Ernest Edward McCROHON

| 26/10/2012

Ernest Edward McCROHON

Late of 14 Keir Avenue, Hurlstone Park, NSW

Grandson to John McCROHON – NSWPF – # ????

Uncle to Victor Harry McCrohon – NSWPF – # 5009

Great Uncle to Vicki Alexis McCrohon – NSWPF – NSWPF – P/W 0123 – Class 120 ( 1964 ) & Rejoinee P/W 0202 – Class 141 ( 1974 )

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ‘Q‘ 9403

For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1 March 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )

Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 1 April 1912

Final Rank: Sergeant 2nd Class – Death

Stations: ?, Central Police Station – 1 Division, Belmore ( 1916 ), Regent St – 2 Division, Newtown – 5 Division ( ? – 26 March 1939 ), Wagga Wagga ( 27 March 1939 ‘ Sgt ‘ – ? ),

13 Division, Clarence St Police Station – Death

Service: From 1 April 1912 to 17 March 1944 = 31+ years Service

Awards: No find on It’s An Honour

Born: 21 September 1887 – Barraba, NSW

Died on: Friday 17 March 1944 during the evening

Age: 56

Cause: Collision – hit by train

Event location: Hurlstone Park

Event date: Friday 17 March 1944

Funeral date: Monday 20 March 1944

Funeral location: Rookwood Crematorium

Funeral Parlour: Walters and Son, Dulwich Hill

Buried at: Cremated ?

Memorial located at: ?

Constable Ernest Edward McCROHON<br /> the young policeman, who at Newtown a fortnight ago, had a sensational chase after four suspects and about 3a.m. on Saturday, arrested a man who had been behaving in a suspicious manner. On handcuffing his man, after a struggle, he found that he had a revolver in his hip pocket.<br /> — Constable Ernest Edward McCROHON
the young policeman, who at Newtown a fortnight ago, had a sensational chase after four suspects and about 3a.m. on Saturday, arrested a man who had been behaving in a suspicious manner. On handcuffing his man, after a struggle, he found that he had a revolver in his hip pocket.

ERNEST is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

May they forever Rest In Peace

The Sydney Morning Herald of

18 March, 1944 reported the following double tragedy surrounding the death of Sergeant McCrohon.

POLICE SERGEANT KILLED – MAN DIES GIVING FIRST AID.

Police Sergeant Edward McCrohon, 56, attached to No. 1 Police Station, was killed by a train last night while crossing the railway track between Hurlstone Park and Canterbury stations.

John Whitfield, a railway employee, who was a passenger on the train, collapsed and died as he began to give first aid to McCrohon.

Sergeant McCrohon was on his way home when he was killed.

The sergeant was born on 21 September, 1887 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 1 April, 1912. He served at Metropolitan Divisions 1, 2, 5 and 13, as well as at Wagga Wagga. At the time of his death he was stationed at No. 1 Division (Central).

trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/17883834

Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954),

Monday 20 March 1944, page 8

McCROHON. – The Relatives and Friends of the late Ernest Edward McCrohon ( Police Sergeant, No. 1 Division ), of 14 Keir Avenue, Hurlstone Park, are invited to attend his Funeral to leave our Funeral Chapel, This Monday, at 11 a.m., for the Crematorium Rookwood.

Walters and Son, Dulwich Hill Terminus.

LM1676

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17863922#

Army News (Darwin, NT : 1941 – 1946),

Monday 20 March 1944, page 2

WHILE CROSSING THE RAILWAY LINES between Hurlstone Park and Canterbury railway stations on Friday night, Sergeant Edward Ernest McCrohon, 56, of the Clarence Street police station was struck by a train, and killed.

When John Whitfield, 62, night officer at the Belmore railway station who was a passenger on the train, alighted to give assistance, he had a sudden seizure and collapsed. He died beside the body of the police sergeant.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/47690819#

Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 – 1954),

Tuesday 28 March 1939, page 4

PERSONAL

Sergeant E. E. McCrohon, formerly of Newtown, Sydney, took up duty in Wagga yesterday in succession to Sergeant Kidd, who has been transferred to Newtown.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/143641736

Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 – 1954),

Saturday 23 December 1916, page 5

BRAVE CONSTABLE

EFFORT TO SAVE CHILD

Mr. H. Richardson Clark, Parramatta coroner, at an inquest at Bankstown on the dead body of a boy named Thomas Adamson, aged 11½ years, who was drowned in a waterhole in Punchbowl, through getting out of his depth while searching for his sister’s shoe, complimented a brave constable.

The waterhole is in a very secluded position, about eight feet in diameter, and very deep, with no shallow approach, so that directly the hole is entered the water, is about six feet deep, and the sides of it are of clay, being extremely slippery.

The Belmore police were informed of the accident, and Constable McCrohon proceeded to the place with all speed.

He there found a man who was fishing for the boy with a rake, whereupon the constable immediately disrobed and took a header right into the hole.

Before he went in the man with the rake warned him against diving in, as it was dangerous, but notwithstanding that the constable dived right in and brought up the child at once.

The evidence at the Inquest was that the constable knew nothing whatever of the waterhole, and had never seen it before, and that after he recovered the body he and Dr. Miller worked upon it three-quarters of an hour to restore life, but unfortunately without success.

Dr. Miller, in his evidence, stated that he thought the conduct of the constable was most praiseworthy, as had there been any rocks or snags or old stumps in the waterhole McCrohon might have broken his neck when he dived in.

The coroner, in finding a verdict of accidental death, said that he had great pleasure in concurring with the opinion of Dr. Miller as to the conduct of Constable McCrohon, and that he would bring it under the favorable notice of the Inspector-General of Police.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/223383214

Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 – 1954),

Thursday 29 April 1915, page 4

MIDNIGHT STRUGGLE.

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST POLICE

At the Newtown Police Court yesterday, in a case in which Charles Joseph Wall, aged 27, was charged with assault, the evidence of Constable McCrohon was that while he was arresting a man at midnight of April 21, his prisoner resisted, and Wall and others tried to drag the prisoner free.

Finally witness was forced to let the man go, and he then arrested Wall.

Sergeant J. D. Scott said that at the police station Wall accused the constable of having assaulted him. Witness, at his request, looked at Wall‘s mouth, but it was not cut, and there was no sign of blood.

Wall, in defence, said he did not assist the prisoner to escape, all he did was to put his hand on McCrohon and say: ” Constable, let him go quietly. ” McCrohon was then down and was hitting the prisoner as he lay on the ground.

After the prisoner escaped, witness said to the policeman: ” I think you hit that man terrible with the baton. I think it is my place to go up and give evidence against you. ” McCrohon then arrested witness; and in the station he got witness by the mouth and shook him. His mouth was cut, and he was spitting blood.

Sydney Alexander Colls, a barman at the Oxford Hotel, Newtown, said that Wall did not interfere with the constable while the latter was struggling with his prisoner. The defendant was not intoxicated.

Sergeant Moran said he saw no injury. Defendant was shouting and was abusive.

The magistrate ( Mr. Payten ) said that he would not ask for any evidence to be called in rebuttal of the allegations against the police, but as the department might deem it necessary to hold an inquiry, he ordered a copy of the depositions to be forwarded.

In regard to the case itself, he did not think that the probability was that the constable, while violently struggling with his prisoner; could say that Wall was the man who assaulted him when there were other men there too.

No assault was disclosed that would merit punishment.

The case was dismissed.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/229330809

John Lindsay MARSH

| 26/10/2012

John Lindsay MARSH

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank: Constable 1st Class

Stations: ?, Glenn Innes ( 5 – 6 years ), Gloucester ( 10 months ) – death

Service: From 8 January 1930 to 9 November 1943 = 13+ years Service

Awards: ?

Born: ? ? 1909

Died on: Monday 9 November 1942 about 2pm

Event location: southern end of Church St, Gloucester

Death location: at MVA scene

Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident, Police bike & sidecar – Rider

Age: 33

Funeral date: Wednesday 11 November 1942 @ 2pm

Funeral location: St James Church of England, Maclean

Buried : Maclean General (Anglican).

Cameron Street, Maclean.

Anglican, Section C, Row CC, Lot 13

GPS: -29.466111, 153.201944

Memorial at:

Touch plate at National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra

John Lindsay MARSH Maclean General (Anglican). Cameron Street, Maclean. GPS 29 27' 58S / 153 123' 07E — John Lindsay MARSH
Maclean General (Anglican). Cameron Street, Maclean.

[alert_green]JOHN is included in the NSW Police Honour Roll.[/alert_green]

On 9 November, 1942 Constable Marsh was riding a police motor cycle outfit in Church Street, Gloucester. The cycle collided with a post, overturned and threw the constable to the roadway. As a result Constable Marsh suffered a fractured skull and despite being taken to hospital, died the same day.

The constable was born in 1909 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 8 January, 1930. At the time of his death he was stationed at Gloucester.

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The Dungog Chronicle Friday, 13 November, 1942 page 3 of 4

“SHOCKING ACCIDENT. CONSTABLE MARSH KILLED.

A distressing fatality occurred in the southern end of Church Street, Gloucester, on Monday afternoon, when Constable John Lindsay Marsh was thrown from his motor cycle and received severe head injuries from which he died within a few minutes. The occurrence happened about 2 p.m., just at a small culvert almost in front of the home of Mrs. J. West, Sen. The constable left town and was on his way to Ward’s River on official duty. A few minutes before he was at the motor garage of Mr. A. Grahame and in excellent spirits. Mr. Jack West, who saw the happening from his home, said Mr. Marsh seemed to be doing something to the gears of the cycle. It suddenly veered to the left-hand side of the road way and the wheel of the sidecar struck the guide post of the culvert. The rider was thrown into the air and in falling his head appeared to come in contact with the hard road. The machine overturned, also, and skidded partly under the injured man. Constable Marsh was unconscious when help arrived, within a short space of time, but passed away without regaining consciousness, some fifteen or twenty minutes later. In addition to his parents, widow and son, the deceased is survived by four sisters: Mrs. Boon and Mrs. Moses, of Kogarah; Mrs. William S. Friar, 19 Boyce Street, Taree; and Mrs. Farlow, of Maclean.”

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NSWBDM

Born – 5214/1909 Father = Walter Mother = Barbara A MacLean District

Married 1932 to Sheila Daphne MARSH nee THOMAS in Narrabri, NSW – born 1912

Death – 26323/1942 Father = Walter Mother = Barbara Ann

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Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 – 1954), Wednesday 11 November 1942, page 2

CONSTABLE KILLED

Lower River Native To Be Given Police Funeral AT MACLEAN TO-DAY.

First-class Constable John Lindsay Marsh, who was killed while on duty at Gloucester on Monday afternoon, will be accorded a police funeral at Maclean this afternoon.

This will be the first police funeral held in the Grafton district for many years. Fifteen police in charge of Inspector B. H. Baxter, of Grafton, will attend the funeral.

Constable Marsh, who was a native of the Lower Clarence, had been stationed at Gloucester for nearly a year. On Monday afternoon he was riding a motor cycle along the main road on the outskirts of the town when the machine skidded on some rough road and crashed into a post, throwing Constable Marsh heavily to the ground. He received severe head injuries from which he died about half an hour later before he could be removed to hospital.

The body was taken to Taree and put on the train for Grafton. It was taken from Grafton to Maclean yesterday afternoon for the funeral at Maclean at 2 o’clock this afternoon.

Constable Marsh, whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Marsh, of Palmer’s Island, are well-known residents of the Lower River, was born at Maclean 33 years ago, and joined the New South Wales police force about 13 years ago. He was stationed al places in the north-west of the State and at Glen Innes, and went to Gloucester about a year ago. During the time that he was stationed at Gloucester he proved a most efficient officer and won the esteem and affection of a very large circle of friends, who were deeply grieved to learn of his tragic death.

As Constable Marsh had been killed on duty it has been decided that he be given a police funeral, and Inspector Baxter, whose district the funeral will take place, has been instructed to arrange for this. Police from Grafton, South Grafton, Ulmarra. Maclean. Brushgrove, Lawrence; and Harwood Island, will be in Maclean for the funeral this afternoon. They will march ahead of the hearse, and at the cemetery will form a guard of honor. Some of them will also act as pall-bearers.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article194064086.txt

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Gloucester Advocate (NSW : 1905 – 1954), Tuesday 10 November 1942, page 2

Shocking Accident,

CONSTABLE MARSH KILLED.

A distressing fatality occurred in the southern end of Church Street, Gloucester yesterday afternoon, when Constable John Lindsay Marsh was thrown from his motor cycle and received severe head injuries from which he died within a few minutes.

The occurrence happened about 2 p.m., just at a small culvert almost in front of the home of Mrs. J. West, Sen. The Constable left town and was on his way to Ward’s River on official duty. A few minutes before he was at the motor garage of Mr. A. Grahame and in excellent spirits.

Mr. Jack West, who saw the happening from his home, said Mr. Marsh seemed to be doing something to the gears of the cycle. It suddenly veered to the left-hand side of the road and the wheel of the side-car struck the guide post of the culvert. The rider was thrown into the air and in falling his head appeared to come in contact with the hard road. The machine overturned, also, and skidded partly under the injured man.

Constable Marsh was unconscious when help arrived, within a short space of time, but passed away with out regaining consciousness some fifteen or twenty minutes later. The Ambulance, from Taree, was sent for immediately after the happening and on its arrival the body was conveyed from Mrs. West’s residence to Howard’s funeral parlour.

An inquest into the cause of the accident and death will be held.

Constable Marsh had been stationed in Gloucester for the past eleven months. He succeeded Constable Jack Casey when this officer was transferred to Glen Innes. He was an extremely likeable officer and had gained the goodwill of all sections of the community. He was of a happy disposition and displayed same in the course of his duty, and in the spending of his leisure hours.- To us he seemed the type that might genuinely be termed a good sport, and gave evidence of the trait in a man’s make-up that makes for this quality on a number of occasions, both in and out of Court.

During the past few months, whenever Constable Marsh had an hour or two away from the more serious duties of his job, he spent same in the garden and grounds at the Police Station. The trim and well-kept appearance there tell more plainly than words of his gardening ability and the. pride and pleasure shown in’ its doing.

Genuine regret will be general at this popular officer’s sad and sudden passing.

Mr. W. T. Howard . took the body to Taree by, hearse, last evening to be conveyed, later to Maclean, where Constable Marsh’s parents live.

Deceased will be accorded a Police funeral.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article160198670.txt

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John Edward DUNN

| 26/10/2012

John Edward DUNN

New South Wales Police Force

Shot – Murdered

Detective Constable 1st Class

35 years

Wollongong

25 April, 1940

On 25 April, 1940 Sergeant Hall attended a dwelling in Ocean Street, Wollongong where an offender named Hinsby had beaten his wife to death.

After he was confronted and threatened by the offender, who had now taken siege in the house, he called for reinforcements.

Among those to attend were Detectives John Dunn and R.A. Debney.

While negotiations were taking place with the offender, a piece of paper was thrown from a window, and, assuming that it was a note from the offender, Detective Debney crept up to the window to retrieve the paper. As he did so, a shot was fired from inside the house, through the window. The shot struck Detective Dunn, who was waiting nearby and watching Detective Debney. The bullet hit Detective Dunn in the forehead and he was killed instantly.

Tear gas was then used in an effort to flush the offender out, however it was soon found that Hinsby had committed suicide.

The Advocate newspaper of 22 May, 1940 reported briefly on the inquest into the matter.

RISKED LIFE ONLY TO SEE COMRADE SHOT

SYDNEY, Tuesday – “You two are married, I’m single. I’ll go and get it.” Saying this to two other detectives, Detective Debney went to a window of a house in which an armed murderer was holding the police at bay at Wollongong on April 25 to receive a paper which had fallen from the window.

When he reached the window a shot was fired and Detective Dunn, one of the detectives who had remained behind, fell fatally wounded.

This story was told at the inquest to-day into the death of Detective John Edward Dunn (35), George Hinsby (55), and his wife, Amelia Devine Hinsby (45).

The Coroner found that Hinsby murdered his wife and Detective Dunn and committed suicide while temporarily insane.

It was stated in evidence that since an accident 15 years ago Hinsby had been subject to ungovernable fits of rage.”

The detective constable was born in Victoria in 1904 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 27 March, 1929.

At the time of his death he was stationed at Wollongong.

John was, reportedly, married to Lawna DUNN nee COOK.

Sergeant Frank LUND

| 26/10/2012

Sergeant Frank LUND

New South Wales Police Force

Illness – Suicide

41 years

Hunters Hill

13 January, 1940

The sergeant died from a self-inflicted bullet wound at the Hunters Hill Police Station on Saturday 13 January, 1940. Nothing further is known about this incident.

The Sydney Morning Herald of 15 January, 1940 reported the following.

POLICE SERGEANT SHOT.

When a constable called at the Hunters Hill Police Station on Saturday he discovered the body of Sergeant Frank Lund, 41, in a cell with a service revolver near his right hand. There was a bullet wound through Sergeant Lund’s head and a note in his handwriting was found nearby. Sergeant Lund lived at the station, and earlier in the day his family left to visit friends. For some time Sergeant Lund had been suffering from nerves and the note he left indicated that he feared that his mind might become affected.

At the time of his death the sergeant was 41 years old and was stationed at Hunters Hill.

Cornelius Martin CARROLL

| 26/10/2012

Cornelius Martin CARROLL

aka Con

( late of 8 St David’s Road, Concord )

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ??

Rank: Detective Sergeant 3rd Class

Stations: ?, Burwood, Petersham ( O.I.C. – Detectives )

Service: From 24 February 1915 to 6 June 1939 = 24+ years Service

Awards: No Find on It’s an Honour

Born: ? ? 1888 in Ireland

Died on: Tuesday 6 June 1939

Cause: Struck by a Motor Vehicle

Event location: Parramatta Rd, near Ross St, Camperdown

Age: 50

Funeral date: Thursday 8 June 1939 @ 8am

Funeral location: St Mary’s Church, Concord

Buried at: Rookwood Catholic Cemetery @ 2.30pm

Section: Mortuary 2 – 12 533

Lat / Long: -33.88171, 151.05267

CORNELIUS IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

About 6pm on 6 June, 1939 Detective Sergeant ‘ Con ‘ Carroll, the Officer in Charge of Detectives at Petersham, left his station to meet with an informant near the Sydney University.

In Parramatta Road near Ross Street, Camperdown he was accidentally hit by a car and was killed instantly. A report of the death was published in the Sydney Morning Herald of 7 June,1939.

DETECTIVE KILLED – Knocked Down by Car. 1939

Detective Sergeant Cornelius Carroll, 50, of St David’s Road, Concord was knocked down and killed by a motor car in Parramatta Road near Ross Street, Forest Lodge last night. Detective Sergeant Carroll had been in the police force 25 years, mostly in the Burwood and Petersham areas. He was in charge of the detectives at Petersham.

Detectives Brown and Rowland were informed that Detective Sergeant Carroll was either walking across the road or had just alighted from a tram when the accident occurred. The driver of the motor car did not see him until the impact, which fractured Detective Sergeant Carroll’s skull and limbs, killing him instantly.

Detective Sergeant Carroll’s body was taken to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital by the Central District Ambulance. Detective Brown who was a close friend did not know whose death he was investigating until Detective Sergeant Carroll’s papers were found at the city morgue.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17604312

Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to communicate with Detective Parmeter or Detective Wiggins at the Camperdown police station.

The sergeant was born in 1888 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 24 February, 1915.

At the time of his death he was stationed at Petersham.

He was buried at Rookwood Catholic Cemetery.

As an aside, there was a Cornelius Daniel CARROLL who joined the NSW Police Force, as a Police Cadet, on the 12 February 1941. Cadet # 309.

It is not known if C.D. Carroll is related to Cornelius CARROLL who died in June 1939.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Thursday 8 June 1939 p8

CARROLL – June 6 1939 suddenly Cornelius John ( Con ) Carroll detective sergeant of police dearly loved husband of Catherine Mary Carroll and father of Martin Josephine (Greta) Mary and Cornelius ( Conny ) aged 51 years Requiescat in pace.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17612052

Crookwell Gazette

Wednesday 21 June 1939 p 1

FULLERTON NEWS

SERGT. CARROLL’S DEATH SUCCUMBED TO INJURIES

On June 6 th. Detective-Sergeant Cornelius Carroll (“Con” to every one) had just signed off from duty at 6 p.m. and was waiting on the Parramatta Road, near the University, Sydney, for a bus to take him home to Concord, when he observed that a car coming along was one he was looking for.

On the impulse he stepped in front of the car to stop the driver, but the car crashed right into Carroll, who was flung and carried 100 yards.

He was picked up and given medical attention but died very shortly afterwards from his injuries.

The driver had gone on and escaped. ( This doesn’t appear to be true – after reading other articles stemming from the Coroners Court )

The funeral on Thursday went from Burwood R.C. Church to the R.C. portion of Rookwood Cemetery.

The cortege was headed by the Sydney Police Band playing The Dead March. Over 200 police followed as a tribute of respect to a comrade who had always been popular in the Force for his geniality and readiness to do a good turn.

He was well known to the “underworld,” who regarded him as a “holy terror.”

Con Carroll was liked and known to many of the people of the Fullerton district, as up to a few years ago he was a frequent visitor to his parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Horgan, of Cartwright’s Creek, he having married their eldest daughter. Besides his widow, he is survived by his four children, Martin, the Misses Gretta and Mary and Cornelius.

Detective Carroll was born in Ireland 51 years ago and always retained a great love for his native country and his church. He came to Sydney as a young man and had been in the Police Force in the Sydney district ever since his arrival in Australia. He had resided at Davis Street, Concord, for many years. The sudden tragedy came as a great shock to his aged mother-in-law, Mrs.

Mary Anne Hogan, who always looked upon the deceased as one of her own sons.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/221299636

The Sydney Morning Herald

Tuesday 11 July 1939 p16

DETECTIVE’S DEATH.

Finding of Accident.

The City Coroner Mr Oram at an adjourned inquest yesterday into the death of Detective sergeant Cornelius John Carroll, 50, of Davidson Street Concord who was knocked down by a motor car in Parramatta Road Forest Lodge on June 6, found that he was killed accidentally.

In previous evidence it had been stated that Carroll was on his way to keep an appointment with a female informer near the University grounds when he met his death.

In announcing his finding Mr Oram said that he could not commit the driver of the car for trial on a charge of manslaughter. Evidence was conflicting but it seemed to suggest that the car that struck the dead man was travelling in excess of 30 miles an hour in a built up area when the accident occurred. It was a border line case but there was no evidence that the driver displayed gross carelessness amounting to criminal negligence.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17616515

Harold William STURGISS

| 26/10/2012

Harold William STURGISS

( late of Emu Plains )

New South Wales Police Force

Regd #. 1943

Uniform # I690

Rank: Constable 1st Class

Stations: George St North Police Station, Granville, Penrith ( since 11 December 1928 ) – Death

Service: From 29 October 1924 to 2 February 1939 = 14+ years Service

Awards: No Find on It’s An Honour

Born: ? ? 1902 in Tarago in the Goulburn District

Died on: Thursday 2 February 1939

Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident – Police motor cycle rider

Location: High Street, Penrith approaching ( Victoria Bridge ) Nepean River bridge

Age: 36

Funeral date: Friday 3 February 1939

Funeral location: C of E portion of Penrith general cemetery

Buried at: Plot 14, Row AB, Anglican 1 Section ( unmarked grave ),

Cox Ave, Kingswood

Grave updated: On Tuesday, 11 July 2017, the UNMARKED grave of Cst Sturgiss was suitably MARKED.

Touch plate at the National Police Wall of Remembrance - Canberra — Touch plate at the National Police Wall of Remembrance – Canberra

The burial site of the late Harold William Sturgiss, unfortunately his burial site of Plot 14 is unmarked, the monument next to his burial site is Elizabeth and Frederick Lock, Plot 13, Row AB, Anglican 1 Section.<br /> In the photo, his burial site is to the left of the Lock Monument.<br /> — The burial site of the late **Harold William Sturgiss**, unfortunately his burial site of **Plot 14 is unmarked**, the monument next to his burial site is Elizabeth and Frederick Lock, **Plot 13, Row AB, Anglican 1 Section**.
In the photo, his burial site is to the left of the Lock Monument.

The unmarked grave of Harold is the dirt to the left of the well kept grave in the foreground

HAROLD IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

IN LOVING MEMORY OF CONSTABLE FIRST CLASS HAROLD WILLIAM STURGISS, NSW POLICE FORCE, 4-3-1902 - 2-2-1939. DIED AS A RESULT OF INJURIES RECEIVED ON DUTY Loving Husband to Florence Elva and Father to Norma and Raymond. — Another graves project completed today ( Tuesday 11 July 2017 ). Constable First Class Harold William Sturgiss died on the 2nd February 1939 as a result of a motor cycle accident on Victoria bridge Penrith, whilst on duty. It is with great satisfaction that today a 78 year old oversight has been remedied, and we are able to advise Cst 1/c Sturgiss’ elderly daughter that the work ( a properly marked grave ) has been completed.

Harold William STURGISS - as seen by Col Colam on Friday 28 August 2020. — As seen, by Col Colman on Friday 28 August 2020.

On the afternoon of 2 February, 1939, Constable Sturgiss was riding a police motorcycle outfit along High Street, Penrith. As he was negotiating a bend approaching the bridge over the Nepean River, the wheel of the sidecar struck the kerbing of the roadway. The cycle veered across the roadway and collided with a truck travelling in the opposite direction. Constable Sturgiss was thrown heavily to the roadway, sustaining severe injuries. He died in hospital a short time later.

The West Australian dated 3 February, 1939 contained the following brief paragraph relating to the constable’s death.

CONSTABLE’S FATAL INJURIES. SYDNEY, Feb. 2 –

Constable Harold William Sturgiss (37) died in the Nepean District Hospital today from injuries he received when his police motor cycle collided with a motor lorry on the eastern end of the bridge over the Nepean River at Penrith.

The constable was born in 1902 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 29 October, 1924. At the time of his death he was stationed at Penrith.

NSW Birth, Deaths & Marriages

Birth: 12276/1902 to David J & Margaret E STURGISS

Death: 3196/1939

The Sydney Morning Herald Friday 3 February 1939 p 9 of 26

STURGISS.- The Relatives and Friends of Mrs.

H. W. STURGISS and FAMILY, of Emu Plains, are invited to attend the Funeral of her dearly beloved HUSBAND and their dear FATHER, Harold William Sturgiss; to leave his late residence, Emu Plains, This Day, at 3.30 p.m.. for the Church of England Cemetery, Kingswood.

T. J. ANDREWS, A.F.D.A..

23-25 Enmore Road, Newtown.

Phones, L2873-4.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/17559160?searchTerm=harold%20william%20sturgiss&searchLimits=#pstart1173406

Nepean Times ( Penrith ) Thursday 9 February 1929 p 1 of 8

Fatality at River Bridge

DEATH OF CONSTABLE STURGISS

As briefly mentioned in the second edition of last issue, Constable Harold William Sturgiss (36), of Penrith Police Force, died in Nepean District Hospital last Thursday afternoon from injuries received shortly before when a motor cycle and sidecar he was riding got out of control at the eastern end of the Victoria Bridge, over the Nepean River, and ran into a motor lorry. The accident happened shortly after 1 p.m., when the constable was returning to his home at Emu Plains.

Approaching the bridge the constable was travelling on his correct side of the roadway, when the wheel of the sidecar struck the kerbing along the footpath. The wheel, it seemed, travelled hard on to the kerb and then suddenly swung across the roadway to the right hand side, striking the off front corner of a heavy motor truck carrying five tons of sand and travelling east.

Apparently the constable’s chest came in contact with the off corner of the lorry and then slid along the side, striking the off rear wheel. This threw him off the machine on to the roadway.

INQUEST

The district coroner, Mr E. F. Rule, held an inquiry into the fatality at Penrith Court House yesterday.

Sergeant Sheridan stated that approaching the bridge from the eastern end there was a very sharp curve to the left, and eyewitnesses stated that as the motor cycle was being driven around the curve the wheel of the sidecar struck the kerbing on the left hand side going west, and then suddenly the cycle swung to the left with the sidecar up in the air. Deceased appeared to make every effort to right the cycle, but failed to do so, with the result that it struck the motor truck with great force.

The Ambulance was soon on the scene and he was taken to Penrith Hospital.

Deceased was regarded as a very careful motor cycle rider, stated the Sergeant, and had been riding departmental bikes for ten years. The bike used on this occasion was in good repair, added the Sergeant.

Cedric Russell Neville, contractor, residing at Merrylands, stated that he was at present employed carting gravely sand, and blue stone from the Emu Plains Gravel Coy’s. works to the Water Board’s construction works at Eastern Creek. At the eastern end of the river bridge his lorry was doing about 10 – 15 miles an hour. The motor cycle ridden by the constable came round the bend on its correct side. Witness was on his correct side. The sidecar wheel bumped the kerb, and the car immediately jumped into the air. Then the cycle swerved across to witness’s lorry, striking the off rear wheel. Witness stopped immediately Some lady in the vicinity immediately rang for the Ambulance.

Dr. Barrow, who examined deceased at the Hospital, stated that his injuries were a fractured right arm, a double fracture of the right forearm, extensive fractures to the ribs on the right side of the back, pelvis bone fracture, and extensive shock. The cause of death was shock and visceral

injuries.

The coroner extended sympathy to the bereaved widow, and stated that deceased’s record as a police officer was of the highest, and it was a tragedy that the career of a man so young should be cut off in this way.

A verdict of accidental death was returned.

DECEASED’S CAREER

The late Constable Sturgiss was born at Tarrago 36 years ago and was the son of Mr and Mrs D. Sturgiss, of that town. Deceased joined the New South Wales police force in Sydney on 29th October, 1924. He was attached to George Street North and Granville stations before coming to Penrith on 11th December, 1928, and had carried on duties here as a motor cyclist of the force. He had been residing at Emu Plains since 18th March, 1929.

Constable Sturgiss was a very efficient officer of the force and both in his official and private capacity enjoyed the esteem of many who knew him. He was obliging, courteous, and conscientious, and his tragic passing is a great sorrow to many friends.

He is survived by Mrs Sturgiss, a son (Ramond) and daughter (Norma).

THE FUNERAL

The funeral, on Friday afternoon, was one of the most largely attended in Penrith for some time, the force and the civilian population being well represented. It was Impressive evidence of the esteem in which the deceased was held as an officer and as a citizen.

The cortege left deceased’s residence at Emu Plains at 3.30 p.m., escorted by four police motor cyclists, who acted as pall-bearers.

At Riley Street the procession was joined by the Police Band and a contingent of police of Penrith and surrounding stations, as well as some from the city.

Inspector Cannell, of Parramatta, represented the Commissioner of Police.

The Police Band and police unit escorted the cortege as far as the police station, after which the members proceeded to the cemetery by cars.

The interment was in the C. of E. portion of Penrith general cemetery, the service being conducted by the Rector. Rev. R. S. Capple.

Numerous wreaths were forwarded including wreaths from Penrith and Parramatta police and the Police Officer’s Association, Sydney.

It was an official funeral and the casket was draped with a Union Jack.

The P.A.F.S. and L.O.L. Orders were largely represented, deceased being secretary of the local lodges in each ease.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/101057355?searchTerm=harold%20william%20sturgiss&searchLimits=#pstart10719157

STURGISS - In loving memory of my beloved husband and our dear father, Harold William, who was accidentally killed on February 2, 1939. Always remembered and sadly missed by his loving wife and children, Norma and Raymond. — **IN MEMORIUM** STURGISS – In loving memory of my beloved husband and our dear father, Harold William, who was accidentally killed on February 2, 1939. Always remembered and sadly missed by his loving wife and children, Norma and Raymond.

Frederick James McLAUGHLAN

| 26/10/2012

Frederick James McLAUGHLAN

Frederick James McLAUCHLAN *

Late of Campsie

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ‘ Q ‘ 9623

For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )

Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 11 March 1913

Final Rank = Constable 1st Class

Stations: ?, Balgownie – from mid 1922 ( Cst & Cst 1/c ), Pt Kembla ( Cst 1/c ) – Death

Service: From ? ? pre March 1913? to Discharged Medically unfit November 1930 = 18 years Service

Awards: No find on It’s An Honour

Born: 28 August 1890 in Cust, Canterbury, New Zealand

Died on: Saturday 3 December 1938 in Canterbury, NSW

Age: 47

Cause: Arrest injuries

Event location: Port Kembla

Event date: Friday 6 January 1922

Funeral date: Monday 5 December 1938

Funeral location: Rookwood Cemetery, Rookwood, NSW

Wake location: ?

Funeral Parlour: ?

Buried at: Cremated – Ashes scattered at Rookwood. No Memorial at Rookwood

Memorial located at: Oak Flats Police Station – main entrance wall and also inside security hall

THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2014<br /> Located on the front wall to Oak Flats Police Station. NSW Police Force Constable 1st Class Frederick James McLAUGHLAN. Died as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty, Port Kembla, NSW. 3 December 1938. — **THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2014**
**Located on the front wall to Oak Flats Police Station.**

Frederick James McLAUGHLAN — **THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2014**
RETIRED POLICE DAY HELD AT LAKE ILLAWARRA POLICE STATION, OAK FLATS.
**Memorial Plaque hanging inside the Secure foyer of Oak Flats Police Station, NSW.**

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

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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May they forever Rest In Peace

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On 6 January, 1922 Constable McLaughlan attended a disturbance at Port Kembla. While he was attempting to arrest a man who had been involved in a fight, another man tried to hit the constable with a bottle of beer. The constable consequently punched the man in the mouth and in so doing received a deep cut to his right hand.

After suffering some discomfort with the injury, the constable sought medical attention. Complications with his health developed over the next few years and it was eventually determined that he was suffering from an aortic aneurism, the result of an infection from the injury sustained when he punched the offender in 1922. He was discharged medically unfit in November, 1930 and passed away on 3 December, 1938.

The constable was born in 1890 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 11 March, 1913. At the time of his injury he was stationed at Port Kembla.

BeyondCourage

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Surname	Given Names	Notice Type	Date	Event	Age	Other Details	Publication	Published
McLAUGHLAN	Frederick James	Death notice	03DEC1938	Death		late of Campsie	Sydney Morning Herald	05DEC1938
McLAUGHLAN	Frederick James	Funeral notice	05DEC1938	Cremation			Sydney Morning Herald	05DEC1938

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BDM New Zealand

BIRTH: Reg. # 1890/16913. Frederick James McLAUCHLAN

MOTHER: Elizabeth

FATHER: James

NO FIND FOR A DEATH

NO FIND FOR A MARRIAGE – up to 1930

NO FIND UNDER McLAUGHLAN

https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/Search/

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BDM NSW

BIRTH: No find for McLAUCHLAN or McLAUGHLAN in NSW between 1880 – 1920

MARRIAGE: Reg. # 5225/1914 Frederick J McLAUCHLAN. BRIDE: Vera Alma BEST in Sydney (B: 1891 – D: 1 Sept 1954 )

DEATHS: Reg. # 22586/1938 Frederick James McLAUGHLAN Father: James Mother: Elizabeth Canterbury District. The parents in this Death have the same Christian names as the person born in N.Z.

In N.Z. his surname is spelt with the ‘C‘ but in NSW, his surname is spelt with the ‘G‘.

https://familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au/lifelink/familyhistory/search/

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Whilst updating this Memorial page on 16 September 2018, I found that this person is recorded in the NSW State Archives & Records under Registers of Police as having the surname spelt McLAUCHLAN & not McLAUGHLAN.

Numerous local newspaper articles also have him as McLAUCHLIN.

Cal

160918

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Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), Saturday 19 December 1942, page 16

MARRIAGES

BRUSSEL – McLAUCHLAN – November 23 at St John’s Church, Campsie, by the Rev. C. C. Short, Pamela, younger daughter of the late Mr Frederick James McLauchlan, and of Mrs Vera McLauchlan, to Hendrikus Brussel (M. N.), younger son of Mr and Mrs P Brussel of Leiden, Holland.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17807170#

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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 5 February 1926, page 16

NORTH ILLAWARRA COUNCIL.

At the meeting on Wednesday night, all the aldermen were present.

From Constable McLauchlan intimating that his transfer not having been yet arranged for definitely he was prepared to continue inspection of slaughter premises. — Agreed to.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/142467870

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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 15 January 1926, page 19

WOLLONGONG COURT.

MONDAY.

Drink. — Walker Chaulker pleaded guilty to charges of drunkenness and of offensive words at Balgownie.

Constable McLauchlan stated that Chaulker was behaving in a violent manner with a paling in his hand, and when spoken to by himself addressed the language to him.

Fined £2 for language and for drunkenness 10/-.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/142468904

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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 27 February 1925, page 21

QUARTER SESSIONS

Assault.

William Pollack (18) pleaded not guilty to a charge of indecently assaulting Muriel Hughes at Tarrawanna. There was a second account of common assault.

Mr. Clancy, instructed by Mr. Morgan for defence. Accused exhausted his right of challenging jury.

Muriel Hughes deposed on the night of the 24th November, when she was on her way home from the Pictures at Corrimal to Tarrawanna, accused accosted her and threw her down. She screamed and he went off.

Witness had three years before had had an illegitimate child.

Br. Mr. Clancy witness was asked about habits of being out late at night; she went to dances.

Constable McLauchlan gave evidence of arrest of accused at Mount Pleasant Colliery, and produced a statement signed by accused.

Accused in a statement from the dock said he had merely put his arm round the girl’s waist; she struggled and they both fell; if he hurt her, he was sorry.

Alexander Drain deposed that on the day following the alleged assault, he had heard Muriel Hughes speak of it laughingly. Acquitted.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/142845554

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Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 20 Nov. 1925 (No.111), page 5044

[7918] Department of Lands,

Sydney, 20th November, 1925.

AUTHORITIES FOR PROSECUTION OF TRESPASSERS ON CROWN LANDS.

IT is hereby notified, for general information, that the undermentioned members of the Police Force and other persons are authorised and empowered to prefer informations in writing, under and in pursuance of the provisions of the Crown Lands Acts, against any person or persons in unlawful occupation or use of Crown Lands, or lands granted, reserved, or dedicated for public purposes, or found cutting or removing timber, or stripping or removing bark, or digging for or removing stone, soil, or other material therefrom, without holding a license.

They are further authorised to sue for and recover such penalty or penalties as any such person or persons shall have incurred for and in respect of such unlawful occupation, use, or proceedings.

[ Leases 1925-18,180]

P. F. LOUGHLIN,

Minister for Lands.

Friday 20 Nov. 1925 Government Gazette of NSW Page 5044

Station. Name of Person authorised Rank

Balgownie McLaughlan, Frederick James Constable 1st Class

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/223016587

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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 4 July 1924, page 16

NORTH ILLAWARRA COUNCIL.

At the meeting on Wednesday night | all the aldermen were present.

Correspondence.

Meat Inspector and Impounder

There were four applications in reply to advts. ( adverts ) for the above office. In the course of discussion, the Mayor said the finances would not admit of the appointment of the proposed officer. He recommended appointing a combined maintenance Workman and impounder and asking department’s permits for Constable. McLauchlan ( who had applied to be appointed for meat inspection ). This was agreed to, former position to be advertised. It was proposed to allow £1 a week for forage, but an amendment reduced this to 10/.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/142457922

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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 8 August 1924, page 15

NORTH ILLAWARRA COUNCIL.

At the meeting on Wednesday evening there were present all the aldermen.

Correspondence

From Inspector-General Mitchell, ; stating there would be no objection to Constable McLauchlan acting as Inspector of slaughter premise.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/142459398

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Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong, NSW : 1856 – 1950), Friday 2 March 1923, page 3

POLICE COURT.

Wollongong — Friday, February 23rd. ( Before Mr. M. T. McMahon, S.M.)

Alleged Shooting with Intent.

Reginald Davidson, 21, was charged that on 20th February he did, at Fairy Meadow, shoot at Stanley Robinson with intent to do him grievous bodily harm. Mr. Morgan appeared for defendant.

Constable McLauchlan, stationed at Balgownie, deposed that at 10.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 20th inst., he went to Mr. Elliott‘s house at Fairy Meadow. He knocked at the door, which was opened by Mr. Elliott.

In the kitchen he saw defendant and said, ‘I want that revolver you were shooting with tonight,’ and he ‘replied, ‘I have no revolver, and did not shoot at anybody.’

He called Robert Robinson and pointing to defendant said, ‘Do you know this man?’ He replied, ‘Yes, that is the man who shot at us tonight.’

He then called Stanley Robinson and he said, ‘That’s the man who fired the revolver off at me.’

Witness questioned Davidson, who replied, ‘I did not mean to shoot them. I had a few drinks, and I will tell you all about it.’ I was with Jack Elliott at Wollongong this afternoon, We met Mrs. Robinson and a young lady with a baby. They told me her name was Mrs. Taylor. We all got pretty drunk and went home to Elliott‘s in a motor car. We had more drink at Elliotts.

At 9 o ‘clock someone knocked at the door, and I heard a man ask for Mrs. Taylor. They had an argument, as she wouldn’t go home with him. The man walked inside and took the baby. He ( defendant ) struggled with the man on the verandah and fired off a revolver to frighten him.

Defendant was then arrested. Defendant subsequently told witness that he had thrown the revolver into the dam, and which witness recovered loaded in four chambers, and with one empty shell.

Witness asked Davidson who the revolver belonged to and he replied Jack Elliott. About three months ago he had a row with his wife, and I told him I would throw the revolver into the dam, but I hung it up, behind a picture.’

Witness recovered the revolver in a dam about 200 yards away from Elliott‘s place. Defendant boards at Elliott‘s.

There were several bottles nearly empty on the premises when defendant was arrested.

Stanley Robinson, living at Fairy Meadow, deposed that he went to Elliott‘s place on the evening of the 20th to bring home his sister, whose name is Mrs. Taylor. His brother and brother-in-law were with him. While his brother was talking to his sister a man came out of the door and made a punch at him ( witness ). The blow missed and they closed, and they rolled from the verandah on to the ground, where witness was on top.

Defendant was the man who wrestled with witness. Defendant stepped back about four paces and pulled a revolver from his hip pocket and fired at him. He ( witness ) saw the flash, but the bullet missed.

When defendant fired witness went to run, but fell over the fence, and defendant said ‘I’ve got the ____.’

Witness had never seen defendant to speak to before.

Robert Robinson gave corroborative evidence.

Leonard William Taylor, hairdresser, Keira Street, Wollongong, deposed that. he went to Elliott‘s place on the night in question. Saw accused there, and saw him make a hit at Stanley Robinson, after which there was a scuffle and they both fell. The accused then fired the revolver at Stanley Robinson, and the two Robinsons ran away.

The accused reserved his defence and was committed for trial.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/133020348

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Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong, NSW : 1856 – 1950), Friday 9 February 1923, page 9

DETECTIVES WAITING.

SENSATIONAL ARRESTS.

A sensational arrest was made at Balgownie Co-operative Store at 2 a.m. on Tuesday, when Detective Sergeants Barclay and Thornley, Plain Clothes Constables Morgan and Cameron, and Constable McLauchlan found Sydney Hill, 58, and Albert (Duck) Clarke, 45, on the premises with a kit of house-breaking tools. Both men were brought to Wollongong lockup, and charged with breaking and entering.

The defendants were brought before the Court on Tuesday, and charged. Evidence, however, was not entered on, and the cases were remanded till Monday next, 12th instant. Bail was allowed — self in £80 or two sureties of £40. In Clarke’s case alone was bail forthcoming.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/133019136

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Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 21 July 1922 (No.111), page 3943

[7918] Department of Lands,

Sydney, 14th July, 1922.

AUTHORITIES FOR PROSECUTION OF TRESPASSERS ON CROWN LANDS.

They are further authorised to sue for and recover such penalty or penalties as any such person or persons shall have incurred for and in respect of such unlawful occupation, use, or proceedings.

[ Occ. 1922-4,267]

W. E. WEARNE,

Minister for Lands.

Friday 21 July 1922 Government Gazette of NSW Page 3943

Station. Name of Person authorised Rank

Balgownie McLaughlan, Frederick James Constable

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222083225

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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 16 June 1922, page 4

WOLLONGONG COURT.

MONDAY. Fencing Posts for Firewood.

Godfrey Williamson pleaded guilty to a charge of larceny of posts, property of the Towrodgi ( Towradgi ) Park Trust.

Constable McLauchlan deposed that he visited a house at Balgownie, and found the missing posts there in a load of firewood.

Then spoke to accused who admitted having sold the posts in a load of fire wood.

G. W. Payne, chairman of the trust, deposed that a considerable part of the boundary fence had been taken away ; there had been much destruction done at the park ; about a dozen seats had been torn up and taken and a shed damaged.

Defendant, a returned soldier, said he had been off work and under the doctor for six weeks; he took the posts at the fence, seeing the state it was in and supposing these would not be required.

Mr. Payne said the trustees only wanted a caution administered.

Fined 20/ costs 8/, witnesses 32/.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/142241992

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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 2 June 1922, page 9

BALGOWNIE

(Correspondent.)

On Friday evening, 19th, the local School of Arts was the scene of a very happy gathering of adults and young folks who had assembled to express feelings of goodwill and appreciation, and also farewell greetings to ConstableFrewin, Mrs. Frewin and family, who have been, recently transferred to Watson’s Bay.

The function also included a formal welcome to his successor, Constable McLauchlan; and Mrs. McLauchlan.

The early part of the programme was mainly vocal, and was shown much appreciation of Mr. P. Meizer presided, acting for Mr. Alridge, who had been called away to another urgent meeting.

The chairman directed the attention of those assembled to the aim of their presence there that evening— to do honor and show their appreciation both verbally and materially, to the guests of the evening. Mr. W. Madden spoke of the Frewin family, both in private and social life in terms of esteem.

Mr. S. W. Sproule, on behalf of the public, presented to the guests a very fine silver tea and coffee service, also personal gifts to Constable Frewin of a fountain pen, and to Mrs. Frewin a beautifully bound volume of Tennyson’s poems. Speaking, he said, from having known Constable and Mrs. Frewin, he spoke words of praise, congratulating the constable on his promotion to such a comfortable retreat as Watson’s Bay. He also welcomed Constable McLauchlan.

After Constable Frewin‘s acknowledgements, the remainder of the time was spent socially and in dancing.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/142241590

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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 25 November 1921, page 17

WOLLONGONG COURT.

MONDAY.

Thomas J. Williams and Arthur Floyd for drunkenness in Main road, Corrimal, were each fined 5/ and 8/ costs.

Thomas A. Ryan and James Stewart were charged with being on hotel premises in prohibited hours. — Constable McLaughlan deposed to having seen the defendants at 10.30 p.m. in the Great Eastern Hotel, Port Kembla ; Stewart said he was seeking a bed. Each fined 10/ and 8/ costs.

Richard M?????a pleaded not guilty to a charge of being in the Great Eastern Hotel, he being a prohibited person.

Constable McLauchlan deposed that on the 12th instant he saw defendant go into the bar of the Great Eastern ; witness asked the licensee if he knew that man, he replied he did not know his name; the licensee also, in reply, said he had served him several drinks during the day; just then, he called for five drinks, but as he did not pay for them he (licensee) told him to get out. — In reply to Mr. Morgan ( for the defence ) witness said defendant had been a source of annoyance to the police ever since the order had been made against him. — Defendant denied having been inside, he merely looked in to see if his brother was there. — Mrs. Brunning deposed she had given defendant, who was her uncle, a letter to give to her father, who lived at the hotel.

By Sergt. McAuley : Defendant had had some drink that day.

Constable McLauchlan, recalled, deposed he saw defendant with his brother before he went into the hotel. —

Fined 20/, 8/ costs.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/142235104

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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 20 December 1918, page 12

MONDAY.

Constable McLauchlan, Port Kembla, deposed that Alfred Cummins drank to excess and caused much trouble. — Prohibition order for 12 months.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/142704783

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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 27 July 1917, page 22

WOLLONGONG COURT

TUESDAY.

Patrick Kennedy was charged with indecent language at Port Kembla, and with no lawful visible means.

Constable McLauchlan deposed that defendant had been discharged from the penitentiary on the 26th February; he had been at Port Kembla for five months, and had done about three weeks work. He had been about hotels a nuisance in the bars; if people would not shout, he wanted to fight them. He had earned £2 8s the last week and had 14s coming to him.

The D.S.M. said that when arrested he was not without lawful means, having been earning money. Information dismissed. A number of previous convictions were read by Sergt Toohey.

For indecent indecent language fined £5 or 2 months.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/141641155

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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954), Friday 2 June 1916, page 8

WOLLONGONG COURT

WEDNESDAY.

Thomas Osborne, thirty-three, was charged with drunkenness in Wollongong, fined half a crown. For insulting words to Constable McLauchlan, fined twenty shillings or seven days. Fines paid.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/141651250

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Leslie Andrew NASH

| 26/10/2012

Leslie Andrew NASH

New South Wales Police Force

Late of 6 Clarence St, Penshurst, NSW

Regd. # ????

Uniform # 87A or 97A

Rank: Commenced Training at ? Academy on Tuesday 5 April 1921

Probationary Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?

Final Rank: Constable 1st Class

Stations: Parramatta ( 1924 ), Sutherland, Hurstville ( 1928 – 1935 )

Service: From 5 April 1921 to 15 April 1935 = 14 years, 0 months, 10 days Service

Awards: ?

Born: 22 December 1898 in Parkes, NSW

Died: Monday 15 April 1935

Cause: Illness – Suicide- service revolver

Age: 36 years, 3 months, 24 days

Event location: Hurstville Police Station

Funeral date: Tuesday 16 April 1935

Funeral location: St Declan’s Church, Penshurst @ 2.30pm

Buried at: Woronora Cemetery, Sutherland

Grave Location: Roman Catholic Monumental Section 3 – Plot: 0493

In Loving Memory of our dear father and mother. Leslie Andrew NASH, Died 15 April 1935 aged 37 years. Catherine Sarah NASH, Died 2 June 1959, aged 56 years. R.I.P. — In Loving Memory of our dear father and mother. **Leslie Andrew NASH**, Died 15 April 1935 aged 37 years. **Catherine Sarah NASH**, Died 2 June 1959, aged 56 years. R.I.P.

Coroners Inquest: Tuesday 30 April 1935

LESLIE is NOT mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance ( 2021 ) * BUT SHOULD BE

Constable Nash is thought to have been shot to death, possibly while on duty, on 15 April, 1935. It was thought that he had committed suicide however little is known about this incident and to some extent it remains a mystery.

The Hurstville Propeller newspaper dated 18 April, 1935 published the following article.

CONSTABLE FOUND SHOT AT HURSTVILLE POLICE STATION.

First-Class Constable Leslie Andrew Nash, station officer at the Hurstville Police Station, was found dead at the station early on Monday morning. Constable Nash commenced duty at 5 a.m. Constable Harvey left the station and when he returned Nash was missing. A search revealed his body in the bathroom attached to the station. Nash’s service revolver was nearby.

The Sydney Morning Herald of 16 April, 1935 added a bit more to the story.

POLICEMAN FOUND SHOT. Constable Leslie Andrew Nash, 38, was found dead in the bathroom at the Hurstville Police Station yesterday morning with a bullet wound in his head. A revolver was found nearby. Nash was to have sat for an examination yesterday morning and had been in ill-health for some time. For the last eight years, Nash, who was a first class constable with 14 years service, had been stationed at Hurstville and was well liked and respected in the district. He had previously been stationed at Sutherland. He is survived by a widow and five children.

The constable was born in 1897 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 5 April, 1921. At the time of his death he was stationed at Hurstville.

Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners’ Advocate

Tuesday 30 April 1935 P9

WORRIED OVER LECTURES

Constable Committed Suicide

SYDNEY, Monday,

Forgetting what he had been told at lectures, Constable Leslie Nash, 37, committed suicide at Hurstville Police Station on April 15.

At the inquest today, Constable James Harvey said that Nash told him that he was worrying over a departmental examination that day, and had forgotten what he had been told.

Returning a verdict of suicide, the Coroner said that the case was very sad.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article139251811.txt

Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser (NSW : 1856 – 1861; 1863 – 1889; 1891 – 1954),

Monday 15 April 1935, page 1

CONSTABLE SUICIDES

Strain of ill-Health Too Great

Sydney, Monday.

Constable Leslie Andrew Nash (38), was found dead at the Hurstville Police Station early this morning with a gun shot wound in the head.

He was acting as station officer. It appears that the man, who had been in ill health, had been told that he would have to undergo a serious operation. Some time later he was missing, and a search resulted in the discovery of his body in the bathroom attached to the station, with a revolver lying nearby.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article192714831.txt

News (Adelaide, SA : 1923 – 1954),

Monday 15 April 1935, page 4

CONSTABLE FOUND DEAD AT STATION

Advised of Operation

SYDNEY, Monday. – Shot in the head,.

Constable Leslie Andrew Nash. aged 38, was today found dead at the Hurstville Police Station, where he had performed duty as station officer.

Nash, who has been in ill health and had been told that he would have to undergo a serious operation, began duty at 5 a.m. He asked Constable Harvey to go on an errand, and when Harvey returned Nash was missing.

A search revealed his body in the bath room attached to the station. His service revolver was nearby.

Nash left a widow and four children.

He had been in the force for 14 years and was a first-class constable.

Today he was to have sat for an examination, which his inspector said he would have passed without the slightest difficulty.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article128816003.txt

The Sydney Morning Herald

Tuesday 16 April 1935 p 9

NA8H.- H.A.C.B.S. St. DECLAN’S BRANCH, No. 659.- The Officers and Members of the above Branch are requested to attend the Funeral of their late Bro.. LESLIE A. NASH: to leave St. Declan’s Catholic Church. Penshurst, THIS DAY. at 2.30 p.m., for Woronora Cemetery. By road.

W. J. MEACHMAN. Tres.

R. J. MADDEN. Sec.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article17166023.txt

Further reading: https://police.freom.com/woronora-cemetery-wall-of-remembrance/

The Coroners Inquest returned a verdict of “Effects of a bullet wound in his head, wilfully self inflicted“

Inquest was concluded on 29 April 1935.

In the attached photo, his Uniform # is 87A or 97A.

The ‘ A ‘ used to depict the District that the member was attached to. ‘ A ‘ District was Sydney – so he may, at the time of the photo being taken, have been stationed at one of the Sydney CBD Stations.

NSWBDM

Birth = 6089/1898 Father = Patrick Mother = Amelia District = Parkes

Marriage = 2105/1925 Bride = McDonnell or MacDonnell District = Kempsey

Death = 7008/1935 Father = Patrick Mother = Amelia District = Hurstville

Leslie Andrew Nash (1898 – 1935)

Leslie Andrew Nash

Born 22 Dec 1898 in Parkes, New South Wales, Australia

Ancestors

Son of Patrick Michael Nash and Amelia (Brenner) Nash

Brother of Patrick Nash, Edward Charles Nash and Robert Bernard Nash

Husband of Sara Catherine Ellen McDonnell — married [date unknown] [location unknown]

[children unknown]

Died 15 Apr 1935 at age 36 in Hurstville, New South Wales, Australia

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Rita Kidd

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Profile last modified 12 Sep 2021

This page has been accessed 33 times.

Biography

Leslie was born in 1898, the son of Patrick and Amelia, Leslie married on 10 Jan 1925 to Catherine McDonnell. Leslie was a First Class Constable Leslie passed away 15 Apr 1935 (aged 36)

Sources

NSW BDM
BIRTH NASH LESLIE A 6089/1898 PATRICK AMELIA PARKES

MARRIAGE 2105/1925 NASH LESLIE A MCDONNELL CATHERINE KEMPSEY

DEATH NASH LESLIE A 7008/1935 PATRICK AMELIA HURSTVILLE

RYERSON INDEX
NASH Leslie Andrew Death notice 15APR1935 Death 37 at Hurstville, late of Penshurst Sydney Morning Herald 16APR1935

The Sydney Morning Herald NSW 1842 – 1954

Tue 16 Apr 1935 DEATH NASH-April 15, 1835, suddenly, at Hurstville, Leslie Andrew, of 6 Clarence-street, Penshurst, dearly beloved husband of Catherine and father of Pat, Francis , Alma, John and Peter aged 37 years. Requiescat in pace.

The Sydney Morning Herald NSW 1842 – 1954 Tue 16 Apr 1935 Page 9 FUNERAL NASH.-The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. CATHERINE NA8H and FAMILY are kindly Invited to attend the Funeral of her dearly beloved HUSBAND and their FATHER. First Class Constable Leslie Andrew Nash: which will leave St. Declan’s Church. Penshurst, THIS TUESDAY, at 2.30 p.m., for the Catholic Cemetery. Woronora. Mrs. P. KIRBY and SON. LTD.. Leadlng Funeral Directors. phone, M2221-2. 263 Elizabeth-street, Sydney.

NASH.-‘The Friends of Mr. WILLIAM ROSS are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of his friend, the Late Mr. Leslie A. Nash: lo leave St. Declan’s Church. Penshurst, THIS DAY (Tues day. For further details please see above notice.

NASH.- H.A.C.B.S. St. DECLAN’S BRANCH, No. 659.-The Officers and Members of the above Branch are requested to attend the Funeral of their late Bro.. LESLIE A. NASH: to leave St. Declan’s Catholic Church. Penshurst, THIS DAY. at 2.30 p.m., for Woronora Cemetery. By road. W. J. MEACHMAN. Tres. R. J. MADDEN. Sec.

NASH Leslie Andrew Death notice 16APR1935 Death at Hurstville Sydney Morning Herald 22APR1935
The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954)

Mon 22 Apr 1935 Page 8 Family Notices

DEATH

NASH.—April 16 (suddenly), at Hurstville, Les- lie Andrew, beloved brother, brother-in-law, and darling uncle of Bob, Rene, and Aileen.

Death aged 37 at Hurstville, late of Penshurst

BURIAL Woronora Memorial Park

Sutherland, Sutherland Shire, New South Wales, Australia PLOT RC 3 0493

MEMORIAL ID 180629133

Leslie Andrew Nash (1898-1935) | WikiTree FREE Family Tree

Trevelyn Cuthbert NOWLAND

| 26/10/2012

Trevelyn Cuthbert NOWLAND

New South Wales Police Force

Constable

Drowned

31 years

Bendemeer

6 October, 1931

In 1931 Constable Nowland was the lone policeman attached to the Bendemeer Police Station. On the night of Sunday 4 October, 1931 a man came to the station to complain that he had been camped under the bridge at the river and had been accosted by a “madman” who had threatened to kill him. He requested that the constable come down to the bridge, which was at the McDonald River, a distance of less than 300 metres to look for the madman. The constable obliged, however after a brief search under and around the bridge, the alleged “madman” could not be found. The following night the man again came to the police station with the same complaint. (It was believed to have been the same man both nights as Mrs Nowland heard his voice on both visits, although she never actually saw him). The constable took his revolver and set out to search the bridge area again. When he failed to return home by the morning Mrs Nowland telephoned the police at Tamworth.

Police from Tamworth quickly travelled to Bendemeer and, with the assistance of an Aboriginal tracker, began to search for the missing man. Later that afternoon Constable Nowland’s body was found and recovered from the McDonald River. He was still fully clothed, except for his cap, and the body had no apparent signs of violence, although apparently the constable’s nose had been bleeding before he fell or was thrown into the water. At the spot where the body was found the water was only three to four feet (about 1 metre) deep.

The Brisbane Courier dated 7 October, 1931 reported that “The police believe that Nowland was insensible or dead before he entered the water. It is thought that Constable Nowland did not reach the bridge last night. His way would have taken him past a hotel, and beneath brilliant lights, and it is considered that he would certainly have been seen had he gone direct to the bridge from the police station. It is thought probable that he was attacked almost as soon as he left the police station, and was then taken to the river and thrown into the water insensible. The police are handicapped by the absence of any description of the man who twice called at the police station and spoke of the lunatic. Constable Nowland was the only one who saw him.”

The Sydney Morning Herald of 10 November, 1931 reported the open finding of the inquest into the constable’s death, as follows.

“BENDEMEER MYSTERY – CORONER’S OPEN VERDICT.
TAMWORTH. Monday.
The inquest into the death of Constable Nowland, whose body was found in the McDonald River on October 5, came to an end to-day, when the coroner (Mr. Geikie, P.M.) returned an open verdict. Six sessions of the inquest have been held, and 24 witnesses have been examined. In delivering his finding, Mr. Glekie said that the case was marked by many conflicting and mysterious statements. If it was suicide, then the deceased must either have been sane or insane. If he was sane, the first thing was to look for the motive, and the evidence adduced no such motive. If he was insane, no motive need be looked for. There was not a tittle of direct evidence of mental derangement in the constable up to the time of his death. His finding would be that Nowland was found dead in the McDonald River without any marks on the body; further, that death was due to drowning, but how or by what means drowning came about the evidence did not say.”

The mystery of what exactly happened to the unfortunate Constable Nowland has apparently never been solved, although theories ranging from suicide to poisoning to murder have long been put forward. A coroner’s inquest into the death gave the cause of death as drowning, however the surrounding circumstances remain unknown.

The constable was born in 1901 and was aged 31 years when he died. He joined the New South Wales Police Force on 25 August, 1922. At the time of his death he was stationed at Bendemeer. He is not listed in the official New South Wales Police Honour Roll.

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George Thomas WHITELEY

| 26/10/2012

George Thomas WHITELEY

AKA ?

Late of ?

NSW Penrith Police Academy Class # ? ? ?

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ‘Q‘ 9081

For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )

Rank: Constable ( Mounted Police Trooper ) – appointed 15 March 1910

Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?

Final Rank = Sergeant 3rd Class

Stations: ?, Hill End ( Constable – 1913 ), Fifield ( SenCon 1920 ), Berrigan ( 2 years ) – Death

Service: From 15 March 1910 to 25 March 1931 = 20+ years Service

[blockquote]

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.

[/blockquote]

Sgt George Thomas WHITELEY ( 29 old ) of 1st Division H.Q., ( The Hutment Camp, Abbotsbury Rd, Wyke Regis, U.K. married Kate HARPER ( 22 old ), Spinster of 2 Block A, The Flats, Tidworth, England ( occupation: Clerk ) at St. Augustine’s Chapel, Dorchester Rd, Melcombe Regis, Weymount, England by Roman Catholic Priest Thomas Sheehan on the 3 October 1918. Registrar’s Reference # 80.

In 1936 – after the explosion, his wife was living at 134 Railway Pde, Carlton, NSW. This address ( 2019 ) is / was the Westpac Bank, Kogarah.

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.