Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 25 February 1974
Senior Constable – appointed 25 February 1983
( as of the 1989 Stud Book – Sue had passed her Sgt 3/c exam )
Detective Sergeant
Stations: ?, National Crime Authority ( N.C.A. ), Marrickville, Newtown Detectives, Drug Special Forces Unit ( D.S.F.U. ) from 1974, Petersham – Retirement
Service: From 14 January 1974to 1 October 1997= 23+years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted28 May 1990
Born: 27 November 1949
Died on: Thursday 21 December 2017
Age: 68
Cause: Heart attack
Event location: Goulburn shopping centre, ( Centro ), Auburn St, Goulburn, NSW
Event date: Thursday 21 December 2017
Funeral date: Wednesday 10 January 2018 @ 10.15am
Funeral location: Northern Suburbs Crematorium, North Chapel, 199 Delhi Rd, North Ryde, NSW
Susan Lynette BRENNAN
aka Twiggy & Olive Oil
Class 138 of Feb 1974 – 30th Class Reunion
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial located at: ?
SUE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location: [codepeople-post-map]
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
BACK ROW: ( L – R ) Steve COLEMAN # 16303, Peter RACKLEY # 16113, Peter STARLING # 16173, Peter JOHNSON # 16180, Harry BAKER # 16055, Noel RADBURN # 16167, Don COLQUHOUN # 16252 MIDDLE ROW: George MANERA # 16109, Sam NICHOLSON # 16282, Colin CROSSLAND # 16267, Paul McKAY # 16231, Steve MAWSON # 16163, Stephen DAVIES # 16137, Ross EMERSON # 15904 FRONT ROW: Robert DREW # 16134, Sue BRENNAN # P/W 190, Roger FORD # 11545 ( Instructor ), Kevin JOHNSON # 7887 ( Director ), Peter MOFFATT # 8171 ( Instructor ), Geoffrey JENKINS # 16130, Hank KIRCH # 16011
Sue – demonstrating one of her skills with the bonsai
Presentation Photo: Sue Brennan standing in for Colin Hugo at the Presentation.
Flash Flanagan was a rough and ready Policeman who worked at Fairfield and Liverpool Police, on General Duties, before his Resignation in February 1982.
Flash was diagnosed with Liver & Kidney cancer one month prior to his passing. The Cancer was aggressive and quick. He was in palliative care when he passed.
Lenny was a real ‘old school’ cop, who never took a backward step from anyone.
After Resigning, he took on a pub in Port Douglas, Qld, for a few years after which he was selling real estate at Mossman, Qld, up to at least two years prior to his death.
He was a colourful guy who loved boxing and was very popular with all the new blokes arriving at # 2 Division ( Regent St ).
Check back regularly for updates upon the funeral date.
For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )
Jacob Willmott with his sons Jack (left) and Arthur (right); Jacob Willmott was the first police sergeant at Corrimal. 1920
Wedding of A Willmott, son of Jacob Willmott; Back row from left: Mr Walters, Miss Shepherd, Bride, Miss Shepherd, .A. Willmott. Sitting from left: Mrs Walters, H. Willmott, Arthur Willmott, J. Willmott, Mrs Shepherd (sister of the bride and mother of the Misses Shepherd). ca. 1912
ARTHUR is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
ARTHUR is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *BUT SHOULD BE
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Narrandera Argus and Riverina Advertiser (NSW : 1893 – 1953),
Friday 26 February 1937, page 2
Obituary
SERGT. ARTHUR A. J. WILLMOTT
For the second time within a period of a year, Leeton has been robbed of its Sergeant of Police to death.
On Tuesday morning Sergeant Arthur Alfred Jacob Willmott, aged 48 years, died at his home from heart trouble. The first sign of sickness was on Thursday of last week at the court of petty sessions, but the sergeant carried on till the close of the court on Friday. On Saturday it was necessary for him to go to bed. On Monday he spoke of going on holidays next week on account of feeling run down.
His sudden death came as a shock to the people of Leeton, for it is less than a year since his predecessor ( Sergeant Ferris ) died suddenly at the same house on April 8 last, after being only three months at Leeton.
Sergeant Willmott went to Leeton from Burwood in June last. He is survived by his widow and one daughter, Mrs. Blackmore, of Pennant Hills.
The body was taken to Sydney for burial.
Sergeant Willmott visited Narrandera in the course of his duty at the last sitting of the Quarter Sessions, and was very well respected by his comrades in this district, as well as others with whom he came in contact.
Sergeant Alfred Arthur Jacob Willmott, aged 48, who came to Leeton on June 3 last, from Burwood, Sydney, died suddenly this morning, ( 23rd ) after three days’ illness. Before coming to Leeton, he was senior station sergeant at Burwood. Sergeant Willmott was in robust health up till Saturday, and his death has shocked the community, especially in view of the fact that his predecessor, Sergeant Ferris, formerly of Wagga, died in almost exactly similar circumstances less than a year ago after he had been in Leeton only three months.
It is a coincidence that both Sergeant Ferris and Sergeant Willmott died in the new official residence in similar circumstances, the first occupant of which was ex-Sergeant Thomson, who went into it a few months before he was due for retirement. He suffered a critical illness, but is now restored to health.
SERGEANT Arthur Alfred Jacob Willmott, aged 48 years, of the Leeton police force, died this morning at his home, from rheumatics around the heart.
The first sign of sickness was on Thursday last ( 18 Feb ) at the Petty Sessions Court, but the sergeant carried on till the close of the court on Friday ( 19 Feb ). On Saturday ( 20 Feb ) it was necessary for him to go to bed. Yesterday ( 23 Feb ) he spoke of going on holidays next week on account of feeling run down.
The late Sergeant Willmott came to Leeton on June 3 last, from Burwood. He was an obliging and courteous officer and a man who gave personal attention to any cases of distress, which came under his notice.
Prior to coming to Leeton, he was senior station sergeant at Burwood divisional headquarters for six years, and had had all-round experience including traffic, motor cycle duty, plain clothes and detective work. He had also been a member of the police band.
His sudden passing has come as a shock to the people of Leeton, for it is less than a year since his predecessor Sergeant Ferris, died suddenly in the same house on April 8 last, after only being three months in Leeton.
The late Sergeant Willmott is survived by his widow and one daughter, Mrs. Blackmore, of Pennant Hills.
The body will be taken to Sydney today for cremation, under arrangements of Ashtons.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 7 May 1937 (No.64), page 1911
In the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
PROBATE JURISDICTION.
In the matter of the estates of the undermentioned deceased persons and in the matter of the Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1898-1932; the Public Trustee Act, 1913-1936, and the Testator’s Family Maintenance and Guardianship of Infants Act, 1916.
NOTICE is hereby given that the Public Trustee has this day filed in the Registry of this Honourable Court his elections to administer the estates of the following deceased persons:—
Arthur Alfred Jacob Willmott, late of Leeton, in the State of New South Wales, sergeant of police, who died 23rd February, 1937 (will dated 4th July, 1919).
South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954),
Friday 12 August 1932, page 13
CORRIMAL
Sergeant Jacob Willmott; formerly officer-in-charge of Corrimal police station for many years, died in Sydney on Tuesday, aged 72 years. One son, Arthur is a police sergeant at Burwood. His wife predeceased him a few months ago.
South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus (NSW : 1900 – 1954),
Friday 6 May 1932, page 10
Bulli – Woonona
FUNERAL OF Mrs WILLMOTT
The remains of the late Mrs. Willmott, whose death is reported elsewhere, were interred in the C. of E. cemetery, Woonona, on Wednesday afternoon, alongside her son, Jack.
Rev. Turner administered the last sad rites and the chief mourners were the husband, Jacob Willmott, and son and daughter-in-law, Arthur and Ada.
The pall-bearers were old and intimate friends of the family — Messrs A. V. Green, A. Robb, R. Moore and J. Fitzgerald.
There was a wealth of floral tributes from friends in all parts of the State.
Those at the graveside included Detective Dymock, Mrs. Coleman and family, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Sweeney, Mr. Fahey ( Bankstown ) and Messrs English and Barker.
On 6 November, 1919Constables Joseph Hush and Arthur ( Arthur Alfred Jacob )Willmott ( Q 9019 ) went to Roseville where they made enquiries into a robbery. On completion of these enquiries at about 5pm, they accepted a lift back to their station with a lorry driver. They had almost reached the Chatswood Police Station when a tyre on the vehicle blew out, causing it to overturn. Both constables were trapped beneath the vehicle and seriously injured. Both were conveyed to the Royal North Shore Hospital where Constable Hush unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Constable Willmott recovered from his injuries.
The Sydney Morning Herald of 7 November, 1919 reported that ” Constable Hush, who was 39 years of age, had been in the police service for nearly 12 years. He was known as a steady, reliable man, who had performed good work on many occasions. He lived in Edward Street, Willoughby, and leaves a wife and six children. “
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954),
Wednesday 2 July 1919, page 10
WILLMOTT .- July 1, at R.P.A. Hospital. Sydney. John Thomas Willmott, ( late 20th Batt. A.I.F. ) dearly loved husband of Mary Adelaide (Molly ) Willmott of Fairmount street, Lakemba, aged 28 years.
WILLMOTT.- July 1, 1919, at R.P.A. Hospital, Sydney, John Thomas ( late A.I.F. ) dearly loved son of ex-Sergeant of Police Jacob Willmott late of Corrimal. South Coast, and brother of Constable A. J. Willmott of Chatswood police, aged 23 years.
Passed out 1958 left police 1966 to become a Ordinance Inspector at Wollongong City Council later to become Administrative officer.
Worked in Wollongong General Duties, Highway Patrol and then Court Officer Wollongong Court.
PATMORE, Noel
of Keiraville ( NSW )
Passed away peacefully on January 29, 2015.
Beloved husband of Joan.
Dearly loved father of Ian.
Devoted Pa of Sam, Kip.
Son of the late Edna and Fred.
Loved brother and brother in law of Naomi (dec) and Alan Walton (dec).
Aged 78 Years
Always in our Hearts
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Noel’s funeral service to be held at Lakeside Memorial Park Chapel, Kanahooka Road Kanahooka on Monday at 10am.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.”
John Burton Gibbs # 9060 (right) riding Police cycle EV-915, with Noel Patmore, riding Police cycle ES-575, at Figtree Oval in 1961… the photo is captioned “Escorting Mr Maloney” to Wollongong.
John Burton GIBBS ( NSWPF # 9060 ) DoB: 20 June 1939, was a Probationary Constable on 30 June 1958 and a Constable 1/c on 22 September 1964 – working in the North East District.
Appears in the 1988 ‘Stud Book’ as a Sgt 3/c but does NOT appear in the 1989 issue.
Additional results of the final examinations conducted by the Wollongong Technical College at the close of the 1952 session are:
PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL METALLURGY AND TESTING
Distinction: Derek Lovell;
Credit: John Aldridge;
Pass: …….
BOILERMAKING Stage I
Pass: John Alfred Calcott, Charles Keith Campbell, . Noel John David, Terence Charles Denton, Brian Thomas Edwards, Ronald John Frith, Clifford Brian Guyatt, Geoffrey Norman Hancock, Barry Colin Hazelgrove, Edward John Holland, Ronald Vincent Hush, John Kershaw, John George McCauley, Donald James McCombie, Michael McPake, Kevin Edward Maloney, Robert Dudley Matley, James Joseph Micale, Robert David Mountford, John Oberon Murray, Noel Frederick Patmore, Frank William Peterson, Keith Phillips, Kenneth Keith Solomon, John Michael Splitt, Robert Trevethan, John Vaughan, Harold Stanley Wheatley.
Bruce, prior to joining the NSWPF, was a tow truck operator.
Members of Class 145 who Trained at Redfern Police Station between 5 November 1974 – 16 December 1974 but this list does NOT contain the names of the Cadets who were in this Class.
Bruce arriving
Peter CameronGroup AdminJust for the information of some who knew Bruce; he had a very large turnout for his funeral today. A whole bunch of retired and serving people there and even one bloke, Mick Pearce, who flew in from Melbourne. Bruce was given a very fitting service for his 32 yrs in the cops and I must say camaraderie is still alive and well despite what we sometimes think.
Norman MacKENZIE
25/12/2017
Norman MacKENZIE
Late of ?
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 8710[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 10 June 1957
Constable 1st Class – appointed 10 June 1963
Senior Constable – appointed 10 June 1968
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 June 1973
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed 3 March 1983
Retired – Sgt 1/c on 10 December 1988
Stations: ?, Bankstown – Retirement
Service: From? ? pre June 1957? to 10 December 1988= 31+years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 8 October 1934
Died on: Saturday 9 December 2017
Age: 83
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: was held yesterday – Thursday 14 December 2017 @ 10am
Dear people. This is a VERY long post about Mounted Constable John Thomas O’BRIEN and his time line. Born 1845, died 1906.
I put it up because of the entry in 1883. This was not just a normal sitting on the last day of the Court at Cooranbong for the time being. After all proceedings had been dealt with, it would appear that it was a ‘set up’ by a number of Magistrates, JP’s and persons of note who were present at the end of Court proceedings at which Constable O’Brien was giving evidence. These other Magistrates etc would not normally have been in the one place at the same time.
At the time of his death he had a wife and 6 children ( his second wife ) to which she was paid a ‘gratuity‘ of 240 pounds to pay for funeral expenses. His second wife died September 1906 at Picton 4 months after John. He had about 8 children with his first wife whom had died then married his second wife.
I have NEVER seen/found a testimonial given to a serving Constable under such circumstances as a transfer.
His stations included Muswellbrook, Cessnock, Coonamble, Cooranbong, Lockup Keeper at Preston, Lochinvar, Mulbring and possibly Forster. At the time of his death he was stationed at Raymond Terrace.
1845. John Thomas O’Brien, born 13/10/1845, Menangle, New South Wales to Irish born parents both of whom were born County Limerick, Ireland.
1876
John Thomas O’Brien – Appointment to Mounted Police NSW 4 Oct, 1876. Registered No. 2815. Height: 5ft 7inches. Eyes: Hazel. Hair: Dark. Complexion: Dark. A Native of: N S Wales Married or Single: M. Calling: Timber Dealer. Religion: R C. Appearance: Good. District: North East. Date of Apptmt: 4 Oct, 1876 Rank: Constable. Remarks: 1st Class 1/6/78 1877
Stationed at Muswellbrook, NSW. (Trove court notices) 1878
1/6/1878. Promoted to Constable 1st Class 1880
Stationed at Cessnock, NSW. (Trove court notices) 1883
An extract from Maitland Times 1883 regarding Const John Thomas O’Brien on the final day of the 2 week sitting of the CPS Cooranbong, who gave evidence on a couple of matters.
Before the court adjourned, and whilst the magistrates were still on the bench, between four and five p.m., the Police Magistrate presented to Constable John Thomas O’Brien a very handsome gold watch and chain (Burton make and Indian turned), which had been sent after Mr.O’Brien by the people at Cessnock, where he had lately been stationed, in recognition of had lately been stationed, in recognition of his services there. The watch and chain, valued at £34 sterling, were accompanied by a suitable address.-
The Police Magistrate (Mr. Beeve), in presenting the watch and chain to Constable O’Brien, said:
“Mr. O’Brien, the Cooranbong Bench are very happy indeed to see that your services have been so cordially recognised, and so handsomely acknowledged by those amongst whom, at Cessnock, for some considerable time, you discharged your duties as a peace officer. Speaking for myself personally, and feeling sure that I am only expressing the sentiments of my brother magistrates, Mr. Andrew S. Browne and Mr. Thomas Bussell, J.P, I am bound to state that I esteem this portion of Brisbane Water, and the country adjacent thereto, extremely fortunate in having a police officer stationed here, who is at once courteous, fearless, intelligent, and independent-animated (as we think) by a sincere desire to do all his duty, without any wish whatever to go beyond it, We are then more pleased to be the persons chosen to hand you this very beautiful watch and chain, because their value has been, in our opinion, very greatly enhanced through an official permission, given to us by your superiors publicly to make this presentation to you on behalf of your friends at Cessnock. The neatly engrossed address (above referred to) signed on behalf of the inhabitants of Cessnock, by Messrs. Martin Bouffier, Walter C. Green J.P., J, A. Jones, William Stafford, L, C. Kelman, John Gouldsbury, John Doyle, and Michael Carroll, was also handed over to Constable O’Brien, with the watch and chain.
It was as follows: To Constable J. T, O’Brien, Cessnock.
Dear Sir. Hearing that you are about to be promoted to another station we desire to express our regret at your departure. During the period of two years’ and a-half residence amongst us, you have discharged important and frequently very difficult duties, with benefit to the public and much credit to yourself. The representatives of every interest acknowledge that your activity and vigilance have given security and protection. Your exemplary propriety of demeanour has justly gained for yourself and family our respect and esteem. With this intimation of our appreciation of your meritorious conduct, we solicit your acceptance of the accompanying gold watch and chain. Wishing that you, together with Mrs. O’Brien and family, may be prosperous and happy in your new sphere of action. We remain, dear sir, yours sincerely,.
The two assisting magistrates, Mr. Andrew S. Browne, J.P., and Mr. Thomas Bussell, J.P., intimated their hearty concurrence in all that had been said by their chairman, Mr, E. Beeta-
Mr. J. T. O’Brien, in returning thanks to his good friends at Cessnock for the very handsome testimonial just presented to him in their name and in so complimentary a manner by the Bench, desired to say that he could only hope he might long continue to have a just claim to such terms of approval. It would always be his study to do his utmost to gain and to retain the support of the bench at the place at which he might be stationed; and, at the same time, to do his duty, fearlessly and conscientiously, towards the public at large. Whether he could always expect to please everybody by such a course was, of course, another matter. He begged their Worships to have the goodness to convey to the people of Cessnock his very strong sense of the kind feeling which they had been pleased thus liberally to manifest towards him, and to assure them of the very great pleasure it had given him to receive not only that beautiful watch and chain, but the kind address with which that testimonial was accompanied. He confessed he could hardly understand how he could have merited such a distinguished mark of approval from the people of Cessnock during the comparatively short time that he was amongst them, but during that short time he had, he felt bound to say, always driven to discharge his duty. It might have been that in so doing he might have sometimes have given offence to somebody; but if so, he could not help that.
Every policeman had his duty to do, and that duty he was at all times bound to hold himself ready to discharge, without laying himself out to please any person whatever, outside of it. He had made that, at the outset of his service in the force, a rule of duty, and he would always stick to it, he would never let any secondary consideration come between him and what he thought he ought to do. He begged the Bench to transmit to those who had sent him this watch and chain his heartfelt thanks. He would like also, in the same way to send his heartfelt thanks to Messrs. Carroll, Stafford, and Doyle for their friendly aid in assisting him to shift his things to Cooranbong, at his rather hasty removal from his old station, where, it seemed he had still, he was proud to think, so many friends. A similar acknowledgement was also due from him to those ladies at Cessnock, whose kindness and attention to Mrs. O’Brien and their young family on their leaving Cessnock was something it would be quite impossible for him ever to forget. The Court then adjourned until Monday, the 12th November. 1886
Stationed at Coonamble, NSW. Appointed as Clerk of the Petty Sessions. 1891
Possibly stationed at Greeta 1906.
Constable John Thomas O’Brien died 31/5/1906.
Constable John Thomas O’Brien, of Raymond Terrace, dropped dead outside the courthouse there on Thursday, from heart failure. Deceased was a well-known member of the police force of the State, in which he had served for 29 years and four months, and would have been entitled to retire upon his pension in eight months’ time. He had been in failing health for some time, and was just upon 6O years of age. Deceased, who was a smart, efficient constable, leaves a large family. For many years he occupied the position of lockup keeper at Paterson, and had also been stationed at Cessnock, Cooranbong, Mulbring, Lochinvar, and Foster.
From a public member family tree. – Buried at the “Pioneer Hill” Raymond Terrace Historic Cemetery. Burial service by Father Bernard McKierman.
I have sent off an inquiry to the Raymond Terrace Historical Society regarding our above friend and a possible burial site/headstone. Being the weekend, I may not hear for a while.
Nov 10, 1972 – Kenneth Noel Ide, sergeant third class, reduced to senior constable. With Mr Justice Perrignon on the board were Assistant Commissioner, M. J. Whelan, representing the Police Commissioner, and Sergeant R. A. McClelland, representing the Police Association. The policemen whose appeals were upheld …
The Sydney Morning Herald page 1 Friday 10 November 1972
Michael MartinI worked with Sergeant Kenneth Ide, at Darlinghurst, he helped me a lot, by giving me advice and guidance. I sure didn’t know much about the big bad world when I went to Darlo.
Beloved wife of Kenneth (dec). Devoted mother of Ashley & Scott.
Loving Grandmother & Great-grandmother.
Always in our hearts
In God’s care
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Joy’s funeral at Pinegrove Memorial Park on TUESDAY (12th December 2017) commencing at 1:30 pm within the West Chapel.
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Dec. 9, 2017
December 10, 2017
It broke our hearts to lose you but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you the day God called you home.
Scott Ide,
Jerrabomberra,
New South Wales
Arthur Raymond HAY
25/12/2017
Arthur Raymond HAY
Late of ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 10403
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 13 August 1962
Constable 1st Class – appointed 13 August 1976
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 December 1978
Detective Senior Sergeant ( pre 1987 )
Detective Inspector – appointed 7 September 1987
Stations: ?, Licensed Dealers Squad – 21 Division, ‘ I ‘ District Drug Law Enforcement Bureau – 1985 ( 2 I.C. ),Detective Inspector – Regional Controller – North – Drug Law Enforcement Bureau,
Service: From? ? Pre August 1962? to? ? 1994 = 32+? years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 6 November 1980
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 17 March 1989
Sydney Morning Herald, page 9, Saturday 16 December 1995
Former scourge of authority now a would-be politician
By MALCOLM BROWN
Members of the Gosford Drug Unit were recommended for a Commissioner’s Commendation in 1991 when some of the unit were suspected of receiving all or part of $300,000 from a huge amphetamine ring, the Police Royal Commission, has heard.
The commission has been told that after allegations were first raised by drug dealer John Barrie Oldfield, members of the unit, headed by Detective Sergeant Wayne Eade, had been advised by an assistant commissioner to vigorously deny the allegations.
The commission has heard members of the drug unit received full support from their line commanders.
The Police Commissioner, Mr Lauer, decided in March, 1992 to award the commendations even though a deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Mr C.A. Luland, QC, had written to the Assistant Commissioner, Professional Responsibility, in January that “evidence is highly suspicious of the police officers being involved in a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice”.
The royal commission has heard evidence from a middleman in the alleged bribe that he received $300,000, kept $100,000 and passed the rest to the drug unit, whose members included Detectives Eade, Ian Ison and Greg Vicary.
Mr Arthur Raymond Hay, former detective inspector, supervisor of the north region drug units from 1987 until his retirement last year, has told the commission he was aware of allegations against members of the drug unit. Members of the unit had told him in 1990 that there was an Internal Police Security Unit (IPSU) inquiry into them and they were “very upset”. ” I saw it as my role to try and support them and help them get back to work because it hit ( Royal Commission ) them pretty hard“ he said. He had noted that an assistant commissioner had advised that the drug unit members attend the IPSU, deny everything and engage in no further discussion. He did not know whether the assistant commissioner had any basis at all for knowing whether the allegations, were true or false.
Ms Virginia Bell, counsel assisting the commission, asked: “At the outset the attitude from the line command, as best you could judge, was unquestioning support for the officers at a time when line command had no knowledge of the strengths or otherwise of the allegations?“; Mr Hay: “That’s my view of it.“;
At the end of Oldfield’s trial in September, 1991, the trial judge, Justice Allen, made remarks favourable to officers of the drug unit and had said: “It is a twist of fate that honest detectives are accused by criminals of corruption and suffer the heartache and indignity of an internal affairs inquiry.” Mr Hay agreed that on October 31, 1991, he had prepared a report supporting the award of a Commissioner’s Commendation and had said success of Operation Hurricane had been due to the “diligent and outstanding effort of the Gosford Drug Unit who conducted the operation with utmost integrity and professionalism“.
“possible” relation in “The Job”: Allan McDIARMID, NSWP # ‘P‘ 0069 – ProCst 26 July 1855
For the purposes of this website ‘P‘ = represents those Police joining Pre 1 March 1862 before the amalgamated of all other Policing Units in NSW. i.e. Mounted Police, Boarder Police, Native Police, Gold Escort Police, Water Police etc.
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 )
Stuart McDIARMID, NSWPF # 32118
Michael McDIARMID, NSWPF # 33566
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 8451
Uniform # 2463
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday ? ? ?
Probationary Constable – appointed 9 July 1956
Senior Constable – appointed 26 September 1967
Sergeant 3rd Class – posthumously on ?
Stations: ?, Blacktown – Death
Service: From? ? pre July 1956? to 30 September 1971= 15+ years Service
Age at Leaving NSWPF: 39 years, 4 months, 10 days
Time in Retirement: 0
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour but I would suspect that he also received a Queen’s Police Medal for Gallantry
On 30 September, 1971, Sergeant 2nd Class Riley and Senior Constable McDiarmid attended a dwelling in Mimosa Avenue, Toongabbie to investigate a report that a man had shot and killed his brother at that address. On arrival the police saw the offender RonaldClarke who quickly ran to the rear of the house. Senior Constable McDiarmid followed him while the sergeant entered through the front door. As the senior constable entered through the back door the offender opened fire with a shotgun, inflicting a fatal wound. It appears the offender then went back through the house where he also shot and killed Sergeant Riley. Although the senior constable was still alive when other police arrived he died a short time later in an ambulance on the way to hospital. The offender was shot and killed by police ( Cst 1/c Alf GREGORY ) the same day.
William Riley was born in 1921 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 3 December, 1945. At the time of his death he was stationed at Blacktown. He was posthumously promoted to Sergeant 1st Class.
Maurice McDiarmid was born in 1932 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 9 July, 1956. At the time of his death he was stationed at Blacktown. He was posthumously promoted to Sergeant 3rd Class.
George Lewis Memorial Trophy
This trophy for the year 1971, which is for the most courageous act performed by a member of the New South Wales Police Force, was awarded posthumously to the late Sergeant 1st Class W. W. Riley and the late Sergeant 3rd Class M. R. McDiarmid who were stationed at 27 Division.
The trophies were presented to Mrs Riley and Mrs McDiarmid at the Police Academy during 1972.
PETER MITCHELL TRUST AWARDS
The ten awards under this Trust for the year 1971 were made to the following police, the trophies being presented at the Police Academy during 1972:
Most Courageous Act Posthumously awarded to the late Sergeant 1st Class W. W. Riley and the late Sergeant 3rd Class M. R. McDiarmid in conjunction with the George Lewis Memorial Trophy.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Tuesday 21 March 1972, page 3
Plaque
SYDNEY, Monday. — At the Pine Grove Memorial Park near Rooty Hill today, Bishop Hulme-Moir, chaplain of the NSW Police Force, dedicated a plaque in memory of Sergeant Maurice McDiarmid and Sergeant William Riley, who were shot when attempting to arrest an armed man at Toongabbie on September 30 last year.
SYDNEY, Tuesday. -More than 400 policemen attended the funeral this morning of the two policemen shot by a man in Toongabbie last Thursday. Both men, Sergeant William Watson Riley and Senior Constable Maurice Raymond McDiarmid, were given full police honours at their funeral.
SYDNEY, Wednesday. – The NSW Government agreed today to make, as “an act of grace”, lump-sum payments of $12,500 to each of three police officers’ widows.
“The Premier, Sir Robert Askin, said the payments would be in addition to the pensions and dependant’s allowances already paid out of the police superannuation and reward fund.
The three policemen involved in the payments are Senior Constable W. E. King, who was murdered at East Gresford police station on August 13 last year, and Sergeants W. Riley and M. McDiarmid, who were shot by a man at Toongabbie on September 30 last year.
Sir Robert said members of the police force had always been specifically excluded from the definition of “worker” under the Workers Compensation Act.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Allan, had brought to the notice of the Government that, in certain matters of workers’ compensation, police were in an anomalous position in relation to other Crown employees.
Sir Robert said a full examination would be made of overall benefits of workers’ compensation available to police.
NOT FORGOTTEN: Blacktown Police Chief Inspector Bob Fitzgerald pays his respects at a memorial to slain officers Sergeant 1st Class William Riley and Sergeant 3rd Class Maurice McDiarmid. Picture: Harrison Vesey
A solemn memorial stands to remind Blacktown police officers of the price paid by two of their colleagues.
William Riley and Maurice McDiarmid were both killed in the line of duty on September 30, 1971, while trying to apprehend a murder suspect in Toongabbie.
They are now remembered by commemorative plaques outside Blacktown Police Station, as well as a plinth at the entrance to the memorial rose garden at the NSW Police Academy.
The plinth features two police caps pictured the way they fell when the men were murdered, and bears the words: “For The People”.
Detective Senior Sergeant Adam Wilson, Probationary Constable Peta Kendall, Acting Inspector Lauren Martin and Chief Inspector Bob Fitzgerald.
Chief Inspector Bob Fitzgerald said the permanent memorials were important for police and the community.
“I hope it’s a reminder when you come to work, you do the job to the best of your ability and go home to your family,” he said.
Acting Inspector Lauren Martin said Police Remembrance Day gave every officer a chance to think about those who didn’t make it home.
“It’s good to have a visual reminder so you can reflect on what could happen when you come to work,” she said.
Sergeant 2nd class Riley and Senior Constable McDiarmid were attending a home in Mimosa Avenue, Toongabbie, following reports a man had raped a woman and shot her lover, who was also his brother.
The offender, Ronald Clarke, shot and killed both officers as they attempted to surround him. He was shot and killed by police in Hillview later that day.
“It is a very sad day for all those who believe in upholding the law and order,” Police Commissioner Norman Allen said at the time.
Both officers were posthumously promoted for their outstanding courage and devotion to duty.
More than 400 officers attended their funeral in Blacktown. They were laid to rest at Pinegrove Cemetery with plaques bearing the inscription: “Doing His Duty”.
SYDNEY, Friday. — A Sydney coroner has commended two policemen who chased and stopped “an armed and desperate man“.
The man, Mr Ronald Desmond Clarke, had earlier shot and killed two other policemen after having killed his own brother in Toongabbie on September 30.
The coroner, Mr J. Parnell, SM, found on Wednesday that Mr Clarke in turn died in a car of cerebral lacerations and gun shot wounds to the brain inflicted by a person defending himself.
Constable A. C. Gregory, giving evidence at the inquest into the deaths of the four men, said that he and Constable L. ( Les ) A. Crawford in a police truck had rammed Mr Clarke‘s car, causing him to lose control.
Constable Gregory had seen Mr Clarke transfer a gun from his left hand to his right. The gun had been pointing at the policeman’s face and the constable had fired “one shot towards his shoulder“.
“The impact of this bullet appeared to throw him towards the passenger side of his car, but he still had the revolver, which he now held in both hands, levelled at my face“, Constable Gregory said.
“He appeared to be endeavouring to discharge the gun and it was then that I fired two quick shots at him“.
The four men who were killed were Sergeant First Class William Watson Riley, 50, and Sergeant Maurice Raymond McDiarmid, 39, of Blacktown, and Ronald Desmond Clarke, 20, and Warren John Clarke, 22, both of Toongabbie.
( Both policemen were promoted posthumously. Sergeant Riley was raised from second-class to first class, and Sergeant McDiarmid from senior constable to sergeant third class. )
Mr Parnell found that Mr Warren John Clarke died from gunshot wounds inflicted by his brother, Mr Ronald Desmond Clarke.
He found also that Sergeant Riley died from a fractured skull and lacerations to the brain, and Sergeant McDiarmid died in an ambulance between Toongabbie and Blacktown Hospital.
Both died as a result of bullet wounds inflicted by Clarke.
He said Mr Ronald Clarke, a professional criminal, had shot his brother, Warren Clarke, after having raped his brother’s de facto wife.
SYDNEY, Thursday. – Two policemen and two other men were shot dead in the outer western Sydney suburb of Toongabbie today.
The policemen were shot while investigating a report of rape and murder.
Earlier, Mr Warren Clark about 22, died in his bed. Police said his elder brother, Ronald. 23, had shot him through the head with a .22 calibre repeater rifle.
A young woman, living in the house in Mimosa Ave, Toongabbie. with Mr Warren Clark, told police that Mr Ronald Clark had awakened her and then shot his brother.
The woman alleged that Mr Ronald Clark then raped her and forced her to accompany him in his car.
After driving her around for several hours, he had released her at Black town.
The woman went to Blacktown police station.
She was in a hysterical condition.
Sergeant Second-Class William Riley, 50. and Senior-Constable Morrie McDiarmid, 39. left the station immediately to go to the house.
While they were on their way the police radio directed other police to the house.
The next-door neighbour, in Mimosa Ave, Toongabbie. Mrs Ethel Roberts, 54. said she first knew something was wrong when a police officer ran down a driveway at the side of her house.
He began kicking on the door of the house next door.
“He eventually forced the door and went inside”, she said.
“All was quiet for perhaps two minutes, then three shots rang out.
“I ran to the front porch as a young blond man ran from the house with a rifle in his hand, entered a car and screeched off down the road”‘. Mrs Roberts said.
“After he drove off, I saw a policeman’s blood stained hand grasping the back steps of the house”.
Stem flow of blood
“I ran to the road where a woman was delivering bread and told her to call an ambulance”.
Another neighbour, Mrs Dawn Harris, was called by Mrs Roberts, who was trying to stem the flow of blood from Constable McDiarmid.
“When I reached the house a policeman was propped against the back steps”, Mrs Harris said.
“His mouth and part of his face were torn and shredded from the shotgun blast.
“Another policeman was lying dead on the ground.
“In a bedroom in the house another man covered with a sheet was also dead and blood could be seen everywhere”.
Police said later they believe Sergeant Riley died immediately when he was shot at point-blank range with a shotgun.
Constable McDiarmid was taken by ambulance to Blacktown Hospital. He died shortly after arrival.
Meanwhile an all-points bulletin was broadcast over the VKG police network for all cars to be on the lookout for a bright blue 1950 sedan.
The broadcast warned, ‘This man is dangerous. He has a .22 rifle, a shotgun and two police pistols”.
“We have sighted him”, one car replied. “He is going toward Hillview”.
“We have stopped the car”, was the officer’s next report.
Constable Alfred Gregory and Constable Les Crawford said later they had rammed the suspect’s car with their police van.
The sedan got out of control and crashed into a bowser at a service station.
Constable Gregory jumped out of the van. As he approached the car he saw Mr Clark take one of the police pistols from the seat and transfer it to his right hand.
Three shots from pistol
Constable Gregory fired three shots from his pistol.
One of his shots struck Mr Clark in the side of the head, killing him.
In the car, police found several Commonwealth Bank cash bags, a blood stained nightgown and two suitcases containing mostly women’s clothing.
Two police revolvers, a .22 repeater rifle and a sawn-off shotgun were also recovered.
Tonight forensic and ballistic experts were still examining them.
The policemen killed are each survived by a widow and two children.
Sergeant Riley joined the force in 1945 and Constable McDiarmid in 1956.
A CIB spokesman said this afternoon the families were eligible for a special allowance paid to police killed while on duty.
He said that the lack of witnesses, particularly when the two policemen were shot, was hampering investigations.
POLICE KILLED OR WHO DIED FROM INJURIES RECEIVED IN THE EXECUTION OF THEIR DUTIES
On 13th August, 1971, Senior Constable William Edward King, who was then the officer-in-charge of police, East Gresford, was shot dead at East Gresford Police Station by a man who fired upon him with a rifle.
On 29th August, 1971, Constable 1st Class Patrick Mark Hackett died from injuries received in a motor accident at Polis, Cyprus, whilst performing duty with the New South Wales Police component of the Australian Police Contingent of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force.
On 30th September, 1971, Sergeant Second Class William Watson Riley and Senior Constable Maurice Raymond McDiarmid, both then attached to Blacktown Police Station, were shot dead in a house at Toongabbie which they had entered to arrest a man who a short time before had murdered his brother and raped a woman in the same house.
A police funeral with full ceremonial honours was accorded these deceased officers at which appropriate tributes were paid.
In recognition of their outstanding courage Sergeant Riley and Senior Constable McDiarmid were posthumously promoted by me to Sergeant 1st Class and Sergeant 3rd Class respectively. In addition, I submitted recommendations to the Premier for favour of consideration of Royal Awards being granted in both cases.
To assist the widows of the deceased police the Premier approved the payment to each of them of the sum of $12,500 as a gratuity. This payment did not in any way affect their entitlements to payments under the provisions of the Police Regulation (Superannuation) Act.
