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1963ArticlesBuriedCauseCurrently ServingDeceased PoliceFacialFuneralGenderGraveIn UniformIncompleteLocationMaleMurderNSWOf eventOf graveOn DutyPhotosShotStateVehicle PursuitWall of RemembranceYearYes

Cyril Elgar HOWE

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Cyril Elgar HOWE   QPM

Late of ?

This Murder led to NSW Police later being issued with Smith & Wesson .38 revolvers

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. #   8663

Redfern Police Academy Class # 068

Rank:  Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 4 February 1957

Probationary Constable – appointed  1 April 1957

Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?

Posthumously promoted from Cst 1/c to Sergeant 3rd Class

Stations: ?, Oaklands – Death

 

Service: From ? ? pre April 1957  to 20 December 1963 = 6+ years Service 

 

AwardsQueen’s Police Medal ( QPM ) for Gallantry ( Imperial ) – granted 24 March 1964

the Peter Mitchell Award.

 

Born: ? ? 1932

Died on:  Friday  20 December 1963 @ 10.45pm at Wagga Base Hospital, NSW

Age: 31

Cause:  Shot – Murdered – Shotgun

Event location:  Oaklands – Jerilderie road, Urana, NSW

Event date:  Thursday  19 December 1963

1963 Cyril Elgard HOWE, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Constable 1/c HOWE
1963

Funeral date: ? ? ?

Funeral location: ?

Funeral Parlour: ?

 

Buried at: Woronora Cemetery, 121 Linden St, Sutherland, NSW

Grave location:  Anglican Monumental. Sect Aj – 0126

 

Memorial located at:

1/  Sgt. Howe’s name is mounted on the Memorial Wall at the NSW Police Memorial situated in the Tranquil Gardens, Woronora Memorial Park Cemetery, 121 Linden St, Sutherland.
It is important to know that in mid September each year, since 2015, 11 other NSW Police Officers killed on duty in the Sutherland / St. George PAC and 13 Police Officers killed in other PAC’s (Sgt 3/c Howe – Oaklands) and laid to rest within the WMP Cemetery are remembered.
Ron Alexander – Chairman NSW Police Memorial Service Committee – WMP.

2/ Memorial located at Oaklands Police Station, NSW – Dedicated on 19 December 2014

 

Touch plate at the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra, for Cyril Elgar HOWE
Touch plate at the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra

 

Cyril Elgar HOWE grave

Cyril Elgar HOWE QPM, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Constable 1/c HOWE:

Cyril Elgar HOWE QPM, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Constable 1/c HOWE: Inscription:<br /> In Loving Memory of Cyril Elgar HOWE<br /> Dearly loved Husband of June<br /> &amp; fond Father of Kim, Mark &amp; Paul<br /> Died 20th December 1963, aged 31 years.

Cyril Elgar HOWE QPM, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Constable 1/c HOWE:

Cyril Elgar HOWE QPM, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Constable 1/c HOWE: Paul HOWE, one of Cyrils' sons, is buried alongside of his father. Cyrils' wife, June HOWE, having died in September 2020, is buried with Cyril. " Together forever "
Paul, one of Cyrils’ sons, is buried alongside of his father. Cyrils’ wife, June, having died in September 2020, is buried with Cyril. ” Together forever “

CYRIL IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance


 

Funeral location: TBA


 

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 evening of 19 December, 1963 Constable Howe detained an offender named Little near Oaklands and spoke to him regarding a stolen cheque book. He then directed the offender to drive his vehicle to the local police station while he followed in the police vehicle.

En route the offender sped away, and was pursued by Constable Howe for several kilometres. When the offender eventually stopped, the constable approached his vehicle. The offender, who had taken cover behind his vehicle door (the doors opened backwards from hinged centre pillars), then produced a shotgun and shot Constable Howe.

The constable crawled back to the police vehicle where he took cover, and although seriously wounded, returned fire until his automatic pistol jammed. He then sought further cover by crawling underneath the police vehicle, where he cleared his pistol and fired another shot before it again jammed. The offender then fired at the police vehicle, shooting out the headlights, steering, and the police sign from the top, before escaping.

 

Constable Howe then wrote “LITTLE SHOT ME” in the back of his police notebook ( in ink, and not blood, as sometimes stated ) before dragging himself into the police vehicle.

Constable Howe then wrote the offender’s name several times in his police notebook before dragging himself into the police vehicle.

He was only able to drive it a few metres before it ran into a roadside ditch.

 

After being found, the constable was able to detail the events leading to the shooting.

He was taken to the Wagga Base Hospital, however despite a five-hour operation he died at 10.45pm on 20 December, 1963.

 

Constable 1st Class Howe was posthumously promoted to Sergeant 3rd Class and awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for Gallantry ( QPM ), and the Peter Mitchell Award.

The offender later committed suicide.

 

The circumstances surrounding Sergeant Howe’s death ( pistol repeatedly jamming ) led to the introduction of Smith & Wesson .38 calibre 6 shot revolvers as general service issue to New South Wales Police. These, in turn were replaced by Glock semi-automatic pistols in the late 1990s.

 

The sergeant was born in 1932 in Arncliffe, NSW, and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 1 April, 1957. At the time of his death he was stationed at Oaklands.

Notebook & Pistol of Cst HOWE
Notebook & Pistol of Cst HOWE

 

20 December 2023

Today (Wednesday 20 December 2023) marks the 60th anniversary of the tragic loss of Constable 1st Class Cyril Howe of Oaklands Police Station – now part of the Murray River Police District – in the state’s south.
On Thursday 19 December 1963, Constable Howe was assisting neighbouring police in relation to the theft of a cheque book by a 47-year-old man.
Constable Howe located the man travelling along a local road – in what was later established to be a stolen car with five young children.
After a pursuit of the vehicle, the man shot and seriously injured Constable Howe whilst using the children as a human shield which prevented the officer from effectively returning fire.
Despite being critically wounded Constable Howe wrote the assailants name in his notebook.
Constable Howe died the following day at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.
An inquest into the incident commended Constable Howe’s actions where the coroner noted, “Howe displayed tremendous strength, courage and presence of mind. Considering the shocking wounds he received, and the terrible agony he was in, his actions after being shot leave no doubt in my mind that he was one of the bravest Policemen ever to wear the Queen’s uniform.”
Constable Howe was posthumously promoted to Sergeant 3rd Class and awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry.
To commemorate this event, a service was held at the Albury Police Station Conference Room.
The Commander of Murray River Police District, Superintendent Paul Smith APM, said that despite the passage of time, the events of that day serve as a reminder to a current generation of officers as to the dangers police face.
“Sergeant 3rd Class Cyril Howe displayed extraordinary bravery and fortitude when confronted with an armed and dangerous offender,” said Superintendent Smith APM.
“He refused to shoot at the offender for fear of striking one of the children, and then wrote the offenders name in his notebook.”
“Along with being an exceptional police officer he was also a father to three young children. It’s terribly sad what happened.”

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=763621499143605&set=pcb.763621672476921

 

 

Police and the community will come together on December 19 to mark the 50th anniversary of the murder of Oaklands police officer Sgt Cyril Howe.

Sgt Howe was stationed at Oaklands when he was gunned down in December, 1963.

His murder resulted in one of the biggest man hunts in the local area with many people from Yarrawonga and Mulwala involved in the search for his killer.

Since plans began for a commemorative march to honour the 50 year anniversary of Sgt Howe’s untimely death, local police have collected a variety of newspaper articles, telling the story of that fateful day in 1963.

On December 20, 1963 Sgt Howe was patrolling in Oaklands when he stopped a car driven by William Little who was a suspect for a stealing matter.

Sgt Howe requested Little to drive back to the Oaklands Police Station where he intended to question him further.

Little drove his car towards the police station with Sgt Howe following.

Upon getting close to the police station Little attempted to drive away and was pursued by Sgt Howe.

Little crashed his car into a ditch while attempting to escape.

Sgt Howe got out of his police car and approached Little’s car.

At this time Little produced a shotgun shooting Sgt Howe at close range in the stomach.

Sgt Howe returned to his car and fired a number of shots from his pistol.

Sgt Howe whilst dying on the side of the road was able to write Little’s name in his notebook indicating Little was responsible for the shooting.

Sgt Howe later died at Wagga Hospital from his wounds.

Little then went to a nearby property where he shot and killed Reginald Hunter a 57 year old bridge builder. Little then stole Hunter’s car.

The next six days saw a massive man hunt for Little with many local people assisting in the search along with offering accommodation for police who had been brought into the area to look for Little.

 

 


Cyril Elgard HOWE, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Cst 1/c HOWE, Oakley Police Station, Dedication, Memorial
Ron Bloxham
20 December 2015
re the death of Sergeant Cyril Edgar HOWE. This was a matter I was involved in then when I was stationed at Finley.The offender Little’s car was located at Finley. On the 19th December 2013 I attended the Ceremony and the dedication of the impressive plaque that is now located in the front area of the Oaklands Police Station. I played golf with Cyril a few times and his wife was a brilliant golfer if I remember right she was the only female golfer then playing off scratch. She now lives at Kooralbyn near Beaudesert Qld. Here are a couple of photos from that day. Great effort by the troops after so long a time
R.I.P. Cyril.

Cyril Elgard HOWE, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Cst 1/c HOWE, Oakley Police Station, Dedication, Memorial

Cyril Elgard HOWE, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Cst 1/c HOWE, Oakley Police Station, Dedication, Memorial

Cyril Elgard HOWE, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Cst 1/c HOWE, Oakley Police Station, Dedication, Memorial

Cyril Elgard HOWE, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Cst 1/c HOWE, Oakley Police Station, Dedication, Memorial

Cyril Elgard HOWE, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Cst 1/c HOWE, Oakley Police Station, Dedication, Memorial

Cyril Elgard HOWE, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Cst 1/c HOWE, Oakley Police Station, Dedication, Memorial

Cyril Elgard HOWE, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Cst 1/c HOWE, Oakley Police Station, Dedication, Memorial

Cyril Elgard HOWE, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Cst 1/c HOWE, Oakley Police Station, Dedication, Memorial

Cyril Elgard HOWE, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Cst 1/c HOWE, Oakley Police Station, Dedication, Memorial

Cyril Elgard HOWE, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Cst 1/c HOWE, Oakley Police Station, Dedication, Memorial

Cyril Elgard HOWE, Cyril HOWE, Sgt HOWE, Cst 1/c HOWE, Oakley Police Station, Dedication, Memorial


 

NSW Police Force 9 April 2015 NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has officially dedicated a new memorial honouring fallen officers in the St George and Sutherland Shire. The Commissioner was joined by local police, families, friends, and colleagues, for the dedication of the NSW Police Memorial, led by Police Chaplain, Reverend David Warner, at Woronora Cemetery today (Thursday 9 April 2015). The memorial honours 24 NSW Police officers who have died on duty while serving in the St George, Sutherland and Miranda Local Area Commands or who were cremated or laid to rest at Woronora Cemetery. Commissioner Scipione said the plaques and memorial wall is a perfect way to honour local officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. “The NSW Police Memorial at Woronora Cemetery is our first collective police tribute in a private cemetery,” Commissioner Scipione said. “As we unveil the plaques today, we reflect on the lives and achievements of the officers who died while serving this community. “One of the toughest challenges for police is starting work each day not knowing what will happen yet understanding they may have to risk their own life to save another. “It is with great pride I dedicate this memorial and honour the officers, whose names are inscribed, remembering their selfless sacrifice and courage. They will not be forgotten,” Commissioner Scipione said. The names of the 24 local fallen officers, who died on duty since 1862, are inscribed on the wall of the memorial. An additional two colonial police killed in 1845, prior to the inception of the NSW Police Force, will also be remembered in the form of separate plaques. The NSW Police Memorial is a joint project of Woronora General Cemetery and Crematorium, Southern Metropolitan Associates Branch of the Police Association of NSW and the NSW Police Force. Officers honoured on NSW Police Memorial at Woronora Cemetery: Sergeant 1st Class William Smith, killed on duty at Port Kembla on 1 September 1951, age 53 Constable Garnet Mortley, killed on duty at Waterfall 1 June 1953, age 25 Constable Edward Dilks, killed on duty at Corowa on 21 October 1954, age 28 Sergeant 2nd Class Cecil Ellis, killed on duty at Sydney on 29 April 1956, age 58 Constable William Lord, killed on duty at Randwick on 23 December 1958, age 24 Constable Colin Robb, killed on duty at Auburn on 7 September 1963, age 28 Constable 1st Class Cyril Howe, killed on duty at Oaklands on 20 December 1963, age 31 Constable Allan Shaw, killed on duty at Belmore on 11 May 1964, age 24 Constable Colin Roy, killed on duty at Kirrawee on 12 May 1967, age 28 Sergeant 2nd Class Adam Schell, killed on duty at Bobbin Head on 8 October 1968, age 52 Probationary Constable Warren Burns, killed on duty at Sutherland on 30 October 1968, age 25 Detective Senior Constable Denis Ware, killed on duty at Sutherland on 2 October 1970, age 32 Constable Joseph Gibb, killed on duty at Miranda on 23 January 1972, age 28 Senior Constable Neville Parker, killed on duty at Sans Souci on12 November 1972, age 34 Sergeant 2ns Class John Gill, killed on duty at Hurstville on 12 May 1973, age 47 Sergeant 1st Class John Colbert, killed on duty at Kingsgrove on 11 March 1979, age 58 Detective Sergeant Jillian Hawkes, killed on duty at Milsons Point on 22 April 1986, age 46 Probationary Constable Dana Heffernan, killed on duty at Randwick on 17 April 1987, age 20 Constable 1st Class Mark Burns, killed on duty at Tamworth on 17 March 1988, age 25 Constable John Burgess, killed on duty at Annandale on 27 April 1989, age 29 Constable Kenneth Short, killed on duty at Yarrawarra on 11 July 1990, age 27 Sergeant John Proops, killed on duty at Enfield on 22 May 1993, age 42 Senior Sergeant Raymond Smith, killed on duty at Calga on 13 July 1998, age 47 Senior Constable James (Jim) Affleck, killed on duty at Glen Alpine on 14 January 2001, age 43 Colonial police honoured: Corporal Stephen Kirk, killed on duty at Heathcote on 12 November 1845, age 32 Trooper Luke Dunn, killed on duty at Heathcote on 21 November 1845, age 33
NSW Police Force 9 April 2015 NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has officially dedicated a new memorial honouring fallen officers in the St George and Sutherland Shire. The Commissioner was joined by local police, families, friends, and colleagues, for the dedication of the NSW Police Memorial, led by Police Chaplain, Reverend David Warner, at Woronora Cemetery today (Thursday 9 April 2015). The memorial honours 24 NSW Police officers who have died on duty while serving in the St George, Sutherland and Miranda Local Area Commands or who were cremated or laid to rest at Woronora Cemetery. Commissioner Scipione said the plaques and memorial wall is a perfect way to honour local officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. “The NSW Police Memorial at Woronora Cemetery is our first collective police tribute in a private cemetery,” Commissioner Scipione said. “As we unveil the plaques today, we reflect on the lives and achievements of the officers who died while serving this community. “One of the toughest challenges for police is starting work each day not knowing what will happen yet understanding they may have to risk their own life to save another. “It is with great pride I dedicate this memorial and honour the officers, whose names are inscribed, remembering their selfless sacrifice and courage. They will not be forgotten,” Commissioner Scipione said. The names of the 24 local fallen officers, who died on duty since 1862, are inscribed on the wall of the memorial. An additional two colonial police killed in 1845, prior to the inception of the NSW Police Force, will also be remembered in the form of separate plaques. The NSW Police Memorial is a joint project of Woronora General Cemetery and Crematorium, Southern Metropolitan Associates Branch of the Police Association of NSW and the NSW Police Force. Officers honoured on NSW Police Memorial at Woronora Cemetery: Sergeant 1st Class William Smith, killed on duty at Port Kembla on 1 September 1951, age 53 Constable Garnet Mortley, killed on duty at Waterfall 1 June 1953, age 25 Constable Edward Dilks, killed on duty at Corowa on 21 October 1954, age 28 Sergeant 2nd Class Cecil Ellis, killed on duty at Sydney on 29 April 1956, age 58 Constable William Lord, killed on duty at Randwick on 23 December 1958, age 24 Constable Colin Robb, killed on duty at Auburn on 7 September 1963, age 28 Constable 1st Class Cyril Howe, killed on duty at Oaklands on 20 December 1963, age 31 Constable Allan Shaw, killed on duty at Belmore on 11 May 1964, age 24 Constable Colin Roy, killed on duty at Kirrawee on 12 May 1967, age 28 Sergeant 2nd Class Adam Schell, killed on duty at Bobbin Head on 8 October 1968, age 52 Probationary Constable Warren Burns, killed on duty at Sutherland on 30 October 1968, age 25 Detective Senior Constable Denis Ware, killed on duty at Sutherland on 2 October 1970, age 32 Constable Joseph Gibb, killed on duty at Miranda on 23 January 1972, age 28 Senior Constable Neville Parker, killed on duty at Sans Souci on12 November 1972, age 34 Sergeant 2nd Class John Gill, killed on duty at Hurstville on 12 May 1973, age 47 Sergeant 1st Class John Colbert, killed on duty at Kingsgrove on 11 March 1979, age 58 Detective Sergeant Jillian Hawkes, killed on duty at Milsons Point on 22 April 1986, age 46 Probationary Constable Dana Heffernan, killed on duty at Randwick on 17 April 1987, age 20 Constable 1st Class Mark Burns, killed on duty at Tamworth on 17 March 1988, age 25 Constable John Burgess, killed on duty at Annandale on 27 April 1989, age 29 Constable Kenneth Short, killed on duty at Yarrawarra on 11 July 1990, age 27 Sergeant John Proops, killed on duty at Enfield on 22 May 1993, age 42 Senior Sergeant Raymond Smith, killed on duty at Calga on 13 July 1998, age 47 Senior Constable James (Jim) Affleck, killed on duty at Glen Alpine on 14 January 2001, age 43 Colonial police honoured: Corporal Stephen Kirk, killed on duty at Heathcote on 12 November 1845, age 32 Trooper Luke Dunn, killed on duty at Heathcote on 21 November 1845, age 3.

 

Woonona Cemetery - Police Memorial

 

 

 


 

Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),

Friday 5 June 1964, page 6

 

Above: Mrs. Howe and her children. Mark, 4, Paul, 2, and Kim, 5, proudly examine the medal after the presentation.

Above: Mrs. Howe and her children. Mark, 4, Paul, 2, and Kim, 5, proudly examine the medal after the presentation.

SYDNEY, Thursday. – A police sergeant, shot dead by a crazed gunman at Oaklands last year was today posthumously awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for gallantry.

The policeman, Cyril Edgar Howe, although extensively wounded and in great pain, wrote the name of his killer in his notebook.

When he was found by police, Sgt. Howe gave them full particulars of the incident before being taken to hospital, where he died following an emergency operation.

The State Governor, Sir Eric Woodward today presented the award to Sergeant Howe‘s widow, Mrs. June Howe at an impressive Government House ceremony.

Sir Eric said Sgt. Howe displayed devotion to duty, fortitude and courage of an extremely high order.

 

The Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct was presented to Constable William Terence Johnston.

Constable Johnston risked his life in the sea at Bombo Beach, Kiama, to rescue a fisherman washed off the rocks.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/105764683


 

 

Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),

Wednesday 25 March 1964, page 8

 

Bravery Is Recognised

SYDNEY, Tuesday. — The Queen’s Police Medal for Gallantry has been awarded posthumously to Sergeant Third Class Cyril Elgar Howe.

Sgt. Howe was wounded fatally while trying to apprehend murderer William Stanley Little at Urana on December 19, 1963.

On the night of December 19, Sgt. Howe — then a Constable First Class, while investigating a theft stopped a car driven by Little.

Little, armed with a shotgun, shot Const. Howe when the officer attempted to arrest him.

Although in great pain, Const. Howe took out his official police notebook and wrote the words, “Little, Little“.

On the back cover of the notebook, he printed the words, “Little shot me“.

After being found, he gave other police particulars of the incident and of the offender.

He died in Wagga Base Hospital on December 20, soon after an emergency operation.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/104276025


 

Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),

Monday 6 January 1964, page 3

 

WAGGA , Sunday. — More than £2,000 has been subscribed to appeals for the family of the late Cyril Howe, the Oaklands police officer shot by a killer on December 20 at Oaklands.

The Bushfire Brigade, of which Const. Howe was captain, has opened an appeal, to close on January 21. Tonight the secretary, Mr. D. J. Kerr, reported that a little more than £300 had been received to date, including a £200 gift from the Nowranie Pastoral Co.

This weekend Wagga radio station 2WG conducted an appeal which has raised £1,726.

People from all parts of the Riverina telephoned, promising money.

Gifts ranged from as high as £30 to 2/6 given from a child’s money box.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131738282


 

 

Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),

Saturday 28 December 1963, page 6

Police Seek New Pistol

SYDNEY, Friday. -The Police Association of N.S.W. will press the Police Department to replace all Webley and Scott issue automatic pistols following the death last week of Constable Cyril Howe at Oaklands.

The secretary of the association, Mr. F. C. Laut, said today his organisation had been pressing for a replacement of this type of pistol “for many years”.

Two police officers had lost their lives in recent years when using these pistols, he said.

Both had fired their pistols twice and the mechanisms had jammed at the third shot. They were Constable Howe and Sergeant Nash, who lost his life several years ago at Wollongong.

Mr. Laut emphasised that the failure of the pistols could not necessarily be claimed to have been the cause of the officer’s deaths.

The department, however, apparently admitted a flaw in the issue type of pistol when it permitted officers to arrange for “personal replacements” of weapons.

Mr. Laut said the association had “pinned its hopes” on an Italian made .38 calibre automatic pistol.

Officers had to carry pistols when on duty and could be called to use them at any time.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/104283713


 

 

Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),

Friday 27 December 1963, page 1

Manhunt Ends With A Second Double Killing

WAGGA, Thursday. – A week-long hunt for a man and a girl ended tragically today in a fowlhouse at Oaklands, a small village near Wagga.

As five police approached him, the man, William Stanley Little, shot 14-year-old Susan Lyons and then killed himself.

The fowlhouse in which the double shooting took place was only 50 yards from the house in which Little had been living with Susan Lyon‘s mother for several weeks.

The hunt for Little began last Thursday night when the bodies of Constable Cyril Howe, 31, and a bridge worker, Reginald Hunter, 57, were found within a few miles of Oaklands.

This morning Little made a surprise return to the hut where he had been living.

Police, under Det. Const. W. Sheather, made a routine check of the house today and noticed that a pound of butter had been moved since they checked last night.

Det. Sheather ordered an inspection of all huts and sheds around the house.

As the five policemen began searching a shotgun blast rang out from the fowlhouse.

Police took cover behind a car and then fired three shots over the top of the fowlhouse.

Another single shotgun blast followed.

The police closed in on the shed and Det. Sheather opened the door.

He found the girl dead and Little critically wounded.

Little died before any medical help could be given.

The chief of the C.I.B., Supt. R. Walden, said later the man had shot Susan Lyons and then committed suicide.

Neither the girl’s death nor the man’s injury was caused by our men,” he said.

Post-mortem

A post-mortem examination was today made in Urana of the bodies of Little and the girl.

A coroner’s inquest will be held, but no date has yet been fixed.

Police believe she had been held captive by Little since last Thursday night.

Police several times had expressed fear that the girl would be held hostage by the man.

The whole Riverina is seething,” Supt, Kempton, in charge of Wagga district, said tonight.

Everyone is appalled by the girl’s death.”

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Allan, tonight expressed his sincere appreciation of police efforts in the hunt.

All police showed a keenness to see this matter through, which did them great credit,” he said.

They worked hours and in conditions above and beyond those of the normal requirements of their duty.”

Maximum temperature for the search area has not fallen below 100 degrees for the past seven days.”

Mr. Allan also thanked private citizens for their part in the search.

Co-operation

Four planes were donated by district graziers to help the search.

Local polo players risked prize ponies to search through dangerous country for the killer.

This shall be remembered as a typical example of public co-operation with the Police Department in the interests of law enforcement,” Mr. Allan said.

The hunt for Little began when the body of Const. Cyril Howe was found in his police car just off the Oaklands – Jerilderie road.

Before he collapsed, Const. Howe scribbled the name of his assailant in his notebook.

Several hours later, police found Reginald Victor Hunter‘s body in his caravan, 12 miles away.

Like Const. Howe, Hunter has been killed by a shotgun blast.

This picture was taken yesterday only seconds before police fired warning shots over a fowlhouse near Oaklands after they heard the first of two shot gun blasts. They later found William Stanley. Little inside, mortally wounded, and 14-year-old Susan Lyons dead.

This picture was taken yesterday only seconds before police fired warning shots over a fowlhouse near Oaklands after they heard the first of two shot gun blasts. They later found William Stanley Little inside, mortally wounded, and 14-year-old Susan Lyons dead.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/104283487


 

Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),

Monday 23 December 1963, page 3

‘MAN TRAPPED’ IN FOREST SEARCH

WAGGA, Sunday. – Police searching for the shotgun killer of a policeman and a contractor in the southern Riverina believe they will track him down

some time tomorrow.

The search will go on through the night.

I think we’ll have good news for you by tomorrow night,” Supt. J. C. Kempton said tonight.

Supt. Kempton, in charge of the Wagga Police District, is leading the search for the murderer.

Four hundred men-on foot, on horseback, in cars, trucks and four planes today concentrated the search on the sprawling 15,000-acre Werai Forest, near Deniliquin.

They had to fight their way through thick scrub in temperatures between 106 and 110 degrees.

“The men are weary, but confident they are getting close,” another senior police officer said tonight.

Trapped

All available police have been sent to the forest following a report that a car, believed to be driven by the killer, was seen parked in bushes in the forest yesterday.

Mr. J. Haydon, a station hand from Moulamein, told police he saw the car. Its description answered that of the Valiant in which the killer and a 14-year-old girl escaped.

Searchers late yesterday began a methodical check of the entire forest.

We started on the outside working in; we believe he is trapped in there,” Supt. Kempton said.

Planes

In another new development today, police discovered that the murderer stole a large quantity of food from one of his victims, bridge contractor Mr. Reginald

Hunter, 57, after he had shot him on Thursday.

The other victim was 30 year-old Oaklands policeman Cyril Howe, who died in Wagga Base Hospital yesterday.

Hunter’s family checked his caravan today and found that a lot of food and some petrol were missing,” Supt. Kempton said.

The car the wanted man is driving also was stolen from Hunter.

All four planes in the search have been volunteered by district graziers. They are using the main street of the small town of Booroorban, about 200 miles west of Wagga, as a runway.

Disguised

The girl travelling with the killer is believed to be pregnant.

Police fear for her life. They believe she may have been forced to cut her hair and dress as a boy.

The girl is of medium build, five feet tall, with brown hair and hazel eyes. She has a boil on the right side of her face.

She was dressed as a boy in a brown shirt, black jumper and khaki trousers.

Before he collapsed Const. Howe was able to scrawl the name of his attacker in his notebook.

In the massive search that followed, police found the body of Hunter in a caravan about half a mile from the spot where Howe was fatally wounded.

He had shotgun wounds in the chest and police believe he died instantly. A doctor said he had been dead for about 12 hours.

The fugitive is believed to be armed with a .22 rifle as well as the shotgun.

Police think he has plenty of ammunition.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/104283124


 

Hi

 

I have some information prior to Cyril joining the police force.

Cyril was engaged to my mother. It would have been late 1950’s I guess.

Cyril worked as a volunteer ambulance officer around the Rockdale area I believe.

The engagement was broken off because my grandfather had spent 12 months in Glen Innes prison for stealing some years earlier and that would have impacted Cyrils’ chances of getting into the force.

I do have another photo somewhere, would need to hunt it down.

 

Cheers

Paul

 


 

2020
Constable Cyril Howe was stationed at Oakland’s at the time of his passing.
I believe it was 19 December 2013, when I was LAC of Albury we held a 50 year memorial service at Oakland Police Station for Cst Howe which his wife and daughter attended. They unveiled a memorial plaque and I presented them with framed memorial photos.
It was the first time his wife had returned to Oakland’s since the day he died.
The community And former officers attached to the Murray River area came out to remember him in huge numbers. Many were present in the town on that day or on duty in other nearby locations and reflected on what happened. It is such a shame that it takes the death of one of our fine officers for the government and organisation to act and move onto a different weapon. Again a shame that it was one not designed for the first responders, and again not appropriate in the circumstances until we finally were issued with the glocks.
I was very proud to stand with his wife and daughter and have Constable Howe recognized in this way.
I recently noticed that the picture of that day and the presentation is currently on the NSW Police Legacy home page.

NSW Policing History Forum


 

 

 

 

2 thoughts on “Cyril Elgar HOWE

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