Victor Hugh Perfect TURNER

28/05/2024

Victor Hugh Perfect TURNER

 

AKA  Victor TURNER

* Nickname:  Playboy, The Inspector, Lyndale, Denali, Hurry Up

Late of Lake Cathie, NSW

 

Relations in ‘the job’:

“possible” relation in ‘the job‘:    ?

 

NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern  / Police Training College – Penrith / Belmore Barracks  Class #  ? ? ?  

 

New South Wales Police Force

 

Regd. #  ???

 

Rank:  Commenced Training at  ? Police Academy on Monday ? ? ?

Probationary Constable- appointed ? ? ? 

Constable – appointed ? ? ? 

Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ? 

Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )

Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? 

Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )

Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ? 

Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?

Sergeant 1st Class – appointed 15 October 1949

Acting Inspector 3rd Class – appointed 22 December 1949

Inspector 3rd Class – appointed 15 January 1950

Inspector 2nd Class – appointed 1 May 1951

Inspector 1st Class – appointed 26 December 1953

Acting Superintendent – appointed 1 August 1954

Superintendent 3rd Class- appointed ? ? ?

Superintendent 2nd Class – appointed 22 December 1956

 

Final Rank: = Superintendent 2nd Class

 

Stations:  ?, Balmain ( 1927 / 1929 ), Petersham ( 11 Division ), Darlinghurst ( 3 Division )( ? – 1949 ), Regent St ( 2 Division ), Parkes ( Supt 2/c ) – Retirement

  

Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police:  From:   ? ? 1920   to  Friday 30 January 1959 =  38 /39 years,

Service ( From Training Date ) period: From   ? ? 1920   to  Friday 30 January 1959 = 38/39 years,  Service

 

 

Retirement / Leaving age: =  ?

Time in Retirement from Police:   15 years, 7 months, 21 days

 

Awards:  Kings Police & Fire Services Medal for Gallantry in 1945 – granted ? ? ?

 

 

 Born:  Tuesday 31 January 1 899 at North Botany, NSW

Died on:  Friday 20 September 1974

Age:  75 years, 7 months, 20 days

Organ Donor:  Y / N / ?

 

Cause:  ?

Event location:   ?

Event / Diagnosis date:  ?

 

Funeral date:  ? ? ?

Funeral location:  ?

LIVE STREAM    N/A

 

 

Wake location:  ???

Wake date:  ???

 

 

Funeral Parlour: ?

 

Buried at:  ?

Grave Location:  Section:          Row:  ?         Plot:  ?

Grave GPS:  ?,       ?

 

Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at:  ?

Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( May 2024 )

 

 

VIC is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED

 

 

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

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AustralianPolice.com.au/ 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSWFallenPolice/ 

Australian Police YouTube Channel

 

Victor Hugh Perfect Turner was born 31 January 1899 at North Botany, the name ‘Perfect‘ was his mother’s maiden name.

He was one of three brothers and three sisters.

Some of the brothers fought in World War One but his older brothers made it quite clear that he should not enlist for the war due to the terrible conditions, he instead joined the NSW Police Force.

Victor Turner married on 21 January 1922 to Sylvia Gladys Shipley at Auburn, NSW. He was 22 at the time and a police constable.

Turner was stationed at Petersham police station then Darlinghurst leaving there in 1949. He also did an exchange with the Adelaide police in the late 1940’s, his final post was Parkes Police station as Superintendent 2nd class when he retired on 30 January 1959. During his time with Darlinghurst Police Turner was shot twice during a gun battle on 13 January 1945 with one Stephen Henry Cunningham. Another police office was also severely wounded and they both received a promotion and were awarded the Kings Police and Fire Services medal for Gallantry, by Lieutenant Governor Sir Frederick Jordan at Government House in early 1946. Turner died on the 20 September 1974 and was given a police escort at his funeral.

 

Police uniform worn by Victor Hugh Perfect Turner

Object No. 2021/30/1

The police uniform was worn by Victor Hugh Perfect Turner (1899-1974). It includes a jacket, trousers, braces, a pith helmet and collection of police badges and buttons. It is a fairly rare survivor from policing in NSW during the 1940s and 50s. The initial police uniform in 1862 was heavy weight wool and there were very few major changes until 1946 when an open tunic and tie became part of the uniform. The Pith helmet was worn during traffic patrols.

The New South Wales Police force is one of the largest police organisations in the English-speaking world. It began as the first civilian police force in Australia, known as the ‘night watch’ it was started by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1789 to guard the town of Sydney. In 1862 all the watch teams were united under the Police Regulation Act to form the NSW Police Force.

Victor Turner served as a policeman at Petersham, Darlinghurst and Parkes police stations between 1920 and 1959.

Retiring at the rank of Superintendent 2nd class.

Turner was awarded the Kings Police and Fire Services Medal for Gallantry in 1945.

Turner, then Detective Sergeant third class and his colleague Sergeant third class, Horace Victor Hughes both of Regent Street Police Division were shot when attempting to arrest Stephen Henry Cunningham on 15 January, 1945.

Cunningham was a soldier who had gone Absent Without Leave (A.W.L.) and was wanted by police for assault on a Chippendale pawnbroker.

This incident is a reflection of the economic and social conditions in Darlinghurst in the 1940s, It was a tough landscape both for the public and the police.The area was emerging from the renowned ‘razor gang’ wars of the 1920s and 30s, where the battle for the control of cocaine had raged. Australia, like many countries, was recovering from the impact of a recent economic depression and World War Two. In Sydney, in 1945, at the end of the war many soldiers had deserted.

Turner’s grandson Rick Sieber remembers ‘He was a big, tough and no nonsense man, who liked to place the odd bet on the horse races. He also played chess occasionally and didn’t like to lose. He would not talk about his time in the police nor any of the cases he worked on’ [1]

This collection contains objects of significance documenting aspects of New South Wales Police history during the1940-50s.

Anni Turnbull, Curator, 2021

1 Email correspondence with Rick Sieber, 19 January 2021

Powerhouse Collection – Police uniform worn by Victor Hugh Perfect Turner

 

Police trophies presented to Victor Hugh Perfect Turner

Object No. 2021/30/2

1949

These trophies and ceremonial plate were given to Victor Turner by his Darlinghurst police colleagues when he left in 1949.

The trophies have a series of nicknames inscribed on them: ‘Playboy’, ‘The Inspector’, ‘Lyndale’,’ Denali’ and ‘Hurry-Up’ which give some sense of his personality.

The plate is inscribed with ‘To Vic from his friends at Darlinghurst, 4-10-49‘ showing the high esteem in which Turner was held.

Victor Turner served as a policeman at Petersham, Darlinghurst and Parkes police stations between 1920 and 1959. Retiring at the rank of Superintendent 2nd class.

Turner was awarded the King’s Police and Fire Services Medal for Gallantry in 1945.

During his time with Darlinghurst Police Turner was shot twice in a gun battle on 13 January 1945 with one Stephen Henry Cunningham, a soldier who had gone Absent Without Leave (A.W.L.) and attempted to rob a pharmacy.

Another police office was also severely wounded and both were awarded the Kings Police and Fire Services Medal for Gallantry in 1945 and received promotions.

This incident is a reflection of the economic and social conditions in Darlinghurst in the 1940s, it was a tough landscape both for the public and the police.The area was emerging from the renowned ‘razor gang’ wars of the 1920s and 30s, where the battle for the control of cocaine had raged. Australia like many countries was recovering from the impact of a recent economic depression and World War Two.

In Sydney, in 1945, at the end of the war many soldiers had deserted.

Turner’s grandson Rick Sieber remembers ‘He was a big, tough and no nonsense man, who liked to place the odd bet on the horse races. He also played chess occasionally and didn’t like to lose. He would not talk about his time in the police nor any of the cases he worked on’. [1]

These well provenanced objects are rare examples of personalised trophies and awards given to individuals during the 1900s.

The Museum holds a collection of trophies to winners of sporting events including horse and motor racing, cricket, boxing and sculling. This collection contains objects of significance documenting aspects of New South Wales police history during the 1940-50s.

Anni Turnbull, Curator, 2021

1 Email correspondence with Rick Sieber, 19 January 2021

Platter, electro-plated silver, made by Strachan, presented to Policeman Victor Hugh Perfect Turner, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1949

Victor Hugh Perfect TURNERPlatter, electro-plated silver, made by Strachan, presented to Policeman Victor Hugh Perfect Turner, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1949
Platter, electro-plated silver, made by Strachan, presented to Policeman Victor Hugh Perfect Turner, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1949

Platter, electro-plated silver, made by Strachan, presented to Policeman Victor Hugh Perfect Turner, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1949

Platter, electro-plated silver, made by Strachan, presented to Policeman Victor Hugh Perfect Turner, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1949

Platter, electro-plated silver, made by Strachan, presented to Policeman Victor Hugh Perfect Turner, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1949

Platter, electro-plated silver, made by Strachan, presented to Policeman Victor Hugh Perfect Turner, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1949

 

The NSWPF Hat Crest worn by Victor TURNER throughout his career.
The actual NSWPF Hat Crest worn by Victor TURNER throughout his career.

 

 

 

Powerhouse Collection – Police trophies presented to Victor Hugh Perfect Turner

 

Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),

Friday 31 May 1957 (No.61), page 1691

APPOINTMENTS.

Premier’s Department.

HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council has approved of:—

(a) Cancellation of the assignment of Superintendent 2nd Class Victor Hugh Perfect Turner to charge of the Western Police Administrative District, with headquarters at Parkes, as on and from the date of relinquishing that charge;

(b) Appointment of Inspector 1st Class John Henry Dogan as Acting Superintendent of Police, and his assignment to charge of the Western Police Administrative District, with headquarters at Parkes, each to take effect as on and from the date he takes over charge of the Western Police Administrative District.

J. J”. CAHILL, Premier.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/220353825

 

Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),

Friday 13 August 1954 (No.125), page 2447

APPOINTMENTS.

Premier’s Department.

HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, has approved the following:—

Cancellation of the assignment of Superintendent 3rd Class Bruce Grigor to charge of the Western Police Administrative District, with headquarters at Parkes,— on and from the date of relinquishing that charge.

The appointment of Inspector 1st Class Victor Hugh Perfect Turner as Acting Superintendent of Police,—to take effect as on and from the 1st August, 1954, and his assignment to charge of the Western Police Administrative District, with headquarters at Parkes,— to take effect as on and from the date he takes over charge of the Western Police Administrative District.

The appointment of Inspector 1st Class Jack Edwin Gribble as Acting Superintendent of Police,—to take effect as on and from the 1st August, 1954.

J. J. CAHILL, Premier.

Department of the Attorney-General and of Justice.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/220292431

 

Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),

Friday 1 June 1951 (No.90), page 1598

APPOINTMENTS.

Premier’s Department.

HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, has approved of the undermentioned Police promotions, to take effect on and from the 1st May, 1951:—

Inspector 1st Class Henry Boswell to the rank of Superintendent 3rd Class.

The following Inspectors 2nd Class to the rank of Inspector 1st Class:—

Henry Ernest Snowden, Peter Roland Clifton.

The following Inspectors 3rd Class to the rank of Inspector 2nd Class:—

Charles Edward Kennedy, Berty Bernard Parker, Ernest Sidney Fairlamb, Walter Alfred Leslie Crimston, Victor Hugh Perfect Turner.

The following Sergeants 1st Class to the rank of Inspector 3rd Class:—

Edward James Ayres, Frederick Stanley Windsor, Harold Vincent Jones, Stanley Fowler Willis, Harold August Briese, Cecil Stanley Jardine, Norman Thomas William Allan, Matthew, William Dill Macky Chaseling, James Hector Rogers, Gordon Mitchell Campbell, Arthur Norbert Carmichael, Glenville Nelson McKeachie, Edward Cranston.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/220112254

 

Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954),

Tuesday 27 November 1945, page 5

AWARDED MEDAL FOR GALLANTRY

The King’s Police and Fire Services’ Medal for Gallantry has been awarded to Detective-sergeants Horace Victor Hughes and Victor Hugh Perfect Turner.

Advice that his Majesty had approved of the award was received by the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir Frederick Jordan, yesterday.

The two detectives were wounded during a gun fight with Stephen Henry Cunningham, 24, whom they were attempting to arrest in a house at Redfern on January 13.

Hughes was shot in the stomach and Turner in an arm and leg.

The fight ended when Cunningham committed suicide.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17961181

 

Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 – 1954),

Tuesday 16 January 1945, page 3

MURDER HUNT IN WEST

Inquiries into the murder of Maurice Joseph Hannigan (68), who was battered to death in a King-street shop last week, have extended to a town in western NSW.

Detectives from the CIB are in the town, and sensational developments are expected.

New evidence was obtained following a gun duel between Stephen Henry Cunningham, who committed suicide after shooting two detectives at Redfern on Saturday.

Detectives left for the country on Sunday, and it is likely that their inquiries will solve more than one recent major crime.

Wounded Detectives

Condition of Sergeant V. Hughes, one of the wounded detectives, continues to improve daily, and doctors are hopeful now that he will recover. Detective-Sergeant V. Turner, the other shooting victim, is improving rapidly.

Commissioner of Police ( Mr. W J. MacKay ) yesterday promoted both sergeants, and also promoted posthumously Constable Eric George Bailey, who was fatally shot at Blayney on Friday night.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231710842

 

Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 – 1954),

Monday 15 January 1945, page 3

Police Expect To Solve Crime

New Clues In City Gun Shop Murder

Detectives investigating the murder of Maurice Joseph Hannigan (68), who was battered to death a King-street shop last week, expect to solve the crime within 48 hours.

New evidence was discovered following the gun duel in Pitt-street. Redfern, on Saturday, when two detectives were shot and Stephen Henry Cunningham (23) committed suicide.

It is expected that this evidence will help solve the Hannigan murder.

A young woman, whom Cunningham was visiting at Redfern, was interviewed by detectives yesterday.

Condition of Detective-Sergeant V. Hughes, one of the wounded detectives, had improved slightly today. He is still in a critical condition, however. Detective-Sergeant V. Turner, the other shooting victim, is improving rapidly.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231719858

 

The Daily Mirror, 13 January 1945
The Daily Mirror, 13 January 1945

 

The Daily Mirror, 13 January 1945
The Daily Mirror, 13 January 1945

 

Daily Mirror (Sydney, NSW : 1941 – 1955),

Thursday 15 July 1943, page 2

Bloc Transfer Of Detectives

Wholesale transfer of six divisional detectives , stationed at Balmain was announced today.

A HIGH police official said today that the transfer of so many men from one station at the same time was unprecedented.

The officers concerned are: Detective Sergeants V. Turner, W. Robinson, Detectives E. Proud, B. Doyle, N. Sabine, and L. H. Davis.

Several of the men transferred have been stationed at Balmain for many years.

Superintendent Keogh, Chief of the C.I.B., said today that the transfers had been effected in the interests of the service.

The detectives will take up duties at various divisions in the metropolitan area.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/272076267

 

Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 – 1954),

Saturday 2 December 1933, page 6

LIVED BY FRAUD

His “Cold-Blooded Business”

George Cooper, 47, who, according to the police, had made a livelihood chiefly by fraud, was sentenced at the Quarter Sessions yesterday to two years and a half Imprisonment. He was convicted of larceny and false pretences.

Judge Curlewis said that he would have made the term one of five years, and declared the prisoner an habitual criminal, if his frauds had been carried out on small shopkeepers, but the victims were big business people, who should have been able to look after their own interests.

Detective-Constable V. H. Turner said that Cooper, when arrested, said: “What I have done is cold-blooded business, and if firms come my way that is their fault.”

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/230193806

Further reading involving Victor TURNER:

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/182269488

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/36596704

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/239878205

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/46497918

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17029043

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169095639

21 Aug 1929 – Apprehensions. – Trove

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/143860053

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/246467265

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/247492359

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/248096520

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/236986516

 

Numerous other links can be found on Trove that relate to this man.

* Story behind any Nickname:

 

 

Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.

**********

 

Cal
27 May 2024

 

 



Reginald Hugh STEVENSON

28/05/2024

Reginald Hugh STEVENSON – QPM

aka  Blowfly

New South Wales Police Force

[alert_yellow]Regd. #   5498[/alert_yellow]

Rank: Police Cadet – appointed 1 March 1943

Probationary Constable – appointed 21 February 1947

Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 19 May 1968

Detective Sergeant 1st Class – SHOT

Detective Inspector – appointed 6 March 1976

Detective Inspector – Retirement

Joined:  NSW Police Force via

NSW Police Cadet System on 1 March 1943

Cadet # 400

Stations: ?, General Detectives at the old CIB in the old Hat Factory, Darlinghurst ( # 3 Division – Det Sgt, early 1970’s ), Newtown

Service:  From  1 March 1943  to  ? ? ?

Awards: Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct – granted 17 February 1976

Queen’s Police Medal – QPM – granted 16 June 1979

Born:  20 February 1926

Event Date:  9 December 1974

Event type / Cause:  Shot – 1974. Damage to liver & kidney / Heart Attack in 1980

Event location:  Newtown

Died on:  19 January 1980

Age:  53

Funeral date:  11 February 1980

Funeral location:  ?

Buried at:  Cremated & Buried in Botany ( NOT Rookwood ) Cemetery

Banks Court Loggia, Wall A

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

 

On 9 December, 1974 Detective Sergeant 1st Class Stevenson was shot in the chest after confronting an armed offender in Newtown. Although seriously wounded at the time he continued to direct other police at the scene until he was taken to safety. As a result of the incident Sergeant Stevenson was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct and the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. He was promoted to the rank of detective inspector in 1976.

On 19 January, 1980 Inspector Stevenson died of a heart attack and it was determined that his death was ultimately caused by the 1974 injuries.

 

The detective inspector was born in 1926 and joined the New South Wales Police Force as a Cadet in 1943. He was sworn in on 21 February, 1947.

 

 

 

 

NEWTOWN LOCAL AREA COMMAND POLICE COMMEMORATION SERVICE

http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LA20130508056

Page: 20259

Ms CARMEL TEBBUTT (Marrickville) [7.07 p.m.  8 May 2013]: Recently at Rookwood Cemetery I attended a memorial service to commemorate police officers from the Newtown local area command killed in the line of duty. The moving service was attended by Deputy Police Commissioner Nick Kaldis, Superintendent Simon Hardman, the commander of the Newtown Area Local Command, many other police representatives, and relatives and descendants of the police officers. Those attendees included Ms Avona Wallace, Mr and Mrs Norman Stephenson, Mrs Lynette Everton and Ms Edna Stevenson. Representatives from the emergency services and community members were also in attendance. The member for Campbelltown, Bryan Doyle, attended representing the Premier.

The five officers being remembered at the ceremony gave their lives to protect the community. They were Constable First Class John Wallace, Constable First Class Ruston Stephenson, Constable Lionel Guise, Detective Inspector Reginald Stevenson and Constable Pashalis Katsivelas. The ceremony to mark the sacrifice of these officers reflected on the enormity of their contribution to the community, as well as the impact of their death on their families. It is often said, and it is true, that police officers leave their homes for each shift uncertain of what any day may bring and whether they will return at the end of the day. We owe these men and women our deepest gratitude for the risks they face and take every day in their job. At Rookwood Cemetery we visited each of the graves of those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and behind each individual was an illuminating life story.

We began at the grave of Constable First Class Ruston Stephenson, who died 80 years almost to the day of the commemoration. Constable Stephenson joined the Police Force in 1912, and four years later 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 he rejoined the Police Force and continued to serve until his death on 9 April 1933 after a tragic accident involving a motorcycle at the then Newtown Stadium while performing general duties policing.

We were also told the story of Detective Inspector Reginald Hugh Stevenson—I was honoured on the day to meet his widow, Ms Edna Stevenson, who still had strong memories of the incident that led to Inspector Stevenson’s death. Detective Inspector Stevenson joined the NSW Police Force as a cadet in 1943 at the age of 17. In an act of extraordinary selflessness, Detective Inspector Stevenson was on annual leave on 9 December 1974 when he decided to go to work to assist in the planned arrest of a dangerous offender in Newtown, at the time telling his wife, “I don’t want my boys doing this on their own.” During the operation he was shot in the chest after leading his team in pursuit of the offender.

Detective Inspector Stevenson partially recovered and was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct and the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. However, he died in 1980 of a heart attack, deemed to be the result of the injuries he sustained on duty in 1974. These officers are just a few of many across New South Wales whose lives have been cut short as they have gone about performing their duty. I pay tribute to them all. They will not be forgotten and local events such as this are a powerful reminder of their sacrifice.

I also take this opportunity to acknowledge two Marrickville police officers, Sergeant Stewart and Constable Steele, who on Monday of this week rescued an intellectually disabled person from a house fire in Marrickville. Thankfully, those two officers who took huge risks survived and are quite rightly being hailed as heroes by their colleagues and the community. It is yet another example of the risk our police men and women take every day in order to keep the community safe. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to them.

[divider]



Ian Donald WARD

28/05/2024

Ian Donald WARD

late of Padstow, NSW

 

New South Wales Police Force

 

Joined via NSW Police Cadets on 21 February 1966

Cadet # 2109

Redfern Police Academy Class 114

Regd. # 13174

 

Rank:  NSW Police Cadet – commenced 21 February 1966 ( aged 16 years, 10 months, 9 days )

Probationary Constable – 12 April 1968 ( aged 19 years, 0 months, 0 days )

Constable – appointed 12 April 1969

Constable 1st Class  ( Acting Sergeant in Cyprus )

 

Stations:  ? & Cyprus as part of the 11th Australian Contingent of UN Peacekeeping Mission

UNFICYP AUSCIVPOL

 

Service:  From 21 February 1966  to  12 November 1974 = 8 years, 8 months, 22 days Service

Age at Retirement:  25 years, 7 months, 0 days

Time in Retirement:  0

 

[blockquote]

NASHOS

Service name:              Military Police, National Service  ( Army )

Service number:          ?

Rank:                               Corporal

Date of birth:                12 April 1949

Place of birth:               Ryde, NSW

Date of intake:              ?

NS Training:                  ?

Follow Up Training:   ?

Basic Training:             ?

Next of Kin:                   ?

Medals:                           ?

[/blockquote]

 

Police Awards:  Police Overseas Service Medal with Cyprus clasp – granted 19 October 1992

Dag Hammarskjold Medal – awarded

Awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal. The U.N. Secretary-General established the Dag Hammarskjöld medal for posthumous award to members of peacekeeping operations who lost their lives during service with a peacekeeping operation under the operational control and authority of the United Nations.

 

Born: Tuesday 12 April 1949 at Ryde, NSW

Died:  Tuesday  12 November 1974

Cause of death:  Murdered – Land Mine Explosion

Event location:  near Lefka, Cyprus ( 5 days after arriving in the country )

Age:  25 years, 7 months, 0 days

Funeral date:  26 November 1974

Funeral location:  ???

Grave location:  Rookwood Cemetery, Rookwood

Ian Donald WARD
Ian Donald WARD

Ian Donald WARD

Ian WARD

On 12 November, 1974 Constable Ward was serving with the Eleventh Australian Police Element in Cyprus. Whilst travelling in a Land Rover near Lefka the vehicle hit a landmine in the buffer zone. As a result Constable Ward was killed and Constable 1st Class John Woolcott ( # 11976 ) was seriously injured.

Constable Ward is the 3rd and last Australian to die in Cyprus.

The constable was born in 1949 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 12 April, 1968. At the time of his death he was stationed in Cyprus and an Acting Sergeant.

John Woolcott ( # 11976 ) recovered from his injuries and ” Wooly ” later retired from NSW Police Force either as an Sergeant at Manly Police Station or an Inspector at North Sydney / Mosman.  This, is yet, to be confirmed.  ( 10 August 2017 ).

John WOOLCOTT 01 - NSWPF 11976 - Served in Cyprus
NSWPF Member John E. WOOLCOTT # 11974 from Redfern Police Academy Class 107

 

1974 - the funeral for Sergeant Ian Ward
1974 – the funeral for Sergeant Ian Ward

 

 

National Police Wall of Remembrance Touch Plate for Ian WARD
National Police Wall of Remembrance Touch Plate for Ian WARD

IAN IS mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra

 

17 June 2017 - Malaysia Memorial in Cyprus taken today as Australian Police complete the long mission and are leaving Cyprus.
17 June 2017 – Malaysia Memorial in Cyprus taken today as Australian Police complete the long mission and are leaving Cyprus.

 

 

Ian's memorial at the Goulburn Police Academy.
Ian’s memorial at the Goulburn Police Academy.

 

 

Dag Hammarskjold Medal
Dag Hammarskjold Medal

 

 

Memorial to Ian WARD - unveiled in 1985
Memorial to Ian WARD – unveiled in 1985

 

2003 Police Remembrance Day is marked with a ceremony at the cairn erected in memory of Sergeant Ian Ward.
2003 Police Remembrance Day is marked with a ceremony at the cairn erected in memory of Sergeant Ian Ward.

 

Inscription:<br /> Killed in the service of peane<br /> Sgt Ian Donald Ward<br /> Aust. CivPol
Inscription:
Killed in the service of peane
Sgt Ian Donald Ward
Aust. CivPol

 

 

FURTHER:

Cst 1st Class Ian Donald WARD – NSWPF – Killed in Cyprus – 12 November 1974 – further info

Cst 1st Class Ian Donald WARD – NSWPF – Killed in Cyprus – 12 November 1974 – further info 2

 

 

the Eleventh Contingent

p 105
The closure of Nicosia Airport meant a circuitous route to Cyprus for the second half of the eleventh contingent led by Merv Beck.
Although it was not known at the time, conditions on the Island and consequent reduction in UNFICYP strength would make this the
last November rotation.
The group left Sydney on 6 November and were welcomed some days later at Akrotiri after flying with Qantas to London then busing to
the Brize Norton RAF Base near Oxford and thence via Malta to Cyprus.
RAF flights were ‘dry’ and the seats faced the rear, so the Australians appreciated the traditional welcome at Limassol Headquarters.
The newcomers ‘pumped’ the old hands for news of the war while they themselves were pressed for information about events in Australia.
The new arrivals were soon split up.  Ray Leister was assigned Control Room duties while others went to Ktima and Polis.
After only five days on the Island the unthinkable happened near a road-block approaching Lefka.
Ian Ward, a replacement from New South Wales, was killed and John Woolcott injured when their Land Rover detonated a land-mine in an unmarked field.
The Australians were conveying a Turkish Cypriot family from Ayios Nicolaos to the Turkish Cypriot controlled area at Lefka and one of the four passengers was killed and the other three seriously injured.
The fatality cast a pall over the contingent.
A number of moving ceremonies were held before his body was flown home to Australia.
Twelve months later a cairn was erected to commemorate the tragedy and each twelve months a short service is held near the memorial.
Geoff Baker was a member of the Board of Inquiry convened under British military regulations to investigate the incident.

Land-mines were the major component of fortifications along the confrontation zone.  UNFICYP had lodged a number of protests about mine-laying procedures and the fact that many fields were neither marked nor adequately recorded.  UNFICYP began a special programme to remedy the deficiencies, but two UNFICYP soldiers were killed in similar circumstances during the following twelve months.

https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/Photocopy/94431NCJRS.pdf

 

Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),

Wednesday 20 November 1974, page 3

Service

LONDON, Tuesday (AAP). – Representatives of all United Nations peace keeping forces in Cyprus will take part in a memorial service today for Sergeant Ian Ward, 25, a Commonwealth policeman of Sydney, who was killed in landmine explosion last week. His body will later be flown to Sydney for burial.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110788766

 

Funeral notice. Page 11 of 18 of The Canberra Times Tuesday 26 November 1974 http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/110789746?searchTerm=ian%20donald%20ward&searchLimits=
Funeral notice. Page 11 of 18 of The Canberra Times Tuesday 26 November 1974
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/110789746?searchTerm=ian%20donald%20ward&searchLimits=

Also:

 

Honour

Located within the Honour Precinct is an original ornate marble tablet featuring early losses of New South Wales Police Officers. The tablet is flanked by the New South Wales state flag and the New South Wales Police Force flag.

The Peacekeeping Display honours all members of the NSW Police Force who have served in peacekeeping operations throughout the world and houses the Dag Hammerskjold medal belonging to the late SGT Ian Donald Ward who died in UNFICYP. This was donated to the NSW Police College on the 29th May, 2010 from Mr Ken Ward, OAM, father of SGT Ward.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_South_Wales_Police_Academy

 

On the 12th November, 1974, a member of this Force, Constable 1st Class I. D. Ward, who had arrived in Cyprus a few days before, and Constable 1st Class J. Woolcott, also of this Force, were carrying out humanitarian work transporting refugees. The United Nation’s land rover in which they were travelling struck a land mine on a road between Limassol and Lefka resulting in the death of Constable 1st Class Ward and severe injuries to Constable 1st Class Woolcott, Constable 1st Class Ward was posthumously awarded the United Nations Medal, Cyprus Division.

https://www.opengov.nsw.gov.au/viewer/517e982c7fa2d2c5b8c06d530ab240e7.pdf

 

Peacekeeping Veteran Honoured at the NSW Police College:

PEACEKEEPING VETERAN HONOURED AT THE NSW POLICE COLLEGE
– Author,
Mr Denis Percy – National President – UNPAA.
INTRODUCTION:
On the 14th November, 1974 Sergeant Ian Ward, a member of the New South Wales
Police Force, who had been seconded to the then named Australian Commonwealth
Police, (later named the AFP), for 12 months service with the United Nations Force in
Cyprus, (UNFICYP). Ian died as a result of a land-mind explosion whilst travelling in a
Land Rover.
He and Sergeant John Wolcott, the vehicle observer, also on attachment from the NSW
Police, were conveying four Turkish refugees from the Greek Cypriot sector village of Ayios
Nicolaos to the Turkish sector in Lefka District. One of the Turkish refugees was killed and
three were seriously injured in the explosion. The Land Rover was completely demolished
by the anti- tank mine. Sergeant John Wolcott survived the explosion; however, he
received serious facial and other injuries.
Sergeant Ward had been in Cyprus for only five days on his 12 month secondment to the
United Nations Police Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Ironically, Ian had previously served
and survived as a Military Policeman, whilst performing his National Service during the
Vietnam War.
Lieutenant-General Bedrettin Demirel, Commander of the Turkish Peace Forces in
Cyprus, in a heart felt expression of sympathy wrote to Sergeant Ward’s Family and stated, “
Your son, who was making every effort to assist in the humanitarian activities indiscriminate of
race, religion and language, is a martyr of duty.
His memory and service live in the hearts of all personnel of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus ”
.
HANDOVER AND BLESSING OF THE DAG HAMMARSKJOLD MEDAL.
On the 29th May, 2009 in Goulburn at the NSW Police College, 35 years after his death on
a lonely village road and a world away from Cyprus, we remembered our Police colleague.
The service held at the NSW Police College demonstrates that Australian Police do not
forget those who die in the line of duty, either in Australia or whilst serving overseas.
In a highly symbolic ceremony, the Australian Federal Police officially handed-over“
on-loan” for a five year period, the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal awarded to the late Sergeant
Ian Donald Ward.
That medal had been in the custody of the Australian Federal Police as
Ian died as a Federal Police Officer on attachment from the NSW Police for his UN Service.
That medal is awarded by the United Nations to those of its members who are
killed whilst performing duty with the United Nations. It is named after the now deceased
and former Scandinavian leader of the United Nations at its headquarters in New York.
The day’s proceedings commenced in Goulburn with a moving march of a group of United
Nations Police veterans who had served in Cyprus, the Middle East, East Timor, the
Solomon Islands and other multinational peacekeeping operations.
The veterans march was preceded by combined ceremonial support elements of the NSW Police Force and the
Australian Federal Police the marching band of the NSW Police Force, a combined NSW
Police Force Mounted Unit and the Australian Federal Police Ceremonial Mounted Cadre
and a combined New South Wales Police Force and Australian Federal Police flag party.
The Parade Commander UNPAA President Denis Percy instructed the parade to an “eyes
left” towards the NSW Police Eternal Flame, which honours all those members of the NSW
Police Force who have died in the service of their state and their country.
POLICE COLLEGE CHAPEL CEREMONY:
Upon arrival at the NSW Police College Chapel, the flags of the United Nations and the
Australian Federal Police were laid up by the Senior Police Chaplain, Reverend Peter
Robinson.
Gathered in the Chapel were a number of representatives of the Australian Defence Force,
the Untied Nations Information Centre, the Senate, the Parliaments of the Commonwealth
of Australia and New South Wales. The Mayor of Goulburn mingled there with senior AFP,
NSW Police Force and Victoria Police officials and members of the United Nations Police
Association of Australia, (UNPAA), the Australian Peacekeepers and Peacemakers
Association, the Australian Bravery Association, the National Executive of the RSL and the
NSW Police Force Sub Branch of the RSL.
Sergeant Jeff Little, NSW Police and a peacekeeping veteran from East Timor and Cyprus
read the invocation.  Guests in the Police Memorial Chapel joined in singing the United
Nations Anthem, ‘The song of All Nations”, followed by another peacekeeping veteran,
NSWPF Sergeant Dave McCann, OAM reading the Beatitudes.
Police Chaplain read a prayer and then came the official handover, which involved the signing of the temporary
loan agreement by AFP Commander and former peacekeeping veteran Shane Connelly –
performing the duties of National Manager, International Deployment Group and Chief
Superintendent Gregory Moore, APM the Principal of the NSW Police College.
Due to its’ national significance, the AFP Museum are the current custodians of the late Sergeant
Ward’s medal and have entrusted its’ safekeeping with the NSW Police College for the
next five years.
From the rear of the Chapel and carrying the Dag Hammarskjöld medal belonging to the
late Sergeant Ian Ward AFP Sergeant Dale Cooper, RFD a former UN Cyprus
peacekeeper slow marched towards the front of the chapel, and from the left side of the
chapel NSWPF Senior Sergeant Mark Elm a former UN East Timor peacekeeper slow
marched to the front of the Chapel where the physical handover took place between the
two guardians of the medal.
This symbolic gesture, of respect to a fallen Sergeant indicated the deep regard both forces
have to their departed colleague and fellow peacekeeper.
Chief Superintendent Gregory Moore, APM has indicated that he is honoured for the NSW
Police College to be entrusted by the AFP to be guardians of the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal
belonging to the late Sergeant Ian Donald Ward. He went on to state: “Sergeant Ian Ward
and Sergeant Patrick Hackett who were killed while on international policing service with
the United Nations are role models for NSW Police recruits passing through this college
and the great tradition of service that we given an ongoing basis to the people of NSW.”
DEDICATION OF THE PEACEKEEPING DISPLAY
The display is designed to honour those members of the NSW Police Force who have
contributed to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations as United Nations Police Officers.
As such it fits well within the ‘Honour Precinct’ of the NSW Police College.
Visitors to the NSW Police College are invited by the Principal; to inspect the newly
dedicated display located in the hallway areas of the College building next to the College
Library Out of ten Australians who have died whilst on UN peacekeeping operations, the
NSWPF has lost two members with the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP),
namely Inspector Patrick Hackett in a motor vehicle accident (29.8.71) and Sergeant Ian
Donald Ward (land mine explosion). A third Australian Police Officer from the South
Australia Police Sergeant Lew Thomas has also been killed in Cyprus (26.7.69) also in a
motor vehicle accident.
The Peacekeeping display was made possible with a grant from the Australian
Government, Department of Veterans Affairs ‘Saluting Their Service’ upon a submission
made to them by the UNPAA .That grant is a Government initiative which honours the
contribution of Australia’s servicemen and women in war, conflicts and peace operations.
Senior Sergeant Mark Elm was the Project Manager for the display which was funded by
contributions from the Australian Federal Police; the NSW Police Force; United Nations
Police Association of Australia and its NSW Branch, the Police Federation of Australia; and
the Police Credit Union.
Ceremonial arrangements were made possible with assistance of the AFP Recognition and
Ceremonial team and the Professional Standards Unit of the Office of the Principal, NSW
Police College.
UNITED NATIONS ARTEFACTS DONATED TO DISPLAY:
In putting the exhibition together, Snr Sgt Elm collected historic artefacts donated by
Australian police peacekeepers who served in Cyprus, the Middle East and East Timor
Said Sergeant Elm: “
Police officers by their very nature are peacekeepers in their home towns, cities here in
Australia, and it is a natural progression to take these skills to war torn areas, to build the
capacity of local authorities to act against a humanitarian backdrop.” Said Snr Sgt Elm.
“This day has been on the cards since I arrived at the College in February of 2007.
Much like all the other proud traditions displays, most of the work undertaken on this display has
been conducted on days off so it is really gratifying to see the final results, which I think all
peacekeepers will feel proud.
I think we got the symbolism right and I think our future members of the force will come to
know of the service and the sacrifice of our members who contributed.”
In a fitting tribute to Australia’s police peacekeepers whether they hail from the AFP, state
or territory police force, the Minister for Home Affairs, The Hon. Bob Debus, and MP kindly
donated the Australian Coat of Arms, which was presented by Senator the Hon. Ursula
Stephens and dedicated by Reverend Peter Robinson at the ceremony.
SNRSGT Elm summed up the magnitude of this when he said.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Assistance was provided to Senior Sergeant Elm in this project from the Australian Federal
Police; the NSW Police Force; United Nations Police Association of Australia and its NSW
Branch, the Police Federation of Australia; and the Police Credit Union.
This ceremony was made possible through the assistance of the AFP Recognition and Ceremonial team
and the Professional Standards Unit of the Office of the Principal, NSW Police College.

Cst-1st-Class-Ian-Donald-WARD-NSWPF-Killed-in-Cyprus-12-November-1974-further-info

 

 

First published on 14 November 2013.

Updated 3 August 2025 with photo of Cst Woolcott and Registered number of Ward.

 

 

 



Dallas Cyril KEMP

28/05/2024

Dallas Cyril KEMP

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Detective Sergeant 3rd Class

Stations: Mayfield

Awards: ?

Born: 1932

Event:  25 June 1974

Died:  13 July 1974

Illness – Heart Attack

Cooper St, Redfern

Funeral date: ?

Funeral location: ?

Buried / Cremated:  Grave location?

 

On 25 June, 1974 Sergeant Kemp was undertaking the Sergeants Course at the Redfern Police Academy. While participating in a jog along Cooper Street the sergeant collapsed. Other police commenced cardio-pulmonary resuscitation until an ambulance arrived and conveyed Sergeant Kemp to the Rachel Forster Hospital. He unfortunately suffered a cardiac arrest on 13 July, 1974 and passed away.

 

The sergeant was born in 1932 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 29 October, 1956. At the time of his death he was stationed at Mayfield.

[alert_green]Dallas IS memorialised on the Police Wall of Remembrance [/alert_green]



James Ralph MARTIN

28/05/2024

James Ralph MARTIN

Late of  ?

New South Wales Police Force

NSW Police Cadet # 2397

Regd. #  ?

 

Rank:  NSW Police Cadet – commenced 2 December 1968 ( aged 15 years, 9 months, 18 days )

Probationary Constable – appointed 14 February 1972 ( aged 19 years, 0 months, 0 days )

Constable – appointed ? ? ?

 

Stations:  Manly

 

Service:  From 2 December 1968   to  24 May 1974 = 5 years, 7 months, 22 days Service

 

Awards:  No find on It’s An Honour

 

Born:   Saturday 14 February 1953

Died on:  Wednesday  24 May 1974

Age:  21 years, 3 months, 10 days

Cause:  Motor Vehicle Accident – Pedestrian

Event location:   Warringah Rd, Forestville, NSW

 

Funeral date:  ? ? ?

Funeral location:  St Mathews Church, Manly, NSW

 

Buried at:  Cremated – Interned at Northern Suburbs Crematorium, 199 Delhi Rd, North Ryde, NSW

 Memorial located at:  ?

could not find a marker at Constable Martins 'spot', I will do some more research.
could not find a marker at Constable Martins ‘spot’, I will do some more research.

JIMMY is mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

 

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

On the night of the 24 May, 1974 Constable Martin was riding a Police Special Traffic Patrol solo motor cycle in Warringah Road, Forestville. After stopping a motor cycle for a possible traffic breach the constable stood on the footpath speaking to the rider and pillion passenger. As they were talking a car approached at high speed, veered off the roadway and struck both Constable Martin and the pillion passenger. Both were killed.

 

The constable was born in 1952 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 14 February, 1972. At the time of his death he was stationed at Manly.

 

 



Robert Thomas DOMINISH

28/05/2024

Robert Thomas DOMINISH   

New South Wales Police Force  

 

Joined via the NSW Police Cadets system on 12 August 1963   

“possible” relations in ‘the job’:

Troy DOMINISH, NSWPF # 25257   ?   

Scott DOMINISH, NSWPF # 37690   ?   

 

Cadet # 1864   

Uniform # 3335   

Regd. #:   11491   

 

Rank:  Police Cadet – commenced Monday 12 August 1963 ( aged 17 years, 1 month, 27 days )

Probationary Constable – appointed  16 June 1965 ( aged 19 years, 0 months, 0 days )

Constable – appointed 16 June 1966

Constable 1st Class  – appointed 16 June 1970

Stations:  North East District ( 1965 ) – Petersham ( 11 Division ), 21 Special Squad   

     

Service:  From 12 August 1963 to 17 February 1974  = 10 years, 6 months, 5 days Service

Time in Retirement:   0 years, 0 months, 0 days

Age at Retirement / Leaving:  27 years, 8 months, 1 day

Awards:  ?     

ROBERT THOMASDOMINISH 27 YEARS - 1974 ADORING HUSBAND OF EVELYNNE DARLING DADDY OF TROY AND SCOTT THAT BEST PORTION OF A GOOD MANS LIFE - HIS LITTLE NAMELESS UNREMEMBERED ACTS OF KINDNESS AND OF LOVE TILL WE MEET AGAIN. R.I.P.
Robert Thomas DOMINISH   

Born:  Sunday 16 June 1946 in North Sydney, NSW

Died on:  Sunday 17 February 1974

Cause:  Motor Vehicle Accident, High St, Penrith

Age:   27 years, 8 months, 1 day

Funeral date:  ?

Funeral location:  ?

Buried at:  Pinegrove Memorial Garden, Minchinbury

Grave location:  Calvary 3, Lot 382 – B3

Robert Thomas DOMINISH   
Robert Thomas DOMINISH   
New South Wales Police Force  
Memorial Touch plate at the Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra.

  ROBERT IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

 

About 2am on 16 February, 1974 Constable Dominish was driving home at the completion of his shift. As he drove along High Street, Penrith a car travelling in the opposite direction crossed to the incorrect side of the roadway and collided head-on with Constable Dominish’s vehicle. He died later that morning at Penrith District Hospital from injuries received in the collision.

 

The constable was born in 1946 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 16 June, 1963. At the time of his death he was attached to the No. 21 Special Squad, CIB.

ROBERT THOMASDOMINISH 27 YEARS - 1974 ADORING HUSBAND OF EVELYNNE DARLING DADDY OF TROY AND SCOTT THAT BEST PORTION OF A GOOD MANS LIFE - HIS LITTLE NAMELESS UNREMEMBERED ACTS OF KINDNESS AND OF LOVE TILL WE MEET AGAIN. R.I.P.
Robert Thomas DOMINISH   
Calvary 3, Lot 382 – B3

 

15 September 2014.

Updated 1 May 2026 with grave photos and additional information and calculations.