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 to 25 March 1931 = 20+ years Service

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World War I

Australian Imperial Force 1914 – 1919 ( completed 4 years & 235 days in the A.I.F. with 4 years & 72 days of that overseas )

Regiment: Army / Flying Corps – 4th Battalion ( 1914 ), 1st Australians ( 1915 ), 1st Div HQ ( ? – 231016 ), AIF Depot in U.K. ( ? – 160419 – Retired from Duty – Ulcerated stomach ),

Enlisted: 25 August 1914 at Kensington, NSW ( 51 pages of records )

Service # 88

Rank: Private ( 250814 ), Corporal ( 101115 ), – Acting Sgt ( 090417 ), Corporal ( 030318 ), ER Sgt ( 040318 – 230818 )

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.

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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.

Awards: No find on It’s An Honour

Born: ? ? 1886 – Bega, NSW

Died on: Wednesday 25 March 1931

Age: 44 – 45

Cause: Gas Cylinder Explosion

Event location: outside Momalong Hotel, Berrigan

Event date: Wednesday 25 March 1931

Funeral date: ? ? ?

Funeral location: ?

Wake location: ?

Funeral Parlour: ?

Buried at: Berrigan Cemetery, Momalong St, Berrigan

Memorial located at: Photo hanging inside of Berrigan Police Station

[alert_green] GEORGE IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]

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Funeral location: TBA

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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May they forever Rest In Peace

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About 4am on 25 March, 1931 Sergeant 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.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/514697128544865/permalink/2058376927510203/

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Constable Chasling & Sgt Whitely ( Whiteley ) at Berrigan Police Station. — **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.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/34579561

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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.

Mrs. Whitley is prostrate with grief.

trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/180982752

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

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222081648/15452524

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 morning Constable 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.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/111211867

2/1/2019, Deniliquin Times.

Eight honoured on police memorial wall’ –

Seven former local police officers and a former police chaplain were honoured during a police reunion in Deniliquin.

They were the first to be added to the police memorial wall at the new Deniliquin police station.

Honoured were

Constable Charles Chapman (died 5/3/1866),

Senior Const James Morrison (19/1/1898),

Senior Const Thomas Smith (19/4/1910),

Superintendent Henry Grugeon (10/1/1911),

Sergeant George Thomas Whiteley (25/3/1931),

Detective Senior Const Risto Vic Baltoski (2/1/1989) and

Senior Const Jennifer Louise Edgerton (August 2015) and

Rev David Bond.

Norman Thomas ALLEN

| 26/10/2012

Norman Thomas ALLEN

New South Wales Police Force

Rank: Constable

Regd. # 32??

Stations: Waverley

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:

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.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/16743642

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Laurence ALPEN

| 26/10/2012

Laurence ALPEN

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Constable

Stations:

Awards: ?

Born:1901

Died 17 February 1928

26 old

Drowned

Richmond Gap ( Kyogle area )

Funeral: ? February 1928

Grave:

The constable was a mounted policeman and the officer-in-charge of a temporary police station which had been established at Richmond Gap during the building of the Kyogle-to-Brisbane railway line. On 17 February, 1928 during severe flooding in the area, he was assisting with the clearing of debris from a bridge across Grady’s Creek when he fell from the bridge and was swept away and drowned in the floodwaters. His body was recovered thirty minutes later however resuscitation failed to revive him.

The Brisbane Courier dated 18 February, 1928 reported that ” Constable Laurence Alpen, who was drowned at Grady’s Creek today, was in charge of the temporary police station on the Kyogle-Brisbane railway construction works. He was a native of Narrabri, and was 26 years of age. He joined the force in 1924 and after five months service in the Police Department at Redfern was for seven months with the mounted police at Lismore. Later he went to Casino from where he was transferred to Richmond Gap. He was spoken of in the highest terms by his superiors. “

The constable was born in 1901 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 27 May, 1924. At the time of his death he was stationed at Richmond Gap (Kyogle area).

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[alert_green]Laurence IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]

Edgar John WILLIAMS

| 26/10/2012

Edgar John WILLIAMS

New South Wales Police Force

Sergeant 2nd Class

Served for over 25 years

Motor Vehicle Accident

Coolah

Died Saturday 28 August, 1926

Funeral ?

About 2pm on 28 August, 1926 Sergeant Williams was a passenger travelling with two other men in a vehicle returning from the Dunedoo Court. Along the Leadville Road the vehicle skidded, left the roadway and somersaulted, ejecting all three men. The sergeant was killed instantly, while the other two men were seriously injured in the accident. The Mercury newspaper dated 30 August, 1926 briefly reported the accident.

MOTOR CAR SOMERSAULTS – POLICE SERGEANT KILLED.

SYDNEY. ( Saturday ) August 28 – A shocking motoring accident occurred on the Leadville Road, three miles from Coolah, about 2 o’clock this afternoon. A car was returning from the Dunedoo Police Court, with Harold Fraser (driver), Fred Haynes and Sergeant Edgar John Williams, when it skidded. The front wheels locked and the car ran off the road. It turned a complete somersault, and the occupants were thrown out. Sergeant Williams was killed almost instantly. Haynes and Fraser were injured.

The sergeant was born in 1873 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 21 May, 1900. At the time of his death he was probably stationed at Louth.

Sergeant Williams was a member of the police force for over 25 years, and was just due for six months long service leave. He was a second class sergeant for nearly eleven years. He had also served at Cobar and Louth. He is survived by Mrs. Williams, three daughters and one son.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/128012412?searchTerm=%22police%20sergeant%20kill%22&searchLimits=

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Recorder ( Port Pirie, S.A. ) Monday 30 August 1926 page 1 of 4

FATAL CAPSIZE.

Police Sergeant Killed.

SYDNEY, Sunday. ( 29 Aug. )

Sergeant Edgar Williams, of the Coolah police, was killed instantly in a car capsize yesterday, three miles from Coolah, near Mudgee.

Williams and Frederick Haynes were (returning) turning from the Dunedoo Court in a car driven by Harold Fraser, 25, when for some unknown reason the car turned over, and Williams was pinned underneath and crushed to death. He leaves a widow and four children. Haynes was unhurt, while Fraser was Injured in the back

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/95961566?searchTerm=%22police%20sergeant%20kill%22&searchLimits=

There is some confusion in relation to the correct date of death.

Newspaper articles have him being killed on Saturday 28 August 1926 but his grave stone states the date of death as 29 August 1927. ???

Further investigations continuing as to the correct date of death – July 2014.

Arthur Charles HUMPHRIES

| 26/10/2012

Arthur Charles HUMPHRIES

New South Wales Police Force

Constable

Motor Vehicle Accident

Darlinghurst

7 April, 1925

Cst Arthur Charles HUMPHRIES. Grave is located at Collector cemetery next door to the Police Station. When you walk in facing the back of the cemetery, it is around the middle and to the left.

On Sunday 5 April, 1925 the constable was riding his motor cycle in Darlinghurst when the cycle collided with a brick wall at the intersection of Bourke and William Streets. He sustained a fractured skull and broken collar bone and was conveyed to the Sydney Hospital in a ( as reported in The Sydney Morning Herald ) critical condition but another newspaper article in the Singleton Argus, dated 11 April, states that he was treated and allowed to leave hospital to return home and that he was talking to a friend at 6pm when he collapsed and upon his second admission to hospital, it was discovered that he had a fractured skull.

He died on Monday, 6 April, 1925. It is not known if this death occurred on duty.

The Sydney Morning Herald dated 6 April, 1925 reported that “Severe injuries were sustained by Arthur Charles Humphries aged 23 years, a police constable stationed at Darlinghurst, who resides at 20 Hoddle Street, Paddington, when he lost control of his motor cycle yesterday and was thrown against a brick wall. The injured constable was riding the cycle in Bourke Street, East Sydney. He was thrown with great force against the wall, and suffered a fractured skull and a fractured collarbone. He was taken to Sydney Hospital where his condition last night was reported to be extremely critical.”

The NSW Register of Coroners Inquests and Magisterial Inquiries, 1834-1942 indicates that an inquest was held into the constable’s death at the Sydney City Coroner’s Court on 14 April, 1925 where it was found that the death was caused from “injuries accidentally received through being thrown from his motorcycle.”

The constable was born in Goulburn in 1903 and at the time of his death was stationed at Darlinghurst.

The Sydney Morning Herald Monday 6 April 1925 page 12 of 20 — The Sydney Morning Herald
Monday 6 April 1925
page 12 of 20

The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 7 April 1925 page 11 of 20 — The Sydney Morning Herald
Tuesday 7 April 1925
page 11 of 20

Singleton Argus Saturday 11 April 1925 page 6 of 8 — Singleton Argus
Saturday 11 April 1925
page 6 of 8

Location of Grave:
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Harry LEEDS

| 26/10/2012

Harry LEEDS

( late of ” Innisfail “, Penkivil St, Willoughby )

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank: Constable

Uniform #: 122

Stations: Goulburn, Araluen, Crookwell, North Sydney, Phillip Street Police Station, George St North Police Station – Sydney

Service: From 28 May 1907 to 21 August 1924 = 17+ years Service

Awards: ?

Born: ? ? 1885 at Trial Bay

Died on: Thursday 21 August 1924 – on his way to Duty

Cause: Tram Accident at McMahon’s Point

Age: 47

Funeral date: Friday 22 August 1924

Funeral location: “Innisfail”, Penkivil St, Willoughby ( home ) & graveside

Grave location: Catholic section, Northern Suburbs Cemetery, Plassey Rd, Macquarie Park, NSW

Roman Catholic Section, Row F4, Plot 0004

GPS: -33.790327, 151.139568

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.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/16172768

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/16172685#pstart1225241

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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.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/119977024

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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.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/16179465

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The Catholic Press ( Sydney ) Thursday 4 September 1924 page 25 of 52

Tram Accident Victim.

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.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/page/14054317

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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.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/123253389

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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.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/119969446

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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.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/16161767

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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.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/137776451

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James ELLIS

| 26/10/2012

James ELLIS

New South Wales Police Force

Sergeant

Regd. # ?

Stations: Broken Hill, Tiboobrra as O.I.C.,

Brewarrina for only 2 months

Born: ?

Died 10 May 1924

39 old

Illness – Suicide

Brewarrina

Funeral: ?

Buried: ?

On a Saturday morning in 1924 Sergeant Ellis of the Brewarrina Police Station ended his life by shooting himself in the chest and head. Little is known of the sergeant and his death other than a brief extract from the local (Brewarrina) newspaper which indicates that: “Sergeant Ellis was up and about on the Saturday morning attending to his duties and seemed as cheerful as ever, and Constable Woodward received a rude shock on going for the sergeant to accompany him to breakfast, to find him lying dead in a pool of blood on the floor. An examination by Dr. Duncan showed that Sergeant Ellis had shot himself twice, over the heart and in the temple. The body of the Sergeant was placed in a lead-lined coffin and forwarded to Singleton yesterday morning for interment”

The NSW Register of Coroners Inquests and Magisterial Inquiries, 1834-1942 indicates that an inquest was held into the sergeant’s death on 12 May, 1924 at Brewarrina. It was found that Sergeant Ellis died at Brewarrina as a result of a “bullet wound in the head wilfully self-inflicted.”

A year after the sergeant’s death the following announcement appeared in ‘In Memoriam’ column of The Argus, dated 9 May, 1925: ELLIS – In fond and loving memory of my dear fiance, Sergeant James Ellis, who died at Brewarrina, N.S.W. on 10th May, 1924. The link that bound us here below still binds my heart to thine. (Inserted by Flora Thomson, Hampton.)

The sergeant was a native of Wyalong and in 1919 was transferred from Broken Hill to Tibooburra as the officer-in-charge of that station. He was then transferred to Brewarrina on 4 March, 1924. He had only been at Brewarrina for two months when he died at the age of 39 years.

Louis Godfrey PETHER

| 26/10/2012

Louis Godfrey PETHER

Late of ?

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ‘Q‘ 6909

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 — 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.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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May they forever Rest In Peace

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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.

(Beyond Courage)

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Up to the time Pether was compelled to take special leave, owing to sickness, he did special work for the Crown Law Department.

He was also a brother of Harry PETHER of Talbingo Hotel.

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Maitland Weekly Mercury (NSW : 1894 – 1931), Saturday 25 August 1923, page 14

FOUND SHOT.

DEATH OF DETECTIVE PETHER.

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.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/136712471

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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.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/16088756

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Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 – 1931), Thursday 23 August 1923, page 1

FAREWELL MESSAGE

DETECTIVE’S DEATH “LOSING MY REASON”

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’

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/119169677

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John Charles DONOVAN

| 26/10/2012

John Charles DONOVAN

New South Wales Police Force

Constable

Hit by Lightning

Brewarrina, NSW

Died 12 January, 1922

28 old

Funeral 13 January 1922 at Brewarrina

Re-interned pre 27 January 1922

to Yackandanda Cemetery, Victoria

About 4pm on 12 January, 1922 Constable Donovan left the Brewarrina Police Station to carry out some enquiries. About 45 minutes later he was hurrying back to the police station to avoid an approaching thunderstorm when he was hit by lightning in Bathurst Street, about 150 metres from the station. A subsequent inquest heard that the cap badge and metal buttons had been blown off the constable’s uniform with some buttons being found up to 50 metres from the body.

The Sydney Morning Herald of 13 January, 1922 included the following brief paragraph.

CONSTABLE KILLED BY LIGHTNING.

A telegram was received last evening by the Inspector-General of Police (Mr. Mitchell) from Sergeant Brandon at Brewarrina, stating that Constable Donovan of that station had been struck dead by lightning at 4.15 p.m.

The constable was aged 28 years at the time of his death and was stationed at Brewarrina.

Amazingly, the only two recorded NSW police deaths by lightning strike occurred on the same date, sixty years – to the day, apart. The other being Constable James QUINN who was struck at Cockatoo Island, Sydney, NSW, on the 12 January 1862.

From Ken Medway on 5 April 2014 on Beyond Courage Facebook page:

A thorough search of the cemetery at Brewarrina, NSW, failed to locate the grave of John Charles DONOVAN aka DONAVON who is also recorded as being buried there. Inquiries with Brewarrina Shire revealed that all records were destroyed some years ago so his precise whereabouts will probably never be known.

From Cal: “See Yackandandah Times story in this article. Body re-interred in Yackandandah Cemetery, Victoria, pre 27 January 1922.”

John Charles DONOVAN - Killed by lightning 12 Jan 1922 - Newspaper article 1

The Tragic End of Constable J. C. Donovan.
A Yackandandah Native.
The township of Brewarrina is situated in the western portion of New South Wales on the Barwon River, a tributary of the Darling. In April last year Constable J. C. Donovan, son of Mr John Donovan, of Yackandandah, was transferred from Cobar. On Thursday afternoon Constable Donovan went on duty at 4.30 p.m., and immediately left the police station to make some official inquiries and was hurrying back to the station to avoid an approaching storm when he was struck down in the street by lightning, within 150 yards of the station. From the medical examination, it was apparent that the lightning struck him on the forehead over the left eye, which corresponded with the position of the metal button on the peak of the cap. The body was also scorched and burnt just where the buttons would be on the police uniform. The buttons and metal numbers were found blown off the uniform, several buttons being found in the street 50 yards away. The right heel and left sole of the boots were also blown off. Two men named Hutchinson and Smith were also in the street at the time and felt the shock the lightning. At the inquest the Coroner paid a tribute to deceased, and stated the whole town and district would mourn the loss of such an efficient and promising officer.

Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Patrick’s Church by the Rev. Father Behan, P.P., for the repose of the soul of the departed officer on Friday morning. Sergeant Brandon and Constable Korn, his brother officers, were the very esence of kindness throughout the lamentable affair and were deeply affected by the tragedy. The funeral left the Court House at 4 o’clock on Friday afternoon and was largely attended. The handsome silver mounted casket containing the remains was completely smothered in floral tributes. The last sacred rites at the grave-side were performed by the Rev. Father Behan (says the Brewarrina Times). When the body was lowered to the grave (which is beside that of the Late Constable B. J. J. Dowling, who was killed in 1822) the large concourse of people returned to the town, and thus has passed away one to whom the words of Mark Antony referring to the death of Brutus, can well be applied : —
His life was gentle and the elements
So mixed in him that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world ” This was a man. ”

Prayers were read on Sunday in St. Patrick’s Church by the Rev. Father Behan for the repose of the soul of Constable Donovan, after which Chopin’s funeral march was impressively played by Mrs Butler.

Sergeant Brandon in the course of a lengthy letter of condolence to the bereaved relatives said : — ” Mass was said for him this morning at 7 a.m. and the good Priest attended at the Police Station and performed the last sad rites at the bed side. Candles were burned, which I am preserving and am forwarding some floral tributes and cards of sympathy, which I have been requested to convey to you. You will see by them that your dear boy was held in the highest esteem both by rich and poor. His sudden death has cast quite a gloom over the little township. I intend to arrange for a paragraph of ” Return Thanks’ ” to appear in the local paper on your behalf. You will quite understand that the cards of sympathy are addressed to me because his friends here did not know where to send them. I do hope that it will be consoling to you to know and see the respect and esteem shown ; when you take into consideration the short period he has resided here. He arrived at Brewarrina on transfer from Cobar on the 5th. April, 1921, and has been a credit to his Parents, the Police Department and himself. I can assure you no one will miss him more than I will. It is very difficult to replace men of his character and ability, strictly sober, no day too long when there was work to do, confidential, scrupulously clean and tidy in his person and room, and most reliable in the performance of his duty. I mourn with you in the loss you and the Department have sustained by his death ”

The relatives decided to have the body re-interred in Yackandandah Cemetery.
The coffin was railed to Albury from Brewarrina and conveyed to Yackandanduh cemetery on Saturday afternoon by motor. A large attendance of mourners waited at the gate of the cemetery and several others drove along Albury road and formed a cortege to accompany the motor hearse.

Father Griffin read the service at the grave-side. The late Mr John Donovan, who was born in Yackandandah, resided in this township during his young days, and was well known and highly respected. Within the last few months he paid a visit to the district and renewed old friendships. His untimely end is regretted throughout the district and the deepest sympathy is felt for his relatives.

The Yackandandah Times ( Victoria ) Friday 27 January 1922 page 1 of 4
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/144784201#pstart17205036

From the Yackandandah Times, Victoria, dated Friday 20 January 1922, page 1 of 4, states ” Some difficulty occurred at Brewarina, New South Wales, where John Donovan died, owing to no lead coffin being available, so that the corpse could be transported to Yackandandah for burial. This difficulty has now been overcome and the body will be re-interred in Yackandand cemetery on Saturday afternoon. ( indicating Saturday 21 January 1922 and the reason why he was originally buried at Brewarrina ).
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Epitaph & Description: Pray for the Soul of Elizabeth Donovan, Beloved Wife of John Donovan; aged 49 years Also their beloved infant children: Agnes and Catherine, aged 18 months; Their beloved daughter, Mary Frances Donovan, aged 27 years; Their Beloved son, John Charles Donovan, aged 28 years; John Donovan, aged 69 years R.I.P. Lat: -36.303766 Lon: 146.851609 — **Epitaph & Description**:
Pray for the Soul of Elizabeth Donovan, Beloved Wife of John Donovan; aged 49 years Also their beloved infant children: Agnes and Catherine, aged 18 months; Their beloved daughter, Mary Frances Donovan, aged 27 years; Their Beloved son, John Charles Donovan, aged 28 years; John Donovan, aged 69 years R.I.P.
Lat: -36.303766
Lon: 146.851609

Cal:

Due to the fact that all of the newspaper articles and other documentation state that DONOVAN died on the 12 January 1922, I would say, with a fair deal of certainty, that the date on this grave stone of 12 January 1921 is INCORRECT.

John DONOVAN was originally buried at Brewarrina, NSW, the day after his death but re-interred at Yackandandah Cemetery, Victoria, pre 27 January 1921.

Donovan was buried at Brewarrina close to these co-ordinates:

GPS Location 29 58′ 10S / 146 50′ 46E
Old Catholic Section right over on western fence

Frederick William MITCHELL

| 26/10/2012

Frederick William MITCHELL

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank: Constable 1st Class

Stations: ?, Moss Vale

Service: From 31 March 1911 to 17 December 1920 = 9+ years Service

Awards: No find on It’s An Honour

Born: ? ? 1890 at Newtown, NSW

Died on: Friday 17 December 1920

Cause: Shot – Murdered

Event location: Bowral

Age: 30

Funeral date: Sunday 290 December 1920

Funeral location:

Buried at:

Memorial location:

This monument was erected by the Government of New South Wales to Constable [First Class] Frederick William Mitchell who was shot dead whilst in the execution of his duty on the 17th December 1920. — Constable 1st Class Frederick William MITCHELL

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[alert_green]FREDRICK IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]

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On the evening of Friday 17 December, 1920 neighbours rang Moss Vale police to say that they could hear shooting coming from Major Thomas La Barte‘s house, “Old Castle“, near Bowral.

Sergeant Mackie then rang La Barte, and asked him if anything was wrong, however all the major would say was, “I’ve gone over the line, I’ve gone over the line!” Suspecting that something serious was occurring, or had occurred already, the sergeant quickly sent Constable Mitchell out to the house on a motor cycle while he (Sergeant Mackie) followed on a push bike. On the way to the house Constable Mitchell met Constable Edward Charles Finch of Moss Vale police, and they both went out to La Barte’s home together.

At the dwelling, which appeared quiet and deserted, the three policemen consulted for a few minutes and then decided to search inside. They crept up to the front bedroom window, and looking through, could see Mrs La Barte lying on her back on the floor. The police then separated, with Mitchell going to the back door and the other two going to the front door. Constable Mitchell then entered the house through the door and into a hallway. A few moments later a shot was heard, followed by a heavy thud on the floor. Fearing that Mitchell had been shot, Sergeant Mackie immediately ran in through the back door and, reaching the end of the hallway barely escaped being shot in the head when another shot dislodged plaster from the wall near his head. Although both Sergeant Mackie and Constable Finch made several attempts to enter the hallway they were driven back each time by the unseen offender.

Police reinforcements had begun to arrive by this time, and Constable Charles Eadie (Bowral) then climbed through the window of the maid’s room while the other police, including Sergeant Henry John Shailer (Bowral), fired shots into the house to distract the offender. At this time Constable Eadie heard the offender call out to the police, and realizing that the voice came from the drawing room, he switched on the light in that room and saw La Barte crouching under the table with a double barrelled shotgun in his hand. Eadie leapt on the offender and pinned him to the floor with one hand on his throat, and the other on the shotgun.

When the house was searched, five revolvers and a rifle were found. The body of Mrs Doleen Maud La Barte, the offender’s wife, was found with sixteen bullet wounds to her head and chest, while the body of Constable Mitchell was found in the hall with wounds to the head and stomach.

The Argus newspaper of 23 December, 1920 reported on the inquest into the two deaths, including the words of the coroner, who paid a tribute to the police for their bravery in effecting La Barte’s arrest, and said, “I wish to especially bring under the notice of the authorities the conduct of Constable Eadie. This young officer, at considerable peril and risk, rushed into a darkened room, and although it would have been easier to have shot La Barte, he effected the capture without shooting him. He is to be commended for this, and I hope it will not be overlooked by his superiors.”

The constable was born in 1890 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 31 March, 1911. At the time of his death he was stationed at Moss Vale.

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Scrutineer and Berrima District Press (NSW : 1892 – 1948), Saturday 25 December 1920, page 2

OLDCASTLE TRAGEDY.

CORONIAL INQUIRY. WITNESSES BREAK DOWN.

The circumstances surrounding the murder of Mrs. La Barte and Constable Frederick William Mitchell at “Oldcastle” on Friday last were inquired into at the courthouse, Moss Vale, by Mr. H. W. Taylor, district coroner.

The small available space in the courtroom was overtaxed by persons desirous of witnessing the proceedings. Mr. F. O Ebsworth (Sydney) appeared for La Barte, and Mr. B. H. Paine watched the proceedings on behalf of the police.

Major La Barte was brought into the courtroom between two policemen. He is a fine-looking dark young man with the build of an athlete, of medium height, and he was neatly dressed, also wearing a soft shirt and bow tie. He wears a small military moustache, and his distinguishing features are his large blue eyes, set wide apart, and his well-formed lips and mouth. He sat in the dock, with one neatly shod ankle hoisted on to his knee, and he displayed a keen interest in the proceedings. Otherwise he was unperturbed, and showed no signs of nervousness.

The first witness was William James Robb, solicitor, of St. Kilda, Victoria. He said that on Sunday last at Oldcastle he had identified the body as that of his daughter, Doleen Maud La Barte, aged 26. She was born in Melbourne, and was married to Thomas Butler La Barte in July, 1919, in Sydney.

Henry Wesley Mitchell, furniture manufacturer, Moss Vale, brother of the late Constable Mitchell, broke down and wept hysterically as he entered the box. Recovering, he said that at about midnight on Friday last, at Oldcastle, he identified a body as that of his brother, who was born at Newtown and a married man, 30 years of age. He had no children, and had been about nine years in the service; the last time witness saw his brother alive was at about 5.15pm on Friday last, being then in his usual good health.

The witness, during his evidence, suddenly looked across at the prisoner in the dock and cried “Let me at him and I will kill him.”

Senior Sergt. Alexander Mackie, of Moss Vale, deposed that at about 6 p.m. on Friday last he received a message from Mr. T. Mack, licensee of the Royal hotel. After conversation with Constable Mitchell he rang up Major La Barte, who replied “La Barte speaking!” Witness inquired if he wanted to see him and La Barte answered “You had better come out; I have just gone over the line (or over the mark).” Witness asked what was the matter, and La Barte said “Oh, just gone over the line; I might be dead when you come out!” The sergeant asked, “What have you done?” and he answered, “Oh, just gone over the line.” Witness then said he would go out and talk to him and settle matters alright.

Constable Mitchell went to Oldcastle behind a man named Howard on a motor cycle, and he (witness) followed on an ordinary bike. When he rode up to the house he saw Constables Mitchell and Finch coming from the rear of it. “Constable Mitchell and I,” continued witness, “looked through the window of Mrs. La Barte’s bedroom and saw a woman lying on the floor apparently dead. We then went to the rear of the house, placing Constable Finch at the front of the house where he could watch if anyone left, Constable Mitchell meanwhile walking around to the back. As witness followed and entered the back passage he could hear Constable Mitchell‘s footfalls in front; when about two yards from the main hall he heard a shot. Constable Mitchell cried, “Oh, my God!” and witness heard a fall. Witness went on to state that he was just stepping from the passage into the main hall when another shot was fired, which must have passed very close to him, as some plaster fell around where he was standing.

Constable Finch then came running up to him. A curtain hanging in the main hall obstructed their view and the person who fired the shot and Constable Mitchell were both on the opposite side of it. He got down on his knees and tried to see who fired the shots, but all I could make out was the muzzle of a gun rising slowly from the floor and just as he drew back another shot was fired. He then took his boots off and decided to get through a window, but as he was approaching it two shots were fired and he was forced back; a mattress on the verandah near the wall obstructed him. He then went out and found the man Howard, who went and procured assistance, and six civilians from Moss Vale arrived and surrounded the house to prevent anyone escaping; about 9 o’clock Sergt. Shailer and Constable Eadie arrived from Bowral; witness and Constable Eadie went to the window of the maid’s room, and fired three shots in with the intention of locating the person inside; there was no response; he left Constable Eadie, and he and Sergt. Shailer went round to the opposite side and fired two shots into the lighted room, and immediately La Barte called out, “Come in, I have no firearms” — he was in the dining room next to the lighted room. Sergt Shailer then went into the room and witness followed. Just then Constable Eadie called out, “I’ve got him.” They went in, and saw La Barte lying on his back on the floor and handcuffed.

Altogether, some 30 shots were fired, from the passage and windows. The dead body of Constable Mitchell was lying near the telephone.

He had a large wound in the groin, and part of the left side of the head was blown away. His regulation revolver, loaded in five chambers, had never been taken out of the pouch.

In Mrs. La Barte‘s room witness saw the dead body of Doleen Maud La Barte, who was lying partly on the left side, and dressed only in a nightdress. There was a large wound in her head. Near the body on the floor was lying the rifle produced. It had jammed, and was not fit for use. It contained four live cartridges and one empty shell The revolver produced was found in Mr. La Barte‘s room. It had also become jambed, and contained three live cartridges.

At the police station La Barte suggested sending a wire to his uncle. When asked what he wanted in the wire, he said: “Arrested for murder; no excuse; must have gone mad!”

While Constable Mitchell and witness were in the passage, he heard a voice at the telephone say: “I want the police station. Send out the police. I want to kill them all.”

In all about 3o shots were fired at Oldcastle from the passage and windows of the house, while Constable Finch and witness were there.

Every time they attempted to look down the passage a shot was fired.

When La Barte was arrested he was drunk — stupidly drunk. “Otherwise,” added witness, “we should all have been shot, I reckon.”

Dr. F. C Stevenson described the injuries received by the two dead persons; the constable died from the gunshot wound in the skull and Mrs. La Barte from a bullet wound through the skull; there were sixteen bullet wounds in various parts of Mrs. La Barte‘s body; in some instances the entry and exit of the same bullet accounted for two wounds.

When witness was at Oldcastle on Friday night La Barte, lying on the floor, opened his eyes, and said “Hullo, is that you, doc?” Witness said, “Yes.” Prisoner said, “How much strychnine would it take to knock a chap out?” Witness said, “Oh, you’re alright.” La Barte spoke quite rationally.

Sergt. Mackie: Could you say anything about his sobriety.

Dr. Stevenson: No, I could not.

Lily Drain, cook and housekeeper at Oldcastle, said that at 5 30 p m. on Friday she heard a bell ring; this was followed by screams from Mrs. La Barte, and her voice calling “Tammy’s shooting me.”

Witness went into Mrs. La Barte‘s room; Mrs. La Barte stood near the bed, facing her; La Barte had his back to witness. Mrs. La Barte cried out, “Lily, he’s shooting me.” Two shots were fired rapidly. The room was darkened. La Barte appeared to be holding his wife with his left hand and a revolver was in his right hand. (Witness at this stage broke down). Continuing, witness said that she ran out of the house into the yard, calling to the men to go quickly for the police, as Mrs. La Barte had been shot.

Mrs La Barte had not been well that day, and had remained in bed, with the exception of a few minutes at lunch time, when she heard La Barte say to his wife, “Are yo happy, Nooks?” She said, “Certainly not, Tammy — not for the next 24 hours.” Later, Mr. La Barte took his wife a hot water bottle and told witness not to disturb her and to watch the telephone; he subsequently left the house; he was addicted to whisky drinking.

James McKay, farmer, employed at Oldcastle said that when Lily Drain gave the alarm he went out looking for the saddle mare; he found her near the garage, ready saddled. As he went to mount a shot rang out and the mare fell. Witness saw La Barte on the verandah with a revolver in his hand. Witness ran, and three shots were fired — one struck the ground before him and another just behind him; he did not know where the other one went.

La Barte drank whisky a good deal, but it was difficult to tell when he was drunk; his eyes looked peculiar that afternoon before he went to Moss Vale.

Constable Edward Finch said that after Sergeant Mackie left him in the passage after Mitchell had been shot, whenever he tried to look into the passage where Mitchell lay a shot would be fired. Then La Barte went to the telephone and called the police station and said, “Send more policemen, I will shoot them all.” Shortly after he again called the station and said “La Barte here; I have shot one policeman ; I will shoot them all ; leave La Barte alone, he is all right.” Later he saw La Barte crawling along the passage with a gun in his hand. Immediately witness showed himself La Barte fired at him. Witness fired twice and La Barte fired again. Witness fired once more and La Barte crawled away into the room, where he was later caught by Constable Eadie.

The constable added that he had been in conversation with La Barte and his wife the previous day, when the latter invited him to take shelter at Oldcastle from the storm; La Barte then appeared quite rational.

Constable Charles Eadie, of Bowral, said that after he was left alone outside La Barte‘s room he heard three shots from the other side of the house. When the last were fired he heard someone say “Come in ; I’m not armed.” He then got into La Barte‘s room and locked the door of the left-hand room. He then went to the door leading to the hall, and flashed his electric torch up and down the hall and across into the dining room, as both the rooms were in darkness. As a result he saw La Barte lying under the table with a gun in his hand.

Witness rushed into the room and caught the gun in one hand and seized La Barte‘s throat with the other. He took a double barrelled breech-loading gun from him, which contained one live and one empty cartridge. In his pockets he found 20 loaded cartridges. He called out, “I’ve got him,” and, with the help of Finch and Shailer, handcuffed him.

Under the table where La Barte was lying was a decanter about half full of whisky.

With Sergeant Shailer witness took La Barte to Moss Vale police station, where he was placed in a cell.

La Barte said nothing further to witness. His conversation was rational. He was stiff in the legs and under the influence of drink.

To the Coroner: He could have shot La Barte; but thought discretion the better thing and arrested him.

Sergt Henry John Shailer generally corroborated Constable Eadie‘s evidence. He asked La Barte if he had realised what he had done and the prisoner replied “Don’t mention it, sergeant; I don’t want to talk about it.” He was groggy and unable to stand properly.

EVIDENCE OF DRUNKENNESS

Edward C. Bradbury, chemist, gave evidence concerning the purchase of two bottles of the best perfume at his shop by La Barte; he handed him the parcel, together with some medicine for his wife, which La Barte promised to take home; he dropped the parcel and one bottle broke on the floor; he was under the influence of drink, but witness noticed nothing peculiar about him, except that he was not as chatty as usual.

Edward Breen, laborer, of Berrima, corroborated the chemist’s evidence re the breaking of the bottle of perfume. La Barte, he added, was drunk, swaying from one side to the other in front of the counter.

A man named J. Egan, from Exeter, prevented prisoner from riding his horse afterwards into the shop. La Barte told him to leave the horse alone and said, “If you come on to the street I will fight any one of you!” Egan replied “I could not fight a paper bag,” and advised La Barte to go home like a good man, when prisoner left.

Leslie Edward Wallis, a drover, said he met La Barte at the sale yards on Friday last, who stated that he was pleased with the bull witness had sold him. After more conversation respecting cattle he muttered something and then asked witness to go with him to the hotel and “have a wad.” Subsequently, La Barte appeared to witness to be drunk.

The evidence concluded at 4 p m.

The Coroner returned a verdict that Mrs. La Barte and Constable Mitchell had been murdered by Major Thomas La Barte, whom he committed for trial at the Central Criminal Court, Sydney, on March 21, 1921.

The Coroner paid a tribute to the police for their bravery in effecting La Barte‘s arrest, and said: “I wish to especially bring under the notice of the authorities the conduct of Constable Eadie. This young officer, at considerable peril and risk, rushed into a darkened room and, although it would have been easier to have shot La Barte, he effected his capture without doing so. He is to be commended for this, and I hope it will not be overlooked by his superiors.”

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article124752967.txt

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Scrutineer and Berrima District Press (NSW : 1892 – 1948), Wednesday 8 June 1921, page 2

Moss Vale Tragedy.

It is announced that the charge of murdering Constable Frederick William Mitchell, upon which Major Thomas la Barte was remanded to the next sittings of the Criminal Court, will not now be proceeded with.

The constable was one of the victims of a tragedy which occurred at Moss Vale on December 17 last. After a trial for murder lasting two days la Barte was sentenced to seven years’ hard labour, the verdict of the jury being that he was guilty of manslaughter in relation to the death of his wife.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article124751058.txt

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Our Logo

The Friends logo is derived from the female figure that forms part of the impressive Robb monument, located to the left upon entering the cemetery from Dandenong Road.

An inscription on the pedestal of the monument refers to Doleen Maude La Barte, the only daughter of W J and E M Robb who was murdered by her husband, Major Thomas Butler La Barte on 17 December 1920 at their home at Moss Vale, New South Wales.

The Argus newspaper of 20 December 1920 told the tragic story:

Details of the shooting of the wife of Major Thomas Butler La Barte, the shooting of Constable Frederick William Mitchell and the arrest of Major La Barte near Mossvale on Friday night give a story of grim tragedy. Major La Barte is the son of the Rev. T. La Barte, formerly of Brighton. Major La Barte, who was educated at the Brighton Grammar School, is 34 years of age. He served with distinction in France in the Royal Field Artillery, gaining the M.C. Mrs La Barte was well known in Melbourne. She was the only daughter of Mr. W. J. Robb, and was 27 years of age.

Major La Barte was in Mossvale on Friday, and, according to the police account, was drinking heavily. Not long after his return home at about 6 o’clock, the cook at the house was summonsed by her mistress’s bell. When the cook got to Mrs. La Barte’s bedroom she saw Major La Barte holding his wife by the wrist. Mrs. La Barte cried out “Oh, he’s shooting me!” Two reports from a revolver followed, and Mrs. La Barte sank down, shot in the head and chest. The neighbours telephoned to the police station at Mossvale, about two miles distant.

Constable Mitchell left for La Barte’s on a motor-cycle, and was followed by Sergeant Mackie, Mounted-constable Finch and Constable Eadie. Constable Mitchell entered the house at the front, when shots were heard, and Mitchell fell. He must have died instantly.

When darkness came on, Constable Eadie, who had an electric torch, climbed through the window of the maid’s room, while the other constables fired at the adjoining windows. Eadie walked into the living room, and found Major La Barte crouched beside the table, with a gun in one hand. With a leap Eadie reached La Barte, gripped him by the neck, and warded off the gun. While they were struggling other constables rushed in. La Barte was disarmed, and taken into custody.

After reaching the police station, Major La Barte spoke of having pains in his head, but said nothing further. The funeral of Constable Mitchell was largely attended. He left a young widow, but no children.

http://foskc.org/about/our-logo/

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