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William SHAKESPEARE

William SHAKESPEARE

AKA  ?

Late of Waverley

pre NSW Redfern Police Academy opening in 1907

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. #  ‘Q‘ 7638

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 – 12 November 1900

Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Sergeant – appointed ? ? ?

Senior Sergeant  – appointed ? ? ?

Final Rank = Senior Sergeant

Stations:  Burwood? ( 1902 ), Sydney Water Police ( 1903 ), Tamworth Foot Patrol ( ? – September 1913 ), Sydney Water Police ( Cst 1/c, September 1913 – 1928 – Death )

Service:  From ? pre 12 November 1900 ?  to 24 May 192827+ years Service

Awards:  was awarded a Certificate of Merit for actions involving a suicide at Watsons Bay on the 31 August 1923, as was Constable George F. DAY & Constable George MILES, from the Royal Humane Society of NSW

Posthumously commended by the Royal Shipwreck Relief and Humane Society of N.S.W. in August 1928 for his rescue efforts

Born: ? ? 1875, Victoria, Au

Died on:  Thursday  24 May 1928 at 4.40am

Age: 53

Cause: Pernicious Anemia ( lack of vitamin B12 needed to produce red blood cells )

Event location: Sydney Hospital

Event date: pre 12 December 1927 – 25 May 1928 ongoing illness

Funeral date: Friday  25 May 1928 @ 1pm

Funeral location: Wood, Coffill Funerals, George St, Sydney

Wake location: ?

Funeral Parlour: Wood, Coffill Funerals, George St, Sydney

Buried at: UNMARKED GRAVE:  C of E, Rookwood Cemetery, Lidcombe, NSW

Grave location:  Anglican Sect 3, grave 478

Photo: Karen OZDEN. William SHAKESPEARE Unmarked grave
Karen OZDEN.    William SHAKESPEARE Unmarked grave

 

Memorial located at: ?

 

WILLIAM 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


They have many Duties - Members of the Water Police with gear for " dragging " the bottom of the Harbour. Inset: Sergeant William Shakespearse, who is in charge.

William SHAKESPEARE

Sydney Water Police after the 1927 Tahiti Disaster on Sydney Harbour. Waiting to be claimed. Some of the sad relics of the calamity - passengers belonging - salved by the Water Police and now waiting identification at the Water Police Court.
Sydney Water Police after the 1927 Tahiti Disaster on Sydney Harbour. Waiting to be claimed. Some of the sad relics of the calamity – passengers belonging – salved by the Water Police and now waiting identification at the Water Police Court.

 

Sydney Water Police 1900
Sydney Water Police 1900

 

Sydney Water Police with the Cambria - 1930
Sydney Water Police with the Cambria – 1930

 

William Shakespeare Water Police Constable Sydney May 1st, 1912 Dear Sir, We the undersigned non-coms, and comrades of the Sydney Water Police, take this opportunity of expressing their appreciation of the many excellent qualities as a man and a comrade which has characterised you during the Ten Years you have been among us as a Constable, and Skipper, of the Argus. We trust a bright and prosperous time will be yours in your new position and health and long life will crown a career of usefulness. Signed: by 29 people.
William Shakespeare Water Police Constable Sydney May 1st, 1912 Dear Sir, We the undersigned non-coms, and comrades of the Sydney Water Police, take this opportunity of expressing their appreciation of the many excellent qualities as a man and a comrade which has characterised you during the Ten Years you have been among us as a Constable, and Skipper, of the Argus. We trust a bright and prosperous time will be yours in your new position and health and long life will crown a career of usefulness. Signed: by 29 people.


Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 – 1930),

Saturday 26 May 1928, page 4

LATE SGT. SHAKESPEARE

Representative Funeral

The funeral of the late Sergeant William Shakespeare was attended by 100 members of the Police Force, who walked behind the hearse to the Regent Street mortuary station.

The Police Band played the ” March Funebre, ” and the cortege passed through large crowds. The Commissioner of Police ( Mr. James Mitchell ) was represented by Inspector Irving.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/246775188

 

 

Tales of the Harbour

Sydney’s worst maritime disaster occurred out of the blue on a sunny spring day in 1927. As well as the tragic loss of life, the accident is memorable for acts of heroism.

On the afternoon of Thursday 3 November 1927, commuters hurried to board the Greycliffe, a ferry operating between Circular Quay and Watsons Bay. It was known as the ‘school boat’, because so many children caught it home from schools in the city. It was a beautiful day to be on the harbour: the water was calm, the sun shone and visibility was good.

An inexplicable accident

Around 4.15pm the ferry left the quay on its usual route, stopping at Garden Island to pick up dockworkers. As it left Garden Island, the RMS Tahiti, a mail steamer carrying around 300 passengers bound for New Zealand, approached it from behind. The Tahiti with its steel bow was roughly three times the size of the wooden Greycliffe, and was moving very quickly: witnesses estimated that the ship was travelling at around 12 knots instead of the permitted 8. The smaller boat made an inexplicable turn into the Tahiti’s path. The Tahiti sounded its horn and immediately cut its speed, but it was too late – the ship couldn’t stop. Passengers and crew had little time to react as the steamship hit the ferry, cleaving it in two.

Some passengers were thrown into the water by the impact, while others dived overboard. Some unlucky victims were trapped in the wreckage, including many who were sitting in the men’s and women’s saloons. The ferry’s hull sank rapidly, sucking nearby survivors underwater, with only the strongest swimmers able to reach the surface again. Other boats sped to the scene, their occupants pulling people from the water and launching lifeboats in a frantic search for survivors.

Tales of loss and survival

The NSW Water Police launch Cambria was on a routine patrol near the accident and its officers sprang into action, speeding towards the stricken ferry. Its skipper was the notably named 53-year-old Sergeant William Shakespeare, who had joined the police in 1900 and had already performed many daring rescues. The officers tore off their boots and entered the water, assisting in the rescue of 11 people. The survivors were taken to Bennelong Point for medical assessment and to be reunited with their loved ones.

Forty people, ranging in age from toddlers to senior citizens, lost their lives in the worst maritime disaster Sydney Harbour has witnessed. Dramatic and terrifying stories emerged. Schoolgirl Gene Wise recalled opening her eyes underwater to see the Tahiti’s propeller heading straight for her, but she managed to swim out of its path. Rescuers witnessed terrible scenes, including the discovery of Mary Corby, who drowned along with her six-year-old daughter Noreen, found dead in her mother’s arms. The sad task of searching for the dead began the next day, with two divers sent down to the wreck of the ferry to collect the bodies of those trapped in the debris. The victims’ belongings were also collected and sent to the Phillip Street police station, now part of the Justice & Police Museum. Families and friends of the missing had the devastating task of identifying personal items retrieved from the harbour to assist the police in their investigations.

Sergeant Shakespeare

Three inquiries were held, including a coronial inquest held in part at the Water Police Court (now part of the Justice & Police Museum). The inquest identified a range of factors that had contributed to the accident, including the Tahitis speed and the peculiar design of the Greycliffe’s wheelhouse, which created a blind spot that may have obscured the captain’s view of the approaching Tahiti.

During the inquest, relatives of the dead expressed their gratitude towards Sergeant Shakespeare for his bravery and kindness. Six months after the Greycliffe tragedy, Shakespeare himself was gravely ill with pernicious anaemia. When it was announced that he needed blood transfusions, almost every man at the Water Police Station gave blood in an attempt to save his life. Sadly, Shakespeare died soon after, on 24 May 1928. He was posthumously commended for his bravery during the Greycliffe rescue operation.


 

Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954),

Friday 25 May 1928, page 17

SERGEANT SHAKESPEARE.

William Shakespeare, sergeant first-class of the Water Police, died in Sydney Hospital at 4.40 a.m. yesterday of pernicious anaemia; Four blood transfusions had been made in an unsuccessful effort to save his life. Two of his comrades in the force, Constables Milne and Bowers, and his son, William Shakespeare, Junior, gave their blood for this purpose.

Sergeant Shakespeare joined the police force in 1900.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/28052055


 

Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 – 1954),

Saturday 26 May 1928, page 1

 

DEATHS.

SHAKESPEARE.- On May 24, 1928, at Sydney, Senior Sergeant William Shakespeare, of the Water Police, Sydney, and beloved only brother of Mrs. C. W. Williams, Hawthorn Avenue, New Town, In his 53rd year.

(Melbourne papers please copy.)

26 May 1928 – Family Notices – Trove


 

Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 – 1930),

Wednesday 1 August 1928, page 5

The estate of the late Water-Police Sergeant William Shakespeare has been valued for probate purposes at £1134. Letters of administration were granted to the Public Trustee.

01 Aug 1928 – REST OF THE NEWS IN BRIEF – Trove


 

World (Hobart, Tas. : 1918 – 1924),

Tuesday 19 September 1922, page 4

ITEMS OF INTEREST

On Escort Duty Sergeant William Shakespeare, of the New South Wales Police Department, arrived from Sydney on escort duty by the s.s. Westralia yesterday. A Hobart prisoner, now on remand, is to be taken to Sydney to answer a charge of fraud.

19 Sep 1922 – ITEMS OF INTEREST – Trove


Tamworth Daily Observer (NSW : 1910 – 1916),

Friday 14 November 1913, page 2

POLICE TRANSFERS.

Constable Ross, of Burren Junction, takes the place of Constable Smith at Tamworth, the latter having recently been transferred.

Constable Tindall, who comes from Wollongong, has been definitely appointed to Tamworth to fill the vacancy of Constable Shakespeare, who some weeks ago left for Sydney to rejoin the water police force.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/109525162

 


Tamworth Daily Observer (NSW : 1910 – 1916),

Saturday 13 September 1913, page 2

PERSONAL.

First class Constable Shakespear has received notice of his transfer from the Tamworth foot police to the position which he once occupied on the Water police. During Constable Shakespear’s sojourn in Tamworth he has proved an efficient and zealous officer.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120077288


 

 




Laurence ALPIN

Laurence or Lawrence ALPIN

Late of  ?

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. #  ????

Rank:  Constable

Stations: ?, Casino, Richmond Gap – Death

ServiceFrom  ? ? ?  to  17 February 1928 = ? years Service

Awards:  No find on It’s An Honour

Born? ? ? at Griffith, NSW

Died on:  Friday  17 February 1928

Age:  27

Cause:  Drowned

Event location:  Kyogle District, NSW

Event date:  Friday  17 February 1928

Funeral date:  Wednesday  22 February 1928 @ 11am

Funeral location?

Buried at?, Presbyterian portion, Casino Cemetery,

 Memorial located at?

 

 

[alert_yellow]LAURENCE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow]  *NEED MORE INFO

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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May they forever Rest In Peace

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Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 – 1947), Saturday 18 February 1928, page 9


A POLICEMAN DROWNED

SYDNEY, February 18.

Constable L. Alpin was drowned in Grady’s Creek, in the Kyogle district, through slipping off a log when crossing the creek.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/179745794

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Kyogle Examiner (NSW : 1912; 1914 – 1915; 1917 – 1954), Friday 24 February 1928, page 2


Funeral of Constable Alpin.

The funeral of the late Constable Alpin, who met his death at Grady’s Creek on Friday last, was held on Wednesday, the remains being taken

to Casino for interment. The Rev. Rogers read the Presbyterian burial service. There was a large attendance of the public while representatives of the police also attended. Deceased’s three brothers arrived on Tuesday night.

The District Coroner ( Mr. W. Amess ) concluded the inquiry on Wednesday, when a verdict was recorded that death was due to injuries received while deceased was struggling in the water.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/234666404

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Northern Star (Lismore, NSW : 1876 – 1954), Thursday 23 February 1928, page 4


CONSTABLE ALPIN’S DEATH

KYOGLE, Wednesday.

At the inquiry into the death of Constable Laurence Alpin, held at the Court House to-day, the coroner

( Mr. William Amess) found that the constable died at Upper Grady’s Creek, near Kyogle, on 17th February from the effects of injuries accidentally

received on that day through falling into Grady’s Creek while it was in a state of flood and being struck by

obstacles in the creek.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/93663061

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The below article begs the question as to whether Constable Alpin was “On Duty” whilst assisting Constable Peterkin, and others, to remove the obstruction from the footbridge”     Cal

 

Kyogle Examiner (NSW : 1912; 1914 – 1915; 1917 – 1954), Tuesday 21 February 1928, page 2


Grady’s Creek Fatality.

DEATH OF CONSTABLE ALPIN.

The circumstances surrounding the death of Constable L. Alpin on Friday at Upper Grady’s Creek, were related by his confrere, Constable Peterkin, on arrival at Kyogle on Saturday afternoon. The lamentable tragedy cast a gloom over the railway settlement, where, although he had a difficult task as officer-in-charge, deceased exercised the duties of his position with tact and skill.

With Constable Peterkin and Mr. J. Doak and others, deceased was essaying to free the traffic log placed across the stream, of timber washed down by the flood. This log was used as a footbridge, and to make it safer for foot traffic a wire had been erected to serve as a handrail. Deceased and Constable Peterkin and Mr. Doak were standing on the log, and in freeing a heavy piece of timber the later swung round and hit the wire, pulling the posts to which it was secured out of the ground. Constable Alpine was plunged into the rapidly flowing stream; his companions more fortunately escaped. Deceased was a very powerful swimmer, and little anxiety was at first felt for his safety. He was seen to grasp a floating log upon which he floated until, apparently thinking he could make the shore, he released his support and struck out. The current, however, was too strong, and he was swept among a number of tea. trees.

At this time Constable Peterkin, who had run across from the first crossing to the next, saw deceased struggling feebly as if he had been injured. The current was running so swiftly that although Constable Peterkin had only a hundred yards to run, from one crossing to another, deceased had disappeared by the time he reached the point.

The alarm was at once given, a crowd of helpers quickly explored the banks of the creek for deceased. Meantime camps farther down the creek had been advised of the happening by telephone and were asked to watch at the crossings.

Ultimately the body was found about three quarters of a mile down stream, pinned under a huge log. Only a hand was visible at the time, and this kept disappearing under the water.

It took fourteen men to remove the log before the body could be extricated.

Constable Peterkin and others then formed the opinion that deceased had not been drowned, and that he had received fatal injuries while being swept down the stream.

When the body was medically examined later at Kyogle the skull was found to be fractured. However, Mr. Harris ( ambulance officer stationed at Richmond Gap ) and other men with first aid certificates worked for two hours trying to restore animation, but without success.

The course of the stream in its higher reaches, is studded with rocks and huge boulders, while the flood also traversed thickly timbered country. Doubtless deceased collided with a stone or log and sustained the injury which was the immediate cause of death. On Saturday, a party was organised to bring the body to Kyogle. Stupendous difficulties faced the undertaking owing to the flooded creek.

The road, which crosses the stream 26 times in 13 miles, was impossible even if the creek was fordable. It was decided to carry deceased to Risk and from thence a vehicle could travel to Kyogle. The party set out at 11 o’clock on Saturday for its strenuous walk across the hills. At times hands had to be linked to climb precipitous slopes, while the men occasionally were waist deep in water. They eventually arrived at Risk at 4 p.m. utterly exhausted. The river was 4 feet over the bridge at Risk, and here again a human chain had to be formed to get the body across. With the stream running very swiftly it was a hazardous undertaking, but was accomplished without mishap. Mr. Moss ( driving one of Messrs. Green Bro’s. lorries ) transported the party to Wyangarie, where the river was crossed with the aid of the railway flying fox, and so on to Kyogle by car. Too much praise cannot be given those who participated in a dangerous and extremely arduous undertaking. Food for the party was provided at Hackett’s and King’s boarding houses between the Gap and Risk; Miss Hennessy, in charge of the telephone, did yeoman service, and was assisted by Mrs. Grieve, at the Risk end, in warning people along the route and asking for assistance when the grim task of transporting the body was commenced. The carrying party consisted of Messrs. Tom McManus, Stan Gibson, Mat Leo, Col. Keightley, M. Carlton, Bill Harding, Carl Farrawell, Arthur Fraser, Ted Turner, Alex Morad, W. McAlpine, J. O’Connor, snr., and jnr., Sam Zammett, Jack Heath, Jack Wilson, Dan Higgins, J. Borg, A. Howard, H. Thompson, — . Evans, Robert Hayden, Jim Morris, Alan Hobday, Ernest Green, J. Johns J. Burke, Barney Rolfe, Graham Bros., Gordon Graham, A. Archer, D. McLean, Jim Doak, Bob Hobday, R. Maslen, J. Grieve, with Constable Peterkin in charge.

The Coroner commenced an inquiry at the Court House yesterday morning, when the evidence of Constable Peterkin and Mr. C. Keightley, school teacher, Upper Grady’s Creek, who was an eye-witness of the occurrence was taken. Their statements were on the lines given above.

The late Constable Alpine was 27 years of age, and was a native of Griffith, where his people reside. He was an efficient and popular officer, and his untimely death is universally regretted.

The funeral will be held to-morrow at 11 a.m.

 




Lawrence Blake LEONARD

Lawrence Blake LEONARD

aka  Larry

Late of  Hill St, Queenscliffe, Manly
Brother to William Blake LEONARD – NSWPF #  ‘Q‘ 5928
Brother to Joseph Blake LEONARD – QldPol #  ???

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. #  ‘ Q ‘ 6949

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

Rank: Is mentioned as a Senior Constable on 16 Jan 1907 being transferred from Enngonia

Is mentioned as a First Class Sergeant at Taree on 28 January 1918

Sergeant 1st Class – Retirement

Stations: ?,  Enngonia ( 1901 – 1907 ), Pilliga ( 1907 ), Nyngan ( 1913 ), Taree – O.I.C. – Sgt 1/C – 1918

Walgett ( from 10 June 1923 ? ) – Retirement

ServiceFrom  21 April 1896  to  ? ? ? = ? years Service

Awards:  Imperial Service Medal – granted 11 July 1924 – Citation:  NSW Police

Born:  10 November 1872 at Jerrara Creek,  Bungonia, NSW

Died on:  Sunday  15 April 1928 at home

Age:  55

Cause:  Paralytic Stroke

Event location:  Hill-street, Queenscliffe, Manly

Event date:  Sunday  15 April 1928

Funeral dateTuesday  17 April 1928 @ 11am

Funeral location:  Private Mortuary, 92 Corso, Manly

Buried at:  Catholic Cemetery, Griffiths St, Manly

Section R Plot 50

 Memorial located at?

[alert_yellow]LARRY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow]  *NEED MORE INFO

 

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

[divider_dotted]

May they forever Rest In Peace

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Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), Monday 16 April 1928, page 10


DEATHS

LEONARD. – April 15, 1928, at his residence, Hill-street, Queenscliffe, Manly, Lawrence Blake Leonard ( late of Taree Police ), dearly beloved husband of Catherine Leonard, and loved father of Mollie, Valerie, and Vincent, aged 55 years.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/16457302

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Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), Monday 16 April 1928, page 9


FUNERALS.

LEONARD. – The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. CATHERINE LEONARD, MOLLIE, VALERIE, and VINCENT LEONARD, of Hill-street, Queenscliffe, Manly, are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of her late beloved HUSBAND and their FATHER, Lawrence Blake Leonard ; to leave our Private Mortuary, 92 Corso, Manly, TO-MORROW MORNING (Tuesday), at 11o’clock, for the Catholic Cemetery, Manly.

T. WAUGH and CO.,

Funeral Directors.

Tele., Manly 42.

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Catherine LEONARD – wife of Lawrence ( Laurence in the Grave Register of Roman Catholic Section of Cemetery ) appears to be buried in the same Plot.  Catherine was buried on 8 December 1950, aged 77.
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Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 – 1938), Thursday 3 May 1928, page 1


EX-POLICEMAN PASSES

GOULBURN, Wednesday

The death is announced of Mr Larry Leonard, 54, of a paralytic stroke.

Mr. Leonard was a native of Bungonia, and some years ago joined the police force, being later elevated to the rank of sergeant.

Failing health necessitated his retirement from the force. A widow and three children, the eldest of whom is 18 years and the youngest 11 years, survive him.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/237922502

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Goulburn Evening Penny Post (NSW : 1881 – 1940), Wednesday 2 May 1928, page 2


MR. L. LEONARD

The death is announced of Mr. Larry Leonard (54), a one time resident of Bungonia.

Death followed a paralytic stroke.

Mr. Leonard was a native of Bungonia and some years ago joined the Police Force, being later elevated to the rank of sergeant.

Failing health necessitated his retirement from the force.

A widow and three children, the eldest of whom is 18 years and tile youngest 11 years, survive.

Mrs. G. Broadhead, of Inverary, is a sister.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/102533511

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Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 26 October 1923 (No.129), page 4830


SHIRE OF MANNING.

NOTICE is hereby given that Sergeant Walter John Moroney, of Taree, has been appointed an inspector under the Cattle Slaughtering and Diseased Animals and Meat Act, 1902, within the Manning Shire, vice Sergeant Lawrence Blake Leonard, transferred,— such appointment to take effect from 10th July, 1923.

C. D. COOK,

Shire Office, Taree. Shire Clerk.

20th October, 1923.

1553 6s.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/221603530

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Goulburn Evening Penny Post (NSW : 1881 – 1940), Thursday 9 August 1923, page 4


DISTRICT NEWS Bungonia (From Our Correspondent.)

Sergeant Larry Leonard, brother of Mr. Jim Leonard, Jerrara, and Mrs. G. Broadhead, Inverary, is dangerously ill in a Sydney hospital, and no hope of his recovery is entertained.

His complaint is hemorrhage.

Mr. Leonard has been ailing for some considerable time.

Lately he was in charge of the police station at Taree.

From there he was transferred to Walgett, and it was expected that a change would do him good. Instead he gradually became worse.

His last hope was to proceed to Sydney to undergo an operation.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/102883055

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Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 29 June 1923 (No.73), page 2871


[ 7866 ] Office of the Director-General of Public Health, Sydney, 29th June, 1923.

IT is hereby notified, for public information, that the undermentioned persons have been duly authorised by the Board of Health as Inspectors under section 50 of the Cattle Slaughtering and Diseased Animals and Meat Act, 1902: — As from 19th June, 1923 —

Sergeant Lawrence Blake Leonard, Walgett.

Sergeant Claude Montague Kemp, Armidale.

Sergeant James Thomas Manns, Bogan Gate.

Sergeant William Loftus, Campbelltown.

Sergeant William John Poidevin, Casino.

Dr. Eric William Beresford Woods, Government Medical Officer, Hay.

Dr. Arthur John Mollison, Government Medical Officer, Molong.

IT is hereby notified, for public information, that the undermentioned person has been duly appointed by the Board of Health as Local Authority under section 17 (1) (b) of the Public Health Act, 1902: — As from 19th June, 1923—

Sergeant Lawrence Blake Leonard, Walgett.

T. H. NEELY,

Secretary.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/225020703

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Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Wednesday 16 July 1913 (No.112), page 4377


[181] Department of Labour and Industry, 48 Young-street, Sydney, 9th July, 1913.

SHEARERS’ ACCOMMODATION ACT.

HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, has been pleased to appoint the undermentioned Police Officers to be Inspectors to carry out the provisions of the Shearers’ Accommodation Act in the districts specified in connection with their respective names.

W. A. HOLMAN.

Acting Sub-Inspector Peter Joseph Nies; Station—Walgett

Police District — Walgett.

Sergeant Lawrence Blake Leonard ; Station — Nyngan ; Police

District — Nyngan.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227051332

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Goulburn Evening Penny Post (NSW : 1881 – 1940), Thursday 24 May 1894, page 4


NOTES FROM BUNGONIA.

Cricket

…………

In the second innings of Bungonia, Larry Leonard played a stylish game for his quota of 18 (not out); also the veteran, C. R. Styles, made some nice strokes.

………….

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/98515990

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Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW : 1898 – 1954), Wednesday 19 January 1921, page 5


Inquest

On Thursday morning Mr. G. B. Morris (coroner) held an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of the late Frank Leonard, son of Sergeant L. B. and Mrs. Leonard, of Taree police station, which occurred while bathing at Shallow Island baths on the afternoon of Thursday, December 30 last.

Lawrence Blake Leonard ( Sergeant of Police at Taree, and father of the deceased ) said deceased was 13 years of age. Deceased and his younger brother had been In the habit of going swimming for some little time prior to his death. They always left about 3 p.m. and returned about 5 p.m. They were very punctual in this.

They informed him that Frank could ‘paddle.’ Witness last saw him alive at 2 p.m. on the 30th ultimo.

The same afternoon, at about .3.30. Mr. A. T. Saxby came and informed him that one of the boys had been drowned at Shallow Island baths.

Witness immediately went to the baths and there saw deceased. He was lying in the dressing shed and efforts were being made to resuscitate him.

Dr. Muscio arrived a few minutes after and pronounced life extinct.

Cecil Manning Shoesmith, fisherman, said that between 3.30 and 4.30 on the afternoon of the 30th ultimo some boys informed him that Frank Leonard had been drowned at Shallow Island. They said he had been under water about ten minutes. He searched for the body and felt it with a pole. He held the pole against the body and a boy about 16 years of age climbed down the pole and brought the body to the surface. Witness thought the body had been in the water for about 15 minutes.

Where the body was found was some 30ft. from the steps of the baths and at a depth of about 7ft. At the steps the depth was about 4ft., and gradually deepened as it went out.

Witness and his father immediately took steps to resuscitate the deceased, and continued to do so until Dr. Muscio arrived, about 20 minutes later, when he pronounced life extinct.

Constable Alford then took the body to deceased’s home.

Dr. Muscio said be was called to Shallow Island about 4 p.m.

Witness attempted artificial respiration, but on closer examination he found that life was extinct. The cause of death was drowning.

Deceased appeared to have been in normal health.

Gordon Vincent Clune, schoolboy, eight years of age, said he remembered the 30th ultimo. He was at the Shallow Island baths and saw Frank Leonard there, in the water, near the steps of the baths. He kept climbing up the steps and diving into the water a lot of times. The last time he dived in he put his hands together and speared a long way into the water, and he went under again. Witness saw him go under three times, and then he did not come up again. Witness thought he was trying to swim under water; but when he did not come up again, witness called out to the other boys, who were swimming there. They dived down but could not find him.

Mr. Shoesmith then dived in, but as he could not find the body he got a pole with which he found deceased, and he was brought to the surface. Frank was under water ten minutes or more. Witness could only swim a little ; he did not think Frank could swim.

The coroner found that the cause of death was asphyxia, from accidental drowning.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/174346383

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Thank you for the page on Lawrence Blake Leonard.  I thought you might be interested to know he had a brother in the NSW Police & another in the Queensland Police.  I understand William was posted to Moulamein, Broken Hill and then Albury.  The following is copied from Trove : Western Herald 1 July 1903
Constable William Leonard, brother of Constable J. B. Leonard, of Enngonia, died on Friday last at the Hospital, Albury, from pneumonia. Deceased was a married man and about 37 years of age. Very general sympathy is extended to both Mr and Mrs Leonard, who have each lost a brother within a few days, and also to the young widow and remainder of the family.
William had married Emily Theresa Stevens in Moulamein.
A third brother, Joseph Blake Leonard, joined the Queensland Police.  This is from the Daily Mercury, Mackay (Trove) 1939
Many friends will regret the passing of Mr. Joseph Blake Leonard, who was a retired Sergeant of Police, death taking place in Brisbane on Monday last. The late Mr. Leonard spent many years in Mackay, and after serving a short period in the North, went to Gayndah. After his retirement Mr. and Mrs. Leonard built a home at Ashgrove, where Mrs. Leonard died in 1938. Their son, Blake, survives them.
The three were the children of James Leonard, (an assisted emigrant from Woodford Galway in 1850) and his wife Catherine Blake.  All three were born at Jerrara, Goulburn, New South Wales.  James was a farmer.
I can send further family details.
Kind regards
Wendy Meredith
Canberra
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Mother:  Catherine BLAKE     Father:  James LEONARD

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Family History document.  184 pages
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Hedley BOVARD

Hedley BOVARD

Queensland Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank:  Senior Sergeant

Stations?, Nth Queensland in different centres.  O.I.C. – Bundaberg, Maryborough, Acting Inspector at Chllagoe.  O.I.C. – South Brisbane, Hamilton & various other Brisbane stations.

Service:  From  ? ? 1905  to  ?

Awards?

Born?

Died on:  14 January 1928

Cause:  Heart condition

Age:  46

Funeral date?

Funeral location?

Buried at? in Sydney alongside of his 3 brothers & mother


 

[alert_blue]HEDLEY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED

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 Funeral location?

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Northern Star ( Lismore )       Thursday  26 January 1928       page 12 of 12

DEATH OF SERGEANT BOVARD

Mr. N. C. Hewitt writes:—         Old residents of Lismore will regret to learn of the death of Sergeant Hedley Bovard, of the Queensland Police Force, who was for over twenty years a resident of Lismore. His death took place at the Mater Misericordiae private hospital, South Brisbane, on January 14th at the early age of 46 years.

The late Senior Sergeant Bovard was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Bovard, for many years resident in Ewing Square, Lismore.

Coming to the district when quite a small boy the family for some years were engaged in farming at Goonellabah on the farm now owned by Mr. Alf. James. This was in the latter “eighties.” He was educated at the Goonellabah public school. When the family removed to Lismore, if I mistake not, he entered the employ either of Mr. W. D. Lamotte or of Mr. C. Balzer, who had livery stables in Molesworth-street near the Freemasons’ Hotel.

In 1905 he joined the Queensland police and was for some years stationed in North Queensland in different centres and in difficult situations, afterwards being in charge at Bundaberg and Maryborough. Later he was acting-inspector at Chillagoe, but the climate forced him to apply for a change to the south. Then he was placed in charge at South Brisbane, Hamilton and various other Brisbane stations. His men under him held him in the highest regard.

As one remarked to the writer “If Bo. could not do you a good turn he would never do you a bad one.”

Quite recently Sergeant Bovard developed heart trouble and at the end of September he had to go into hospital. His two sisters, Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Pitt, went up from Sydney and he appeared to make a wonderful recovery. He decided to retire on a pension well earned for service in the climatically unfavourable North.

Early this year the heart trouble returned with dramatic suddenness and his sisters, including Miss Ethel Bovard, were summoned from Sydney when alarming symptoms manifested themselves. His condition rapidly became worse and he passed away peacefully as stated.

His death came as a shock to his comrades as well as to his sisters. The remains were taken to Sydney for interment beside those of his mother and three brothers and were accorded a State servant’s funeral, attended by all the available members of the force.

Sergeant Bovard’s death is a particularly sad one. By his passing the last surviving male member of the Bovard family passes away without leaving a descendant to carry on a name that was honoured in Lismore a quarter of century ago.

Fifteen years ago the family included four strapping sons – young men of fine physique of whose lives one could have taken a lease.

The first break came when Senior Constable Claude Bovard of Wellington Police Force died under pathetic circumstances. Then during the pandemic Cecil (who served his apprenticeship with the Northern Star) of the G.P.O. staff died from influenza, shortly to be followed by his elder brother Percy of the same department, from pneumonia.

Percy was one of the first, if not actually the first telephonist in Lismore.

The shock of losing her three sons was too much for the grief-stricken mother who shortly afterwards was called to her rest. Now the sole surviving son in the prime of life has been carried to that bourne whence no traveller returns.

The deceased gentleman was a devout member of the Church of England. To the bereaved sisters the sympathy of all who remember the family will go out.

This is the third death within six months of sergeants of police in Queensland who hailed from the Richmond RiverSergt. King, Sergt. D’Arcy McDonough and Sergt. Bovard — and it can be written of each that he was a credit to the sons of the Richmond River district who in peace or war have won new fame and glory.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/93659129

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James NYRANG

James NYRANG

aka Jimmy

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank:  Aboriginal Tracker

Stations?

Service:  From  ? 1900 to  ? 1902

Awards?

Born?

Died on? 1928

Cause?

Age?

Funeral date?

Funeral location?

Buried at:  Narromine Cemetery


[alert_yellow]JAMES is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow]  *NEED MORE INFO

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Ceremony marks life and work of Aboriginal tracker

March 6, 2013, 4 a.m.

Sergeant Darren Wilkins, Superintendent Stan Single, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, Dubbo MP Troy Grant (back) and descendants of Aboriginal tracker Jimmy Nyrang Ruth Carney and Violet Lousick after the unveiling of the headstone. Photo: FAYE WHEELER
Sergeant Darren Wilkins, Superintendent Stan Single, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, Dubbo MP Troy Grant (back) and descendants of Aboriginal tracker Jimmy Nyrang Ruth Carney and Violet Lousick after the unveiling of the headstone. Photo: FAYE WHEELER

OFFICERS from Orana Local Area Command (LAC) joined forces with the Aboriginal community when they commemorated the life of an Aboriginal tracker and former NSW Police Force employee, Jimmy Nyrang.

James “Jimmy” Nyrang was employed as a tracker by the NSW Police Force between 1900 and 1902.

He played a prominent role in the tracking of Jimmy Governor in the investigation of the deaths of the Mawbey family at Breelong, near Gilgandra, on 20 July 1900.

As part of their 150th year of policing celebrations last year, Orana Local Area Command has been working closely with Narromine Ngurra Mayin Elders for the past 12 months in preparation for this commemoration.

Orana Local Area Commander, Superintendent Stan Single APM, hosted a formal ceremony yesterday morning at the Narromine Cemetery to acknowledge Mr Nyrang.

He died in 1928 near Narromine and was buried in the Narromine Cemetery where his grave was marked with a white timber cross.

A formal headstone was unveiled by Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, to honour the former work of Jimmy Nyrang and the symbol of his Aboriginal totem, the possum.

Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie said the collaborative work of Orana Police and the Narromine Ngurra Mayin Elders, had resulted in the ceremony organised for tomorrow.

“We are delighted that the work of Mr Nyrang within the NSW Police Force and the community can be acknowledged formally tomorrow.

“Officers have worked closely with Aboriginal elders in the community to ensure Mr Nyrang could be honoured in this way,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.

Members of the Narromine Aboriginal community, Aboriginal Lands Council, Aboriginal elders and representatives from local schools were in attendance.

http://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/1343277/ceremony-marks-life-and-work-of-aboriginal-tracker/

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Evening News ( Sydney )   Saturday  21 July 1900    page 5 of 12

-EVENING NEWS’ OFFICE, 6 P.M.

AWFUL TRAGEDY NEAR GILGANDRA 

Three Persons Murdered By a Party of Blacks.

Three Others Dangerously Wounded.

The Murderers Escape.

Police in Hot Pursuit.

Superintendent Sanderson, of Bathurst, telegraphed this morning the following information to the headquarters of the police department at Sydney regarding a horrible atrocity perpetrated by four aborigines, near Gilgandra, a small town, situated between Dubbo and Coonamble.

The news which the telegram contains is concise in the extreme, but it discloses bare details of a crime which is, perhaps, unparalleled in the later history of the colony.

The message says:  ” Gilgandra police where Jimmy and Joe Governor and two other aborigines attacked Mr. Mawbey‘s family last night, killing Miss Kerz (school teacher), Percival and Hilda Mawbey, and dangerously wounding Mrs. Mawbey, Grace Mawbey, and Elsie Clarke. The police arrived at 3 a.m. I am in pursuit of the offenders with a strong party.”

DETAILS OF THE TRAGEDY.

VICTIMS TOMAHAWKED IN BED.

( From our Correspondent. )

GILGANDRA, Saturday morning. — A terrible tragedy was enacted last night at Breelong, about 10 miles from here, at the residence of Mr. Mawbey. The most meagre details are only to be gathered. A messenger galloped in to town last night, and reported that the whole family of Mawbeys had been brutally murdered by blacks.

Police-Constable Barry at once proceeded to the scene. He found Miss Kerz, Hilda Mawbey, and Percy Mawbey were dead and horribly mutilated, evidently by a tomahawk, their skulls being smashed completely in, and Elsie Clarke, a niece of the Mawbeys, Grace Mawbey, and Mrs. Mawbey, wounded to such an extent as to give small hopes of recovery.

The police have not returned yet, but a messenger who has just arrived from the Mawbeys states that they were murdered in bed at about 11 o’clock last night, and the perpetrators were a couple of blackfellows, who were ringbarking for Mawbey. The Mawbeys are among the pioneers of this district, and are fairly well to do, owning a large area of land on the banks of the Castlereagh River. Miss Kerz, a provincial school teacher, who is among the murdered, comes from Girilambone. She has only been in the district a short time, and was boarding at the Mawbeys.

No men were sleeping in the Mawbeys‘ house last night, Mr. Mawbey being away at the old Breelong Post Office, which belongs to him, while the family were residing in the new house at another part of the run about a mile away. Breelong, is a small township on the Castlereagh River, situated about 10 miles from Gilgandra, and 304 miles west from Sydney. Postal communication is via Gilgandra and Mundooran. Gilgandra is 292 miles N.W. from Sydney, and is the centre of an agricultural district containing an estimated population of 400.

Communication is by rail to Dubbo, and thence by coach on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Mundooran, which is situated lower down the river, is 256 miles from Sydney, and has coach communication with Mudgee (73 miles) on Wednesday and Saturday. Its population is estimated at 400.

Later. — It appears that the blacks went to Mr. Mawbey, at the old place, and asked him if he was going to stay there all night. On his answering in the affirmative, they said, ” All right, we want some chaff in the morning. ” The inmates of the house were all in bed, and as fast as they arose and tried to run away, the murderers felled them. A report states that one little boy, seeing what was happening, crawled under a bed, and the blacks missing him, endeavored to find him, but were unsuccessful in their search.

A large party of townspeople has left for the scene of the murder, and some of them have already arrived.  The names of the aboriginals supposed to have committed the murders were said to be Jimmy and Billy Governor, of Denison Town, and Cobbora, and Crooked Toed Jacky, from Gulgargambone.   There was also a white girl in the camp with the blacks. The cause is supposed to be jealousy. The blacks wanted Mrs. Mawbey to treat the white girl as one of themselves, which she refused to do.

The murderers were employed grubbing out trees on a piece of ground.  Mr. Mawbey was getting ready for ploughing. The bodies of Miss Kerz and Miss Grace Mawbey were lying side by side, about 25 yards away from the house. Miss Kerz‘s head was smashed to a pulp with a tomahawk.

A report just to hand states that two blacks, answering the description of Jimmy and Billy Governor, were seen in the vicinity of Balladoran, a roadside hotel on the Dubbo-road, about eleven miles from here. The Dubbo police were wired for early this morning, also a black tracker; but it is now raining, and likely to obliterate, any tracks. There is no hope held out for the recovery of Mrs. Mawbey, Miss Elsie Clarke, and the other Miss Mawbey. Mrs. Mawbey‘s head is very much battered in.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/112592533

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