John Lindsay MARSH
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:
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.
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.”
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
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
Henry Stanley LEES
Constable Henry Stanley LEES
New South Wales Police Force
Horse Accident
Jerry’s Plains
22 August, 1941
In 1941 Constable Lees was the Officer-in-Charge of Jerry’s Plains Police Station. On the day of his death he was patrolling the district on horseback, calling in at local properties. Later in the day the constable’s riderless horse was found by a farmer near Hobden’s Hill. He searched the area and eventually located the body of the constable lying in a roadside ditch beside the Jerry’s Plains, Singleton Road. It appeared that the roadway had collapsed underneath Constable Lees’ horse, causing the animal to stumble and fall into the ditch, crushing the rider.
The constable was born in 1914 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 11 January, 1937. At the time of his death he was stationed at Jerry’s Plains.
Cornelius Martin CARROLL
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
Other readings can be found at:
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17595388
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/133740103
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/133733182
The Newcastle Sun ( NSW )
Tuesday 12 September 1939 p 8
SERGT.’S DEATH IN ACCIDENT
Motor Driver Fined For Negligence
SYDNEY. Tuesday
A trail of broken glass for 120 feet and a blood trail 33 feet long were described by Constable Cecil Stanley Jardine in the Traffic Court to-day when Archibald William Johnson, of Ashfield. was convicted by Mr. Wood. S.M., of negligent driving and fined £7.plus 23s 6d costs and expenses.
The charge arose out of an accident in Parramatta-road, Forest Lodge, on June 6, which resulted in the death of Detective-Sergeant Cornelius John Carroll, of Petersham. James Aubrey Gibson told of a man crossing the road as though to board a tram when a car approached fast. It had dim lights. The man put a hand up but the car hit him and carried him along the road 40 or 50 yards.
Johnson, who is a printer, pleaded not guilty. He said he eased to about 12 miles an hour and then increased speed to about 30. He felt a bump and saw a form disappear in front of the radiator. ” I applied the brakes and drew into the side, ” said Johnson.
Mr. Wood said he would recommend the Transport Department to test whether Johnson was fit to drive a car. Either he had not been paying proper attention or there was a defect in his vision.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/167327081
Riverine Herald ( Vic. )
Friday 17 February 1933 p3
DETECTIVE WOUNDED.
Accidental Discharge of Revolver.
SYDNEY, Thursday
Although wounded in one shoulder when his companion’s revolver was accidentally fired last night, Detective Cornelius Carroll insisted on carrying on with the task of searching for burglars in a house before going to hospital.
When Mr W. T. Coggins, of Chalmers Rd, Strathfield, returned home last night he saw lights burning in the house and rang the police on a neighbor’s telephone.
Detective Carroll, Detective Clifton and Constable Gordon answered the call. Sir Coggins and Constable Gordon went to the rear of the dwelling, while Detectives Carroll and Clifton approached the front.
Carroll, with revolver drawn, was walking a few yards in front. Clifton was drawing his revolver from its holster when it went off, and the bullet, ricocheting off a brick wall, buried itself in the fleshy part of Carroll’s right shoulder.
Carroll took part in a search of the house, saying that the wound was a mere scratch. The burglars had decamped, however, taking £20 worth of clothing.
Examination at the hospital revealed the detective’s injury was not serious, but the bullet was still embedded.
So little did Carroll think of it that he rang the Burwood police station to inform officers there of his injury, joking with his mates and asking them to send him along a pair of slippers.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/116480254
Goulburn Evening Penny Post
Friday 3 March 1933 p 2
Detective Carroll, who was shot accidentally during a raid in search of suspects at Ashfield, is Cornelius John Carroll, a son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Hogan, of Cartwright’s Creek, Fullerton. ” Con. ” is often to be seen in Crookwell when on a visit to his wife’s parents. His genial nature and his coolness and pluck are outstanding attractions of this big, genial Irishman.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/102864809
Constable Nicholas Glen SMITH & Constable Alistar Royal OSGOOD
Constable Nicholas Glen SMITH
&
Constable Alistar Royal OSGOOD
Motor Vehicle Accident
Homebush
28 February, 1939
On 28 February, 1939 Constable Smith was a passenger in a Police Public Safety Bureau motor cycle outfit driven by Constable Osgood. Whilst they were in Parramatta Road, Homebush they were pursuing and attempting to stop a motor vehicle when the cycle outfit collided with a heavy truck which had pulled across the roadway in front of them. Both constables sustained fractured skulls in the accident and both died shortly afterwards.
The West Australian newspaper of 29 February, 1939 carried the following account of the tragedy.
TWO CONSTABLES KILLED – CYCLE CRASHES INTO MEAT WAGGON.
SYDNEY, Feb. 28 – Constables Nicholas Glen Smith (24) and A.R Osgood (26), members of the police safety squad, were killed tonight when their motor cycle and sidecar crashed into the side of a heavy meat waggon in Parramatta Road, Homebush. Both men were hurled with terrific force against the side of the waggon and had their skulls fractured, among other injuries. Constable Smith was killed instantly but Constable Osgood lived until an ambulance took him to hospital. He died before he could be admitted. Witnesses informed the police that the two constables were chasing a motor car along Parramatta Road towards the city. The Police have been unable to discover whether the car was one reported stolen, or if the driver had merely committed a traffic breach – probably speeding.
Constable Smith was born in 1914 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 22 November, 1937. At the time of his death he was attached to the Public Safety Bureau.
Constable Osgood was born in 1912 and joined the Police Force on 6 January, 1936. At the time of his death he was attached to the Public Safety Bureau.
Harold William STURGISS
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.
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
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.
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.
George Frederick BOORE
Constable George Frederick BOORE
Motor Vehicle Pursuit
Camperdown
2 April, 1937
On the afternoon of 31 March, 1937, Constable Boore was seated in the sidecar of a Police Public Safety Bureau motor cycle outfit which was travelling along Parramatta Road, Camperdown. Constable Frank Hume was the rider of the outfit. While they were overtaking a speeding vehicle they had been attempting to stop, another vehicle stopped suddenly in front of them. Constable Hume braked and swerved to avoid a collision, and the cycle collided with a tram. Constable Boore sustained severe injuries in the collision and died in the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital two days later.
The constable was born in 1907 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 20 March, 1928. At the time of his death he was attached to the Public Safety Bureau, Police Headquarters.
Deadly toll
November 6, 2004
Alone in his patrol car, Chris Thornton had the police siren flashing as he chased a white sedan through Woy Woy.
Thornton, 35, a highway patrolman, had been in the force for 15 years. He was, his mother says, “the best driver I have ever seen”.
The reason for the chase that night in April 2002 is unknown. Both cars were seen travelling at high speed. Thornton was about 50 metres behind.
Meanwhile, Leonard Rowley, 56, an unlicensed driver, was driving to his local KFC to pick up dinner. He saw the first car flash past and judged – wrongly – that he had time to turn out in front of the patrol car. Thornton tried to avoid Rowley’s car but clipped the back, veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit a power pole.
Thornton died on the spot, which is marked by a permanent stainless-steel cross. Rowley later received a suspended two-year sentence.
“His life from the age of 12 was about helping people,” says Thornton’s mother, Freada Thornton. “He was in the surf club and he was there to rescue people and then he went into the force and he was doing the same thing.” His father, Barry Thornton, says: “He loved life. He had been in Gosford for 15 years and was so popular with the community there.”
Police pursuits are, says Barry, a necessary evil: “If they don’t catch the criminals there will be more deaths on the roads. The ones that they’re in pursuit of are the idiots that have done the wrong thing to start with.”
But pursuits have come at a cost to the NSW Police Department. Fifteen officers have died as a result of high-speed chases, beginning with the death of Constable George Boore in 1937.
Details provided by the NSW Police Association show a steady stream of fatalities involving cars and motorcycles. The full list of casualties is as follows:
April 2, 1937: Constable George Boore;
June 2, 1954: Constable Cecil Sewell;
November 14, 1958: Constable Brian Boaden;
December 23, 1958: Constable William Lord;
October 14, 1961: Constable James Kinnane;
September 7, 1963: Constable Colin Robb;
December 2, 1976: Constable Terry Moncur;
January 3, 1985: Constable Wayne Rixon;
July 25, 1985: Detective-Constable Steven Tier;
October 20, 1987: Constable Themelis Macarounas;
August 24, 1988: Constable Peter Carter;
June 13, 1989: Constable Peter Figtree;
June 14, 1989: Senior Constable Glenn Rampling;
January 14, 2001: Senior Constable James Affleck;
April 13, 2002: Senior Constable Christopher Thornton.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Police-Pursuits/Deadly-toll/2004/11/05/1099547386960.html
Constable Edward Thomas MARTIN
Constable Edward Thomas MARTIN
Motor Vehicle Accident
Arncliffe
1 April, 1937
The West Australian newspaper dated 2 April, 1937 carried the following brief article relating to the death of Constable Martin. Nothing else is known as yet.
PIERCED BY SHAFT – Death in Collision with Cart.
SYDNEY, April 1 – Constable Edward Thomas Martin (25), of Station Street, Arncliffe was killed this afternoon when his motor cycle and a cart collided in Wollongong Road, Arncliffe. Constable Martin was shockingly injured. A shaft pierced his chest, severing arteries of the right lung. Constable Martin was on his way home after collecting his pay when he met his death.
The Sydney Morning Herald of 3 April 1937 carried a death notice for Constable Martin, as follows: MARTIN – April 1 1937 (accidentally killed at Arncliffe) Constable Edward Thomas (Eddy) Martin dearly loved son of Sergeant John and Mary Martin of 77 Station Street, Arncliffe and dear brother of Bernie and Ray, aged 25 years. Requiescat in peace.
At the time of his death the constable was 25 years old and was stationed at North Sydney. He was buried at Woronora Catholic Cemetery (Sutherland).
Ruston George STEPHENSON
Ruston George STEPHENSON
New South Wales Police Force
Constable 1st Class
Joined NSW Police Force on 9 July 1912
Stationed at Newtown Police Station
Motor Vehicle Accident – Pedestrian
Died Newtown
46 old
Born 1886
Died 9 April, 1933
Funeral 13 April 1933
Buried in Rookwood Cemetery
On 8 April, 1933 Constable George Stephenson of the Newtown Police Station travelled with a group of other police to the Newtown Stadium. They parked the police vehicle in Erskineville Road and as the constable stepped out from behind the car he was hit by a passing motor cycle outfit. Constable Stephenson sustained severe injuries and died in hospital the following morning. An 18 month old child passenger of the motor cycle outfit, Fay Joyce Moon, was also killed in the accident.
The Northern Standard newspaper dated 13 April, 1933 reported that “Constable Stephenson who was killed by a motorist while on duty, was a famous athlete, and had a distinguished war record, winning the D.S.O and Military Medal. Five hundred uninformed men spontaneously attended his funeral [in Sydney] today.”
The constable was born in 1886 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 9 July, 1912. At the time of his death he was stationed at Newtown. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal during World War 1.
Ruston joined the NSW Police Force in 1912 and in 1916 enlisted in the army, later joining the fight in France during the First World War. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry in rescuing injured soldiers while under fire. Remarkably, when he returned home, he rejoined the Police Force and continued to serve until his death at the then Newtown Stadium while performing general duties policing.
Joseph McCUNN & Clifford James BUSH
Constable Joseph McCUNN
23 old
Constable Clifford James BUSH
26 old
New South Wales Police Force
both Stationed: Clarence St Police Station
Struck by a Motor Vehicle
Dawes Point
Event & Death 5 August 1932
Funeral 8 August 1932
both buried, side by side, in the Church of England portion of Rookwood Cemetery.
On the evening of 5 August, 1932 Constables McCunn and Bush were performing special traffic duty at the southern end of the Sydney Harbour bridge. During the operation they were on foot and stopping passing vehicles, using a torch. A vehicle appeared travelling from the northern side of the harbour and was signalled to stop by one of the constables. The vehicle did not stop, however, and struck both constables with considerable force. Constable Bush died instantly and Constable McCunn died about an hour later at the Royal North Shore Hospital.
The Mercury newspaper of 9 August, 1932 described the funeral of the two constables as follows:
CONSTABLES’ FUNERAL – An Impressive Spectacle Viewed by 100,000 Persons.
Sydney, August 8 – There have been few more impressive spectacles in Sydney than the funeral to-day, amid affecting ceremonial, of Constables Joseph McCunn and Clifford James Bush, who met their deaths in tragic circumstances while on duty on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and whose remains were laid to rest side by side under great ramparts of beautiful flowers in the Church of England portion of the Rookwood Cemetery. Pathetic figures in the vast assemblage at the gravesides were the men’s widows, one of whom collapsed during the service, and had to be carried to her motor-car. One hundred thousand persons or more, with bared heads, viewed the long and impressive cortege. The police force was represented by 500 or more men and officers of all ranks. Among the others present was the ex-Commissioner of Police, Mr. James Mitchell.
Constable McCunn was born in 1909 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 30 October, 1929. At the time of his death he was stationed at No. 11 Division ( Petersham ).
Constable Bush was born in 1906 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 26 October, 1927. At the time of his death he was stationed at No. 1 Division ( Central Police Station ).
The Sydney Morning Hearld
Saturday 6 August 1932 page 13 of 22
TWO CONSTABLES KILLED ON BRIDGE.
Car Driver Arrested
Two constables were killed on the Harbour Bridge last night, when a motor car which, it is alleged, they had signalled to stop, crashed into them.
They were:- Constable Clifford James Bush, 26, of the Clarence-street Police Station. Constable Joseph McCunn, 23, of the same station.
The driver of the car was subsequently arrested and charged with manslaughter.
The two police were on special patrol duty near the southern pylon shortly before 9 o’clock last night. They were engaged in checking the tail lights on passing motor cars and frequently stopped and cautioned motorists whom they considered were travelling at too fast a speed or were infringing any other traffic regulations. They were both standing in the centre of the bridge roadway, one watching in either direction. Traffic was exceptionally light at the time.
A large sedan car swung on to the bridge from the northern end, and the police watched the dazzling headlights crossing the harbour. As it approached them, one of the constable, the Police alleged, signalled the driver to stop. The car crashed into the two men, with a terrific jar.
TERRIBLE INJURIES.
The two police, it is assumed, were struck by the bumper bars of the vehicle, which were ripped off by the force of the impact. One constable was flung to one side of the roadway, and the other in the opposite direction. Bush was hurled bodily into the iron railing on the side of the bridge, and his body was found lying in a crumpled heap in the gutter. He had been terribly mangled. Both his legs were broken in two places, and the flesh had been shockingly lacerated. His head had struck the iron work, and he had died instantly.
His companion was lying on his back on the road. He had received frightful injuries to his body, concussion, compound fracture of both legs, and extensive abrasions.
Constable Pike, of the George-street North police, who was on duty at the toll office, saw the two bodies lying on the roadway. He rushed to the scene, and called an ambulance. He was more than 300 yards away from the two men when he noticed a motor car, the radiator of which had been crushed back against the engine, and the windscreen and lights had been shattered. According to his story, the three men inside the car were apparently unaware that they had hit anything. The engine was still running. All the men appeared to be dazed.
The two constables were taken to the Royal North Shore Hospital in the Central District Ambulance. Constable McCunn was admitted immediately for attention, but died later in the night.
The Metropolitan Superintendent of Police, Mr. Mackay, happened to be passing at the time, and attracted by the long queue of cars and onlookers, he pulled in to make investigations, and immediately took charge of the inquiries.
It was learned that the three occupants of the car, who are well-known city men, had been returning from a function at a North Sydney golf club when the accident occurred. They were taken to the George-street North police station for interrogation, and were later interviewed by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Childs, and the Chief of the Criminal Investigation Branch, Mr. Prior. Detective-sergeant Almond and Detectives Alford, McDermott, Robinson, and Gregory were assigned to the case.
The victims of the tragedy, both of whom are married, will be accorded a police funeral.
MAN CHARGED.
Early this morning, Michael William Polson, of Cook-road, Randwick, was charged with having feloniously and maliciously slain the two policemen. He was admitted to bail in £100 on each charge. The police state that the other two men in the car were John Ferrier, of Manly, and Joseph Bannister.
The Maitland Daily Mercury ( NSW )
Saturday 6 August 1932 page 1 of 10
” It Was a Perfectly Clear Accident ” — Counsel
TWO DEAD No Negligence COURT SEQUEL SYDNEY, Saturday.
At the Central Court today, Michael William Polson (48) appeared on a charge of having feloniously and maliciously slain Constables Clifford Bush and Joseph McCunn. He was also charged with having driven a motor car on Bradfield Highway in a manner dangerous to the public.
Detective-Sergeant Allmond said the two constables were on duty on the Harbour Bridge last night when the car failed to stop, and crashed into them. Both were killed. Witness said defendant was a well known man. He had an excellent reputation and a good record as a motor driver.
Mr. Dovey, for Polson, said It was a perfectly clear accident, in no way due to criminal negligence on the part of his client, ” who, more than anyone else, regrets the unfortunate happening. ”
Polson was remanded until August 22 on bail of £200.
TERRIFIC BLOW
Earlier Press reports of the double fatality show that it occurred with distressing suddenness.
The constable were patrolling the roadway of the bridge, Seeing the car approaching, they stepped towards the centre of the roadway, apparently to stop it. The car continued forward, and struck both constable. One was hurled 10 feet to one side, and the second policeman 20 feet on the other.
The force of the impact was so severe that the front portion 0f the car was badly damaged – the radiator was knocked out of position, the headlights were smashed, and the bumper bars torn off.
LYING ON ROADWAY .
Constable Pike, who was on patrol duty on the southern approach, did not actually see the accident, but observed two forms lying on the roadway, near the pylon. He ran forward, passing the car, which had come to a standstill, and picked up one of the constables. Realising that one was dead, and the other in a dying condition, he raced back to the police watch house to telephone for medical assistance.
The driver of the car, and two passengers, one of them an estate agent, and the other the father of a prominent golfer, accompanied the police to No. 4 Police Station, where they were questioned.
Polson was a racehorse trainer
The Sydney Morning Herald
Monday 8 August 1932 page 7 of 14
BUSH and McCUNN -The Funerals of the late
CONSTABLES CLIFFORD JAMES BUSH and JOSEPH McCUNN will leave the Private Mortuary Chapel of Mrs P Kirby and Son Ltd, 265 Elizabeth street Sydney THIS MONDAY at 1.15 p m for the Church of England Cemetery Rookwood. The Dean of Sydney Rev. Dean Talbot will conduct the services at the Chapel and graveside.
Mrs P KIRBY and SON LTD, Motor Funeral Directors
Phone M2221-2 265 Elizabeth street, Sydney
McCUNN
The Relatives and Friends of Mrs ELINOR McCUNN and ADRIAN are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of her dearly beloved HUSBAND and his FATHER, Constable JOSEPH McCUNN which will leave the Private Mortuary Chapel of Mrs P Kirby and Son Ltd, 265 Elizabeth street Sydney THIS MONDAY at 1.15 p m for the Church of England Cemetery Rookwood
Mrs P KIRBY and SON LTD
Motor Funeral Directors
Phone M2221-2 265 Elizabeth street Sydney
McCUNN – The friends of Misses ANNIE and JEAN McCUNN are kindly Invited to attend the funeral of their dearly beloved BROTHER Constable Joseph McCunn which will leave the Private Mortuary Chapel of Mrs P Kirby and Son Ltd 265 Elizabeth street Sydney THIS MONDAY at 1.15 p m for the Church of England Cemetery, Rookwood.
Mrs P KIRBY and SON LTD
Motor funeral Directors
Phone M2221-2 265 Elizabeth street Svdney
News ( Adelaide, SA )
Monday 8 August 1932 page 6 of 8
The Sydney Morning Herald
Tuesday 9 August 1932 page 10 of 14
PUBLIC FUNERAL.
Two Constables.
IMPRESSIVE SCENES.
There have been few more impressive spectacles in Sydney than the funeral yesterday, amid affecting ceremonial, of Constables Joseph McCunn and Clifford James Bush, who met their deaths in tragic circumstances while on duty on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and whose remains were laid to rest, side by side, under great ramparts of beautiful flowers in the Church of England portion of Rookwood Cemetery.
Pathetic figures in the vast assemblage at the gravesides were the men’s widows, one of whom collapsed during the service, and had to be carried to her motor car.
An unobtrusive figure in the assemblage was that of Mr. Michael W Polson, who was accompanied by Messrs. J. B. Ferrier and J. Bannister. The floral tributes, which were conveyed in several cars, and which were placed on one car in striking pyramidal form, included two massive wreaths from Mr. Polson.
One hundred thousand people or more, with bared heads, viewed the long and impressive cortege as it proceeded from Mrs. Kirby’s funeral parlours in Elizabeth-street, along that thoroughfare, under the railway bridge into Hay-street, and thence along Pitt street, and past Central Square to the Mortuary Station, en route to Rookwood, where there was another vast concourse. Drawn together by a common bond of sympathy, the spectators occupied every vantage point. From countless windows in the city, thousands of people momentarily stayed their daily course to watch the passing of the cortege.
As an imposing official ceremonial, impressive in the quiet dignity of its pageantry, it was a striking expression of a city’s sympathy and respect for two men who had died at their posts.
From the funeral parlours to the hearses, side by side, and through an impressive avenue lined by the police as a guard of honour, to the gravesides, six stalwart, broad-shouldered constables carried each of the coffins. Mounted constables headed the cortege. Then came the Police Band, with muffled drum; then a big detachment of uniformed police, and immediately in front of the hearses, the Deputy Premier (Mr. Bruxner) and the Chief Secretary (Mr. Chaffey), representing the State Government; the Commissioner of Police (Mr. Childs), and the Under Secretary.
Chief Secretary’s Department (Mr. Harkness). Walking on both sides and at the rear of the hearses were small detachments of police. Next came several cars laden with floral tributes; another long file of uniformed police, plainclothes men, police roundsmen, representing the Sydney Press; representatives of the Central District Ambulance ; a big body of Sydney’s fire fighters, whose helmets glittered in the bright sunshine, and the representatives of other allied establishments.
Every now and again there ran down the long line of officers and men the swelling and sinking notes of the Funeral March as the bandsmen walked with slow, measured steps behind the brilliant cavalcade of men sitting their horses like statues. Thus, amid striking manifestations of respect for their memory, were the two constables laid to rest, with the hymn “Abide With Me” being softly rendered.
The Police Force was represented by 500 or more men and officers of all ranks. Among the others present was the ex-Commissioner of Police (Mr. James Mitchell).
DEAN TALBOT’S TRIBUTE.
Dean Talbot, in his address at the graveside, said the city had been deeply grieved at the deaths of these two men; the scene that day was a touching expression of its sorrow. The men whose passing the city mourned were the representatives of a force which, with untiring vigilance, protected the lives and the property of the community. The police, in the execution of their duty, were frequently in danger, and were conspicuous in such circumstances by their heroism and bravery. The police of New South Wales had won the admiration of all law-abiding citizens, and it was in that spirit of admiration, mingled with feelings of sorrow, that the community had that day paid its striking tribute. Those whom they mourned that day had been taken with tragic suddenness. The community sympathised with their relatives, and trusted that God would comfort them in their great grief.
The chief mourners were the widows of the two men and their families, and a large number of relatives.
Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners’ Advocate
Tuesday 9 August 1932 page 5 of 10
LARGE CROWDS Funeral of Constables HARBOUR BRIDGE SMASH SYDNEY, Monday. Thousands of people assembled in Elizabeth and Oxford Streets this afternoon, to witness the funerals of Constables Clifford James Bush and Joseph McCunn, who were struck by a car and fatally injured on the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Friday night. The crowd was so dense that traffic was disorganised.
After a short, impressive service in the chapel of the funeral parlours, the coffins were carried to the waiting hearses, and preceded by a detachment of mounted police, the cortege moved off for the mortuary station. Immediately behind the mounted police came the Police. Band, and 400 police representing all ranks. Among the members were the Commissioner of Police (Mr. W. H. Childs), the principal administrative officers in the metropolitan area, the Chief Fire Officer ( Mr. Nance ) and 100 members of the Metropolitan Fire Brigades.
The hearses travelled side by side, and were followed by six cars laden with floral tributes. Two magnificent wreaths were sent by Mr. M. W. Polson, the driver of the car which was involved in the fatal smash. Mr. Polson also attended the funeral. There was another large crowd at the Rookwood Cemetery. The Chief Secretary ( Mr. F. A. Chaffey ) and the Minister for Transport ( Mr. M. F. Bruxner ) represented the State Government.
BRIDGE LIGHTING RESTORED.
One result of the tragedy is that the authorities have directed that until further notice the bridge shall be fully illuminated. A few weeks ago the Transport Department issued instructions that the number of lights should be reduced by two-thirds in order to save £4000 a year in the cost of electricity.
The Canberra Times
Tuesday 23 August 1932 page 1 of 4
BRIDGE FATALITY
Trainer Charged with Manslaughter
SYDNEY, Monday.
At the Central Court, today, Michael William Polson, horse trainer, was charged with having feloniously slain Constables Joseph McCunn and Henry James Bush on the Harbour Bridge on August 9 and with having driven in a manner dangerous to the public.
He was remanded until August 30. It was stated that the coroner’s inquiry would be held on that day.
The Dubbo Liberal & Macquarie Advocate ( NSW )
Tuesday 30 August 1932 page 1 of 6
HARBOUR BRIDGE TRAGEDY
Polson on Manslaughter Charge
Sydney, Tuesday.
The Coronial inquiry commenced today into the deaths of Constables Clifford James Bush (26) and Joseph McCunn (23), who were killed on the Harbour Bridge on the night of August 5.
Michael Polson, horse trainer, who was charged with manslaughter, was present in court.
Detective Robinson told the court that Polson said to him, ” I didn’t see them. I did feel a bump and the car seemed to get out of control. I had difficulty in stopping. The light on the bridge is very bad, and I was not driving at more than 25 miles an hour. ”
Raymond Mcintosh stated that he noticed the two constables standing 10 to 12 feet from the railing. They were in the shadow between the lighted lamps, and appeared to be comparing notes, and not aware of the approach of the car. Witness said there was a crash, and he saw one of the constables hurled into the air.
The inquiry is proceeding.
The Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday 31 August 1932 page 12 of 20
BRIDGE TRAGEDY.
Policemen’s Deaths.
POLSON DISCHARGED BY CORONER
The City Coroner (Mr. May) yesterday found that Constables Clifford James Bush and Joseph McCunn met their deaths from injuries accidentally received through being knocked down by a motor car on Bradfield Highway on the evening of August 5.
When Mr. Barry (for the police) stated that there was no further evidence to offer on charges of manslaughter and dangerous driving against Michael William Polson, the driver of the car, the coroner ordered that he should be discharged.
Mr. May said that no doubt the widows, with their children, would have the deepest sympathy of everyone. The two young constables had left their homes full of health, and in doing what they conceived to be their duty met an untimely end. He reminded them that Mrs. Bush was a widow for the second time.
He added that he considered that the Crown had taken the right course, but there was no evidence that Polson drove in a manner dangerous to the public or at a speed dangerous to the public.
Detective Robinson said he interviewed Polson and Ferrier and Bannister, who were with him, on the night of the accident. Polson said he did not see the constables. He felt a bump, and after that the car seemed to get out of control. He had difficulty in stopping the car, and when he did stop it Ferrier got out and went back. He returned and said there had been an accident.
Witness said Polson told him that he had been to the Manly Golf Club playing in a competition all day. They did not return direct from the golf club to the city. They stopped for about half an hour at Furlong’s Hotel. Polson told him he did not have a drink there, but the others might have had a couple.
Detective Robinson added: ” Polson said he was not going faster than 25 miles an hour at the time of the accident. He said he was not a fast driver. I asked him how he came to run the constables down. He replied that he did not know. He did not see them. The lights on the bridge were very bad. ”
“NO SIGNS OF LIQUOR.”
In reply to Mr. De Baun, for Mrs. McCunn, witness said he did not detect any sign of liquor on Polson when he saw him after the accident.
The following questions were asked Polson by Detective Robinson at an interview on the night of the accident, and were contained in a statement handed to the coroner:
” Your statement in respect to the amount of liquor you had is somewhat at variance to the statement by Mr. Ferrier and Mr. Bannister in respect to you having a drink at Furlong’s Hotel on the way from the club – Mr. Polson: I may have had a lager there, but I am sure I did not have two lagers. They may have been paid for, but I did not have them.
Did you purchase the two bottles of liquor which were in your car at the time of the accident? – No. I did not. They do not belong to me.
Mr. Ferrier states that you purchased the liquor at the club-house about 7 p.m. – Polson ( to Ferrier, who was present at the interview ) : I am sure you are making a mistake. I had no need to purchase liquor.
Raymond Edgar Mcintosh, engineer, said he was driving across the bridge in the direction of Newcastle on the night of the accident. The constables were standing together in a shadow between two lighted lamps. Witness was 50 yards away when he first noticed them. He saw their faces, which appeared like two discs suspended in the air. A second or two later he realised they were policemen.
Witness said he noticed a car approaching from the north end of the bridge. The constables had their backs to it. They seemed to be unaware of the approach of the car, and witness realised that an accident would be certain. There was a crash, and he saw one of the constables being hurled in the air. At the time of the accident every third light on the bridge was lighted. The car which struck the policemen continued on for 100 or 150 yards before pulling up.
SUPERINTENDENT MACKAY.
Superintendent Mackay said he questioned Polson on the bridge, and added: “I said to Poison, ‘It appears to me that you have had a drink.’ He said, ‘Yes; I have been to the Manly Golf Club, and had a couple of lagers there.’ I then said to Bannister, ‘You also appear to have partaken of drink.’ He said, ‘Yes, I was with Polson at the golf club. We had a presentation there. Afterwards we had some drink.’ Ferrier did not appear to have had drink, and I did not question him. I said to Polson, ‘What speed were you doing?’ and he replied ‘Between 25 and 30 miles an hour.’ I said to him, ‘Did you not see the constables?’ and he said, ‘I did not see them, and I was looking ahead at the time. I had no idea I struck them. This is a dreadful affair. I wish to – the bridge had not been built.’ ”
Witness said he asked Polson and the others questions in the presence of Dr. Angus Murray. Afterwards he took Dr. Murray aside, and the doctor said to him, “They have had drink, but in my opinion they are not under the influence to such an extent as to render Polson incapable of driving a car.”
Witness added that when he (witness) was on the bridge the visibility was bad. Extra caution should have been taken in driving a car on the bridge on that night.
Bannister told witness that he thought a piece of the bridge had fallen on them.
In reply to Mr. Dovey (for Polson), witness said the observant motorist would have seen the constables as objects rather than as men. Any speed over 25 miles an hour was excessive on that night. The proper speed was between 15 and 20 miles an hour.
Superintendent Bennetts said the constables had received their instructions. Their duties should not necessarily have brought them together. All traffic constables were issued with white gloves, but he did not know whether the two constables had them on on the night of the tragedy.
Constable Charles Ernest Pike, who was on duty at the bridge on the evening of August 5, said he approached a car driven by a man he now knew as Polson. The engine of the car was racing and the car was moving slowly ahead. Witness applied the hand brake, and asked Polson where he was going. He replied that he was going home. Witness asked Polson if he knew there had been an accident. Polson replied that he did not, and asked where it was. A man he now knew as Bannister, who was in the back of the car, said there was a bump, but he thought it was only a rise in the roadway.
Witness added that the men in the car, with the exception of Polson, smelt strongly of intoxicating liquor.
CLASH WITH WITNESS.
Edward Hatton, taxi-driver, said he crossed the Harbour Bridge between 8.45 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the evening of August 5. He said he saw the constables 60 or 70 yards away. He saw another car approaching him.
Mr. Barry: Did you tell Detective Robinson that that car was travelling at 60 to 70 miles an hour? – Perhaps I did.
To the Coroner witness said the car was travelling at a good speed.
In reply to Mr. Dovey, witness said he called on Mr. Polson on the night following the bridge tragedy.
Mr. Dovey: You told him you could do him a lot of good and a lot of harm?
Witness: I did not.
Did you tell him you were broke? – No.
Are you broke? – No. I have a bob or two.
After that, you called on Mr. Hickey at his office? – Yes.
Uninvited? – No.
Witness said he did not call on Mr. Polson unasked.
Mr. Dovey: Who Invited you to call on Mr. Polson? – I do not know the man’s name.
You were ordered out of Mr. Hickey’s office?
– No, I was not.
You telephoned me at my private home?
Yes
Didn’t I tell you I thought you were a bad man, and would have nothing to do with you? – Yes.
Later, you came out to my home? – Yes.
And I told you I thought you were a blackmailer? – Yes.
And I threatened to get the police? – You had a stick: otherwise I would have punched you on the nose.
Have you ever been convicted? – That has nothing to do with the case.
Then, Mr. Dovey said (to the Coroner) : “I say openly in this court that the witness is nothing more or less than a blackmailer.”
Detective Robinson, recalled, said the white gloves of the constables were found in their bags at one of the toll houses.
To Mr. De Baun, John Ferrier, secretary of the Manly Golf Club, said he was of the opinion that the car was not travelling at more than 20 miles an hour. He knew that something had happened when the glass on the windscreen broke and pieces flew over Bannister and himself. Polson immediately began to pull up and came to a stop 80 to 100 yards away. Witness got out of the car and ran back. The liquor found in the car was purchased by him.
Mr. Dovey: Were you perfectly sober? Witness: Perfectly.
Joseph Bradshaw Bannister, bookmaker, said he was with Polson in the front of the car. He estimated the speed at between 20 and 25 miles an hour.
Mr. Barry appeared for the police to assist the coroner; Mr. W. R. Dovey (instructed by Messrs. John Hickey and Quinn) appeared for Polson; Mr. De Baun and Mr. Leonard ( instructed by Messrs. McCulloch and Buggy ) for the relatives of Constable McCunn; and Mr. Buggy for the relatives of Constable Bush and the Police Association.
Edgar John WILLIAMS
Edgar John WILLIAMS
New South Wales Police Force
Sergeant 2nd Class
Served for over 25 years
Motor Vehicle Accident
Coolah
Died Saturday 28 August, 1926
Funeral ?
About 2pm on 28 August, 1926 Sergeant Williams was a passenger travelling with two other men in a vehicle returning from the Dunedoo Court. Along the Leadville Road the vehicle skidded, left the roadway and somersaulted, ejecting all three men. The sergeant was killed instantly, while the other two men were seriously injured in the accident. The Mercury newspaper dated 30 August, 1926 briefly reported the accident.
MOTOR CAR SOMERSAULTS – POLICE SERGEANT KILLED.
SYDNEY. ( Saturday ) August 28 – A shocking motoring accident occurred on the Leadville Road, three miles from Coolah, about 2 o’clock this afternoon. A car was returning from the Dunedoo Police Court, with Harold Fraser (driver), Fred Haynes and Sergeant Edgar John Williams, when it skidded. The front wheels locked and the car ran off the road. It turned a complete somersault, and the occupants were thrown out. Sergeant Williams was killed almost instantly. Haynes and Fraser were injured.
The sergeant was born in 1873 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 21 May, 1900. At the time of his death he was probably stationed at Louth.
Sergeant Williams was a member of the police force for over 25 years, and was just due for six months long service leave. He was a second class sergeant for nearly eleven years. He had also served at Cobar and Louth. He is survived by Mrs. Williams, three daughters and one son.
Recorder ( Port Pirie, S.A. ) Monday 30 August 1926 page 1 of 4
FATAL CAPSIZE.
Police Sergeant Killed.
SYDNEY, Sunday. ( 29 Aug. )
Sergeant Edgar Williams, of the Coolah police, was killed instantly in a car capsize yesterday, three miles from Coolah, near Mudgee.
Williams and Frederick Haynes were (returning) turning from the Dunedoo Court in a car driven by Harold Fraser, 25, when for some unknown reason the car turned over, and Williams was pinned underneath and crushed to death. He leaves a widow and four children. Haynes was unhurt, while Fraser was Injured in the back
There is some confusion in relation to the correct date of death.
Newspaper articles have him being killed on Saturday 28 August 1926 but his grave stone states the date of death as 29 August 1927. ???
Further investigations continuing as to the correct date of death – July 2014.
