Ted, apparently, grew up in the Cowra ( NSW ) area ( 1949 – 1961 ) before moving to Sydney ( Brighton Le Sands area and Kogarah area ) before returning to Cowra once he reached the age of 15 and left Kogarah High School to join the work force.
Prior to joining the NSWPF, he worked at the Cowra Wool store from around 1969 to 1972.
He was a lovely bear of a man but, unfortunately, his latter days were not always filled with joy.
In April 2018 he moved to Lismore, NSW, from Cairns, Qld due to the stifling heat in Cairns. He originally moved into a Retirement village, in Cairns, due to having spent a significant amount of time in Hospital due to a Staphylococcal Infection in the spine. Ted loathed the Retirement village but it was close to his daughter.
Despite being closer to his daughter, Ted felt he had to move to Lismore where the climate felt better for him.
Ted was found, deceased, this morning – Tuesday 8 January 2019, at his home.
Ted was a friend to many and a member of various Policing Facebook Pages / Groups where his quick wit was always welcomed.
We all wish you a safe journey and hope that you forever Rest In Peace mate.
Cal
Ted COLLINS in Ballina, NSW, 2018
Class 132
William Thomas JONES
| 10/01/2019
William Thomas JONES
AKA BILL
Late of Hervey Bay, Qld – formerly of Ingleburn, NSW
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 122
Uniform # 1245
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 14065
Rank: Trainee – commenced 16 February 1970
Probationary Constable – appointed 16 March 1970
Constable – appointed 26 March 1971
Constable 1st Class – appointed 26 March 1975
Designated Detective on 1 May 1977
Resigned – 3 February 1978
Final Rank = Detective Constable 1st Class
Stations: Police Training Centre – commenced 16 February 1970
Liverpool ( 22 Division ) on GD’s & the Traffic Officer as a Probationary Constable from 26 March 1970
C.I.B. – 21 Division Special Squad from 1 May 1974
Regent St ( 2 Division ) CI duties from 18 May 1975 ( worked with Eric Gollan )
Blacktown ( 27 Division ) CI duties from 15 May 1977 until Resignation on 3 February 1978
Service: From 16 February 1970 to3 February 1978 = 7+ years Service
a carpenter for 6 years, 8 mths and in the Army for 6 years.
He Enlisted in the Permanent Military Forces on 6 September 1963 and was Discharged on the 15 April 1969 “having requested his discharge”.
His Rank upon Discharge was Corporal.
He saw Service outside of Australia for 1 year and 224 days. He was issued with Returned from Active Service Badge # A415518.
He was Awarded the General Service Medal # 1962.
Upon joining the NSWPF – William was:
5′ 9″ Tall, 11st 2 lb in weight, Hazel eyes, dark brown hair with a dark complexion. He was born in rosewood, Qld and married on the 27 January 1968.
Upon completion of his Training Course with Class 122, he obtained 74.25%.
He passed his Police Driver Training on GD cars and light trucks / utes on the 9 April 1971.
At one stage, at Liverpool, he held the record for the most number of vehicle accidents attended during one eight hour shift.
He failed his first attempt at his Constable 1st Class exam on 29 August 1972 but ‘passed’ the exam on the 28 August 1973.
As he had a ‘Trade Certificate’ in Carpentering – he was “Considered to have potential for criminal investigation duty. To be considered for this duty upon completion of two years’ service”
He completed his Detectives’ Course, # 3 of 1976 at the NSW Police Academy between 20 September to 10 December 1976 with a 74.30% Pass mark.
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Husband to Barbara who would have been married 51 years on the 27 January 2019.
Bill touched many people’s lives over the years and had a drawing quality within him.
When he Resigned from the NSWPF, he, Barbara and family went Rice Farming in Coleambally – Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area of Western NSW.
On behalf of all of us old NSW Police ( and the new ) we wish a safe journey for Bill and hope that he Rests In Peace.
Cal
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Jason DeRIDDER
| 10/01/2019
Jason DeRIDDER
AKA ?
Late of Camden
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 2003949
Rank: Special Constable 1st Class
Final Rank = Special Constable 1st Class
Stations: ?, Security Management Unit –
Service: From? ? ?to24 December 2018 = ? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? ?
Died on: Monday 24 December 2018
Age: 45
Cause: Cancer ? –
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Friday 4 January 2019 @ 11am
Funeral location: St Pauls Catholic Church, John St, Camden
Request: rather than flowers, a blood donation (if you can) would be a wonderful gesture to Jasons memory. We would not have had him with us for so long without blood transfusions. A third of all blood transfusion donations help people with cancer. Each donation only lasts 42 days, you can donate with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Jason took his last breath close to midnight on Christmas Eve. He so wanted to stay with us but it wasn’t to be.
Thank you to his dear friends and family who made him feel so cherished, he knew how much he was loved.
We will lay him to rest 11am Friday 4/1/19, at St Pauls Catholic Church, John St Camden.
Please, rather than flowers, a blood donation (if you can) would be a wonderful gesture to Jasons memory. We would not have had him with us for so long without blood transfusions. A third of all blood transfusion donations help people with cancer. Each donation only lasts 42 days, you can donate with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
Paul Matthew TOPHAM
| 10/01/2019
Paul Matthew TOPHAM
AKA TOPPY
Late of ?
Victoria Police Force
Academy Class # ????
Regd. # 36971
Rank: Senior Constable
Final Rank = Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Hastings, Southern Metro Region – Somerville HWP – Death
Service: From? ? ?to1 January 2019 = ? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Posthumously ( 9 Jan 2019 ) Awarded a Commendation for two incidents he attended ( as mentioned below )
Today I attended the funeral service of Senior Constable Paul TOPHAM and listened to the many messages of love and appreciation of a great family man that Toppy was.
As I stood in the foyer of the Cumulus Stratus Chapel, I observed a full house of family, friends and police members paying respects to a man that was destined to be a member of the blue army. 6ft 9 inches tall and it was mentioned very big feet which were noticed during the beautiful photo presentation of his life.
We all observed a man that cared for his partner, 5 children and the family pets. I also saw a man with a love of motor bike riding or driving a tractor.His father spoke of Paul always finding peace on the property in Yea.
His father also spoke about the battle Paul had for many years being diagnosed with PTSD and thanked many that assisted Paul during his journey.
The funeral service finished with the sound of a single bagpipe player walking through the large guard of honour for Paul.
In memory of Pauls police life he received a commendation for the work he performed in relation to a high profile public incident where he looked after the grieving mother whose child had just been murdered. Paul was also the first on scene giving CPR to the Hastings Jeweller who was murdered during a daylight robbery. These events unfortunately took a toll on a man who had a big heart
To all my friends who I spoke to today at the service and all those that were unable to attend. Please look after yourself and each other.
Its times like these that really makes me even more passionate for the #fightingptsdvicpol campaign.
There is always someone that is only a phone call away that you can call or message or please use the support numbers on the webpage
RIP Paul. Your legacy will continue with other members that have gone before you.
May you keep a look out for your family and friends from above.
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Batty case constable’s death shocks friends and family
Ryan Tennison, Herald Sun
A senior police officer who helped Rosie Batty through the aftermath of her son Luke’s murder has died, shocking friends and family.
Leading Senior Constable Paul Topham was a key part of a coronial inquest into the 11-year-old’s death and was praised for his efforts during the matter.
Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt said the well-respected officer would be sorely missed.
“The Police Association is deeply saddened by the sudden, tragic loss of one of our members in recent days,” he said.
“We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the member’s family, friends and shattered colleagues, and remind them that we are here to support them in any we can.”
Ms Batty said she would remember Sen Constable Topham for helping her through some of her darkest days. “I can’t speak highly enough of what he did for me,” she said.
“He was someone I could turn to when I was scared or worried about something. He was there for me when some in the police force weren’t.”
Ms Batty said she had heard Sen Constable Topham had been struggling with mental health issues in recent times.
“I knew he was going through some tough times but I’m saddened to hear that he’s no longer with us,” Ms Batty said. “It’s an absolute tragedy.”
A Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed an officer from the Southern Metro region had died and a report was being prepared for the coroner.
The death is not being treated as suspicious.
In his coronial findings, Judge Ian Gray praised Sen Constable Topham for his efforts during the investigation.
If you are experiencing personal problems call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
In memoriam: Senior Constable Paul Matthew Topham, Victoria Police #36971, Southern Metro region, died suddenly after many years of brave struggle with PTSD on the 1st January 2019. He was 37 years old. He was a key part of the investigation and the subsequent coronial inquest into Rosie Batty’s 11-year-old son Luke’s death. Senior Constable Paul Topham arrested the killer in January 2013. Judge Ian Gray praised Sr Cst. Topham for his excellent efforts during the investigation.⠀ ⠀ Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt said the well-respected officer would be sorely missed. “We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the member’s family, friends and shattered colleagues, and remind them that we are here to support them in any we can,” he said.⠀ ⠀ Senior Constable Paul Topham fought a heroic battle with operational stress injury (PTSD) in recent times.⠀ ⠀ He left behind his loving wife and five children. Our thoughts and prayers with his family.
Bernard Joseph WALSH
| 10/01/2019
Bernard Joseph WALSH
Son to Jack WALSH – NSWPF – Deceased ( possibly # 3686 – born 090911)
AKA BERNIE, ‘THE REV’ ( the Reverend )
Late of ?
NSW Penrith Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 8576[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 29 October 1956
Goulburn detective, father, artist, referee and Lion passes
Darryl Fernance
A former Goulburn detective who was well known for his art will long be remembered by the many people who came to know him throughout his life.
Bernard Joseph Walsh, known as Bernie – and also known as ‘The Rev’ (short for ‘The Reverend’), a nickname given to him by his mates – passed away on December 21, 2018.
He was born on February 20, 1933, the first child of Jack and Minnie Ada Walsh. Several years later he was joined by his sister, Denise.
Most of his education was at Marist Brothers, North Sydney, where he excelled at sport, specifically football.
His first job was with David Jones. During this time he was following his passion for art, attending East Sydney Technical College part-time for five years.
In 1956, he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the NSW Police Service.
This was start of a distinguished 30-year career.
In 1958 he transferred as a young constable from Sydney to Broken Hill.
He met and married Beverley Bush, a girl from Cammeray, in 1961, and she joined him in Broken Hill where their first daughter, Melissa, was born; two years later, Simone followed.
In 1966 he transferred to Goulburn, joining the scientific section where he would work 15 years. Daughter Jacqueline was born in 1970.
Sadness struck the family in 1975 when wife Bev passed away, leaving Bernie a single father with three girls aged under 13.
Ian Radford ( # 10203 ), a former police colleague who worked in the scientific section in Albury, remembered Bernie as a meticulous investigator and a very good artist.
“He was always thorough in his work, but also known for the quality of the artwork he produced,” Mr Radford said. “Though I worked in Albury, we often caught up with each other.”
Daughter Melissa agreed: “Dad had meticulous attention to detail and documentation of his work.
“A few years ago, a detective from the murder squad investigating unsolved cold crimes contacted Jacqui regarding a case Dad had investigated in the early ‘80s.
“She commented on the thoroughness and detailed notes Dad had carried out in the initial investigation of the disappearance and assumed murder of a nurse.
“This case was recently showcased on a TV program, Manhunt, where Dad was mentioned by name as the detective who retrieved the relevant evidence that, with new DNA technology available today, resulted in a murder conviction 30 years after the crime was committed, despite a body never being recovered.”
While in Goulburn, Bernie became an active member of the Lions Club of Goulburn City.
His art also flourished and he staged at least one solo exhibition. He was often featured in the Goulburn Evening Post under headlines such as ‘Cop his art’ or ‘Just cop this for a brush with the law!’
He won many awards, but was probably most proud of his submission into the Archibald Prize of rugby league football player, Paul Harragon.
Bernie loved sport and for many years was a rugby league referee in Goulburn.
After retiring from refereeing he joined the Hash House Harriers in Goulburn and later the Central Coast Harriers: social runners clubs mixing sport with regular social activities. He even went to a couple of international Hash events in Asia.
Bernie completed 19 City to Surf events. He also competed in at least one marathon, on the Gold Coast in 1980, and in 1982 carried the Queen’s message baton in the relay to the Brisbane Commonwealth Games.
After hanging up his running shoes, he morphed into a lycra-wearing cyclist, competing in several charity cycle events from Sydney to Wollongong and ventured far and wide around the country with his cycling mates.
His three daughters say they will always appreciate the job Bernie did, bringing them up as a single father. He juggled police work with domestic duties and made time for sport and art.
His last seven years were spent in the care of Orana Baptist Health, where illness finally overcame his zest for life.
Melissa said the staff had always treated their father with respect and dignity and she and her sisters appreciated, very much, this support.
Also – his widow, Valerie Jean CARTER, 92 old, passed away on 20 October 2019 and her funeral is to be held on Monday 28 October 2019 @ 1pm at St Nicholas Church, Kinghorne St, Goulburn, NSW.
New South Wales Police Force
Penrith Police College Class 001
Joined the NSW Police via NSW Police Cadets on 13 March 1944
Cadet # 450
Regd. # 5524
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – Commenced 13 March 1944
Probationary Constable – appointed 17 March 1947
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 11 July 1962 ( Southern District )
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 25 September 1968 ( Western District )
Service: From 13 March 1944 to ? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 29 June 1984 ( Supt )
Australian Police Medal ( APM ) – granted 26 January 1987 ( Supt )
Born: Tuesday 1 March 1927
Died on: Sunday 8 March 2015
Cause: ?
Age: 88 yrs 7 days
Funeral date: 11 March 2015 @ 2pm
Funeral location: St Nicholas Church, Kinghorn St, Goulburn
Buried at: Goulburn General Cemetery, Gorman Road, Goulburn
ARTHUR is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
With regret I advise the death of Arthur Norman CARTER, 88 old, former Regd. No. 5524, a Veteran Member of the Southern highlands Branch of the RPA.
Arthur passed away on 07/03/2015 and his funeral is proposed to be held at 2pm on Wednesday 11th Instant at St Nicholas Church, Kinghorn Street, GOULBURN.
Location of Church Service:
CARTER, Arthur Norman A.P.M.
retired Police Superintendent –
8th March 2015 at Bourke Street Health Service.
Late of Masonic Village, Goulburn.
Dearly loved husband of Valerie.
Loved father and father-in-law of Geoff & Aija, Brian & Jeanette, Marcelle & Michael, and Diane.
Cherished grandfather and great-grandfather of their respective families. Aged 88 years.
Loved & Remembered Always
ARTHUR’S family and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service commencing at 2.00pm, Today, Wednesday, 11th March 2015 at St Nicholas Anglican Church, Kinghorne Street, North Goulburn.
Interment will follow at the Goulburn General Cemetery, Gorman Road, Goulburn.
R. J. SIDNEY CRAIG,
Est. 1837.
F.D.A. – A.F.D.A.
298 Sloane Street,
Goulburn NSW 2580
Tel. (02) 4821 2122
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Mar. 11, 2015
Guest book:
Wednesday, 11 March 2015
Condolences to family. A good country policeman, good shot with rifle, a fair boss to work with a true Australian who will be sadly missed by all. Glad to say he was a friend . Rest in Peace Arthur.
George Garth . Ret. Sgt.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 7 September 1979 (No.124), page 4375
APPOINTMENTS
Premier’s Department
Police Department
Maitland.—Sergeant 1st Class Barry Alfred Brown, stationed at Maitland, during the absence on leave of Inspector Arthur Norman Carter, from 10th June, 1979, to 7th July, 1979.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 15 August 1958 (No.80), page 2486
SHIRE OF MULWAREE.— Notice is hereby given that Constable 1st Class Arthur Norman Carter, has been appointed as Inspector of Slaughter-houses for that portion of the Mulwaree Shire within the Marulan Police Patrol.
H. LOSEBY, Shire Clerk, Shire Chambers, Goulburn, 8th August, 1958.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 2 May 1952 (No.97), page 1531
The 9th day of April, 1952.
BY virtue of the authority vested in me by the District Courts Act, 1912 -1949, I hereby appoint Constable Arthur Norman Carter to be additional Bailiff of the District Court at Queanbeyan from 7th April to 12th May, 1952, vice Constable B. D. Riordan, proceeding on leave.
Memorial located at: 1/ Glen Davis Rd, Capertee – the Clarence Pirie Memorial Park
Lat: -33.143736 Long: 149.983791
2/ a Wall Plaque at Chifley L.A.C.
SenCon Clarrie Pirie ( 1960 )
Clarence Roy PIRIE – Touch Plate at the National Wall of Police Remembrance, Canberra
CLARENCEIS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
Grave location: Rookwood Cemetery, NSW
Zone E, Section 19, Grave 3661
INSCRIPTION: In Loving Memory of my dear husband and our dear father Clarence Roy PIRIE died 13th October 1960 aged 40 years. Erected by the New South Wales Government in Memory of Senior Constable Clarence Roy PIRIE who was shot & killed in the Execution of his Duty at Jew’s Creek on the 13th October 1960. Police Crest.
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Senior Constable Clarrie Pirie was the Officer-in-Charge of the Capertee Police Station from 1958 until his death on 13 October, 1960. On that day he was informed by Lithgow Police that two male offenders had abandoned a stolen car at Cudgigong, north of Capertee.
While patrolling the area Senior Constable Pirie found two fourteen year-olds with a vehicle at a roadside camping area at Jews Creek, ten miles south of Capertee. These however were not the two offenders the police were searching for and as such Constable Pirie did not know that on the previous day the pair had escaped from the Yasmar children’s detention centre ( Lidcombe ) and had broken into a dwelling where they stole several items of property and the vehicle before driving to the Jews Creek area.
As the constable was talking to the young offenders one of them suddenly produced a .22 rifle and shot Constable Pirie. He died a short time later. Both youths were captured the following day.
The senior constable was born in 1920 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 15 September, 1947.
At the time of his death he was stationed at Capertee.
Knew Clarie well when I was at Cowra and Clarie was LUK at Young, I was transferred on the PSB at Lithgow and Clarie was transferred to Capertee so I used to see a lot him as the Highway Patrol done daily runs to Capertee.
I took the phone call at Lithgow from a chap from Cullen Bullen to say Clarie had been shot, then drove Insp. Eli Hanson and Det S/Cst Jimmy Foster to the Scene at Jew’s Creek.
Never will forget that day.
His Youngest son John was a Police Support Officer and KAC Manager at Orange.
( Eli HANSON, NSWPF # 2207, Retired in 1962 and died in January 1973 ( aged 71 years, 0 months, 2 days ) )
Police Remembrance Day – 29 September 2022
A message received from one of the daughters of Roy & Frances PIRIE on 21 September 2022:
Dear Greg, Not sure if you are the right person to find out some info on Police Memorial Day Services in the Young area.
I live near Young & would really like to be able to pay my respect to my Dad who was killed on duty in 1960. It’s my only way to keep my memory going & now my Mum has passed, I’m feeling the sadness even more.
My Dad was Constable Clarence Roy Pirie who was shot & killed at Capertee.
I usually find out after the event that there had been a service around Young so what I’m hoping is that someone could let me know beforehand so I could attend.
Sorry to trouble you but just reaching out.
Yours respectfully,
Francine Pirie.
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Hello Francine.
Good choice picking me. lol.
I have tried to phone Young ( without success ) but I have just spoken with the District Commander, Supt. Paul Condon, and he confirms that there WILL be a Service in Young.
He is now on the phone to obtain the ‘where and when’ for us.
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omg, bless you & thank you x
I am on NSW Fallen Police ( FB Group ) so that’s how I got you so; thanks again.
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There is a Service at Young Police Station ( only a small Service though ) at 11am on Thursday 29 September. The troops there will be expecting you.
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Greg thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I’ll be there
x
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You are very welcome Francine.
xoxox
Cal
///////////////////
Dear Greg,
Thank you so much for organising my attendance yesterday.
The staff at Young Police Station were amazing. The young Police Officers were so interested in my family’s story.
Thank you for the link as I read through the article I read things I didn’t know about. Many tears have been cried but I still believe it’s been a healing time for me even though it’s been 62 years.
Sometimes you need a reason & yesterday was a good reason to grieve, not only for my Dad but for all the other families who have lost their loved one.
Again Greg, thank you from my heart as this would not have happened if you hadn’t gone to the trouble to organise this for me.
God bless you
Francine Pirie
xx
The Result
Young Police – Remembrance Day – 2022 – Francine Pirie – Holding picture – Daughter of Clarence Pirie – killed 13 Oct 1960
Great effort from Young Police and Supt. Paul Condon, Goulburn
Mrs Frances Josephine PIRIE sadly passed away last night ( Friday 12 October 2019 ) aged 94 years – 5 days shy of her 95th birthday.
Wife of Senior Constable Clarence Roy PIRIE of the Capertee Police.
Almost 59 years to the day, Frances and Clarey are together again.
Knew Clarie well when I was at Cowra and Clarie was LUK at Young, I was transferred on the PSB at Lithgow and Clarie was transferred to Capertee so I used to see a lot him as the Highway Patrol done daily runs to Capertee.
I took the phone call at Lithgow from a chap from Cullen Bullen to say Clarie had been shot, then drove Insp. Eli Hanson and Det S/Cst Jimmy Foster to the Scene at Jew’s Creek.
Never will forget that day.
His Youngest son John was a Police Support Officer and KAC Manager at Orange.
Almost all visitors to Capertee will notice the large memorial park in the middle of the village close to the Glen Davies turnoff. This recreational area, which includes a car park, childrens’ playground and toilets, is officially named after Clarence Pirie a notable policeman who was stationed in the community during the late 1950s and early 60s. While many police have served the Capertee district well over the years Pirie deserves lasting recognition as he gave his life to protecting the community.
Senior Constable Clarence (Clarie) Roy Pirie was born in Paddington, Sydney, in 1920. During World War 2 he joined the army and served in New Guinea. After the war, in 1947, he joined the New South Wales Police Force, and from 1959 to 1960 he was the Officer-in-Charge at Capertee Police Station.
On the 13th October 1960 he was asked to look out for two male offenders who had abandoned a stolen car north of Capertee.While patrolling the area the following day, Pirie found two 14 year-olds with a vehicle at a roadside camping site at Jews Creeks south of Capertee. According to police records, these were not the suspects who had abandoned the vehicle the previous day but two escapees from the Yasmar juvenile detention centre in Haberfield, Sydney. While interviewing the youths one of them suddenly produced a stolen .22 rifle and shot the officer twice. The Senior Constable died of his wounds at the scene a short time after. The two youths were arrested the following day and were later imprisoned. Pirie was survived by his wife Frances and four young children.
The memory of Clarie Pirie as well as the many other police who have been killed in the line of duty is commemorated each year on Police Memorial Day which is held near the end of September.
INSCRIPTION: This plaque has been erected to perpetuate the memory of Senior Constable Clarence Roy PIRIE in recognition of his ultimate sacrifice when he died as a result of gunshot wounds sustained when arresting two juvenile car thieves at Jews Creek on the 13th October 1960. “to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the heaven”
SYDNEY, Thursday: – Police were to-night conducting one of the largest manhunts ever in the Central Western district for two youths who are alleged to have shot dead Senior Constable Clarence Roy Pirie, 40, of Cullen Bullen.
The constable was chasing two youths on the Capertee Cullen Bullen Road early to- night.
Pirie, a father of four, was believed to have been killed with a .22 rifle.
Police from Lithgow, Bathurst, Mount Victoria, Kandos, Rylstone, Katoomba, Oberon, Orange and other centres are searching dense bush near Jews Creek.
Police from other Central Western stations and from Sydney will join the searchers to-morrow.
The searchers are heavily armed with rifles and riot guns.
Other specialised weapons will arrive from Sydney to-morrow.
At 9 a.m. to-day a stolen car was found abandoned at Cudgegong.
Two youths were seen to leave the car and police in the area were alerted.
Constable Pirie sighted two youths in a second stolen car on the Lithgow-Mudgee Road near Jew’s Creek.
Overturned
The stolen car overturned at high speed about a half mile farther on.
Two youths scrambled from the wreck and fled into the bush.
Constable Pirie followed them.
Police believe that the elder youth, realising that Pirie was following them, turned and fired the shot which fatally wounded the policeman.
LITHGOW, Tuesday:- A 14-year-old Sydney boy was remanded in Lithgow Children’s Court to-day on a charge of murdering a policeman.
He was remanded till November 1 without bail and will be detained in custody until that date.
The boy was charged with having murdered Constable Clarence Roy Pirie at Jews Creek camping reserve on October 13.
Police prosecutor Sergeant J. S. Smith said the youth charged with murder had escaped from a Sydney boys’ home on October 12 and together with another boy had stolen a car.
The car was allegedly parked at Jews Creek’ Camping reserve the next day.
When Const. Pirie approached the vehicle he was allegedly shot dead.
The Canberra Times Tuesday 7 March 1961 page 3 of 20
SYDNEY, Monday: — Christopher Lindsay, 15, went to gaol to-day for 15 years for killing a policeman last year.
Mr. Justice Else Mitchell described the fair-haired, well-dressed boy as a “young gangster.”
Lindsay, of Alice Street, Newtown, did not appear to be emotionally upset at the sentence.
He turned to court officials who led him from the dock to the cells below.
The sight of the boy being led away brought an outburst of sobbing from the public gallery.
Lindsay last week had pleaded not guilty to having murdered Constable Clarence Roy Pirie, 39, at Jews Creek Camping Reserve off the Mudgee Road near Cullen Bullen on October 13 last.
The Crown accepted Lindsay’s plea of guilty of man slaughter.
Lindsay – standing in the dock of Central Criminal Court with hands clasped in front of him – heard Mr. Justice Else Mitchell say that the deposition and Lindsay’s own signed statement left slender ground for the lesser offence.
“Before committing this crime, you had shown a refusal both in England and in this country to conform with the laws which are made for the good of society.
“From the record, it is clear that the processes of the habitation and reform which are provided by the country here have made no impact on your attitude or conduct.
“In pursuit of this anti-social conduct you twice escaped from Yasma shelter, where you were being detained awaiting trial for various charges, and on the second occasion in company with a confederate, younger than yourself, stole a rifle, food, other goods and then a motor car in which you travelled to the scene of the crime.
“When you were in fear of apprehension by a constable of the police for the theft of the car you did not hesitate to shoot him because as you said ‘You did not want him to catch you with the car.’
“Your subsequent conduct and your attempt to evade capture though perhaps natural do not appear to have been accompanied by any manifestation of c0ntrition or remorse, a fact which seems to me all the more serious in view of Dr. McGeorge’s conclusion that you are not suffering from any mental or psychiatric disorders.
“A substantial sentence appears to be necessary not only for the reasons I mentioned but as the only possible way in which you may begin to understand your obligations to society.”
SYDNEY, Friday:— The Full Supreme Court to-day dismissed a school boy’s appeal against a 15-year sentence for the manslaughter of a policeman.
The boy, Christopher Lindsay, 15, appealed against the severity of the sentence.
Mr. Justice Else-Mitchell, in Central Criminal Court, had sentenced Lindsay to 15 years gaol for the manslaughter of Constable
Clarence Roy Pirie, at Jew’s Creek, last October.
Pirie was questioning Lindsay on a car theft at the time.
Lindsay to-day conducted his own case before the Full Bench — comprising the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Evatt, Mr. justice Herron and Mr. Justice Hardie.
He handed the bench a written statement, headed —’ “No Discourtesy.”
The statement read: “I respectfully submit that His Honour, at the time of imposing the severe sentence for manslaughter, regarded the offence as tantamount to murder.
“I further most respectfully submit the crime was not premeditated.
“The whole tragedy took place in a matter of seconds.
“At no time did I intend this man’s death.
“I respectfully submit that a 14-year-old youth to be sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for a crime he did not intend, is too severe.”
Mr. Justice Else-Mitchell, reported to the Full Court, that Lindsay’s offence was hardly distinguishable from murder.
However, he had felt that he was bound by the Crown’s acceptance of the manslaughter plea.
Lindsay originally had been charged with murder.
Mr. Justice Else-Mitchell said it had been submitted he should not impose a crushing sentence.
He also was mindful of the danger with a youthful offender — that the imposition of a heavy gaol sentence often could produce more harm than good.
The Full Court ruled unanimously against Lindsay’s appeal.
It added that Lindsay’s crime called for the greatest condemnation.
PERSONAL LOSS: Inspector Greg Pringle and police administration manager John Pirie have personal experience of the loss of someone close on Police Remembrance Day. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0926police2
REPRESENTATIVES from Orange Police Station will today attend a national memorial in Canberra for Police Remembrance Day.
For Inspector Greg Pringle and Canobolas Local Area administration manager John Pirie, the day bears a special significance.
John Pirie was just coming up to his fifth birthday when his 40-year-old father Senior Constable Clarence Roy Pirie was shot at point-blank range and killed near Capertee.
It was on October 13, 1960, that Mr Pirie’s father was patrolling when he came across a stolen vehicle. He stopped the vehicle and spoke to two youths inside, but one of them pulled a gun on Snr Const Pirie and shot him.
Inspector Pringle’s experience is in contrast, but he agrees the grief that comes with losing a colleague on the job remains for many years.
“I was with highway patrol working out of Cootamundra in 1988. I had a cup of tea with a fellow officer Constable Kurt Schetor before we headed off to patrol in separate directions,” Insp Pringle said.
Ten minutes later the then Constable Pringle received a call to respond to a crash and he arrived to find his friend and colleague was in involved in a head-on crash with a truck.
“I did my best but I couldn’t revive him,” he said.
Insp Pringle said many police officers carried a burden of grief with them for colleagues who died on the job.
“In many ways it is harder to deal with your own grief,” he said.
“When you are a police officer your ‘tank’ is full of other people’s grief because that’s part of the job. But it doesn’t leave much left.”
Officers from Canobolas Local Area Command will not be marking Police Remembrance Day in Orange this year.
Instead, this year’s service will be held at Cowra which is part of the Canobolas Local Area Command.
A brother and sister came to yesterday’s National Police Remembrance Day ceremony to remember their dad who was killed in the line of duty 50 years ago.
REMEMBER THEM: Police, emergency services personnel and community members gathered in All Saints’ Cathedral yesterday to mark National Police Remembrance Day. Photo: PHILL MURRAY 092901prem
Three generations of Clarence Roy Pirie’s family came together in All Saints’ Cathedral to honour the police officer who was shot and killed by two escapees at Capertee on October 13, 1960.
At the time her father was killed MaryAnne Ford was just three years old – her brother Ron Pirie was seven. There were two more siblings Francine who was not yet two and John who was five. After the police officer’s death, their mum was left to raise the young family alone. Although MaryAnne remembers little of her dad she still treasures the plastic ‘policeman plod’ doll that he gave her before he died. It is something concrete to remember him by.
“The day I got married I left my bouquet on his grave,” she said.
Ron said although he has blocked out a lot of his memories of that sad time there are things that he does remember – like being put in the wooden slab lock up when he was naughty.
Although yesterday’s national remembrance day was to remember all police who lost their lives, for Clarence Pirie’s family it was very personal.
Apart from MaryAnne and Ron, Clarence’s granddaughters Ruth Ford and Kellyanne Howarth were at the special ceremony along with his three-month-old great grandson Jaydon.
They said the ceremony was both moving and beautiful.
“It was hard, but it was good,” Ron said with tears in his eyes.
He paused then and shook his head. “You know it never goes away.”
Slain policeman remembered
DON MAHONEY
15 Oct, 2010 08:40 AM
When Senior Constable Clarence (‘Clarrie’) Roy Pirie went to work on the morning of the October 13, 1960, he fully expected to go home to his wife Frances and their four young children at the end of the day.Sadly, 40-year-old Senior Constable Pirie lost his life that day at Jews Creek, when he was shot by one of two escapees from a juvenile detention centre.
Senior Constable Pirie’s family returned to Capertee this week to remember the events that turned their lives upside down for all time.
On Thursday morning Senior Constable Pirie’s wife Frances, with her children, grandchildren and some great-grandchildren, joined senior police including Deputy Commissioner Dave Owen, Assistant Commissioner Steve Bradshaw, Chifley Area Command Superintendent Michael Robertson, Member for Bathurst Gerard Martin, and many members of the police force at Clarrie Pirie Memorial Park in Capertee to mark the 50th anniversary of his death.
A service was conducted by Police Chaplin Mark Jenkins from the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst and was addressed by the Superintendent Robertson, Mr Martin and Detective Superintendent Jim Foster who investigated Senior Constable Pirie’s death.
“Senior Constable Pirie paid the ultimate sacrifice and was the sixth of eight police officers [in the Chifley command] to lose their life upholding the law,” Superintendent Robertson said.
“Those who follow [in the police force] serve to do his memory proud and he lives on through this park, which was named in his honour.
“The debt owed by society to Senior Constable Pirie cannot be measured and we will always ensure that he is remembered.”
Member for Bathurst Gerard Martin related how Clarrie Pirie served with the Australian Armed Forces in New Guinea during World War II and how he met his wife in military service.
“He undertook a very challenging front line career, which can be extremely dangerous,” Mr Martin said, speaking on behalf of Police Minister Michael Daley.
“His loss will always be a tragedy and compares to the recent death of trainee detective William Crews, the former Glen Innes who lost his life in the line of duty last month.”
Detective Superintendent Jim Foster told how Senior Constable Pirie had joined the police force in 1947 and served at Parramatta and Young before being transferred to Capertee in 1958.
“Those were difficult times with no two-way radios or mobile phones, but the community spirit was evident as we investigated the case,” Detective Foster said.
“The Postmaster at Cullen Bullen kept the phone lines open after the 6pm regular closing time so that we had communications.
“The only police photographer was hours away and a local chemist took the photos we needed to record evidence.
The offenders were arrested at 3am on October 14 as they were attempting to board the Mudgee Mail train at Capertee.”
Detective Superintendent Foster said Senior Constable Pirie was faithful to his duty as a police officer and earned the respect of the Capertee community and the police in the then Lithgow sub-district.
Mrs Pirie said her husband’s attention to detail in his work as a police officer was incredible.
“He knew just about every car that passed through town,” she said.
“Strange cars always attracted his attention.”
Perhaps that attention to duty led him to investigate the stolen vehicle driven by the two escapees, that he saw at Jews Creek that day 50 years ago.
Mrs Pirie, now in her 80s, said her husband’s death changed her life forever as she struggled to raise four children.
“At the time of Clarrie’s death Ron was 8, John 5, Mary Anne 3 and Francene 2,” she said.
“I received a small police pension but had to go out and work to be able to raise and educate them.
“I had to remove our personal effects from the police house at Capertee soon after Clarrie’s death and we moved to Young.”
The ceremony concluded with wreaths being laid by Mrs Pirie and family, Assistant Commissioner David Owen, Superintendent Michael Robertson and the students from Capertee Public School.
John Pirie Wall to Wall – Ride for Remembrance – 2014 I was immensely proud, felt hugely honoured and felt very humbled that the Wall to Wall riders from the Western Region led by Geoff McKecknie stopped at Capertee today. I would also like to express my gratitude to Paul Bousfield and the Capertee Community, especially the school children and those that help with providing lunch for the riders.
by Det. Supt. ( Retired ) Jim FOSTER ( R.I.P. 9 July 2019 )
( 2014 ) The offender, Christopher Lindsay ( assuming he served the full 15 years, would have been 30 years of age when released from gaol in 1975. Assuming he is still alive today, he would now be around 69 years old.
I did a cursory search for him, via Google, but it is a common name and pursued it no further.
Cal
Clarence Roy PIRIE’s Daughter, Maryanne – July 2014 in the park dedicated to her father killed 54 years earlier.
[blockquote]Stopped at my Dad’s park and had a cuppa a few days ago, often wonder how different our lives would have been if he hadn’t been killed. I will, in my elderly mother’s honor, ride the Wall to Wall ( of Remembrance ) this September.[/blockquote]
Clarence Roy PIRIE 13.10.1960 Wall Plaque, Chifley L.A.C.
