WA Police Historical Society Inc in Highgate, Western Australia | Community museum

WA Police Historical Society Inc

Locality: Highgate, Western Australia

Phone: +61 8 9328 3691

Address: 57 Lincoln Street 6003 Highgate, WA, Australia

Website: http://policewahistory.org.au

Likes: 1006

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25.01.2022 One of our first major outdoor displays was held recently at the Canning Show. It was a great success. The WA Police Historical Society was keen to share some of the wide-ranging exhibits from the Highgate museum with members of the public. The WA Police Historical Society President, Dave McDONALD, said the initiative was well received by an estimated crowd of 20,000 people. I would guess at least 2,000 children had their photo taken on the former police motorcycle and in ...the Anglia, he said. We handed out around 2,500 stickers and all of the hats we had available. Thankyou to all those that volunteered to set up the displays and assist at the Show.

25.01.2022 Valma DOHERTY joined the Western Australia Police Force on September 19, 1960. She was the first female Police Officer in Australia to attain the rank of Chief Superintendent. On March 20, 1989 she was appointed the Commissioners Executive Officer. Between 1981 and 1987 was the National President of the Australian section of The International Police Association. She was awarded the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1982, and the Australian Police Medal for Distin...guished Service in 1991. Val retired on May 29, 1994. Amongst her other achievements, she has also been the Secretary of the WA Police Historical Society for almost 32 years.

25.01.2022 Constable Edward Tindall - Grave Tales

25.01.2022 A new project for the WAPHS Museum, putting together an officers uniform as worn in the early 1900's.

24.01.2022 Another picture of the Nollamara crew (c.1974). Note: more staff and two vans. Things were really moving at the time, they had an extra phone put in to cover the workload. Back row: A EDMONDSON (Cadet), J.F.H ANDERSON 4307, J.F CRESWELL 4400, R.J NEVIN 4447, G.K MOORE 4378, J LANGRIDGE 4571 Seated: I.M MANUK 4151, Sergeant P.G ROLLO 2339 (O.I.C), 1/C Constable SISSON 3823, P.F HARROP 4279

24.01.2022 John Alexander CAMPBELL, regimental number 1076 (C.1913)

24.01.2022 The Central Police Station opened in 1901 and operated on Roe Street before being replaced by the new Central Police Station that opened in Hay Street in 1966.

23.01.2022 Lawrence BUZZA (Regimental number 1804) was born on 22nd December 1911, and joined the Police Force on the 23rd April 1936. On the 12th May 1940, Constable BUZZA arrested twin brothers Ronald and Albert FRANCE and placed them in a cell at the Nannup Police Station, where he was the Officer-in-Charge. The brothers duped BUZZA into opening the cell door, whereupon they seized his loaded revolver and shot him in the back. Constable BUZZA died of wounds received on duty on the 6th June 1940, aged 29, in Bunbury (He is listed on the Police Honour Roll).

22.01.2022 Photograph of a Model T Ford Western Australian Police car (from 1929) Written on back of negative: Police car (Ford). RAC Year Book & Road Guide listing of number plates (1927) confirms that this vehicle belonged to the Police Department, Perth.

21.01.2022 A presentation of framed photos, as a token of esteem from the Subiaco Police, presented to Sergeant James HARRIS on his retirement from the WA Police Force (c.1931).

21.01.2022 WA Police Commissioned Officers (April 12 1951) for the retirement of Commissioner DOYLE.

21.01.2022 William James BUNT, regimental number 1614 (c.1960)

20.01.2022 Police Tracker Alec ROE (Narrogin 1930-1940)

20.01.2022 Western Australian Police Union 18th Annual Conference (May 5th, 6th and 7th, 1931) Back row:... J CHANBERS (Metro Delegate) EJ SPRY (Kalgoorlie Delegate) A DEPEROUZEL (Fremantle Delegate) RH THORNTON (Geraldton Delegate) AC MCINNES (Bunbury Delegate) Second row: EP EMBERSON (Metro Delegate) AJ CROKER (Narrogin Delegate) SJ WIGHTMAN (Northam Delegate) R FORD (Council) LL VIVIAN (Metro Delegate) W CULMSEE (Council) Front row: S CAMPBELL (Council) WLF ROBINSON (General President) R MENZ (Asst) G GAUNT (General Secretary) L CONOLE (Vice General President) JH MCDONALD (General Treasurer)

20.01.2022 Thought some of your readers might enjoy this short file. Im told by the director that the police uniforms used were the same ones as in the Ned Kelly Film.

19.01.2022 Yerilla Station (opened July 1897)

19.01.2022 On the 15th June 1893, Patrick HANNAN, Thomas KARRIGAN, and Dan SHEA found gold at Hannan’s Find, causing a large number of men to leave Coolgardie and search for gold in the new area. A police camp was established at Kalgoorlie in 1894. Prior to the town of Kalgoorlie being proclaimed in 1895, the area was called Hannans after Paddy HANNAN or Kalgurlie, an Aboriginal name. The official name of Kalgoorlie was given to the town in 1896. The station occurrence book of the 1...5th August 1894 shows that Corporal WILLIAMS opened the Hannans Find Police Station on that date. The same station occurrence book is headed Kalgoorlie from the 30th October of the year. The population in 1894 was estimated at 400 to 500 men which grew to 12,000 by 1895. On the 10th June 1895 Corporal BANNER was transferred from Fremantle to Kalgoorlie Police Station as Officer in Charge. In 1896 the station strength was 18 men. By 1900 the strength had increased to 44 personnel. The original police station, which was temporary, consisted of tents, but by 1897 a permanent police station had been built.

19.01.2022 WA Police Officers from various PCYC clubs from around the Metro area, but the time and place is not known. George McKinley FLANDERS seated on far left was a retired Inspector 1st Class (the equivalent to Superintendent now), he retired in 1958. Given his interest in the PCYC and School Lecturing, it is believed he was a volunteer (or employee) of the PCYC Federation which was the overriding body of the Clubs at this time.

19.01.2022 79 Division was founded in 1979 to provide a 24 hour rapid response to major criminal offences committed in the Perth Metropolitan area. The Division was made up of general duty officers and detectives, a unique combination. A hard-line reputation amongst hardened criminals was fostered and the group truly became a force in the Service. In 1999, 79 Division became known as the Major Incident Group. The crime section continued its hard-line policing in Western Australia up until it was disbanded.

18.01.2022 Edward George BARRON was, according to records, the first white child born in the Swan River Colony (Perth). The event took place in the military hospital marquee on September 17, 1829. Edward was the son of Edward Hugh BARRON, who traveled to the Swan River Colony as colour sergeant of the 63rd Regiment on board HMS Sulphur, arriving 8 June 1829. When the regiment left Western Australia in March 1834, BARRON was one of eleven men allowed to stay in the colony with their wive...s and children. Edward became a police officer in 1850 and was stationed at Kojonup. Two of his brothers, John and Charles also joined the Police. On completion of his 15 years’ service (1850 to 1865) he was granted 50 acres of land at Wandering (near Narrogin). Edward died in March 4, 1901 aged 70 years. Descendants of Edward BARRON continued the tradition of being serving police officers in the Western Australia Police Force.

18.01.2022 Today Retired Deputy Police Commissioner Frank ZANETTI received the former WA Police Ferret Scout Car on behalf of the WA Police Historical Society from Danny RYAN. Danny restored the Ferret back to running condition. There were two models of this scout car. The Ferret Mark 1 came without the turret. The Ferret Mark 2 was fitted with a traversal turret, a .30 calibre Browning machinegun, and smoke grenade dischargers. It was also fitted with tyres that could be run flat if d...eflated by enemy fire. When locked down, visibility was by periscope. These vehicles were produced during1952-1971, and in Western Australia were on issue to the 10LH Regiment, Karrakatta, and were replaced by the 113 Armoured Track Carrier. Frank ZANETTI, just before his transfer back to Perth CIB in early 1974, and his being put in charge of the CIB Emergency Squad, was contacted by (the late) Lee TOWNSEND, who was then attached to the Ballistics Section. Lee was a member of the Squad and had also served in the military. Lee had the idea of WA Police obtaining a Ferret Mark 2 Armoured Vehicle for the Squad. Both Frank and Lee were among the first police officers in Australia to attend a bomb explosives demolition course being provided by the Military, at Bandiana, Victoria. Upon Frank's return to Perth, and having further discussions with Lee, put together a report outlining how a Ferret Mark 2 could be used in serious armed siege situations as a cover for officers endeavouring to get close to the scene. It could be fitted with a metal ram on the front to force entry if required. It could also be fitted with a tear gas discharger in place of the former Browning Machine gun, plus it could have steps on either side and stretcher fittings for use in removing any injured to safety. By the end of 1974, WA Police purchased, at a cost of $1,000, a Mark 2 and a Mark 1 from Military Disposals, Midland. The Mark 1 was intended for use as spare parts for the Mark 2. A fellow from Darlington, whose hobby was working on old military vehicles, proved most helpful. The Ferret had Rolls Royce Engines, meaning that some aircraft parts could be used when necessary. Members of the Squad also voluntarily assisted in general maintenance. The Mark 2 was used by the CIB Emergency Squad, later to become the WA Police Emergency Squad (WAPES). This group later became the Tactical Response Group (TRG). The vehicle was used until 1991 when it was replaced by the Saracen Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC).

17.01.2022 We have now passed 700 likes for our page. Thank you everyone for your interest.

17.01.2022 Late in 1830 this district was opened for settlement under the name Yorkshire and within a month nearly a quarter of a million acres was taken up and a reserve for a townsite was made at the foot of Mount Bakewell. The townsite of York was gazetted on the 25th November 1830 and was the first inland town in the Swan River Colony. The first settlers left for this area in September 1831. Altercations between the settlers and the natives led to a detachment of the 21st Fusiliers ...being sent to patrol the district prior to March 1835. The Colonial Secretary’s Office records reveal that on the 28th November 1836, a Constable HEFFORD was to be stationed at York in the December of that year. A mud building originally built for a Survey Office was transformed into the first gaol at York. Being of mud construction it was not very secure and prisioners easily dug their way out. On the 5th June 1840 John Nicol DRUMMOND was appointed Inspector of Native Police at York under the instruction of the Government Resident Mr J BLAND. John DRUMMOND was the son of the government botanist James DRUMMOND. On the 17th January 1843 Inspector DRUMMOND was advised by the Resident to select a 2nd constable from the military detachment at York or Dale. The duties of the mounted native police differed from that of the town constable in that the mounted officers were required to patrol the district protecting the settlers from the natives, while the town constable only attended to matters within the town and under the jurisdiction of the Resident Magistrate. In February 1847 J MACKNOR was appointed constable for the town of York and remained until T SMALLHORN was appointed in July 1849. SMALLHORN was then replaced in the same month by J MOORSE. Constable WITTENOOM was appointed as the 2nd Constable on the 3rd February 1848. On the 24th April 1853 Constable BAILEY was promoted to Sergeant, as the first Sergeant at that town, and Thomas BECKETT was appointed as police constable on the 26th of that month, possibly as a replacement for Sergeant BAILEY’s promotion. In the WA Almanac of 1854 York Police Station is listed as having one sergeant, two mounted constables, one foot constable and two native trackers. Police quarters and a cell block were completed in 1852. The Police Station was erected in 1894.

17.01.2022 Inaugural Police Aides Derby, 1975 Back row: PA8 John BIRCH, PA6 Rob CALLAGHER, PA7 William BUNJUK Front Row: PA1 Jerry JANGOOT, PA2 Jack HUDDLETON, PA3 Colin JONES, PA4 Reg FORD, PA5 Jock SHANDLEY

16.01.2022 The history of policing in Western Australia began with the founding of the colony in 1829 when Governor Stirling appointed a few part-time constables to maintain public order in Perth and Fremantle. A troop of Mounted Police was formed in 1834 and other types of police were added as the needs of the colony changed, particularly after the introduction of convicts. The colony's Legislative Council passed a Police Ordinance in 1849 that outlined police powers and responsibiliti...es. An organised police force did not as yet exist. The Police Force was formally established in 1853, when a Chief of Police was appointed and a Code of Rules published outlining an administrative structure. The Police required firearms to help enforce and maintain law and order in the state.

15.01.2022 At the recent AGM, Society President, Dave MacDONALD (regimental numbers 3418 & 5194), was awarded "Life Membership" in recognition of his outstanding contribution and services rendered to the WA Police Historical Society. Well done Dave.

14.01.2022 A policeman and an aboriginal tracker with their dog in the outback, boiling the billy. They have the very latest two way radio with them (C. 1956).

14.01.2022 Great stuff. We appreciate your support and have now reached 800 likes. We hope to continue posting interesting stories and pictures from times gone by. All the best

14.01.2022 Mr Robert WATTS (regimental number 2837) was a Mounted Officer from 1955 to 1969 at the Police Mounted Section, that was (at that time) located at Herdsman Lake, Pearson Street, Churchlands. These photos are from his personal collection.

14.01.2022 Roebourne Police van (c. 1980) looking a little worse for wear.

14.01.2022 Nollamara Police (c.1972) Rear row: I.M MANUK (4151), P.F HARROP (4279), J.F. H ANDERSON (4307), G.K MOORE (4378), J MARSHALL (Cadet) Seated: G.J SISSON (1/C Const 3823), OIC Sergeant 2/C ROLLO (2339), G.R Thompson (4035)

13.01.2022 The Police Gazette of Western Australia (1876 onwards) is a valuable resource for researching police and criminals in Western Australia. Information can be found under various headings: - apprehensions (name of person arrested, arresting constable, charge and sentence); - police appointments, dismissals, discharges, promotions, resignations and transfers;... - tickets of leave, certificates of freedom, and conditional pardons issued to convicts; - physical descriptions of prisoners (name, condition, build, age, height, hair and eye colour, visage, complexion, trade, nationality and distinguishing marks); - deserters from military service; - escaped prisoners; - expirees leaving the colony; - inquests (where held, date, before whom, name and date of death of person, verdict); - licences (publican, gallon, eating, boarding and lodging houses, railway refreshment rooms, wine and beer, colonial wine, spirit merchants, club, wayside house, packet and billiard table - name of licensee, name of hotel etc and town or district given); - missing friends; - prisoners discharged; - people tried at Quarter Sessions (name, offence, district, verdict, how disposed of); - special inquiries; - stealing in dwellings; - warrants issued. With thanks to the Friends of Battye Library and the Sholl Bequest, the Police Gazettes 1876-1900 have been digitised and are fully text searchable. The Police Gazettes can be found on the State Library of Western Australia internet site. https://www.slwa.wa.gov.au/explore-discov//police-gazettes

12.01.2022 The Police Barracks (or Quarters) were originally constructed in 1905 in James Street, Perth. It was part of a significant collection of justice buildings located in this precinct that also comprised the former Police Lock-up/Gaol (which became part of the WA Museum), the old Perth Court of Petty Sessions Courts (now the AGWA Centenary Gallery) as well as the Swan Barracks (which housed the military) located to the north across the road on Francis Street. The Police Barrack...s were built at a time when the police force was expanding owing to the growing population and wealth being generated in WA by the Gold Boom which began in the 1890s. The two storey Donnybrook stone and tile building was designed by Chief Architect of the Public Works Department, Hillson Beasley. It is a fine and rare example of the Federation Romanesque style, designed by Beasley specifically to harmonise with the Museum building opposite the Barracks. Originally the roof was clad in green Vermont slates and had a row of dormers along the roof to provide ventilation to the dormitories however these were later removed when the roof was retiled. The ground floor housed the residential accommodation for the sub-inspector in charge, the reading rooms/library and a police museum as well as the recreation room, the mess-room and kitchen. On the first floor were the dormitories and bathrooms. Outhouses for washing and other utilities were in the rear yard as well as stables for the police horses. Prior to the Police Barracks being built, there was no accommodation provided for single policemen, instead they were given a lodging allowance. Once the Barracks were completed, the lodging allowance was discontinued and it became compulsory for single constables to live in the Barracks where they were governed by many rules and regulations; having to pay a weekly rent for their room, required to keep the place scrupulously clean, remove all their slops, shop for food and do their own washing. They also paid for a cook, and provided all the equipment in the recreation room by fundraising. Finally, there was a curfew in which they had to be in the Barracks by 11pm. In 1950, the remaining policemen still living in the Barracks were moved out and the building was converted into offices for various departments of the Police force, in particular the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), traffic branch, accounts and district offices. However, in 1975, the new Police headquarters near the causeway in East Perth were completed and police operations moved to there. The former Barracks then became the Art Gallery Administration Building.

12.01.2022 Ethel Violet SCOTT, Regimental Number 1917. Born: 1911, died: 1983. Ethel served in WA Police Force from 1939 to 1971. She was awarded the Queens Police Medal in 1971. Ethel SCOTT was the first woman in Australian police history to reach Commissioned Rank in 1963 and the first to reach the rank of Superintendent in 1971.

12.01.2022 Opened: 19/02/1914 Closed: 02/05/1956 On the 25th November 1913 Mr GREENWAY and Mr WILLIAMS, local mine managers of Weston, wrote to the Premier requesting Police protection for the town. This action was supported by the Weston Progress Association on the 17th December 1913. At that time the town was visited by the Police from Southern Cross. Arrangements were made to open a Police Station at Weston on the 27th January 1914 and the station was opened on the 19th February... 1914 with Constable MCDONALD (1041) being posted there on temporary duty. The Weston Progress Association wrote to the Colonial Secretary on the 7th April 1914: re the necessity of erecting at this most important mining centre a lockup and police quarters. At present the constable in charge is domiciled in an 8 x 10 tent and there is no provision for the detention of lawless characters Prisoners were detained by chaining them to a log near the station. Constable LEONARD (864) had been transferred, as officer in charge of this station, early in 1914 and Constable MCDONALD returned to his previous duties. In the same year the name of the town was changed from Weston to Westonia. Approval was finally given to remove the cells and stables from Bardoc and have them erected on the police reserve at Westonia.

11.01.2022 A presentation of framed photos titled: Record Reign 1837 1897 Presented to Lieut Colonel George Braithwaite PHILLIPS, Commissioner of Police. With special regard and as a momento by the Commissioned Officers of the Western Australian Police Force who received long service medals in commeration of the Record Reign of Her Majesty the Queen.... June 20th 1897

11.01.2022 Running for over 100 years, Canning Show consist of an exhibition of the art, photography, craft, home produce, baking and horticultural achievements of the local community. There was an abundance of FREE activities, roaming entertainment and a large sideshow alley with games, rides, showbags and stalls of all kinds. Held this weekend, the Show attracted large crowds to the Cannington Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds located on Albany Highway.... The volunteering Committee of Management for the Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society invited the WA Police Historical Society to attend. With fantastic weather, the family friendly event was a huge success with many visitors to the WA Police Historical Society display. Special thanks to the Special Event Members who added additional colour to the event in their 1890’s WA Police mounted troopers uniforms.

11.01.2022 Detective Training School, Number 3 (26/07/1972 to 01/09/1972)

11.01.2022 West Perth Police station was situated on the corner of Loftus Street and Colin Street. The building was closed on 01/01/1969, and demolished to make way for the freeway and extensions on 31/01/1969.

11.01.2022 Sergeant Jack HARDY (Frederick John HARDY), regimental number 2184. This photo was taken in 1977. Some of the oldies will have memories and stories about him

10.01.2022 I was doing a bit of research on a pistol (held at the WA Police Historical Society) that was owned and used by William REWELL (Jnr) and other members of his family and came across this interesting story. William REWELL (Jnr), Regimental number 119, was with the River Police and later the Water Police.

10.01.2022 A presentation to D. HUNTER Esq. (Commissioner of Police) by the Commissioned Officers of the Western Australian Police Force on the eve of his retirement. (December 1944).

10.01.2022 Constable William CARROLL, regimental number 389, mounted on Olive in 1903. Photographed at the Roe Street Stables.

10.01.2022 Who knows where this area is in our city?! Another colourised photo i created, from an original SLWA image. It shows the waterside police station. ca. 1900.

10.01.2022 Mundaring Weir Police Camp. Opened: 01/03/1898 Closed: 1903 Left to right: Constable G JOHNSTON 234, Corporal MAXWELL 31, Constable G.J JENSON 324

10.01.2022 Police Tug-of-War Team Winners of the WA State Championship, Perth Carnival, 1909.

10.01.2022 Great effort team. We have reached this milestone.

09.01.2022 This week the WA Police Historical Society scored a write up in WAPOL's online newsletter "From the Line". It's a great way to raise the awareness of the Society to the new officers (and those they have been around for a while). WAPHS is always keen on information and photographs from our WA Police History.

08.01.2022 On May 4, 1919 a bloody confrontation between supporters of the Lumpers’ Union and the Western Australian Police became known as ‘Westralia’s Eureka’, or the ‘Battle of the Barricades’. The unrest was the culmination of two years of a demarcation battle on the Fremantle waterfront, exacerbated by a shortage of food, and fears of a further outbreak of the influenza epidemic that was sweeping the world. At the centre of the uproar was S.S. Dimboola, laden with supplies de...sperately needed by hospital patients and the general community. Because of influenza cases aboard, the Dimboola was quarantined, but officials relaxed the rules to allow her to berth. The Lumpers, already incensed by the government’s support of the rival National Watersiders’ Union, took to the streets when the Premier decided to erect barricades to close the wharves. Although bolstered by officers brought in from the country, the police were vastly outnumbered by the crowd of three to four thousand Lumpers and their supporters, both men and women. The protest became violent when the police were showered with missiles, including stones, bricks, scrap iron and iron railings. Mounted officers tried to push back the protesters, while others on foot used batons, and then fixed bayonets to try and prevent encroachment onto the wharves. In the confusion, one of the protesters, Thomas EDWARDS, fell to the ground injured. EDWARDS later died in hospital. With the injury to EDWARDS, and another man suffering a bayonet wound to the thigh, the situation reached crisis point. When shots were fired from within the crowd, the Commissioner of Police CONNELL sent for a Magistrate to read the Riot Act, and police were issued with ammunition. Fortunately, although the order was given to load their weapons, they were not ordered to fire. Discussions between the Commissioner, the Premier, the Lumpers’ Union, and the Labour Federation led to some semblance of order. The protesters agreed to disperse if the barricades were withdrawn, and the crowds left the wharf. However, sporadic outbursts of violence against the police continued for a few days. 35 police officers were injured in the incident and medical expenses came to over 1,500. 7 Lumpers were injured including EDWARDS who died as the result of a fractured skull. The Coroner’s finding was that he came to his death from a fracture of the skull, caused by a wound on the head, received on the wharf at Fremantle on May 4. We are unable to say who caused the wound. Death was accidental. Inspector SELLENGER had commanded the Police throughout this period of unrest.

08.01.2022 John Larter WALL was born April 4, 1854 to Sarah (nee LARTER) and George WALL at York, Western Australia. His grandfather Thomas WALL (born 1793 in Chatam, Kent, England) was appointed a Constable of the Colony in 1829, believed to be one of the first two appointments. After leaving school, he worked shepherding for his uncle, Charles MASSINGHAM in the Kellerberrin, Milcanning and Minterbuckle Districts. He then learnt the Wheelwright and Blacksmithing trade under his fathe...r at York where he continued until he was twenty five years of age. John married Julia Madge NEWPORT of York in 1879. In January 1880 he applied as a candidate for the Mounted Police, and being accepted was placed on duty in the Metropolitan area and also Fremantle. This enabled him to gain the necessary experience for the responsibilities away from the headquarters. His first station was at Albany, where he continued until 1887, and in July of that year he was transferred to take charge of the Mt Barker Station. Mt Barker at this time consisted of four residences, the Bush Inn (since decayed), Hick’s and Morgan’s Blacksmith, General Store and the Police Station (now restored as a Historical Museum). In the early days the Royal Mail coach was driven in turn by Harry and John CHIPPER, with Constables HOLMS and BONNER as armed guards alternatively. The coach ran between Perth and Albany with Mt Barker being the relay stage. Trooper WALL was reputed a fine bushman, and was always at home in the saddle. One time he and Constable McGLADE were sent out beyond Esperance, to arrest some natives wanted on serious charges, the trip taking several months. Trooper WALL while at Mt Barker was deputed by the Commissioner of Police Colonel PHILLIPS, to proceed to the Nornalup country and secure a quantity of seed nuts from the red flowering gum trees that grew in that locality. The avenue of red flowering gums in Kings Park, Perth, are the result of that trip. In 1897 Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee year, First Class Constable John WALL received the long service silver medal. In 1900 he opened the Police Station at Ravensthorpe, and held the rank of Corporal. During that time as being one of twenty longest servicing policemen formed a special guard of honour to the Duke and Duchess of York on their visit. In April 1908 after twenty eight years of service, Corporal WALL retired to his orchard farm property in Mt Barker. In 1923 he was appointed as Justice of the Peace, where his service was frequently required for duty on the bench. Corporal, regimental number 9, John Larter WALL passed away June 22, 1925 at the age of 71.

07.01.2022 This is the Governor, Sir James MITCHELL, reviewing the Police Mounted Section at Government House (c 1950). Sir James MITCHELL GCMG (27 April 1866 26 July 1951) was the 13th Premier of Western Australia, serving on two occasions, the Lieutenant-Governor of Western Australia for 15 years and the 22nd Governor of Western Australia MITCHELL was the first Australian-born Governor of Western Australia, and he remains the only person to have served as both Premier and Governor of the state.

07.01.2022 Wyndham Station Staff 1971

05.01.2022 The Bullion Van VY 4999, built in 1898, seen here at Railway Museum of Western Australia, Bassendean

05.01.2022 Although we are a relatively new Facebook page we have now reached the milestone of 500 likes. Many thanks to everyone for their interest.

05.01.2022 The National Rifle Association of Great Britain was formed in 1860’s. In the same year Queen Victoria opened the first of the great rifle shooting competitions held on the old Wimbledon Rifle Range, thus starting the traditional Queen’s Prize Meetings which are still held throughout the Commonwealth countries. The movement soon spread to Australia and associations were formed in the various states culminating with the formation of the National Rifle Association of Australia i...n about 1880’s. Western Australia was last cab off the rank and the National Rifle Association of Western Australia was not formed until July 12, 1901. In 1903, all rifle clubs in Australia became part of the Defence Force Reserve under the Commonwealth Defence Act and rifle clubs are still governed by Commonwealth rifle club regulations. The Police Rifle Club was about the forth to be formed in the metropolitan area. In its early days the club seemed to use Karrakatta Rifle Range. After the Great War the club used the South Perth Rifle Range, traces of which can still be seen off Jarrah Road. One of the Police Club’s best known marksman in its early years was Constable BEARE. He won the Kings’ Prize in 1906 at Kalgoorlie and he won it again at Karrakatta in 1909. Another well known rifleman from the Police Club was J S SIMPSON. He represented Western Australia in 1911, 1912, 1913 and 1920. He also took an interest in the administration of the sport and became Chairman of the National Rifle Association of Western Australia in 1921. Other state representatives from the Police Club were George WOODS (1921) and W CARROLL (1923), while F P MAINGAY and G METCALF frequently featured in the prize list during the twenties. Rifle Clubs went into recess during the Second World War from 1941 and although the Police Club was reformed after the war, though it seemed that there wasn’t the enthusiasm of earlier years, perhaps due to the loss of their range. The Hackett Shield was donated to the rifle club movement by Sir Winthrop HACKETT in1902. It was open to teams of six (in later years four) from any company or battalion or infantry or field artillery, police force or bona fide rifle clubs in the State of Western Australia. It was awarded to the team making the highest aggregate at 200, 500 and 600 yards, seven shots at each distance, and it became the property of the battalion, company, battery or the rifle club winning it twice consecutively or three times altogether. The first time the shield was competed for was at the South Perth Spring Prize Meeting in 1902. Three Police teams participated and finished fourth, twelfth and sixteenth out of a field of eighteen teams.

04.01.2022 The contingent of WA Police Cadets who went to South Australia to represent the WA Police Force Cadets in a basketball competition held in Adelaide (c.1962). It’d be great to say that they covered themselves in glory, but the fact of the matter is that they did not win a single game. No doubt they had a great time though.

04.01.2022 Wiluna Police Station and staff (c.1937) Left to right standing: CJC POLLARD, KD LOARING, CA FIEBIG, NS TREDREA Front: Barney ALFORD, M MCGEARY, Sergeant JJ COONEY, Detective Sergeant Harry (Lofty) LARSON, Arthur GALLAGHER Trackers: Tommy INGIBONG and Jimmy

04.01.2022 George RICHARDS is an interesting person and this is the last public photo of him. George Ronald RICHARDS (1905-1985), police officer and deputy director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO), was born on 27 November 1905 at Nottingham, England, one of seven children of Thomas Henry RICHARDS, bricklayer, and his wife Hannah, née DAKIN. After leaving school Ron worked in the mines. At 21 he migrated to Western Australia to live with relations ne...Continue reading

04.01.2022 Jack BOHEMIA and his wife being presented to Princess Margaret by Governor Sir Douglas KENDREW (1972). Jack BOHEMIA (his aboriginal name was Nyibayarri) was born at Bohemia Downs Station very early in the 1900s. He learned the work of a stockman on the station and became a trusted drover who worked on cattle drives to Broome and Darwin. He did some tracking work for the police as early as 1922. Then in 1938 his mother died. Jack BOHEMIA left the station afterwards and was rec...ruited as a tracker by Sergeant Laurie O’NEILL of Fitzroy Crossing. He spent over thirty years working for Kimberley police officers. His exploits included finding lost people, catching thieves and horse rustlers and helping to arrest people who over-used alcohol. Jack BOHEMIA also went on leper patrols with the police, which involved taking those cursed with the illness or venereal disease to Derby for medical treatment. By the late 1960s he was living in partial retirement. He received a pension and continued to do police work on some occasions, such as helping to track down a murderer in 1980. In 1970 the Governor of Western Australia presented tracker Jack BOHEMIA with the British Empire Medal for his great services to the community. Later some of his friends in the WA Police arranged for him to be flown down to Perth to meet a member of the Royal Family. Soon afterwards, as part of a reform process to improve police-aboriginal relations, a decision was made to introduce a permanent and well-regulated system for the training and employment of Aboriginal Police Aides. In 1975 the first group of these Aides finished a period of instruction and began their work. Within a short time afterwards the tracker system faded away. Jack BOHEMIA passed away in August 1994. His memory is still honoured by the WA Police.

04.01.2022 A Certificate presented to Arthur Henry PRIESTLEY by Mr R CONNELL, Commissioner of Police, and the 1927 Police Instructional School, as a token of appreciation of the valuable instruction and services ably and gratuitously given. The Certificate was drawn by Douglas CUMMINGS, Regimental number 1388, the Police Artist, who also designed the PITMAN and WALSH Memorial at the Police Academy. Some interesting names appear on the Certificate, including RT NAPIER (Future Commissioner) and AO FIEBIG, a future instructor at the School.

03.01.2022 Before the turn the of the 19th century, the most notable and widely used badge used by the Western Australia Police (by "other ranks") was simply a single, bullion style, Queen Victoria type, "crown" and after 1901, a bullion style King's type "crown"; which was centred on the kepi and was worn until c 1914. A "bullion" badge, was used by Commissioned Officers on a kepi. Early photos also seem to show some "cross over" use of the very ornate uniform and helmets used by some ...senior "militia" officers, who were also senior Commissioned Police officers; utilising the larger "Western Australia" Militia style helmet plate. Note: the number of stripes of silver braid on the kepi's (above) denote rank. During WW1, an officer's style "military" forage cap with a new metal, "bottle top" style badge, using the word "POLICE" on it, for the first time, was introduced. The "Officer's" cross belt, with the old "Western Australia" militia type, metal badge, with chain and whistle (or "pickers"), was seemingly and interestingly still worn by all WA Commissioners of Police, until 2003. The new (current) Commissioner revived the wearing of the cross belt. Note: the curious absence of the word "Police" on these earlier badges and the type of (yet unknown) cypher used on them. They most probably originated as Colonial Volunteer "militia" badges, helmet plates and cross belt plates and had then been "generically" used as "Police" insignia; for unknown reasons. *** A special thanks to Ozbadge for permission to use their images and information. http://www.ozbadge.com ***

01.01.2022 I was always curious about what the early WA Police Officers used to record details. Pictured here is a Police Officers notebook from 1895. This example is on display at the WA Police Academy.