today to pay honour to the memory of two men who were comrades of yours men whom we all respected and loved. Let us remember that these two men died in the carrying out of their duty. They served their King and country as men and soldiers who fall for their King on the battlefield. They saw their duty and the fear of death could not deter them. They have not created a new tradition for the traditions of the police force of New South Wales are amongst the highest in the world already, but these two men have added a new lustre to the traditions of your past. These two young men Norman Thomas Allen and Ernest Andrews, died in the execution of their duty. There is no higher glory to which a man can aspire. We pray to God that those who have been so suddenly bereaved may share the comfort which we know these two brave men are experiencing in the nearer presence of God.”
MAGISTRATE’S TRIBUTE
At the Burwood Police Court yesterday Mr. G. R. Williams, S.M. commented on the bravery of the two constables. They acted nobly and upheld the traditions of the force,” he said.
PALL BEARERS AND MOURNERS.
The pall bearers were.- For late Constable Allen: Constables Tomkins, Martin, Moore, Hudson, Steele and White. For late Constable Andrews: Constables Booth, Kimber, Fraser, O’Neill, Morgan, and Wright.
The principal mourners were Relatives of the late Constable Allen: Mrs Allen (widow), Mrs Prankish (mother-in-law), Mr and Mrs N. Frankish (brother In law and sister in law), Mr and Mrs Sutcliffe (uncle and aunt) Mrs Lamb, Mrs Hourigan, and Mrs Cummings (aunts) and Mr Rowland Allen (cousin).
Relatives of the late Constable Andrews: Mr and Mrs Edward Clarke (sister and brother in law).
The Government was represented by Mr Gosling (Chief Secretary) and Mr McKell (Minister for local Government). Police representatives in addition to the non commissioned officers and men who marched were Mr W H Childs (Commissioner) Superintendents Leary, Mackay and Linegar, Inspectors Winter, Weir, Bennetts, McCauley, Woodrow, Lynch, Duffell, Roberts, McMaster, O’Brien, Chaseling, Anderson, White, Long, Roser, Scott, Michaelis, Robson, Allen, Farley and Fowler.
Retired members of the police force who attended were ex-Commissioner James Mitchell, ex-Superintendents Roche, Cook, McIntosh, Sinclair, Thom, Drew and Park, ex Inspectors Fullerton, W J Jones (also representing the Navy and Army Veterans Association) Fraser, Tracey, Bolton, Smith, Fewster, Doran, Mankletow, Stutchbury, Briggs, Ewen, Dunn, O’Dea and Robertson, ex-Sergeants McDonald, T. Dobson, Payne, A. Smith, Taylor, J. Salmon, J. Loomes, R. C. Harper, Bath and Butcher, ex-Constables Swan and Dixon.
The Board of Fire Commissioners of New South Wales was represented by Mr T J Smith, M.L.C. (president) Mr J McNamara (Commissioner), and Mr H M Webb (secretary and executive officer).
Mr Nance chief officer New South Wales Fire Brigades was present and 38 men marched under Mr Grimmond (deputy chief officer). Inspector Neeve, District Officer McLachlan, and Station Officers Arthur, Neville, Parkes, McCarthy, Rust, Currier and Sclater.
Others who attended were:- Judge Sheridan, Mir George Cann, ex M.L.A., Mr J Herlihy ( Under-Secretary for Lands) representatives of the Prisons Department including Mr Seery (superintendent of the Long Bay Penitentiary) Mr T.W. Irish (Assistant Under Secretary for Lands) Mr H. B. Mathews, (Surveyor General Department of Lands).
Mr N. W. Bond (representing the head office Bank, of New South Wales) representatives of ambulance divisions, Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Law, Mr. A. L. Parker (representing Superintendent O. H. Parker, of Goulburn) Mr Foster Doolan (vice president Police Association), Mr B Fortescue (secretary Police Association), Mr C T Thackeray (Police Association staff), Mr F M Jackson (representing Mr F C Hackett of Merriwa), Mr W T Missingham,
M.L.A., Mr A J Pollack, M.L.A., Mr W P Monaghan (Waverley Cemetery bus service), Mr W M Niland Mrs A Shuttleworth, Mr H L Harnett (representing Mr F M Burke, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly), Mr W E Clapin (representing Sir John Peden, President of the Legislative Council), Alderman David Hunter (Mayor of Waverley), Mr T J Thompson (Deputy Town Clerk of Waverley), Mr and Mrs A Williams, Miss Williams, Miss Beryl Williams, Miss Brady, Mr and Mrs McMorland, ex Warder Charles Stone, ex Warder Little and a number of eastern suburbs business people.
The wreaths Included those from the mother and other relatives of the late Constable Allen, relatives of the late Constable Andrews, the New South Wales Police Commissioned Officers Association, comrades of No 2 Division, Redfern Police, New South Wales Police Association, members of the Railway Detective Office, officers, detectives, and staff of the C.I.B., No 3 Police, comrades of No. 10 Division, cyclists and drivers of police headquarters, officers and men of Circular Quay Fire Station, comrades at No. 4 Station, police at No 7 Station, “police pals at Bondi Junction.” end eastern suburbs bus drivers and conductors.
Funeral procession of Constable Leeds at North Sydney
[alert_red]HARRY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_red] * BUT SHOULD BE
Constable Harrie Leeds was killed in a tramway accident at McMahon’s Point, Sydney on Thursday 21 August, 1924. Another man was also killed and several people were injured in the incident. Incredibly, the Inspector General of Police Mr James Mitchell did not consider this death to be “killed on duty”. This decision was later the subject of numerous unsuccessful representations by the Police Association of New South Wales. It was at the very least the death of a constable travelling to work, regardless of other factors and disputed facts.
The publication “Serving the Force”, 75 Years of the Police Association of New South Wales 1921 – 1996 briefly describes how Constable Leeds bravely leapt onto the running board of a runaway tram as it sped through McMahon’s Point. The constable was trying to help stop the tram and had been yelling to passersby to keep clear. Unfortunately, the tram hit an obstacle and the constable was thrown to his death. He was not classified as being killed on duty and his wife and five children received a pittance of a pension because he had only been in the force a short time. [17 years is probably not a “short time”]
One of the bewildering issues with this event is the fact that there were and are many versions of it, as indicated in an article in the Sydney Morning Herald dated 22 August, 1924, which reported that “Constable Harry Leeds, who lived at Willoughby, was on his way to duty when he met his tragic and shocking death. Of the circumstances in which he lost his life there are different versions. One story is that he was pluckily assisting to try to avert the disaster when he was crushed. It is stated, again, that he was on the leading car, and that as he jumped on to the roadway when the cars tore across the rails the rear car hit him and pinned him helplessly underneath it. He was dead when his body was recovered after much effort.”
And again, the Sydney Morning Herald dated 2 October, 1924 reported a lengthy description of the coroner’s findings, including the following extract.
Herbert Gillies Ruthven, a passenger on the tram, described his experience. He said that shortly before the smash he had been conversing with the deceased Leeds. Leeds seemed frightened when the tram had gathered speed while descending the other declines on the route from Victoria Avenue. [Ruthven] had said to him, “How about getting off here, Leeds, and walking down?” That was when the tram stopped at East Crescent Street. Just then the tram started, and the constable did not reply. Witness next saw him crouching in a hesitating manner as if he were about to take the risk of jumping from the tram. He was still on the footboard when the tram first left the rails.
The constable was born in 1885 at Trial Bay, New South Wales and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 28 May, 1907. At the time of his death he was stationed at George Street North Police Station. He lived at Willoughby and had previously served at Goulburn, Araluen, Crookwell, North Sydney and Phillip Street Police Stations.
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The Sydney Morning Herald Friday 22 August 1924 page 9 of 16
CASUALTY LIST.
KILLED.
HARRY LEEDS, 47, of Penkivil-street, Willoughby, a police constable attached to the George-street North station.
FREDERICK MAURICE LAMBERT, 30, engineer, of the corner of Alleyne and Mann streets, Willoughby.
The Sydney Morning Herald Friday 22 August 1924 page 7 of 16
FUNERALS:
LEEDS – The Relatives and Friends of the late Constable HARRY LEEDS are invited to attend his Funeral ; to leave his late residence, Innisfail, Penkivil-street, Willoughby, THIS FRIDAY, at 2pm, or Catholic Cemetery, Northern Suburbs.
WOOD COFFILL LIMITED, Funeral Directors.
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LEEDS. – The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. ALICE E. LEEDS and FAMILY are invited to attend the Funeral of her beloved HUSBAND and their FATHER, Harry ; to leave Innisfail, Penkivil-street, Willoughby, THIS FRIDAY, at 2pm for Catholic Cemetery, Northern Suburbs.
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LEEDS – Relatives and friends of Mr. HARRY LEEDS, Senior, and Miss ELSIE LEEDS, of Parramatta, are invited to attend the Funeral of his beloved SON and her BROTHER, Harry ; to leave Innisfail, Penkivil-street, Willoughby, THIS FRIDAY, at 2pm, for Catholic Cemetery, Northern Suburbs.
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LEEDS.- The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. NEIL BOYLE, Mr. and Mrs. FRANK PALMER, Mr. and Mrs. Neil LEEDS, Mr. and Mrs. RICHARD LEEDS, of Summer Hill, are invited to attend the Funeral of their beloved BROTHER, Harry Leeds ; to leave Innisfail, Penkivil-street, Willoughby, THIS FRIDAY, at 2pm, for Catholic Cemetery, Northern Suburbs.
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LEEDS – The Friends of Mrs. O’REGAN, ELLA & DONA HOWE, of Cairo-Street, North Sydney, are invited to attend the funeral of their beloved SON-IN-LAW and BROTHER-IN-LAW, Harry Leeds ; to leave Innisfail, Penkivil-street, Willoughby, THIS FRIDAY, at 2pm, for Catholic Cemetery, Northern Suburbs.
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LEEDS. – The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. LEVITT and FAMILY, of Ashfield, are invited to attend the Funeral of their beloved BROTHER-IN-LAW and UNCLE, Harry Leeds; to lave Innisfail, Penkivil-street, Willoughby, THIS FRIDAY, at 2pm for Catholic Cemetery, Northern Suburbs.
WOOD COFFILL LIMITED
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LEEDS – N.I.O.O.F., LOYAL PERSEVERANCE LODGE – The Sisters and Brothers of the above lodge are invited to attend the Funeral of the late Brother H. LEEDS; to leave his late residence, Innisfail, Penkivil-street, Willoughby, at 2pm TODAY.
Evening News ( Sydney ) Friday 22 August 1924 page 7 of 12
LAST TRIBUTE TO CONSTABLE LEEDS
A large crowd attended the funeral of Constable Harry Leeds, one of the victims of the North Sydney tramway smash, to-day. It was striking tribute to a popular officer.
The cortege, which left his home in Penkivil-street. Willoughby, for the Northern Suburbs cemetery, was headed by the Police Band playing the Dead March. About a hundred police representative of the whole metropolitan division, besides a number of tramway men marched in procession. The principal mourners were the widow and five young children, Mrs. Boyle, Mrs. Benn, Mrs. Davison, Mrs. Dickman, Mrs Palmer and Miss Elsie Leeds (sister). Mr. Harry Leeds (father). Messrs. Neil and Richard Leeds (brothers). Among those present were Mr. James Mitchell, Inspector-General of Police, Inspector Souter, North Sydney, Mr. G. Holt. District Superintendent of Tramways, North Sydney – (representing the Tramway Department), Mr. Charles Thackeray (representing the Police Association). Many beautiful wreaths were sent by the police. Including several from C.I. Branch and No. 4 Division.
The Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 23 August 1924 page 16 of 26
LATE CONSTABLE LEEDS.
IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL.
The funeral of Constable Harry Leeds, who was killed in the tram accident at McMahon’s Point, took place yesterday afternoon in the Roman Catholic portion of the Northern Suburbs cemetery.
A large crowd assembled in the vicinity of the late Constable Leed’s home in Penkivil- street, Willoughby, and, as the coffin was placed in the hearse, the crowd stood bare-headed, while Inspectors Beatty (George-street North station), to which Constable Leeds was attached and Souter (North Sydney) stood at the salute, at one side, and members of the Loyal Perseverance Lodge (Independent Order of Oddfellows) stood at the other side.
The Police Band, with muffled and draped drums, led the procession, and following the band, there came between 50 and 60 non-commissioned officers and men of the police force, representing 15 divisions. Marching immediately in front of the hearse were the Inspector-General of Police (Mr. James Mitchell) and Inspector Souter. The pall-bearers were Constables Cole, Hansen, Malcolm (No. 6 Division), and Jackson, Kerr, and Reece (No. 4 Division). Following the hearse were the mourning coaches conveying members of the family and other relatives of the deceased, then came members of the Loyal Perseverance Lodge, and about 30 motor cars and other vehicles, conveying friends of the late constable.
The route from the late Constable Leeds’s home to the cemetery was between three and four miles, and practically all the way crowds gathered to view the procession. A large number of people had assembled at Mowbray-road, and as the procession passed into the main street of Chatswood to the strains of the Dead March the scene was a solemn and striking one. The sidewalks of the thoroughfare were crowded, the men standing bare-headed, and the police on street duty standing at the salute as the hearse passed. After crossing the railway line at Chatswood the Police Band and members of the force opened out and halted while the procession passed through. Motor buses conveyed the band and police to the entrance to the cemetery, and on arrival of the hearse and mourners the procession was again formed and marched to the grave. The Rev. Father J. Wall officiated at the graveside, the service being simple but impressive.
The principal mourners were Mrs. Leeds (widow) and five young children, Messrs. Harry Leeds (father), Neil and Richard Leeds (brothers), and Mrs. Boyle, Mrs. Palmer Mrs. Benn, Mrs. Davidson, Mrs. Dickman, and Miss Elsie Leeds (sisters).
Others present Included Mr. G. Holt, District Superintendent of Tramways, North Sydney (representing the Tramway Department), District-officer F. A. Tuck, Crow’s Nest (representing the New South Wales Fire Brigade), Mr. Charles Thackeray (representing the Police Association), ex-Inspector J. Fullarton, Aldermen J. S. Muir, W. L. M. Fry, E. J. Parkes (Willoughby Council), and Messrs. G. A. Bailey (town clerk), Hughes (health Inspector), and Murdock (building Inspector), H. B. Perringnon (Department of Labour and Industry), T. Proctor, H. C. Coulter, P. K, Gorrick, and E. Hewitt.
POLICE TO HELP WIDOW.
At North Sydney Police Court yesterday appreciative remarks regarding the late Constable Leeds were made by Mr. Daley and Mr. Thomas on behalf of the legal profession. Mr. Daley said that he had known Constable Leeds for 15 years, and he was an efficient, courageous, and loyal officer.
Inspector Souter expressed regret on behalf of the police force, and said that it was unfortunate that Constable Leeds had left a widow and five young children. He was sure, however, that the police as a body would not fail to alleviate the suffering of the late constable’s relatives.
The Catholic Press ( Sydney ) Thursday 4 September 1924 page 25 of 52
Tram Accident Victim.
CONSTABLE HARRY LEEDS.
Constable Harry LEEDS
THE LATE CONSTABLE LEEDS.
The recent tram accident at North Sydney was the cause of the death, of Constable Harry Leeds. Constable Leeds was one of the most popular men in the metropolitan area, and news of his death came as a severe shock to his colleagues. He joined the force in 1907, and was appointed to Goulburn, where he was married, and transferred to Araluen. From there he was sent to Crookwell, and later on to North Sydney, where he did duty for a number of years; but for the past five years he was connected with George-street North Police Station.
On the 22nd ult., at the North Sydney Police Court, Mr. Daley and Mr. Thomas, on behalf of the legal profession, paid a tribute to the worth of Constable Leeds, and offered their deep sympathy to his relatives. Inspector Souter said they could ill afford to lose such men of long service and experience. Constable Leeds leaves a widow and five young children, the youngest being a boy only six months old.
The funeral was an impressive tribute to the memory of deceased. The Police Band, under Bandmaster Hawkins and Drum-Major Flynn, together with a squad of sergeants and constables, drawn from the whole of the 15 divisions of the Metropolitan Police Force, led the cortege, and six police pals of the dead man carried the coffin, laden with wreaths. The hearse, too, was piled with wreaths.
The Inspector-General of Police (Mr. Mitchell) walked in the cortege, accompanied by Inspectors Beatty and Souter. The pall-bearers were Constables Cole, Hansen, Malcolm (No. 6 Division), Jackson, Kerr, Reece (No. 4 Division). Also in the cortege were Mr. G. Holt (District Superintendent, North Sydney), representing the Government Tramways Department), District Officer F. A. Tuck (representing New South Wales Fire Brigades), Mr. C. Thackeray (representing Mr. B. Fortesene and Police Association), Alderman Muir (representing the Mayor and Alderman of Willoughby). First-Class Constable Walsh marshalled the cortege to the Catholic portion of the Northern Suburbs Cemetery. The streets through which the cortege passed were lined on each side with thousands of people, who stood with bowed heads. Arriving at the cemetery, the police formed an avenue, through which the cortege passed, and Rev. Father J. Wall, of Ryde, officiated at the graveside.
While the coffin was being lowered, the Police Band played ‘Abide With Me.’
The chief mourners were: The widow and five children, Mr. Harry Leeds (father), Neil and Richard (brothers), Mesdames Boyle, Benn, Davison, Dickman, Miss Elsie Leeds (sisters) Mrs. O ‘Regan, Mrs. Levett, Miss Howe, Miss O’Regan (mother and sisters of the widow). — R.I.P.
Freeman’s Journal ( Sydney ) Thursday 4 September 1924 page 19 of 48
THE LATE CONSTABLE HARRY LEEDS.
Constable Leeds, the victim of the recent tram accident at North Sydney, was one of the most popular men in the metropolitan area, and news of his death came as a severe blow to his colleagues.
He joined the police force in 1907 and was appointed to Goulburn, where he married. He was transferred to Araluen, and from there he went to Crookwell, and later on to North Sydney, where he did duty for a number of years. For the past five years he had been connected with George-street North Police Station.
On August 22, at the North Sydney Police Court, Mr. Daley and Mr. Thomas, on behalf of the legal profession, paid a tribute to the worth of Constable Leeds, and offered their deep sympathy to his relatives. Inspector Souter said they could ill afford to lose men of such experience and long service.
Constable Leeds leaves a widow and five young children, the youngest being a boy only six months old.
The funeral, which took place on Friday, August 22, was an impressive tribute to the memory of deceased. A large concourse of people gathered at ‘Innisfail,’ Penkivil-street, Willoughby, and genuine sorrow was manifested, particularly among those who knew the bond of affection which existed in the domestic life. At 2 p.m. the Police Band, together with a squad of sergeants and constables drawn from the whole of the fifteen divisions of the metropolitan police force, formed up outside, and six police pals of the dead man carried the coffin, laden with wreaths. The hearse was piled with wreaths. As the coffin was borne out, Inspectors Beatty (George-street North) and Souter (North Sydney) stood at the salute at one side, and six members of the Loyal Perseverance Lodge (I.O.O.F.) with bowed heads at the other.
The Inspector-General of Police (Mr. Mitchell) walked in the cortege, accompanied by Inspectors Beatty and Souter. The pall-bearers were Constables Cole, Hansen, Malcolm (No. 6. Division), Jackson, Kerr, and Reece (No. 4 Division). Also in the cortege were Mr. G. Holt (District Superintendent of North Sydney; representing Government Tramways Department), District Officer F. A. Tuck (representing N.S.W. Fire Brigades), Mr. C Thackeray (representing Mr. B. Fortescue and the Police Association), Alderman Muir (representing the Mayor and aldermen of Willoughby); Mr. Scott Fell was also represented.
First-Class Constable Walsh marshalled the cortege to the Catholic portion of the Northern Suburbs Company. The Police Band, under Bandmaster Hawkins, with Drum-Major Flynn at its head, led off with the ‘Dead March in Saul.’ The Loyal Perseverance Lodge (N.I.O.O.F.), with N.G. Bro. C. Bolger and Secretary Bro. Dimond, were also in the procession. The streets, through which the cortege passed, was lined on each side with thousands of people, who stood with bowed heads and tear-dimmed eyes. Arriving at the cemetery, the police formed an avenue through which the cortege passed, and the Rev. Father J. Wall, of Ryde, officiated at the graveside. While the coffin was being lowered the Police Band played ‘Abide With Me.’ The chief mourners were the widow and five children, Mr. Harry Leeds (father), Messrs. Neil and Richard (brothers), Mesdames Boyle, Benn, Davison, and Dickman, Miss Elsie Leeds (sisters), Mrs. O’Regan, Mrs. Levett, Miss Howe, Miss O’Regan (mother and sisters of the widow). — R.I.P.
Evening News ( Sydney) Monday 29 September 1924 page 5 of 10
McMAHON’S PT. SMASH
The Coroner’s inquiry into the cause of the McMahon’s Point tram crash on August 21, in which Constable Harry Leeds and Frederick Maurice Lambert were killed, has been fixed for next Wednesday at 10 a.m.
The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 30 September 1924 page 6 of 15
TRAM DISASTER.
The City Coroner’s inquest into the deaths of Constable Harry Leeds, and Frederick Maurice Lambert, in the tram disaster at McMahon’s Point on August 21 is listed to be held tomorrow.
Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners’ Advocate Thursday 2 October 1924 page 5 of 8
SYDNEY TRAM SMASH. CORONER’S VERDICT :
The Sydney Coroner to-day held an inquiry, into the deaths of Frederick Lambert, aged 39, an engineer, of Willoughby, and Constable Harry Leeds, aged 47, of Willoughby, who were killed in the tram smash at McMahon’s Point, North Sydney, on the morning of August 21. It was through the alleged failure of the brakes that a double-set ran down the steep incline towards McMahon’s Point, but when rounding a curve the front car left the rails and crashed into a house. The rear car piled itself up on to the first car, and in the smash Lambert and Leeds were killed, and a number of other passengers injured.
Edward Chambers, electrical subforeman in the Tramway Department, said that on August 20 the two cars, 544 and 543, went into traffic at 6.20a.m., and arrived back at 8.57a.m., and were booked up as ” O.K. ” On August 21, at 1a.m., they were again booked up as ” O.K. ” At 5.49a.m. they went into traffic again, and were in good order. At 7.50a.m. he saw them at McMahon’s Point, after the accident. It was driver’s duty to report any defects in the running of a car.
Thomas Elias James, the driver of the car, was then called. He said that when they left Willoughby on the fatal trip for McMahon’s Point, he found that the controller was jambed (sic), and he could not move it one way or another. He then drove the tram from the rear of the car, and left Conductor Cowan in charge of the air brake in the front. As they neared the long hill near the terminus, he felt the car getting out of control. He attempted to use the third emergency, but found it could not be used, owing to the air control being on. He was absolutely helpless to do anything. Witness considered he had taken the best course in giving Cowan control of the air brake, as it was a very foggy morning. He attributed the accident to the greasy condition of the rails.
Conductor James Cowan, who stuck to the front of the car throughout, and who suffered severe concussion when it left the rails and crashed into the wall, was the next witness.
Mr. D. R. Hall, his solicitor, explained that his memory, so far as the accident was concerned, was an absolute blank, and he was still a very sick man. Consequently he was only asked a few questions. He told the coroner that he could not remember anything of the run down the hill or the final crash.
“I would like to say how greatly I and the public admire him for sticking to his post right up to the end,” said the coroner, as Cowan was assisted from the box. “I an sure he will have the good wishes of the court for his speedy recovery, and its admiration for the way in which he retained his position, in the face of what looked like certain death.”
Edward Wills, chief inspector, said that the working orders put the driver in charge of the tram, and the only part of his duty he could delegate to a conductor when he had to drive from the rear was the operation of the bell and the sand. Wills maintained that the driver delegated his powers to the conductor, and thereby broke the regulations. The conductor, in this case, was in charge of the tram.
The Coroner: A man might easily make a mistake about the meaning of this rule.
Mr. Hall: A department whose motto is “Safety first” might have expressed it in more simple English and more clearly.
The coroner returned a verdict of accidental death.
For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )
Rank: Constable – appointed 16 December 1895
Detective
Sergeant 2nd Class
Final Rank = Detective Sergeant 2nd Class
Stations: ?, North Sydney ( 23 years ), Sydney CIB ( from 1919 – death ) – Death
Service: From 16 December 1895 to 21 August 1923= 27+years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? post 21 Aug 1867 in Victoria
Died on: Monday 20 August 1923
Age: 55
Cause: Suicide – Firearm – “possible” Service weapon
Event location: Toilet, Police Headquarters, Sydney
Event date: Monday 20 August 1923
Funeral date: Wednesday 22 August 1923
Funeral location: ?
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Rookwood Cemetery, Rookwood
Zone C, Section 07, Row ?, Grave 883
Interred in the same grave:
Olivia May PETHER, aged 58, Interred on 23 Sept 1927
Memorial located at: ?
Grave of Detective Sergeant 2nd Class Louis Godfrey PETHER & wife – Olivia May PETHER
[alert_yellow]LOUIS is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO – BUT MOST PROBABLY SHOULD BE
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Grave location: TBA
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
The Examiner newspaper dated 21 August, 1923 reported the following account of the death of Detective Sergeant Pether.
Detective Found Dead, Sydney, Monday.
Detective Sergeant Louis Godfrey Pether was found dead to-day in a lavatory at the police headquarters, Sydney. He had a bullet wound in his head, and an automatic revolver was lying by his side. He was aged 56 years, and had been in the New South Wales Police Force since 1895.
The Sun of 23 August, 1923 shed a little more light on the tragedy.
“DRIVING ME MAD” – Detective Pether’s Suicide
Detective-Sergeant Louis Godfrey Pether committed suicide at Police Headquarters last Monday while suffering from mental aberration. This was the verdict recorded to-day by the City Coroner (Mr. Jamieson).
Pether contracted influenza two years ago and never recovered. Chest trouble developed, and he suffered from defective memory. Early last Monday morning Pether remarked to Detective Bowie that his illness was driving him mad. A few seconds afterwards a revolver shot was heard, and Pether was found unconscious in the basement and bleeding from a wound behind the ear.
Pether died before he reached Sydney Hospital.”
The sergeant was born about 1867 and joined the New South Wales Police Force about 1895. At the time of his death he was attached to the Sydney Criminal Investigation Bureau, and had previously been stationed at North Sydney.
Detective Sergeant Louis Pether was found dead with a bullet wound in his head in the lavatory at police headquarters, Sydney. He had been indisposed for some time, and had been away from duty for several
months. He visited the office this morning to make application for work at a country station. For the last five years, deceased had been attached to the criminal investigation department.
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), Tuesday 21 August 1923, page 9
FOUND SHOT.
DETECTIVE-SERGEANT PETHER.
Early yesterday morning Detective-Sergeant Louis Godfrey Pether was found lying in the lavatory, at the police headquarters, at the corner of Hunter and Phillip streets, with a bullet wound in his bead. An automatic revolver was lying at his side. The Civil Ambulance conveyed him to the Sydney Hospital, where Dr. Taylor pronounced life extinct.
Detective-Sergeant Pether, “who was 56 years of age, joined the police force in 1895, and for 23 years was stationed at North Sydney. In 1919 he was attached to the Criminal Investigation Branch. For several months past he had been in bad health, and had intended going to the country for a holiday. He was regarded as a capable and conscientious officer.
Suicide while temporarily insane was the Coroners verdict after his inquiry into the death of Detective Pether who was found shot in a lavatory at Police Headquarters on Monday.
Detective Bowie said that he saw Pether near the lavatory, and inquired how he was. Pether replied: “I am bad — bad — bad: it is driving me mad!” witness advised him not to give way and asked him to wait a minute, and they would go together to see the doctor. He returned in a couple of minutes, and could not see Pether. There was a report of a shot in the lavatory, and when the door was forced open, Pether was found with a bullet wound in the head.
Pether was taken to Sydney Hospital, but was dead on arrival.
Subsequently witness discovered some pencilled words in Pether’s hand writing on the wall of the lavatory.
The message was:-
” I could not have been treated with more consideration by the doctor and my officers: but I feel that I am losing my reason, having already lost my memory. ” Underneath were the Initials ‘G.P’
