F. C. Derry

Victoria Police

Sergeant

Suicide – Firearm

Died  7 October 1893

38 old

The Argus ( Melbourne, Vic. )  Monday  9 October 1893  page 6 of 8

SUICIDE AT THE RUSSELL STREET BARRACKS.

SERGEANT DERRY SHOOTS HIMSELF.

On Saturday morning Sergeant F. C. Derry, who acted as clerk to Superintendent Sadlier, committed suicide by shooting himself at the Russell street barracks. No reason can be assigned for his act. He was happy in his domestic relations was well advanced in grade in the force, held a comfortable position as clerk to the inspecting superintendent, and was almost, if not quite, a total abstainer from intoxicants. In these circumstances and the additional favourable features of good health and a happy temperament, the members of the force have been compelled to the opinion that his act was the result of some sudden impulse which cannot be explained. Derry was 38 years of age, and a married man with a wife and two  children. He entered the Permanent Artillery in 1874, and a year later joined the police force. In May, 1887, he was promoted to the rank of senior constable, and in February, 1892, to a  second class sergeant. His clerical ability which in 1884 carried him with honours through the officers examination, marked him as specially suitable for a position on the office staff, and when Sergeant Crampton was promoted to the rank of sub- inspector and left the office of the inspecting superintendent, Derry was appointed to take his place as chief clerk. In his new position Derry worked untiringly and with much success, and having a talent for organisation he devoted himself to the task of making a success of the police brass band, of the committee of which he was chairman. His efforts and the efforts of those associated with him were an unqualified success as the record of two years, during which £5OO or so has been raised by the band for charities testifies. On Saturday morning Derry seemed in his usual health and spirits, but soon after he had entered his office Constable McGuinness heard a pistol shot, and upon running into Derry’s room he found him lying on the floor with a smoking pistol in his hand. Sergeant Byrne was called, and though he saw that the pistol bullet having entered the sergeants mouth, was still embedded in his brain, and had undoubtedly caused instant death, he ordered the body to be at once removed to the Melbourne Hospital. This was done, and Dr Desailly examined the patient but his examination confirmed the opinion of Sergent Byrne. The bullet had evidently been fired while the pistol was held in the mouth, and it had caused immediate death. Mr Sadleir examined the sergeants papers and found them correct in every particular, and he then communicated the fact of his death to the chief commissioner. An inquest will be held to day at noon.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/8699349?searchTerm=sergeant%20crampton&searchLimits=l-australian=y|||l-category=Article|||sortby#pstart313778

Anthony ‘ Tony ‘ Van GORP

Victoria Police Force

 

Joined as a Victoria Police Cadet in 1979

 

Sergeant – Resigned March 2010

 

30 years service

 

Stationed at Healesville, Victoria

 

Suicide – Service Firearm

47 old

Died  22 March 2010

As of 10 January 2021 – Tony is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

 

 

 

Location of Healesville Police Station:

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Policeman shot, killed by own gun at Healesville police station

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/policeman-shot-by-own-gun-at-healesville-police-station/story-e6frf7jo-1225844032667

• Wayne Flower, Amelia Harris
• Herald Sun
• March 22, 2010 11:24PM

UPDATE 5.36pm: A POLICEMAN found shot dead with his own gun at an outer Melbourne station was under investigation.

The officer-in-charge is believed to have been shot by his own gun at Healesville police station in Melbourne’s outer east about 9.30pm.

Victoria Police named him as Sergeant Anthony Vangorp.

Paramedics arrived to find the sergeant had suffered a gunshot wound to the head and had died at the scene.

A police gun was found nearby.

Emergency crews could not revive him.

The officer, who had more than 30 years’ experience in the force, had been under investigation and tendered his resignation on Friday after a probe into “disciplinary issues”.

The resignation took effect yesterday, and it is believed the officer took his own life after returning to collect his belongings last night.

Other officers at the station had left on an urgent job, leaving him at the station alone, before returning to make the shock discovery.

There are no suspicious circumstances, but Assistant Commissioner Ken Lay told Radio 3AW that investigators would examine how the former officer was able to get access to a police-issue firearm.

He said the death had come as a shock to his colleagues, and that he was well liked and respected.

It is understood the member leaves behind a female partner.

“This is pretty horrible for the local police, for the member’s family and for the broader community,” Mr Lay said.

“He was a well-known member up there. Overall, it’s a pretty sad event,”

He said the officer had spent much of his time in the eastern region in his “30-odd years” of service.

Mr Lay confirmed police management had been talking with the officer last week about “a number of issues”.

But he would not reveal details of the investigation “out of respect to the member, his family and the staff out there”, other than to confirm that it was not a corruption investigation.

He would not comment on suggestions that the officer was going to be sacked if he did not resign.

The homicide squad, ethical standards department and the Coroner are investigating, with police expected to prepare a report for the Coroner.

For more information on depression and to seek help on suicide prevention, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 http://www.lifeline.org.au, SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263) http://www.sane.org and Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 http://www.beyondblue.org.au.

with Matthew Schulz

 

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Police officer found dead in station

Posted by: 3AW Radio | 23 March, 2010 – 9:48 AM

http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/3aw-generic-blog/police-officer-found-dead-in-station/20100323-qrxj.html

THOMAS HUNTER: The police officer found dead at a station in Melbourne’s outer east last night has been named as Sergeant Anthony Vangorp.

The 47-year-old officer in charge had been under investigation for ‘‘serious discipline matters’’ in the week before his death, Victoria Police confirmed in a statement.

Two officers returning from divisional van duties found Sergeant Vangorp’s body at the Healesville police station about 9.30pm.

He had a gunshot wound to the head, believed to have been inflicted by a police gun, which was found at his side. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Sergeant Vangorp, a 30-year veteran of the force, was alone in the three-member station at the time.

Deputy Commissioner Ken Lay said Sergeant Vangorp had tendered his resignation last week after being questioned by police management about “a number of issues’’, but not corruption.

He said the sergeant’s resignation became effective yesterday, and an investigation into his death would probe how he had access to a weapon.

‘‘He was actually there [at the police station] collecting his belongings,’’ Mr Lay told radio station 3AW.

‘‘He had spoken to a couple of members who were at the station while he was doing that. They had to sneak out and do a quick job. When they came back they, unfortunately, found what they found.

‘‘This is pretty horrible for the local police, for the member’s family and for the broader community. He was a well-known member up there.’’

It is understood Sergeant Vangorp had two adult children.

For help or information visit beyondblue.org.au, call Suicide Helpline Victoria on 1300 651 251, or Lifeline on 131 114.

 

Blog comments

• This is just sad. Sad for his family, sad for his friends, his workmates, for the Police Force and anyone involved. This will seriously change many lives and leave very deep scars and pain for many years to come. My heart go out to his family, friends and to our members, just keep holding that thin blue line…
  Current Member Thursday 8 April, 2010 – 2:16 PM
• This is just a complete tragedy for the family left behind, including the members. How dare force command act the way they have and wipe the blood from their hands without conscience. Unfortunately, this is not the only member to take his life due to the actions of the force in the last 6 months… so sad, condolences to the family.
  disillusioned tjf Friday 26 March, 2010 – 12:47 AM
• This is a sad ingigdment on our community, police force and government. Although never a servicing officer I have over the years known many servicing officers and I refuse to use the term “members” as members belong to clubs! This is a true reflection of the political involvement into our once respected police force in Victoria and confirms the assumptions of many that our former and current Chief commiissioner and deputies are nothing more than puppets of the state. Mr. Overland is an appointed CC of the current state government as was his predecessor along with his deputies also, Mr, Lay although a well liked man is unfortunately a yes man that has risen to his current position by his inability to stand his ground on issues where he know’s wrong is being done. Yet he fully accepts his position and standing in the communmity regardless of the current situation within Victoria Police. It is a sad fact that we have so much violence on our streets, disrespect of community and police yet nothing is being proactively done to rectify the issues, just more spin.
  Police force or political representatives?
  Shane Thursday 25 March, 2010 – 9:56 PM
• this is more politically correct rubbish from the higher up officials , Police officers are just Human and should be able to look at emails as long as they are Not outside the Law that applies to each and everyone of us , No wonder police are leaving faster than they can recruit them
  Wayne Harris Wednesday 24 March, 2010 – 5:47 PM
• This is just another disgrace by Victoria Police. I was a member for 42 and a half years, I was pushed out the door. I suffered from Post traumatic disorder which came about after being involved in a number of serious incidents over the years including being shot at and other serious issues. I spoke to Christine NIXON prior to my departure about two issues that are close to me. the first being the treatment of our Indigenous Population by Victoria Police, and the second being the treatment of members and the lack of welfare support. Christine did not want to know about anything about it. My issues came to a head after I was forced by an Officer to Lock up a current serving member, who was also a mate of mine, after he found himself in a situation with serious mental health issues brought about by some tragic issues that he had been involved in as part of his work. Vale Tony VAN GORP, a mans man, and another senior member crunched by an unjust employer.
  Brian McCALLUM Wednesday 24 March, 2010 – 5:03 PM
• This is a disgrace! The Vic Police force is leaving this poor mans family in a shadow of doubt. If all he did was misuse emails why on earth was he forced to resign?? Is this more of passed leaders culture surfacing here??
  alexas Wednesday 24 March, 2010 – 2:02 PM

I think police command have to come clean with this. I smell fish and they should be up front for the sake of the public and the family

• Julie- Bayswater Wednesday 24 March, 2010 – 2:25 AM
• My thoughts to the family and even more to the members on duty who are going to be disected and thrown out by ESD who will investigate this incident along with the homocide squad but for them 10 minutes. ESD is the biggest department in the Victoria police and you could easily put an extra 500 police on the street if you cut ESD by 1/3Seious misconduct can be a police officer getting a parking ticket or a speeding fine in his/her private vehicle susequently receiving 2 penalties civil and internal.Police management and ESD have no idea about staff management. ESD has and will always be seen as a path to promotion take down and discredit as many police as you can regardless of the parking ticket and you will fly through the ranks. Someone in ESD is now going to be the next chief commissioner for his tact on this.
  Martin – Chiangmai Wednesday 24 March, 2010 – 2:06 AM
• So sad Tony. Condolences to your family and collegues. I just hope that your death is not in vain and that a full enquiry into the circumstances of your death are conducted in a proper manner. Those that are responsible for the “Witch-Hunt” that led to this tragedy should hang their heads in shame. ESD should not be investigating this matter. They were the ones who led the investigation into your ALLEGED misdemeanours and should not be allowed to be involved into what will ultimately be another cover-up. The comments by Mr LAY were extremely inappropriate, suggesting that you were under investigation for serious discipline matters. Let him explain what this means, as I believe the community has a different idea.
  Concerned Citizen Tuesday 23 March, 2010 – 8:43 PM

 

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Cop mourned

http://mountainviews.starcommunity.com.au/mail/2010-03-30/cop-mourned/

Posted on 30 March 2010.

By Kath Gannaway
THE death of Sergeant Tony Van Gorp last week sent shockwaves through the Healesville community.
Tributes have flowed for the popular, community-minded policeman who as officer in charge at Healesville for the past 15 years, played an active role in many community organisations, particularly local schools.
Sgt Van Gorp, 47, was found dead on Monday night (22 March) by two colleagues when they returned to the Healesville police station at around 9.30pm.
Victoria Police confirmed his death just after midnight, stating that a gun was found at the scene and that there were no suspicious circumstances. It was soon also confirmed that he had had taken his own life.
The Melbourne media went into meltdown, and the rumour mill in Healesville followed suit, as it was revealed that Sgt Van Gorp was under investigation for misuse of the police email system.
Speculation was fuelled by the fact that Sgt Van Gorp had tendered his resignation on 18 March after receiving a Section 68 notice from Chief Commissioner Simon Overland.
The notice was one of only two issued by Mr Overland following investigations by the Ethical Standards Department for what were said to be “serious discipline matters”.
A close friend of Sgt Van Gorp has told the Mail he believed the letter was an ultimatum – resign or be sacked.
Much of the reporting on the police email crackdown last week revolved around other investigations being conducted by the ESD relating to racist and pornographic emails which Mr Overland said would shock the community.
He went on record on Thursday however as saying that the email for which he had delivered the section 68 to Sgt Van Gorp was neither racist, nor illegal.
Mr Overland has strongly rejected accusations that the Section 68 was a heavy-handed approach saying the email was sufficiently ‘serious’ to warrant the action.
He gave no indication as to the direction the ESD investigations into Sgt Van Gorp’s matter would now take, or if and when the exact nature of the email would be made known.
More stories on pages 8 and 9

 

 

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Police officer’s suicide may have been avoided over email scandal

• by: Carly Crawford
• From: Herald Sun
• April 13, 2011 12:00AM

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/archive/news/police-officers-suicide-may-have-been-avoided-over-email-scandal/story-fn7x8me2-1226038118911?sv=2aa46ab78893a63925fb3478aca079f6&nk=73412c0e9f8bd4a2da893de353e172e7

Simon Overland has been implicated in the investigation over a police officer’s suicide. Picture: Greg Scullin Source: Herald Sun

The Office of Police Integrity is investigating claims that senior police – including Chief Commissioner Simon Overland – overlooked legal advice about how to discipline a police officer who later killed himself.

Healesville sergeant Tony Vangorp fatally shot himself after he was told to expect a Section 68 notice during Operation Barrott, an OPI-Ethical Standards Department probe into pornographic, racist and homophobic emails circulating among police.

The rarely used 68s are rubber-stamped by the Chief Commissioner and demand recipients show cause why they should not be sacked.

The Victorian Government Solicitor’s office is believed to have issued formal advice to senior police that 68s would be inappropriate in those cases. Internal police lawyers gave top brass similar legal advice.

The OPI has been told police may have misapplied their powers by issuing no-confidence notices during the email scandal that swept the force last year.

The officers implicated are Supt Lisa McMeeken, Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius and Mr Overland.

Police Association boss Greg Davies said he was amazed to hear of the allegations Mr Overland had disregarded advice.

“If that’s right and if those actions have contributed in any way, shape or form to the death of Tony Vangorp the Chief Commissioner surely cannot remain in office, then there’s only one person that’s made that decision in blatant disregard for internal and external legal advice that said don’t do it,’’ Snr-Sgt Davies said.

But in a statement released today, a Victoria Police spokesperson said police were confident they had followed proper procedure.

“Victoria Police is confident that the steps taken in relation to Sgt Tony Van Gorp in March last year were right and proper. These included, in recognition of the strong public interest in the matter from the outset, asking OPI to actively oversight our investigations,” the statement said.

“However we do not believe that the interests of the Van Gorp family are well served by further speculation and unseemly criticism in the media.

“The coronial process, in which we have confidence, must be allowed to run its course.”

The spokesperson said police would await the findings of the coronial inquest before making any further comment.

Mr Overland said today he did not ignore legal advice about issuing a disciplinary notice to Sgt Van Gorp.

“If there is an OPI investigation into that, that’s fine and I welcome that,’’ he said.

“I have absolutely nothing to fear or hide in relation to that particular case.’’

Mr Overland said he was the only person who could issue the rarely used Section 68 notice, and legal advice surrounding them was often contradictory.

He said Sgt Van Gorp resigned after the notice was issued.

Premier Ted Baillieu said today Mr Overland had his full support.

“I haven’t seen the issue in detail but the answer is yes (I have faith in Mr Overland),” he said.

The Herald Sun understands that another 68 issued under Barrott – to a senior detective in Geelong – has been withdrawn.

Senior police were advised that a Section 69 notice, which refers suspect officers to a disciplinary hearing, would be a more suitable way to deal with those caught up in Barrott.

Eight officers were sacked and about 13 others fined or demoted after they were found with vile emails on their computers last year. Several have lodged appeals.

An OPI spokesman last night said the office was “actively oversighting Operation Barrott and associated matters”.

Sgt Van Gorp, a 30-year police veteran, shot himself at his police station last March. His death is before the Coroner’s Court.

Of the six 68s issued in Victoria, only one has not been overturned.

In advising against 68 notices, one government solicitor cited a precedent involving a fraud squad member disciplined with a 69 notice for having similarly offensive emails on his computer.

Anyone with personal problems can call Lifeline on 131 114; Victorian Statewide Suicide Helpline on 1300 651 251; or Mensline Australia on 1300 789 978.

crawfordc@heraldsun.com.au
– with Amelia Harris, Stephen McMahon

Questions remain

http://mountainviews.starcommunity.com.au/mail/2011-04-19/questions-remain/

Posted on 19 April 2011.

Inquest

http://mountainviews.starcommunity.com.au/mail/2011-12-06/inquest/

Posted on 06 December 2011.

Van Gorp inquest call

http://mountainviews.starcommunity.com.au/mail/2011-12-20/van-gorp-inquest-call/

Posted on 20 December 2011.

Van Gorp inquest call

Posted on 20 December 2011.

Tony’s truth unheard

http://mountainviews.starcommunity.com.au/mail/2012-02-21/tonys-truth-unheard/

Posted on 21 February 2012.

Inquest denied

http://mountainviews.starcommunity.com.au/mail/2012-02-21/inquest-denied/

Posted on 21 February 2012.

Partner wins compensation over police sergeant’s suicide

Oscar Stanley McDONALD

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ‘Q‘ 8552

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

Rank:  Probationary Constable – appointed 12 October 1906 ( aged 22 – 23 years old )

Stations:  ?, Rugby – Death

Service:  From 12 October 1906  to 21 December 1919 = 13 years, 2 months, 9 days Service

Born:  1884

Age: 36 old

Cause:  Suicide – Jumped from a cliff

Died:  21 December 1919 – Belmore Falls, Robertson, NSW

Funeral:  Saturday 27 December 1919, Robertson, NSW

Buried:  Church of England, Robertson Cemetery, NSW

Media reports:

Goulburn Evening Penny Post ( N.S.W. )

Tuesday  30 December 1919  page 2 of 4

CONSTABLE DROWNS HIMSELF.

Moss Vale Monday. –

The body of Constable Oscar McDonald, of Rugby, near Young, who drowned himself on the 21st instant, came to the surface in a water hole at Belmore Falls, and was discovered on Saturday morning.

At the inquest a verdict of suicide while temporarily insane was returned.

He was 36 years of age, and leaves a wife and seven children.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/98903618?searchTerm=%22oscar%20mcdonald%22&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc#pstart9600234

The Sydney Morning Herald

Tuesday  30 December 1919  page 7 of 10

CONSTABLE DROWNS HIMSELF.

MOSS VALE, Monday.

The body of Constable Oscar McDonald, of Rugby, near Young, who drowned himself on the 21st instant, came to the surface in a waterhole at Belmore Falls, and was discovered on Saturday morning. At the inquest a verdict of suicide while temporarily insane was returned. He was 36 years of age, and leaves a wife and seven children.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/15881840?searchTerm=%22oscar%20mcdonald%22&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc#pstart1252437

Northern Star ( Lismore, NSW )

Wednesday  31 December 1919  page 5 of 8

GENERAL TELEGRAMS.

Verdict of Suicide.

SYDNEY, Tuesday.—

The body of Constable Oscar McDonald, late of Rugby, near Young, who drowned himself on the 21st inst., came to the surface in a waterhole at Belmore Falls, Moss Vale.

At the   inquest a verdict of suicide while temporarily insane was returned.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/93020545?searchTerm=%22oscar%20mcdonald%22&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc#pstart8841887

The Scrutineer and Berrima District Press

Wednesday  31 December 1919  page 2 of 4

Belmore Falls Tragedy.

The body of Constable Oscar McDonald, of Rugby, near Young, who was missing from Sunday, 21 st instant, came to the surface of the waterhole at Belmore Falls, where his clothes and a note, to his wife stating that he was tired of his life were found, and was discovered on Friday morning and dragged out of the water.

At the inquest following the discovery, the district coroner (Mr. H. W. Taylor) returned a verdict of suicide whilst suffering from temporary insanity.

Deceased was a son of Mr. Robert McDonald, of Robertson, and was born in that township 36 years ago.

He leaves a widow (a daughter of Mr. John Lindsay, of Moss Vale) and seven children.

The remains were interred in the Church of England cemetery, Robertson, on Saturday, the Rev. J. F. Rofe officiating at the graveside.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/124751250?searchTerm=%22oscar%20mcdonald%22&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc#pstart13323653

The Southern Mail ( Bowral, NSW )
Friday 2 January 1920 page 2 of 4
The Suicide at Belmore Falls
THE BODY FOUND.

The body of Constable Oscar McDonald, of Rugby, near Young, who had been missing since Sunday, the 21st December, came to the surface of the waterhole at Belmore Falls, and was discovered on Friday morning and dragged out of the water.

Some days previously the clothes of the missing man were found near the top of the falls with a note to his wife stating that he was tired of his life, and it was surmised that he had jumped into the deep waterhole 300ft beneath.

Efforts to recover the body by dragging, however, failed.

At the inquest following the discovery, the district coroner ( Mr. H. W. Taylor ) returned a verdict of suicide while suffering from temporary insanity.

Deceased was a son of Mr. Robert McDonald, of Robertson, and was born in that township 36 years ago.

He was on a visit to his birthplace on sick leave from the police force, suffering a nervous breakdown. A long bout of insomnia had left him in a state from which death would appear to give a happy release.

The late Constable McDonald leaves a widow ( a daughter of Mr. John Lindsay, of Moss Vale ) and seven children.

The remains were interred in the Church of England Cemetery, Robertson, on Saturday, the Rev J F Rofe officiating at the graveside.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/113381577?searchTerm=%22oscar%20mcdonald%22&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc

The exact same version, as above – from the Northern Star, also appeared in Robertson Advocate ( NSW ), Friday 2 January 1920 page 2 of 4

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/120009398?searchTerm=%22oscar%20mcdonald%22&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc

The Southern Mail ( Bowral, NSW )

Tuesday  6 January 1920  page 2 of 4

THANKS.—  The Widow, Family, and Relatives of the late Constable Oscar McDonald desire to Thank the police and public generally for their assistance and sympathy in their late sad bereavement.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/113381583?searchTerm=%22oscar%20mcdonald%22&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc#pstart11797711

Belmore Falls:

-34.639077859879535, 150.5589477310662

The earliest mention of Rugby Police Station ( which no longer exists as a Police Station ) in the National Library of Australia is 16 December 1875.

In October 1900 there was a Constable Overton stationed at Rugby Police Station. ( “Possibly” Arnold OVERTON, NSWPF ‘Q’ 5265 – Born 1858 in England and joined the Police on 29 September 1886 )

As of 2014, there is no mention of Rugby Police Station, or Oscar McDonald inside the date range of 1900 – 1923.

In December of 1923 there was a Constable John Walderma CHITTY stationed at Rugby Police Station. ( No Find via Google or my records.  Cal )

On 2 September 1927, approval was given for the installation of a telephone in Rugby Police Station.

The last mention of Rugby Police Station, in the papers of the day, is 4 July 1930.

 

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On Saturday 19 July 2014, I ( Greg ‘Cal’ Callander ) went to the old Church on the corner of Illawarra Hwy & Meryla St, Robertson, to speak with the current Minister there.

He didn’t have any records with him and there are definitely no graves within the grounds of the Church, nor is there a Church of England Cemetery ( now ) – as stated in the article dated 2 January 1920.

The Minister did, however, direct me to one of the oldest residents in the area who runs the General Store up the road.

Before I troubled her, I attended the Robertson Cemetery located at the very end of Missingham Parade, Robertson in search of Oscar’s grave – at the below GPS co-ordinates.

It is a lovely cemetery, with graves dating back to the mid 1800’s and there would be no more than 100 marked graves there – but, as much as I searched, I could not locate the grave for Oscar.

There are several unmarked graves, there are several graves with upturned headstones that have fallen over with the process of time.  There are also graves whereby the inscriptions just can’t be read, due to weathering and then there are the graves that are totally shrouded in thick creeper vines and trees.

After spending a considerable amount of time there, without success, I decided to go to the old General Store and speak with the elderly lady who runs the place.

Now, considering this funeral happened nearly 95 years ago, I introduced myself to the lady and told her exactly what I was seeking.

Now bugger me if, after all these years, she steps forward to the bench in front of her and says, “I know I have that book around here somewhere“.

From under a few news papers, she removes an old, hand written, brown tattered and torn book which holds most of the records of the Robertson Cemetery.

She flicks through the book to the appropriate date and there, before us, was the hand written note of her own long deceased father ( this lady is around 80 herself now ) is written:

“Decr 27th 1919.

Oscar McDonald buried in grave paid for by his father.”

Unfortunately there were no other details as to the location of the grave but, the woman assures me, Oscar would have been buried on the right hand side of the driveway as you enter the cemetery.

So, at this stage, that is the best I can do in relation to plotting exactly where Oscar is buried.

The elderly woman is retiring very soon, so this original book will be lost with time.  She tells me that she has given a photostat copy to the local Rail Museum and the local Cemetery Trust – as the cemetery is owned by the Community.

 

 

Approximate vicinity of grave site

https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B036’07.8%22S+150%C2%B035’27.7%22E/@-34.6022239,150.5909468,65m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d-34.602163!4d150.591015

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Barry Robert DUFFY

aka  Scruffy,  Bazz,  The Stomper, The Macksville Mauler

Late of  Tuncurry, Bathurst & Orange

NSW Police Redfern Academy Class: “possibly” Class 129 – 130

New South Wales Police Force

NSW Police Cadet # 2405

Regd. #  14958

Rank:  NSW Police Cadets – commenced 2 December 1968

Probationary Constable – appointed  2 November 1971

Constable 1st Class – appointed 2 November 1976

Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed  3 July 1987

Former Sergeant at Orange ( where he Retired in 1991 )

Stations: ?, Orange

Service:  From  2 December 1968  to  ? ? 1991 = 23 years Service

Awards:  National Medal – granted 2 November 1988 ( Sgt )

Born:  Wednesday  29 October 1952

Died on:  Tuesday morning, 17 June 2014

Age:  61yrs  7mths  19days

Cause:  Illness – PTSD – Suicide by vehicle

Event location:  Pacific Hwy, 12 Mile Creek ( nth of Raymond Terrace )

Event date:   Tuesday  17 June 2014

Funeral date:  Wednesday  25 June 2014

Funeral location:  ?

Buried at:  Cremated

 Memorial located at:  ?

BARRY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance  *NEED MORE INFO

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

May they forever Rest In Peace

With regret I advise the death of Barry Robert DUFFY, 61 old, former Regd. No. 14958, a non-member of the RPA of Tuncurry.

Barry passed away on 17/06/2014 and his funeral is proposed to be held at 11am on Wednesday 25th Instant at Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens Chapel, 183 Pampoolah Road, TAREE.

Wallace / Walter  ‘ Wally ‘ Charles GROCH

New South Wales Police Force

Possibly stationed at Queanbeyan in January 1964  ( http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/105764898?searchTerm=wally%20groch&searchLimits= )

Stationed at Nowra at one time in the late 1970’s – early 1980’s

Suicide

Died:  20 January 1994

55 old

Funeral

Possibly: 9 siblings mentioned in this obituary – including ‘ Ted ‘ GROCH.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/result?q=%22walter+charles+groch%22

Brother to Arthur Edward ‘ Ted ‘ GROCH

NSW Police Force

Further information is needed and sought about this matter. – May 2014

Graham Mark HILDER 

Late of Wentworthville, NSW

New South Wales Police Force

Senior Constable

Regd. # 28153

Stationed at Granville Police Station ( 18 Division )

Awards: ?

Served:  From  ?  to  ?

Born  Friday  3 March 1961

Died Monday 9 December 1996

35 years, 9 months, 6 days

Suicide

Funeral date:  ?

Funeral location:  ?

Memorial Touch Stone plaque:

FURTHER INFORMATION IS REQUIRED ABOUT THIS PERSON

Death notice published in Daily Telegraph (Sydney) 12 DEC 1996

Memorial plaque location:  [codepeople-post-map]

William Thomas PIGGOTT

New South Wales Police Force

Senior Constable

Stationed at Ivanhoe

Suicide – Firearm

17 September 1888

Buried:  Ivanhoe, NSW.

Senior Constable William Thomas PIGGOTT, stationed at Ivanhoe,  committed suicide by shooting himself with his own private firearm.

4 February 2014