Sharon Louise WILSON

 late of Uralla, NSW

New South Wales Police Force

Goulburn Academy Class # 236

Regd. # 25???   

Rank:  Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Sunday 8 May 1988 ( aged 19 years, 7 months, 16 days )( spent 2 months, 21 days at Academy )

Probationary Constable – appointed Friday  29 July 1988 ( aged 19 years, 10 months, 7 days )

Stations:  Leeton

Awards:  ? Nil

Born:  Sunday  22 September 1968

Died:  Wednesday  30 November 1988

Age:  20 years, 2 months, 8 days

Service:  8 May 1988 to 30 November 1988 = 6 months, 22 days Service

Cause of death:  Accidentally Shot – by colleague – Service weapon

Location of incident:  inside Leeton Police Station, NSW

Location of Death:  Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, NSW

Funeral:  Monday  5 December 1988 @ 1pm

Funeral location:  ?, Uralla

Buried:  ?  Uralla Cemetery, Kingstown Rd, Uralla, NSW

Memorial 1:  Memorial Tree planted at NSW Police Academy, Goulburn

Memorial 2:  Memorial plate on the front outside wall of Leeton Police Station.  Dedication done on 30 November 2015.  Photos below.

About 2.15pm on 30 November, 1988 Constable Wilson was on duty at the Leeton Police Station when she suffered a severe gunshot wound to the head when another member’s service revolver discharged. Although treated at the scene by colleagues until the ambulance arrived, she passed away at the Wagga Base Hospital at 5.45pm the same day.

The constable was born in 1968 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 9 May, 1988. At the time of her death she was stationed at Leeton.

Sharon is mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

2 December 1988

“CHARGES POSSIBLE OVER SHOOTING

SYDNEY: The NSW Police Commissioner, John Avery, will decide whether charges should be laid against a constable allegedly involved in the shooting death of her 20 year-old colleague on Wednesday.

A police spokesman said yesterday a team of detectives was waiting to interview the young officer over the death of policewoman Sharon Wilson at the Leeton Police Station, in the state’s Riverina district.

He said results of the investigation would be forwarded to Mr Avery for consideration.

A police spokesman said the detectives — including two from Sydney’s Internal Affairs department, two from homicide, a ballistics expert and a police psychologist — were waiting to talk to the 19-year-old constable.

Probationary Constable Wilson was shot in the head by one bullet from a service revolver while on duty at Leeton Police Station, at 2.15pm on Wednesday.

She was rushed to Wagga Base Hospital, but died 3 1/2 hours later.

The policewoman awaiting questioning had been treated for shock and was being cared for by friends and welfare personnel, the spokesman said.

Detectives hoped to talk with her last night.

Miss Wilson, of Uralla, in the Northern Tablelands, was well known in the small community. She was regarded as a fine athlete and her 188cm frame was well known in the local basketball league.

Miss Wilson was studying visual arts at the Riverina Murray Institute of Higher Education in Wagga.

Her body will be transported to her home at Uralla, where a funeral will be held at 1pm on Monday.”

02 Dec 1988 – Charges possible over shooting – Trove

Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),

Wednesday 15 March 1989, page 22

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120916451

The Sydney Morning Herald

28 July 1989      p 6 of 68

‘Empty’ gun killed officer

A policewoman fatally wounded a colleague with a shot from her service revolver which she believed was empty, the Leeton Local Court, in south-west NSW, heard yesterday.

Sheree Ann Schneider ( ProCst # 60370 ), 20, of Pine Avenue, Leeton was charged with the manslaughter of Constable Sharon Louise Wilson, 20, at Leeton Police Station on November 30 last year.

Constable Wilson died of head injuries at the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital as a result of the shooting.

Constable Harvey McRae told the court that he was sitting at a computer terminal when he heard the firing pin of a police revolver strike the empty chamber.  Constable Wilson had said, “Oh God, don’t do that.  You scared the living daylights out of me”.

He said Schneider pointed the revolver toward Constable Wilson and said:  “No, it’s empty, see?”  The gun then discharged.

Schneider said she went into the sergeant’s office and re-loaded her gun.  The court heard that four live bullets and one spent one were later removed from the revolver.

https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1301&dat=19890728

R_27_EPILOGUE_Police

http://nswjudicialinjustice.com/Contentsfiles/R_27_EPILOGUE_Police.pdf

Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),

Sunday 30 July 1989, page 4

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122285837

Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),

Tuesday 15 August 1989, page 5

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122276423

The Law—From Protector To Persecutor
From ‘Signs Of Senility‘ a chapter of ‘A Study Of Our Decline‘ by P Atkinson

(7/9/2013)

Schneider Case
In New South Wales, at Leeton police station on 30-Nov-1988, a junior policewoman produced a pistol and shot dead another officer. Sheree Ann Schneider claimed it was an accident. Satisfied the pistol was unloaded, she pulled the trigger without looking where the gun was pointed. The charge of Felonious Assault was dismissed in the lower court on 28th July 1989 under section 41 (vi) – the presiding officer ruled that no jury would convict. Use Of A Firearm In Disregard For Another Persons Safety was dismissed on 27th April 1990. The female did not even lose her job, presumably her fellow officers hope she will be more careful in future.

Court Ignores Duty
It is axiomatic with all weapons training that they never be pointed at anyone unless they are intended to be used —even in jest. Deliberately pulling the trigger without looking where the .38 pistol was pointed was criminal irresponsibility. Sharon Wilson was killed as the result of criminal negligence; a failure that should not be tolerated from any citizen, much less a police officer. Not knowing the gun was loaded is no excuse for anyone, least of all a trained professional. For the courts to fail to penalise this action is to commit more crimes; the denial of the importance of duty and the magnitude of taking a life.

The Law Repeats The Role Of Indulgent Parents
Schneider escaped penalty by adopting the infantile excuse that she was merely the hapless victim of the inadequate police weapons training program; that this was accepted by the authorities is not an aberration. Trial for murder is no longer a matter of resolving fact; it has become a re-enactment of the spoilt child caught by their indulgent parents; if the miscreant can deflect blame while generating sympathy then all is forgiven.

http://www.ourcivilisation.com/signs/chap8.htm

Andrew Thomas DIXON

New South Wales Police Force

Goulburn Police Academy – Class 222

Regd. #  229 or 230??

Rank:  Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on 18 August 1986

Probationary Constable – appointed 7 November 1986

Final Rank:  Probationary Constable

Stations:  Pennant Hills October 1986 to 3 June 1987

Awards:  Nil

Service:

From  18 August 1986  to  3 June 1987 = 11 months

Born: ? ? 1966

Died:  Wednesday  3 June 1987

Age:  20

Cause:  Illness – Suicide by Service firearm

Location:  at Lane Cover River Park, Lane Cove.

Funeral date:  ?

Funeral location:

Eastwood

Grave Location:  Cremated

Memorial plaque at Northern Suburbs Crematorium, Delhi Road, North Ryde, NSW

Niche:  Row ‘TO’, plaque # 348

Touch plate at the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra.

ANDREW IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

In April, 1987 Constable Dixon and other police attended a serious motor vehicle accident at Mt Colah. A person trapped in the vehicle became violent when released and Constable Dixon assisted in restraining him. During the struggle the constable was covered in a considerable amount of the injured person’s blood. It was later discovered that this person suffered from HIV/AIDS. Due to stress and concern over the disease, Constable Dixon drove to the Lane Cove River Park on 3 June, 1987 and committed suicide.

The constable was born in 1966 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 18 August, 1986. At the time of his death he was stationed at Pennant Hills.

From Kevin Banister – I remember this very well. I was working at Pennant Hills when Andrew arrived as a fresh faced Probationary Constable. He was a fine young man built like a brick s**thouse. When he was told that the accident victim had HIV/AIDS he began to withdraw very quickly. All at the station were concerned for his welfare and tried to help where possible.

On the afternoon of 3/06/87 Andrew had worked morning shift and I was on afternoon shift. At the hand over Andrew said goodbye with a smile on his face and went home, or so I thought. I was not aware that he was supposed to be attending the PMO (Police Medical Officer) for an appointment after work. I got a call from his mother just before sundown to say that Andrew had not come home and were concerned for his welfare. Pennant Hills was a Rescue Squad/General duties station at the time and I was the senior operator rostered on. I made a number of phone calls including to the Lane Cove station and Marrickville Rescue base. Not long after we received info that Andrew’s car had been located in a dead end street off Delhi Road beside the Lane Cove river.

As a result I and my offsider Bob Hanson attended in the Rescue vehicle. Numerous other Police vehicles arrived along with the Water Police. I organised a number of search parties and headed into the scrub towards the river. Reached the riverbank and saw that the Water Police had also began a search in the area we were in. Again, a short time later I and my offsider found the body of Andrew with his service revolver by his side. I indicated to the Water Police to come over (not using the radio) and told them that they were no longer required. The boat crew saluted and left the scene. A discrete message was sent to the command post as I knew that his parents were at the post and could hear the radio transmissions.

When we emerged from the bush with Andrew’s body many of the Police were in tears as he was a local boy and well known. His funeral was standing room only and the street blocked off for the overflow. During the period of the time of the accident and Andrew’s death he had a number of blood samples taken, but due to the technology of the time he was told that it could be some time before they knew if he had became infected. About a month after his death we were informed that he had not become infected. R.I.P. my friend.

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

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

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

News (Adelaide, SA : 1923 – 1954),

Monday 15 April 1935, page 4

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://www.australianpolice.com.au/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

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 [send private message]

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

Louis Godfrey PETHER

Late of ?

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. #  ‘Q‘ 6909

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

Rank: Constable – appointed 16 December 1895

Detective

Sergeant 2nd Class

Final Rank = Detective Sergeant 2nd Class

Stations: ?, North Sydney ( 23 years ), Sydney CIB ( from 1919 – death ) – Death

Service: From 16 December 1895 to 21 August 1923 = 27+ years Service

Awards: No find on It’s An Honour

Born: ? ? post 21 Aug 1867 in Victoria

Died on: Monday  20 August 1923

Age: 55

Cause:  Suicide – Firearm – “possible” Service weapon

Event location:  Toilet, Police Headquarters, Sydney

Event date: Monday  20 August 1923

Funeral date: Wednesday  22 August 1923

Funeral location: ?

Wake location: ?

Funeral Parlour: ?

Buried at:  Rookwood Cemetery, Rookwood

Zone C, Section 07, Row ?, Grave 883

Interred in the same grave:

Olivia May PETHER, aged 58, Interred on 23 Sept 1927

Memorial located at: ?

[alert_yellow]LOUIS is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO –  BUT MOST PROBABLY SHOULD BE

 

 

Grave location: TBA

 

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

 

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May they forever Rest In Peace

 

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The Examiner newspaper dated 21 August, 1923 reported the following account of the death of Detective Sergeant Pether.

 

Detective Found Dead, Sydney, Monday.

Detective Sergeant Louis Godfrey Pether was found dead to-day in a lavatory at the police headquarters, Sydney. He had a bullet wound in his head, and an automatic revolver was lying by his side. He was aged 56 years, and had been in the New South Wales Police Force since 1895.

 

The Sun of 23 August, 1923 shed a little more light on the tragedy.

“DRIVING ME MAD” – Detective Pether’s Suicide

Detective-Sergeant Louis Godfrey Pether committed suicide at Police Headquarters last Monday while suffering from mental aberration. This was the verdict recorded to-day by the City Coroner (Mr. Jamieson).

Pether contracted influenza two years ago and never recovered. Chest trouble developed, and he suffered from defective memory. Early last Monday morning Pether remarked to Detective Bowie that his illness was driving him mad. A few seconds afterwards a revolver shot was heard, and Pether was found unconscious in the basement and bleeding from a wound behind the ear.

Pether died before he reached Sydney Hospital.”

 

The sergeant was born about 1867 and joined the New South Wales Police Force about 1895. At the time of his death he was attached to the Sydney Criminal Investigation Bureau, and had previously been stationed at North Sydney.

(Beyond Courage)

 

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

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

 

 

 

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

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FOUND SHOT.

DEATH OF DETECTIVE PETHER.

Detective Sergeant Louis Pether was found dead with a bullet wound in his head in the lavatory at police headquarters, Sydney. He had been indisposed for some time, and had been away from duty for several

months. He visited the office this morning to make application for work at a country station. For the last five years, deceased had been attached to the criminal investigation department.

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

 

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Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), Tuesday 21 August 1923, page 9

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FOUND SHOT.

DETECTIVE-SERGEANT PETHER.

Early yesterday morning Detective-Sergeant Louis Godfrey Pether was found lying in the lavatory, at the police headquarters, at the corner of Hunter and Phillip streets, with a bullet wound in his bead. An automatic revolver was lying at his side. The Civil Ambulance conveyed him to the Sydney Hospital, where Dr. Taylor pronounced life extinct.

Detective-Sergeant Pether, “who was 56 years of age, joined the police force in 1895, and for 23 years was stationed at North Sydney. In 1919 he was attached to the Criminal Investigation Branch. For several months past he had been in bad health, and had intended going to the country for a holiday. He was regarded as a capable and conscientious officer.

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

 

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

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FAREWELL MESSAGE

DETECTIVE’S DEATH “LOSING MY REASON”

Suicide while temporarily insane was the Coroners verdict after his inquiry into the death of Detective Pether who was found shot in a lavatory at Police Headquarters on Monday.

Detective Bowie said that he saw Pether near the lavatory, and inquired how he was. Pether replied: “I am bad — bad — bad: it is driving me mad!” witness advised him not to give way and asked him to wait a minute, and they would go together to see the doctor. He returned in a couple of minutes, and could not see Pether. There was a report of a shot in the lavatory, and when the door was forced open, Pether was found with a bullet wound in the head.

Pether was taken to Sydney Hospital, but was dead on arrival.

Subsequently witness discovered some pencilled words in Pether’s hand writing on the wall of the lavatory.

The message was:-

” I could not have been treated with more consideration by the doctor and my officers: but I feel that I am losing my reason, having already lost my memory. ” Underneath were the Initials ‘G.P’

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

 

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Arthur John VIZZARD

27/10/2012

Arthur John VIZZARD

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. #   Q 6588  

( Q  = NSWPF – those who worked between 1862 – 23 Feb 1915 )

Great Great Grandfather to Andrew NEW, NSWPF # 22417, Anthony NEW and one other Serving NSWPF members.

Rank: Constable – appointed 12 July 1893 ( aged 22 )

Senior Constable – appointed 1 June 1910

Senior Constable – Death

Stations: Sydney, Richmond River, thence to Armidale, Tenterfield ( Cst 1/c ), Inverell, and on the 26th November, 1909, he was again transferred to Armidale ( Cst 1/c – SenCon ) as lookup-keeper & police prosecutor

Service:  From 12 July 1893  to 7 November 1911 = 18+ years Service

Awards:  No find on It’s An Honour

Born:  Monday  9 October 1871 in Corowa, NSW

Died on:  Tuesday  7 November 1911

Cause:  Illness – Suicide – service firearm

Event location:  Armidale Police Station, Cell yard

Age:  40

Funeral date:  Wednesday  8 November, 1911

Funeral location:  Roman Catholic Cemetery, Armidale

Buried at:  Roman Catholic Cemetery, Lynches Rd, Soudon Hts, Armidale, NSW

GPS:  -30.5286111  /  151.65972222222223

 

 ARTHUR is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance  * BUT SHOULD BE

As of November 2020 – VIZZARD is still NOT recognised as having died as a result of Work Related Injuries.

 

GRAVE LOCATION:  [codepeople-post-map]

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Shortly after 10.30am on 7 November, 1911 the constable was at the Armidale Police Station, where he was the Lockup Keeper.

He walked into the yard of the station where it appears he inflicted a fatal wound to his head with his service revolver.

He died three hours later.

He had been on sick report for about two months, suffering from rheumatism, insomnia and depression.

 

The Clarence and Richmond Examiner of 14 November, 1911 reported that:

” A mild sensation was caused in Armidale when it was known that Senior Constable Vizzard, who was in charge of the lockup, had been found in the lockup yard with a bullet wound in the head.

The unfortunate officer had been suffering greatly lately from muscular rheumatism and insomnia and had been on sick leave for the past few weeks.

During the last few days he appeared very despondent, but nobody suspected he would commit such a rash act.

He was removed into the house in a dying condition.

Senior Constable Vizzard, who came to Armidale from Inverell, was only recently promoted.

He has a wife and three young children. “

 

The senior constable was born at Corowa in 1871 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 11 July, 1893. At the time of his death he was stationed at Armidale.

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The issue regarding ill health for Senior Constable Arthur Vizzard dates back from approximately 5 years earlier as a result from contracting Dengue Fever when he was required to travel to Queensland and back to execute an interstate warrant and convey back a prisoner. Both he and the prisoner contracted Dengue.

He had ongoing health issues in the following years because of it and as we all know from the inquest findings he finally took his life whilst on “sick leave‘.

I have been aware of full story for about 18 years now. There are three descendants currently working in the NSW Police Force and there was an article in the Police Weekly about the family last decade.

I appreciate what you have said regarding eligibility for inclusion, which I was made aware of prior to the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the National Police Memorial being opened.

This year will be 2 years since I got the e-mail. Still nothing progressed. Tell me this? Why was I personally notified almost 18 months ago that the inclusion was going to happen, then everything goes silent? It is disappointing to say the least.

I know the effect it had on my Grandmother the stigma growing up, her Mother never coped afterwards and the family ended up having to be split up. It is what it is. 106yrs latter the status quo remains. All we can do is wait and watch this space.

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Darling Downs Gazette (Qld. : 1881 – 1922),

Friday 5 May 1905, page 3

DENGUE FEVER AT INVERELL

IMPORTED BY A CONSTABLE INVERELL, Wednesday.

Queensland dengue fever has been introduced into Inverell under conditions which were not to be avoided.

A week or so ago Constable Vizzard was despatched to Charleville to escort a prisoner back to Inverell, and while in the sister State, he contracted dengue.

He returned with his charge on Friday last, and on Saturday took ill.

On Sunday the case was diagnosed as dengue fever, and the patient was at once isolated in a ward at the local hospital.

Another case has since been reported, the victim being Ben. Bridge, the prisoner who was escorted back by Constable Vizzard. Bridge has also been sent to the hospital.

Both victims have the malady in an acute form.

News of the disease being in Inverell has caused some alarm among residents.

05 May 1905 – DENGUE FEVER AT INVERELL – Trove

 

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NSW State Records

Service # 6588   Reel 3043  Item 8/3253

http://srwww.records.nsw.gov.au/indexes/searchhits.aspx?table=Registers%20of%20Police&id=31&frm=1&query=Surname:vizzard;Firstname:arthur

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The Armidale Chronicle ( NSW )

Wednesday  8 November 1911   page 4 of 8

Death of Sen-Constable Vizzard.

TRAGIC ENDING.

A mild sensation was caused in Armidale yesterday morning, when the shocking intelligence was made known that Senior-Constable Vizzard had been found in the yard of the lockup in a serious condition.

As was well known, Constable Vizzard had been in indifferent health for the past couple of months. He was a sufferer from muscular rheumatism, which brought on that dreaded complaint insomnia, but not even his nearest relatives anticipated that his career would be terminated in such a tragic manner.

At about 10.30 yesterday morning he appeared to be much the same, and walked through the kitchen of his residence, where his wife and nurse were, out into the lockup yard. The women were shortly afterwards startled by hearing the sounds of a revolver shot, and, proceeding to the spot from whence the sound came, the nurse was horrified to see her charge lying on the ground with a gaping wound in the temple, and a revolver lying close beside the body.

Assistance was promptly summoned, and Dr. Mummery was also quickly on hand, when the unfortunate constable was conveyed into the house.

From the outset, the doctor held out no hope of recovery, his prediction proving all too true, as the end came a few minutes after two o’clock.

The late Constable Vizzard was a zealous, capable, and conscientious officer, in fact, as Senior-Sergeant Hogan remarked to the writer when speaking of his late lieutenant, he was over conscientious.

The deceased was born, at Corowa in October, 1871, and was thus 40 years of age at the time of his sudden death.

As a young man of 22 he joined the New South Wales Police Force, and after going through his term of probation at the barracks, was sent to do duty on the Richmond River, thence to Armidale, Tenterfield, Inverell, and finally on the 26th November, 1909, he was again transferred to Armidale as lookup-keeper.

He was ever active and energetic, and his zeal was not long in being rewarded, for he rose from a constable to a first-class constable, and then to senior-constable.

Although he always did his duty – and a policeman’s work is ofttimes unpleasant – he ” tempered justice with mercy,” thereby gaining for himself universal respect and admiration from all sections of the community.

As prosecutor in the police court, the late officer displayed undoubted ability and knowledge of the law, and was worthy of any attorney’s ” steel. ” Here, again, could be seen his generous disposition for he was always strictly fair and honourable in any cases he was in charge of.

He is survived by a sorrowing wife and three young children, to whom much sympathy has been extended in their hour of affliction.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/188117660

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The North Western Advocate & the Emu Bay Times ( Tas. )   Wed.  8 Nov. 1911   page 3 of 4

NEW SOUTH WALES.       

POLICE CONSTABLE’S DEATH.     

SUICIDE SUSPECTED.

SYDNEY. Tuesday, — Senior Constable Drizzard was found in the lockup yard at Armidale to-day in a dying condition with a bullet wound in his head.   He suffered from insomnia and is supposed to have committed suicide.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/64352863

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Daily Telegraph ( Launceston, Tas. )

Wed.  8 Nov. 1911     page 4 of 8

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE         

CONSTABLE SHOOTS HIMSELF.        

( ” DAILY TELEGRAPH ” SPECIAL copyright. )

SYDNEY, Tuesday. — Senior Constable Drizzard shot himself, while in the lock-up yard at Armidale. The unfortunate officer had been suffering from insomnia, and is in a dying condition .

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/152347646

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The Armidale Chronicle ( NSW )

Saturday  11 November 1911   page 2 of 10

Death of Sen.-Constable Vizzard.

The Inquest.

An inquest concerning the death of Senior-Constable Vizzard, which occurred under tragic circumstances in the yard of the Armidale lockup on Tuesday morning last, was held by the Deputy-Coroner ( Mr. C. A. Jackes ) in the Courthouse on Wednesday. The following evidence was elicited:

Frederick Wm. Vizzard, brother of the deceased, said the deceased was born on 9th October, 1871, at Corowa. He was a married man, with three children. Witness had not seen his brother, previous to that day, for nine months.

Senior-Sergeant Hogan deposed to knowing the deceased for the past eight or nine years. At about 11 o’clock on Tuesday morning he received a call to go to the lockup, which place deceased was the keeper of. With Constable Eagleton, witness went to the charge-room, and there saw deceased lying on a stretcher.  The mark of a bullet wound was noticeable on his left temple, and blood was oozing from the place. He was unconscious, but breathing strongly.

Witness next went to the cell yard-room, and there saw a large quantity of blood on the floor. The deceased’s hat was lying near the door, with his pipe. Close by   was a police revolver, containing four loaded cartridges and one recently exploded shell. Witness afterwards went to a drawer in the charge room, which was always kept locked. The lock of the drawer had been forced open, evidently by a tomahawk as such implement was lying in the drawer in the place where deceased’s revolver had been put when not in use. Deceased had been off duty for two months, through illness. He complained of muscular rheumatism and attacks of insomnia. When first going on sick leave, he went to Dr. Nash’s private hospital, but returned, and for the remainder of the time was with his wife and family in their own home. Deceased gave no reason for the police to anticipate that he would take his own life. In conversation with witness on Sunday morning, deceased said, ” I would give everything I possess to be able to resume duty on Monday. ”

Witness told him not to resume until the doctor had given permission to do so. Deceased was an efficient officer, trustworthy, and very painstaking.

To the Superintendent : During his nine months in Armidale, witness was practically all the time in deceased’s confidence. Deceased had never at any time expressed dissatisfaction with his position or work in the police force.

Dr. N. Howard Mummery said that shortly after 11 o’clock on the fatal morning he, in answer to a summons, proceeded to the lockup. He found the deceased lying on a stretcher, and being attended to by a nurse. He appeared unconscious. There was a wound on the right temple, the skin around which was stained   with gun-powder. There was another and larger wound on the left temple. It was obvious he could not live long. The wound in the head had been caused by a bullet, which had passed through deceased’s head, struck the brick wall of the yard, and rebounded into the middle of the yard, where witness picked it up.

Dr. J. A. J. Murray stated that on his arrival at the scene of the tragedy, deceased was being cared for by Dr. Mummery. Deceased had been ailing since last August. While still on duty, he complained of insomnia, indigestion, and occasional fits of depression. In September he also had an attack of asthma, which was followed by influenza, the after effects of which he never appeared to shake off. He seemed to be in an anxious and dispirited condition.   Witness urged him to get a holiday immediately, because no treatment seemed to do him much good. Deceased took the holiday in Sydney, and, on his return, about three weeks ago, witness was again called in. Deceased was then in a worse condition than when he went away. Witness visited him at intervals up to Monday. Deceased had such a serious nervous breakdown that it was necessary for him to undergo a complete rest cure, and witness had made arrangements for him to enter a suitable hospital for the purpose. Deceased had told witness that some times he felt as if he didn’t care to live, but, from the way he said it, witness did not think he contemplated taking his own life – it was said more to express to witness how really depressed he was. The idea of taking his life would come on him suddenly, owing to the condition he was in.

Nurse Ethel Sheerman, residing in Victoria-street, Sydney, said she came to nurse the deceased, and arrived on Monday. She had been sent by Dr. Nash. At about 10.30 on the morning in question, deceased said he was going down the yard to cut some kindling wood. He then seemed in a normal condition. About five minutes afterwards, witness, who was in the kitchen with deceased’s wife, beard the report of a firearm. Witness and Mrs. Vizzard immediately rushed to the spot. Deceased was reclining on the spot. Deceased was reclining on his left side. There was a great quantity of blood flowing from the wound in the head. She picked a revolver up, which was lying near the body, and threw it on the step. Deceased never regained consciousness, and died about two o’clock. Witness had not the faintest suspicion that deceased contemplated such a rash act.

John Purkiss said that between 10.30 and 11 a.m. on Tuesday morning he heard a woman scream, and immediately ran across. He met Mrs. Vizzard, who said, ” My husband has shot himself in the charge-room. ” and then fainted. Telling another woman to attend to Mrs. Vizzard, witness went into the charge-room and then followed the nurse into the cell-yard, where deceased was lying. With the assistance of the nurse, witness carried the deceased into the charge-room.

The Coroner returned a verdict that the deceased, Arthur John Vizzard, met his death from a bullet wound self-inflicted, whilst- temporarily insane.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/188117719

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The Armidale Chronicle ( NSW )

Wednesday  8 November 1911   page 4 of 8

The remains of the late Senior Constable Vizzard,. whose tragic death was reported in our last issue, were interred in the Roman Catholic Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon. The funeral was largely attended by members of the M.U.I.O.F. and local police force marching in the cortege. The Rev. Dean Tobin officiated at the graveside, M. Hirschberg having charge of the arrangements.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/188117733

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The Armidale Chronicle ( NSW )

Saturday  18 November 1911   page 7 of 10

In the Supreme Court of

New South Wales.

PROBATE JURISDICTION.

In the Estate of ARTHUR JOHN VIZZARD, late of Armidale, in the State of New South Wales, Senior Constable of Police, deceased in testate, –

APPLICATION will be made after Fourteen Days from the publication hereof, that Administration of the Estate of the abovenamed deceased may be granted to MARY VIZZARD, the Widow of the said deceased. Creditors are requested to send their Accounts to, and all Notices may be served at, the Office of the undersigned.

H. WEAVES,

Proctor,

Faulkner street, Armidale.

By his Agents MESSRS. Weaver & Allworth,

Australasia Chambers, Martin   Place, Sydney… . . i87

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/188117888

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