On 21 December, 1969 Constable Reiher was riding a Police Special Traffic Patrol motor cycle on the Princes Highway at Figtree. It is thought that the constable was attempting to stop the driver of a station sedan for a traffic offence and as he overtook the vehicle his cycle flipped over. He was thrown into the path of a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction and killed instantly.
The constable was born in 1946 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 13 May, 1968. At the time of his death he was stationed at Wollongong.
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Wollongong police memorials
ALEX ARNOLD
The NSW Police Force carries on its logo the phrase “Proud Traditions since 1862“, but capturing the history of these traditions at an operational level has never been a priority for the force.
However, almost 150 years after it was first formed, NSW Police – and Acting Southern Region Commander Gary Worboys in particular – is using history as a tool to instil pride in those wearing the uniform.
Three memorials for Wollongong police officers who died while serving the community were unveiled at Wollongong Police Station yesterday at a ceremony attended by family members and former colleagues of the deceased officers.
The memorials, located in the hallway of the detectives’ floor, feature images and biographies of the men as well as an account of the incidents that led to their deaths.
The memorial wall was Mr Worboys’ idea, with Senior Constable Dave Henderson given the task of completing the project.
Snr Const Henderson said the project had involved research through police archives, old copies of the Illawarra Mercury and interviews with family members.
Mr Worboys, who will return to his former role as Wollongong Local Area Commander at the end of the month, said he became inspired to record police history during his time as commander of the Goulburn LAC. It was there he heard about a policeman who’d been shot by bushranger Ben Hall’s gang at Collector.
Mr Worboys said research led to the discovery of the grave of the officer, Samuel Nelson, in a cemetery near the police station, but it was found to be an “absolute shambles“.
The grave was restored and distant family members invited to take part in a subsequent ceremony, proving to Mr Worboys the value of history to the police force.
“There is so much history associated with police stations, but as walls get painted and people move on we don’t capture that history.”
“The memorials and the stories they have attached to them provide officers with a link to the past and makes them realise they are not the only ones who have walked these corridors.”
Mr Worboys said the memorials not only represented distinguished service, but the trauma, grief and heartache suffered by families.
He said the last death of a Wollongong officer on duty was in 1969, and he hoped no more stories would be added to the wall: but the memorials were a reminder that policing was a dangerous occupation.
Among those at yesterday’s ceremony were Constable David Reiher‘s father Bruce ( RIP – Nov 2009 ), and Constable Ray Paff‘s widow Valerie, who described the memorial as “a wonderful tribute” to her late husband.
“It may have been a long time ago. But you never forget,” she said.
In the early hours of 8 October, 1968 Sergeant Schell and Probationary Constable Dick Letchford attended Halvorsens Boats, Bobbin Head following a report of a break and enter in progress. On their arrival the police were met by the caretaker Mr Frederick Marshall and the sergeant accompanied him to check inside the premises, leaving the probationer outside. A short time later Constable Letchford apprehended two offenders whom he had seen running from the direction Sergeant Schell and Mr Marshall had taken. When police reinforcements arrived a few minutes later they were informed that Sergeant Schell and Mr Marshall had been found critically wounded in a storeroom. Mr Marshall had been shot in the head and Sergeant Schell had been shot five times in the head and body. Despite being rushed to Hornsby Hospital Sergeant Schell died a short time later. The offenders were later sentenced to life imprisonment.
Sergeant Schell was born in 1916 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 3 July, 1939.
Colin ROY
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Constable Colin ROY
Regd. # 11093
Constable
Age: 28
Motor Vehicle Accident
Kirrawee
12 May, 1967
Shortly before 9pm on 10 May, 1967 Constable Roy was riding a police solo motor cycle along the Princes Highway, Kirrawee, returning home at the completion of his rostered shift. At the time he was travelling behind a utility, the driver of which was looking for a service station. When the utility driver saw a service station on his right hand side he put his right indicator on. He then spotted a closer service station on his left. With his right indicator still on he turned left in front of Constable Roy who had begun to overtake on the near side. The utility struck the constable’s motor cycle, forcing it off the road and into a low brick wall at the front of the service station. As a result Constable Roy sustained severe head injuries and was conveyed to the Sutherland District Hospital where he died on 12 May, 1967.
The constable was born in 1938 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 17 August, 1964. At the time of his death he was stationed at North Sydney.
William Smith McKIE
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William Smith McKIE
AKA ?
Late of Merewether, N.S.W.
NSW Penrith Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 4203
Uniform # 2570
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 7 May 1938
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Sergeant 2nd Class
Stations: ?, Windsor, Robertson ( Friday 25 September 1942 – June 1945), Newcastle ( June 1945 – ? ), Cardiff – Death
Service: From7 May 1938to30 July 1965 ( Discharged Medically Unfit stemming from Assault ) = 27+ years Service
Awards: No find on Australian Honours
Born: 6 June 1916 in Scotland
Died on: Friday 8 July 1966
Age: 50
Cause: Injuries from violent arrest 2 years earlier
Event location: Main Rd, Boolaroo, NSW
Event date: Saturday 5 September 1964 ( Assaulted )
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Newcastle Memorial Park, Anderson Dve, Beresfield, NSW
Grave location: Rose P 13/5
Memorial located at: ?
Photo via Beyond Courage. 2019
WILLIAMIS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
William Smith McKIE – Touch plate at National Wall of Remembrance, ACT
Grave location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
On the night of 5 September, 1964 Sergeant McKie attended a store in Main Road, Boolaroo where it had been reported an alarm was ringing. The sergeant entered the store with the manager and after turning on the lights they saw two offenders who had broken in. One of the offenders approached the sergeant who then prevented his escape. The man resisted violently, punching and kicking Sergeant McKie until he was subdued and handcuffed. Following the assault the sergeant’s health deteriorated and he was discharged on 30 July, 1965. He died the following year.
The sergeant was born in 1916 in Scotland and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 7 May, 1938. At the time of his injury he was stationed at Cardiff.
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National Police Remembrance Day ceremony in Lake Macquarie
David Stewart
September 29 2017 – 4:27PM
POLICE from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command have unveiled plans for a memorial wall at Belmont to honour the seven local officerskilled in the line of duty since 1863.
Plaques commemorating the seven officers were dedicated to the wall in a ceremony at Belmont police stationthis afternoon, National Police Remembrance Day.
Chief Inspector Murray Lundberg of Lake Macquarie LAC presided over a private ceremony attended by police, local high school students, and the families of the fallen officers.
“This is a time for reflection on the ultimate sacrifice that police officers can give in the execution of their duty,” Chief Inspector Lundberg said.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree, the Northern Region Commander, said the wall of remembrance, to be created on the distinctive blue wall at the entrance to the police station, would be striking.
“It will be a sight to treasure,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Greentree said.
“I want the officers, as they are walking out the front doors of this police station, to stop and reflect on the names, stop and reflect on the sacrifice.”
He said he hoped that the inaugural plaques to be installed on the wall were also the last.
“My dream is that we never, ever, add another name to this wall. I hope and pray that our wall is now complete.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Greentree reached out to the families of the fallen officers.
“No commemoration or recognition can make good the loss that is unfairly carried by family members,” he said.
“I can only offer you my heartfelt condolences. Please know that your loved ones, who are no longer with us, will always be remembered.”
Across NSW, ceremonies were held to commemorate the service and sacrifice of the 269 officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and through injury or illness, since the formation of the NSW Police Force in 1862.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 27 January 1967 (No.8), page 292
IN the matter of the estates of the undermentioned deceased persons, and pursuant to the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1898-1954;
the Public Trustee Act, 1913, as amended; Testator’s Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Act, 1916-1954; and Trustee Act, 1925-1942; the Public Trustee hereby gives notice that creditors and others having any claipi against or to the estate of any of the under mentioned deceased persons who died on or about the respective dates hereunder mentioned, and representation of whose estates was obtained by the Public Trustee in the manner and upon the dates hereunder mentioned, are required to send particulars of their claims to the said Public Trustee at his Branch Office hereunder mentioned, on or before the eighth day of April, 1967, at the expiration of which time the said Public Trustee will distribute the assets of the respective deceased persons to the respective persons entitled, having regard only to the claims of which he then has notice.
William Smith McKie, late of Merewether, N.S.W., retired Police sergeant, died 8th July, 1966; an election to administer, with the will dated 29th July, 1940, appointing the Public Trustee executor, annexed, was filed on 17th January, 1967.
Southern Mail (Bowral, NSW : 1889 – 1954), Friday 8 June 1945, page 1
At the P.C.A. dance at Kangaloon on Thursday night last, the president ( Mr. E. R. Alcorn ) said farewell to Constable McKie, who is leaving Robertson for Newcastle.
Mr. and Mrs. McKie had been welcome visitors to all social functions at Kangaloon, and Mr. McKie was an able and conscientious officer who did his work with sympathy and understanding.
On behalf of their Kangaloon friends he wished them all the best in their new home.
Mr. Alcorn also extended a hearty welcome to Constable Bowden, who succeeds Constable McKie, and said he trusted that the same cordial relations would continue during his stay in the district.
Southern Mail (Bowral, NSW : 1889 – 1954), Friday 27 April 1945, page 3
Illicit Still Near Robertson
A sensational development long expected by some local residents occurred at Mount Murray on Wednesday. Police and Customs officers seized an illicit still built in heavily timbered country.
One man was arrested at Albion Park and two were questioned at Robertson.
Police smashed a large cask of illicit spirit and casks containing hundreds of gallons of sugar wash.
From a farmhouse nearby Customs men seized 8,000 lbs. of raw sugar which with various articles was taken to Robertson police station.
Later police took small quantities of illicit spirit from two houses near Albion Park.
The raids followed a long investigation of traffic in illicit spirits in South Coast towns.
At dawn on Tuesday police and officers of the special investigation branch of the Customs Department left Wollongong for a search in mountainous country between Albion Park and Robertson.
They searched right through the day and night without sleep, hampered by undergrowth and cutting paths through heavily timbered country.
Those who took part in the raids were Customs officers J. H. McLennan, and N. E. Mitchell, Detective sergt Debney and Detective Marsh, of Wollongong, Constable Farthing, of Albion Park, and Constable McKie, of Robertson.
Southern Mail (Bowral, NSW : 1889 – 1954), Friday 6 April 1945, page 1
At the annual meeting of Robertson Boys’ Club, the following officers were elected : —
President, Mr. W. Missingham; vice-presidents, Mr. E. Ginns and Mr. A. P. Schofield; secretary, Mr. B. A. Badgery; treasurer, Mr. Roberts; supervisor, Mr. C. Walker.
Owing to the probability of his departure from the district, Constable McKie declined re-election as supervisor, and was accorded a hearty vote of appreciation of his services in organising the club and acting as supervisor for the past year.
Southern Mail (Bowral, NSW : 1889 – 1954), Friday 19 May 1944, page 1
Constable McKie has met with remarkable success in his effort to establish a Boys’ Club at Robertson to meet the needs of the surrounding districts.
An influential committee, including representatives for Myra Vale and Kangaloon, has been formed, with Mr. W. Missingham as president; Mr. Bevan Badgery secretary; and Mr. W. G. Jenkin treasurer.
Boys from 8 to 18 are eligible for membership. No sporting events are to be engaged in on Sundays.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Thursday 24 December 1942 (No.172), page 3278
SHIRE OF WINGECARRIBEE.— Inspector of Slaughter houses.—
Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Shire of Wingecarribee has appointed Constable William Smith McKie, of Robertson, as Inspector for the Shire under the provisions of the Cattle Slaughtering and Diseased Animals and Meat Act, 1902, as amended. It is further notified that the appointment of Constable Charles Herbert Chalmers, notified in Government Gazette of 28th August, 1936, is hereby cancelled.
South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 9 October 1942, page 14
ROBERTSON.
Constable McKie, who was accompanied by his wife, has arrived at Robertson to take up duties in place of Constable Chalmers, who has been transferred to Windsor.
About 9pm on 10 May, 1964 Constable Shaw was a member of a Police Wireless Car patrolling the Belmore area when they received a message regarding a break and enter offence. Whilst they were travelling along Reginald Street a vehicle drove through the intersection of Drummond Street, failing to give way to the police vehicle. The vehicles collided and all three police were thrown to the roadway. The injured were conveyed to the Canterbury District Hospital where Constable Shaw died of his injuries at 5pm the next day.
The constable was born in 1939 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 17 November, 1958. At the time of his death he was stationed at Redfern.
Colin Douglas ROBB
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Colin Douglas ROBB
Motor Vehicle Pursuit
Auburn
7 September, 1963
Constable
On 7 September, 1963 Constable Robb was the observer in a Police Special Traffic Branch vehicle driven by Constable Bartlett when they became involved in a high speed pursuit in Parramatta Road, Auburn. While attempting to overtake the offending vehicle the police vehicle collided with another car. The impact burst open the doors on the police car, throwing Constable Robb to the roadway and causing fatal injuries. He died before medical assistance arrived. Constable Bartlett was not seriously injured.
Constable Robb was born in 1935 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 5 March, 1962. At the time of his death he was attached to the Traffic Branch.
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Deadly toll
By Jonathan Pearlman November 6, 2004
Alone in his patrol car, Chris Thornton had the police siren flashing as he chased a white sedan through Woy Woy.
Thornton, 35, a highway patrolman, had been in the force for 15 years. He was, his mother says, “the best driver I have ever seen”.
The reason for the chase that night in April 2002 is unknown. Both cars were seen travelling at high speed. Thornton was about 50 metres behind.
Meanwhile, Leonard Rowley, 56, an unlicensed driver, was driving to his local KFC to pick up dinner. He saw the first car flash past and judged – wrongly – that he had time to turn out in front of the patrol car. Thornton tried to avoid Rowley’s car but clipped the back, veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit a power pole.
Thornton died on the spot, which is marked by a permanent stainless-steel cross. Rowley later received a suspended two-year sentence.
“His life from the age of 12 was about helping people,” says Thornton’s mother, Freada Thornton. “He was in the surf club and he was there to rescue people and then he went into the force and he was doing the same thing.” His father, Barry Thornton, says: “He loved life. He had been in Gosford for 15 years and was so popular with the community there.”
Police pursuits are, says Barry, a necessary evil: “If they don’t catch the criminals there will be more deaths on the roads. The ones that they’re in pursuit of are the idiots that have done the wrong thing to start with.”
But pursuits have come at a cost to the NSW Police Department. Fifteen officers have died as a result of high-speed chases, beginning with the death of Constable George Boore in 1937.
Details provided by the NSW Police Association show a steady stream of fatalities involving cars and motorcycles. The full list of casualties is as follows:
About 3.50pm on 21 October, 1960 Constable Hardacre was riding a police motor cycle along the Princes Highway just south of Kiama. While negotiating a bend the cycle drifted onto the incorrect side of the roadway and collided head-on with another vehicle. The constable was killed instantly.
The constable was born in 1936 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 2 March, 1959. At the time of his death he was stationed at Kiama.
Photo: Beyond Courage
Police Cyclist Killed In Road Crash
SYDNEY, Sunday.— A young police motor-cyclist was killed to-day when he was involved in a head-on collision with a car near Kiama.
His death took the N.S.W. road toll for this year to 705.
He was one of the eight people who died on State roads at the week-end — three of them in country areas.
The policeman, Constable Peter Hardacre, 24, of Kiama police, was killed when his cycle and a car collided on the Princes Highway, five miles south of Kiama.
Constable Hardacre, who was single, had been stationed at Kiama for 18 months.
The Canberra Times Monday 22 October 1962 Page 5 of 20
No other information has been gleaned about this man via the internet – May 2014
Report of the Police Department for 1962 p 28
Constable Peter Hardacre. About 3.50 p.m. on the 21st October, 1962, Constable Hardacre was riding a Departmental solo motor cycle in a southerly direction on Princes Highway and when rounding a bend in the roadway about 4 miles south of Kiama the motor cycle ran on the incorrect side of the road and collided head on with a motor car. The Constable was thrown over the car to the roadway. He was conveyed to Kiama District Hospital where life was pronounced extinct.
On 23 June, 1956 the sergeant was involved in the violent arrest of an offender at the Commercial Hotel, Junee. During the incident the sergeant suffered injuries to his kidneys which subsequently led to a number of operations and ongoing medical treatment for many years afterward.
On the morning of 14 April, 1962 Sergeant Cavanagh, then the officer in charge of the Morisset Police Station, collapsed on duty and was conveyed to the Newcastle Hospital. He remained in a semi-coma until he sadly passed away a week later. The cause of death was kidney failure caused by his injuries in 1956.
R. E. Cavanagh of Junee was promoted from Constable 1st Class to Senior Constable around 24 December 1954 as advertised in The Sydney Morning Herald, Friday 24 December 1954 on page 3 of 12.
The sergeant was born on 15 March 1915 and joined the New South Wales police Force on 25 August, 1939. At the time of his death he was stationed at Morisset.
On 20 January, 1961 Constable Burke was holidaying on the South Coast with his family. In the afternoon of that day the family were at Kiama Beach when the constable was informed by his son that two boys were in difficulties in an undertow.
Constable Burke entered the water and swam out through the heavy surf to assist. Unfortunately he collapsed during his efforts and after being seen floating face downwards in the water, was carried onto the beach. He failed to respond to resuscitation and was conveyed to the Kiama District Hospital where life was pronounced extinct.
The constable was born in Condobolin in 1927 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 20 June, 1955. At the time of his death he was stationed at Redfern. He is listed in the official New South Wales Police Honour Roll.
There is a Francis L BURKE buried at Rookwood ( as detailed above ) but no other verifying details via internet search.
There is also a Francis Neil BURKE mentioned in the Kiama Independent on 25 January 1961 having died at Kiama, late of Sydney.
Nothing found on Trove.
Acts of Bravery by Police
The late Constable F. L. Burke was posthumously awarded the Bronze Medal and Certificate of Merit of the Royal Shipwreck Relief and Humane Society for gallantry in attempting to save the lives of two boys in the surf at Kiama on the 20th January, 1961. The Constable lost his own life on this occasion although the boys were saved.
Police Killed in the Execution of Their Duty
Constable Francis Laurel Burke.
Drowned at Kiama on the 20th January, 1961, whilst assisting two boys who were in difficulties in the water. The Constable was On annual leave at the time and holidaying with his family at Kiama.
Mentioned twice, on page 29 of 1962 Parliament of NSW – Report of the Police Department for 1961
A family member of Constable Francis Laurel Burke, who died in 1961, laid a wreath at the Police Remembrance Day commemorations on Monday. Picture: ANDY ZAKELI
Almost 60 years on, Kenneth Nash still misses his uncle Allen.
Sergeant Allen William Nash, aged 40, was killed in the line of duty by a gun-wielding offender at Primbee in 1956.
Sgt Nash was one of eight officers stationed in the Lake Illawarra local area command who were recognised with memorial plaques on a wall of honour outside Lake Illawarra police station on Monday, as part of Police Remembrance Day commemorations.
Dozens of current and retired officers, families, friends, politicians, councillors and members of the public gathered at Oak Flats for a ceremony to unveil the memorial wall, and honour past and present officers.
THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2014
Since 1862, more than 250 NSW Police officers have died in the line of duty.
About 7.15pm on 11 September, 1959 Sergeant McLean met the Northern Wireless Car in the yard of the Manly Police Station to assist the car crew with a prisoner. The prisoner struggled violently while he was being taken into the station and continued to do so in the dock. Sergeant McLean assisted to secure the prisoner throughout his struggles. A short time later as the sergeant was walking across the station yard, he collapsed. He was taken by ambulance to the Manly District Hospital, however was pronounced dead on arrival. The cause of death was found to have been coronary artery disease which resulted in a heart attack caused by his exertions with the prisoner earlier that night.
The sergeant was born in 1904 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 27 March, 1929. At the time of his death he was stationed at Manly.
