Cannot let this day go bye without mentioning the passing of Arthur Douglas CARTAN..99 years of age.
Most, if not all, from this site would not know who “Doug” was. An old Licencing Sergeant who was transferred to Darlinghurst during my early days there and took over the Station Sergeant role from day one. ( Not an easy task by any means) He was a very straight wire, didn’t take a backward step and endured himself to most everyone at the Station he met.
99 is a real good dig we would all agree but his memory and influence will prevail well beyond his passing…Ask anyone who worked with him.
R.I.P Doug CARTAN.
Service: From? ? ?to1 February 1858 = ? years Service
Awards: Victoria Police Star – posthumously awarded on Thursday 1 August 2019
Born: ? ? 1828 – 1829
Died on: Monday 1 February 1858
Age: 29
Cause: Murdered – shot through the right lung – exited out the left lung ( no doubt – standing side on to the bullet )
Event location: White Hills goldfield, near Carisbrook, Victoria
Event date: Monday 1 February 1858 shortly after 1am
Funeral date: Tuesday 2 February 1858
Funeral location: Carisbrook Cemetery, Majorca Rd, Carisbrook, Victoria
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Carisbrook Cemetery, Majorca Rd, Carisbrook, Victoria
Methodist: Section 3, Row 9, Grave 15
Memorial located at: His Victoria Police Star is framed and hanging inside of Maryborough Police Station, Victoria
INSCRIPTION: Sacred to the Memory of Edward Barnett Native of Tallow, County Waterford, Ireland. Late Senior Constable of the Victoria Police. Who was shot dead while gallantly performing his duty in endeavouring to arrest an armed bushranger on the night of the 31 January 1858 on Havelock Diggings. This Tablet is erected by the chief Commissioner of Police, The Officers and Constables of the District as a mark of esteem and respect. “In the midst of life we are in death”
EDWARDIS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
ALMOST hidden by rubbish and weeds, a tombstone which was recently discovered in the Carisbrook cemetery recalls the story of a policeman who lost his life while gallantly pursuing an armed bushranger on the Havelock diggings in 1858.
The grave was found by Constable J. Casey, said residents of the district, who had been clearing the cemetery of weeds.
At the suggestion of police officials, it was decided to have the tombstone and grave renovated.
Half the cost was borne by the Chief Commissioner ( Brigadier-General Blarney ).
The Inscription on the stone had become almost unreadable, but it has been restored by recutting in a marble slab.
It reads as follows:
Sacred to the memory of
EDWARD BARNETT,
native of Tallow, County Waterford, Ireland,
Late Senior-constable of the Victoria police,
Who was shot dead whilst gallantly performing his duty to endeavouring to arrest an armed bushranger on the night of Jan. 31, 1858, on Havelock Diggings.
This tablet is erected by the Chief Commissioner of Police, the Officers and Constables of the district, as a mark of esteem and respect.
In the midst of Life we are in Death.
For official purposes, Senior-constable Brown, of Russell street, obtained the facts of Barnett’s death from newspaper files and police gazettes of 1858.
In those days Havelock went under the strange but pretty name of White Hills.
Thousands of adventurers flocked to the district when gold was discovered, and overnight, it seemed, every kind of crime was being freely committed. Life was cheaper than gold at White Hills.
The “hold-up” which resulted in the death of Senior-constable Barnett occurred early on the morning of February 1, 1858, according to records of the period, although the tombstones fixes the date as January 31.
Charles Lopez and his wife, who conducted the Gumtree Restaurant in a dimly lighted tent, were standing behind their improvised counter, checking the pile of money that had been received during the day.
Notes, silver, and gold-some of it won from the fields around them — had been sorted, and husband and wife were handling the money when three men suddenly rushed into the tent demanding liquor.
Lopez told them to “get out,” but they replied by dragging him into the street. What happened outside in the next few seconds is not known, but two shots were fired in quick succession. Mrs. Lopez ran after her husband, but could see nothing until she stumbled across the body of Senior-constable Barnett, who was then dying.
—————————
A graphic story of the shooting was told to the coroner at the time by Henry Bradley the cook employed at the Gumtree.
He rushed out of the tent to see Lopez chasing three men. As they raced past a store owned by a man named Thomas, one of the men turned and fired, but the shot did not take effect.
Lopez caught up to the armed robber, and in the struggle that followed another shot was fired. Lopez reeled, evidently badly hurt, but in almost his last breath he slashed and stabbed the murderer with a large knife, inflicting terrible injuries, Lopez then fell back dead. The robber turned and ran again, but this time Bradley and Senior-constable Barnett, who had heard the first shot, gained on him rapidly.
Weakened by loss of blood from his knife wounds, the fugitive evidently perceived that escape was impossible. He stopped suddenly in his tracks, and fired what proved to be his last bullet point blank at Barnett, who was then only two yards away. Crying “0 God, I’m shot!” Barnett stumbled forward and dropped dead. He had been shot through the heart.
His last bullet gone, the murderer again tried to escape, but Bradley and some miners eventually captured him. He was taken to the Carisbrook police camp, where he died from the wounds inflicted by Lopez. The murderer’s name was reported to be Joseph Brooks, aged 56 years, a native of America.
The murders had a remarkable sequel, according to facts mentioned in a recent issue of the “Police Journal ( Victoria ).
” Barnett‘s death was deplored by many miners on the Havelock diggings. He bad been a popular and respected officer, and evidently as their own form of vengeance more than 1,500 miners set out to clear the township of “undesirables.”
They were in the mood for lynching.
Their first act was to set alight to a notorious place known as ” The Manchester. ” When nothing but ashes remained of this shanty, the mob marched through the town, and attacked the ” Star and Garter. ” No hand was stayed until the place had been wrecked. Liquor flowed into the street from broken bottles, jars, and barrels; and bonfires were made of the bedding and furniture.
The position of many places in White Hills looked desperate until a rumour of the finding of a wounded man at Tuckwell‘s called the howling mob away on a man hunt.
Ovens and Murray Advertiser (Beechworth, Vic. : 1855 – 1918),
Tuesday 9 February 1858, page 2
MURDER AT HAVELOCK.
FUNERAL OF THE POLICEMAN.
On Tuesday the remains of Edward Barnett the unfortunate police constable, were interred in the New Cemetery, at Carisbrook.
The body was followed to the grave by Mr. S S Furnell, officer in charge of the district, and Mr. Inspector Hare, of Maryborough, and the whole body of the police stationed at Carisbrook, as well as by several friends of the deceased and gentlemen of the neighbourhood, amongst whom were F Call, Esq., P.M., R. Southee, Esq, Chairman of the Municipality of Carisbrook, and other members of that body.
The burial service was read by Mr. Furnell in a most impressive manner.
The deceased was much respected by the officers and men of the police force for his attention to his duties and general good conduct.
He was constable in charge at Chinaman’s Flat during the rush there, and performed his duties in a most satisfactory manner.
A tombstone, with a suitable inscription will be erected to the memory of the poor fellow.
FUNERAL OF LOPEZ
On Wednesday morning the remains of the unfortunate man Lopez were conveyed to their last resting place.
The melancholy cortege consisted of three vehicles, one or two horsemen, and a few of the diggers on foot.
The body was conveyed from Havelock to the old burying-ground on the Quartz Hill ( now Bristol Hill – 2019 ), Maryborough, where it was interred.
The grave was surrounded by many of the friends of the deceased during the ceremony.
The adjourned inquest on the bodies of Lopez and Constable Barnett, was held at the Charlie Napier Hotel, Havelock Flat, White Hills, on Monday last, when the following evidence was taken : —
Samuel Edwards sworn : Am a blacksmith, residing at the White Hills. On the morning of the 1st inst., about one o’clock, was awakened by a great noise in the street.
Got up and ran in the direction that the other people were running. Got as far as a large tree, when I saw a man running in a stooping position. He got up and ran about 200 yards. I followed him, and got within six feet of him, when he snapped a pistol at me. The pistol did not go off. A policeman named Barnett (now dead), was running after the man Brook, who snapped the pistol at me.
Brook fired and shot the policeman dead. When the policeman received the shot he exclaimed, ” I’m shot to the heart. ”
The spring that he gave when shot knocked the man Brook down. I fell over him. They both fell together. I then took the pistol now produced out of the man Brook’s hand. I identified the man Brook, lying dead at the police camp, as the man who shot Edward Barnett, the policeman.
I heard two shots fired before I came out of my tent, and two afterwards. After Barnett fell on Brook there were no more shots fired. I handed over the pistol to the police. When the man Brook was running he kept his hand on his stomach. Did not see any wound on him.
Constable John McCormick deposed to having seen the bodies brought in to the police camp, and receiving the prisoner and the pistol from the last witness.
Dr. Cooper sworn : Deposed to having made a post mortem examination of the bodies of Lopez and Barnett, assisted by Dr. Dunne.
On the body of Edward Barnett found a gunshot wound two or three inches below the right collar bone. There were no external marks of violence.
On tracing the course of the ball, found it running backwards and to the left side, passing in its course between the first and second ribs, near the junction of the cartilage, through the anterior edge of the superior portion of the right lung, superior portion of the pericardium, perforating the superior vena cava and windpipe, thence through the posterior portion of the superior lobe of the left lung, and passing out of the chest between the fourth and fifth ribs at their angles, perforating the left blade bone about half an inch from the posterior margin.
The bullet now produced I found just beneath the skin. All the other organs were healthy.
The cause of death was the gunshot wound. The bullet exactly fits the pistol produced.
When the deceased Edward Barnett was brought to the police camp he was apparently dead, but gasped twice. I saw the wound in his chest which caused his death.
I also made a post mortem examination of the body of Lopez.
He was brought to the police camp immediately after Edward Barnett, and was quite dead.
I found a gunshot wound about two inches below and to the left of the left nipple. There were no other external marks of violence.
The ball had passed in a direction backwards, through the fifth rib, about an inch and a half from its articulation with the cartilage, through the anterior edge of the left lung, through the left side of the pericardium, then entering the root of the left lung, wounding the left pulmonary artery, and the left bronchial tube, passing out of the chest through the ninth rib, and was found just beneath, the skin, below the inferior angle of the blade-bone.
The bullet is the same size as the one that was found in the body of Edward Barnett.
The cause of death was the gunshot wound.
The jury returned a verdict of wilful murder against Joseph Brook, now deceased.
The HAVELOCK MURDER.— Joseph Gibson, alias Laycock, alias Yorkey, was charged at the Police Court, on Friday, on suspicion of being concerned in the murder of the storekeeper Lopez and Senior Constable Barnett, at Havelock diggings, on the 1st February last. Detective Hyland proved the arrest of the prisoner at 5 o’clock on the same morning, and stated that he answered the description in the Gazette. Prisoner was remanded to Curisbrook. — Times
Gordon Connolly, (Bear) was admitted to Blacktown Hospital on the morning of 4 October, 2019, after suffering a heart attack.
On arrival at emergency, his heart stopped & was resuscitated. His condition was serious.
Doctors indicated that he may have suffered some brain damage as a result, and as we know, he had been suffering Dementia for many years.
Condolences to his son Dave and families.
*It is ‘assumed’ that this article refers to Gordon Lawrence CONNOLLY # 10152
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Saturday 20 November 1993, page 11
One arrest before stabbing
SYDNEY: A youth was arrested and charged with assault a few hours before 17-year-old Geoffrey Berrett died at the same under-18s dance at The Hills Centre in Sydney’s north west last weekend, police said yesterday.
The organisers of the Castle Hill dance said they would now require all youths to go through metal detectors to gain entry and video cameras would be installed.
Police and organisers have come under pressure over safety at the dances, with both denying there had been many major incidents at previous dances, held monthly.
But a senior sergeant at Castle Hill police admitted several youths had been charged with assault at the no-alcohol dances, with one charged in an unrelated incident on the night of Geoffrey Berrett‘s alleged murder.
Senior Sergeant Gordon Connolly said several youths had been charged with assault in the past three years, but there had been nothing worse “than a bloodied nose” until last weekend.
Two youths charged with the murder of Geoffrey Berrett will appear on Monday at Westmead Coroners court.
Motorist. “But I thought it was a 80 zone” Sgt Wanser, “You see, that was your first mistake. You should leave the thinking to the horses, they have bigger heads.” RIP.
At the time of publication, nothing further is known of this man.
A ‘family‘ member of the Kogarah dayswas extremely ill and did not make the rest of the week.
Richard ‘Dicki’ Martin. Approximately 4 weeks ago, was not feeling well and was diagnosed with Stage 4 Stomach cancer and liver cancer. Dick is at home in palliative care.
You may all remember he went to the mounted unit, and is still attached to the State Planning Unit.
Gregor Dumbrell: Oh wow that is terrible. So sad to hear. Great guy. Haven’t seen him for a few years. Fellow 242 member. Thanks for sharing xx
David Draper: Gregor Dumbrell – good bloke. Another of our class
Mick Holmes: Really sad news, always a real character, liked by everyone, would like to get in contact, can anyone please PM me with a contact No.
Tracey Kearns: What terrible news for him and his family. Thinking of him x
Ian Logue: Sad, sad news, Richard was a real nice bloke to work the truck and the station with. Please keep us informed.
Greta Rae: That is very sad news, sending him all our love. X
Robert Gillespie: Dicky is a champion and doesn’t deserve this. Very sad news.
Kevin Stewardsen: Sorry to hear the news. Always a laugh with dick on the shift.
Margo Starr-Sizzle: Such sad news , one of the greats , thoughts to him and his family at this hard time
Mick Lee: Bloody Hell
Champion bloke to work with.
Lee Howell: Saw him just over a week ago walking very slowly through the SPC. A bit bent, a bit slower but same cheek and laughter about a few things. Facing it unbelievably strong with a lot of the ‘it is what it is’ attitude and a laugh. Great guy and I like many just hope he is as comfortable as is possible. Tough on his mum as well, lost Dicky’s older brother when we were all teenagers. Not supposed to happen this way.
Garry Law: So sorry to hear that news. A great bloke and he was often my Reserve Constable. He had me enthralled one Night Shift telling me about his time working at Spendthrift Stud Farm in Kentucky and all the famous American racehorses he saw. We had some great young Police in those days and he was one of them.
Steve Papworth: That’s terrible news Dicky is one of the nicest guys you’d ever meet.
Brett Farragher: I am shocked and saddened by the news that Dickie is sick. I always wondered what happened to him. I always thought I would catch up to him again one day and talk about the old days. He was always such a good guy to be around and he made me laugh. I have some great memories of our time at Kogarah. Shitty, shitty news.
Ford Scarelane: Shit I only saw him the other week … a true gentleman… always had time for a chat …. that sucks big time …. fuck cancer!!!!
David Longfield#Toby Lindsay
Toby LindsayDavid Longfield that’s crap mate
Rebecca Carven: So sorry to hear this devastating news …. will pray for him and his family. Thank you for sharing xx
Da Vid Mudds: Such sad news, top bloke, loved working with Dicky in those Kogarah days, thoughts with him and his family.
Carl Reburg: Terrible news. Please pass on my thoughts if speaking with him. Groobs.
Gra Naps: That is terrible news. Thanks for passing this on. I have some great memories of working with him at Kogarah.
John Green: Sad to hear – such a short time from diagnosis to palliative…! I remember Dick well from Kogarah days and then the Mounties when I was in City East and OSG. Thanks for sharing the information.
Lee Greenstein: Sorry to hear this need I know the name can’t put s face to him any one got any pics of him
Gregory Moose McMahon: Thanks for the information. I contacted Craig MELVILLE. He is aware. He has spoken to Trish. But does not want to bother here too much. If you get any more news please let everyone now. Ta.
Sandra Parriott Thanks for the update.
John Elfes: Terrible news, please keep us posted.
David Draper Very sad news. Good bloke.
Sadly Dicki passed away during the evening of Thursday 10 October 2019.
Now at peace and out of pain.
May Trish, family and friends accept our condolences.
Dicki also played in the Cronulla / St George Police Football Team in years gone by.
Much loved father of Lyn, Vicki, Adam, Karen and Brett.
Loved grandfather and great grandfather.
Privately Cremated
Published in St George & Sutherland on Sept. 25, 2019
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995), Wednesday 29 May 1985, page 10
Policeman remanded on charge
SYDNEY: A NSW police superintendent appeared in a Sydney court yesterday charged with conspiracy to act corruptly.
Superintendent Ronald Arthur Ralph, 55, of the anti-theft squad, appeared in Newtown Local Court and was remanded on unconditional bail to appear in Castlereagh Street Local Court on June 12.
The police internal security unit charged him with conspiring with others between November 1, 1982, and April 30, 1984, to have money corruptly given to him in his official capacity and that he accepted the money as an inducement to act corruptly.
The assistant commissioner for internal affairs, Mr Bob Shepherd, said in a statement that the unit had been granted a warrant in Castlereagh Street Court yesterday morning for the arrest of Superintendent Ralph and another person.
The warrants had been sought after advice from the Crown Prosecutor, Mr Barry Newport.
Police were yesterday looking for the other person.
SYDNEY: A former police inspector was jailed for 14 years yesterday after receiving $80,000 for protecting two heroin dealers.
Mr Ronald Arthur Ralph, 58, was sentenced to 14 years for conspiracy along with one of the drug dealers he protected, Mr Morres George, 49.
In passing sentence, Judge Wall said ‘ he had never seen a worse case of conspiracy.
He said it was more serious than the corruption cases involving the former NSW Chief Magistrate, Mr Murray Farquhar, and former NSW Minister for Corrective Services, Mr Rex Jackson, who were both sentenced to jail terms. ( Mr Farquhar was released in January, 1986, after serving 10 months of a four-year sentence. Mr Jackson is still in jail after being sentenced in September, 1987, to seven years’ jail. )
A District Court jury found Mr Ralph and Mr George guilty on December 20.
Judge Wall said Mr George had operated a heroin racket with another man and had conspired with Mr Ralph to receive police protection.
Mr Ralph received a 5½ year non parole period, while Mr George‘s non parole period was increased to 9½ years due to a sentence he is serving for his role in the Jackson early-release conspiracy.
Mr Ralph was a detective inspector with the Internal Affairs Branch when he agreed to protect the racket, and later was promoted to detective chief inspector-in-charge of the Organised Crime Bureau at CIB headquarters.
Mr Ralph collapsed into his chair, silently weeping, when the judge read out the sentence, while his wife stifled her gasps and sobs.
During sentencing, Judge Wall said the crimes had been committed for no other reason than “plain greed” and the desire for “filthy lucre”.
The essence of the conspiracy was that a police officer had acted corruptly to operate a protection racket for two major heroin dealers.
“It is difficult to imagine conspiracies more repellent or nauseous than these,” Judge Wall said.
The judge said special provision would be made for Mr Ralph during his jail term because of his former position as a policeman.
He said the crimes had been committed between November 10, 1982, and April 14,1984.
A third member of the conspiracy, known as “John Smith“, had given evidence for the Crown after being granted immunity.
The conspiracy began in November, 1982, when Mr George and Mr Smith established a heroin partnership and soon met Mr Ralph to arrange police protection.
Mr Ralph then began to receive payments of up to $ 1000 weekly from each man, sometimes $5000, to protect the two from prosecution.
The scheme ended with the arrest of Mr Smith by the Australian Federal Police and the evidence he later gave against his former colleagues.
Mr Smith said Mr Ralph had received at least $80,000 in payments.
SYDNEY: Former chief inspector of police, Mr Ronald Arthur Ralph, was refused bail yesterday pending an appeal against his conviction on three charges of conspiring to bribe a public officer.
Mr Ralph, 58, was sentenced on December 29 to 14 years’ jail with a non-parole period of 5½ years after being found guilty of charges related to receiving $80,000 for protecting two heroin dealers.
When charged, Mr Ralph was a detective chief inspector in charge of the organised crime bureau at CIB headquarters.
Mr Ralph‘s counsel, Mr Michael Adams, told Justice Yeldham in the Sydney Supreme Court yesterday that his client would appeal on 23 grounds.
These included the form of the indictment, the conduct of the trial by Judge Wall in the District Court and the judge’s directions to the jury.
Mr Adams said the main witness against Mr Ralph had been a police informer whose evidence was corroborated by a police superintendent.
The superintendent had been put forward by the Crown as “a man of unquestionable probity” but had since been charged with an offence.
Mr Adams said Mr Ralph‘s appeal could not be heard until at least June. Until then he was being kept in strict security which was a hardship for him and his family.
Justice Yeldham said the special or exceptional circumstances necessary for the granting of bail had not been shown. He rejected the bail application.
As he was being led from the court Mr Ralph told the judge, “I would just like to say I am an innocent man being persecuted”.
SYDNEY: A former chief inspector of police in charge of the Organised Crime Bureau, jailed for 14 years after allegedly receiving $80,000 for protecting drug dealers, was acquitted yesterday by the Court of Criminal Appeal in Sydney.
Mr Ronald Arthur Ralph, 58, had appealed against his conviction and sentence on three charges of conspiring to have him act corruptly in the discharge of his duties.
Judge Wall, in the District Court, had fixed a non-parole period of 5½ years.
A verdict of acquittal was also entered yesterday against one of Mr Ralph‘s alleged co-conspirators, Mr Morres George, 49, who had also been sentenced to 14 years’ jail. Mr George‘s non-parole period was fixed at 9½ years because he was already serving a sentence for his part in the Rex Jackson early release conspiracy.
The Crown had alleged that between November, 1982, and April, 1984, Mr Ralph had been paid amounts of between $1000 and $5000 a week to protect Mr George and a man known as John Smith from prosecution on drug charges.
The three judges unanimously ruled that the convictions of Mr Ralph and Mr George were unsafe and unsatisfactory.
SYDNEY, Monday. — A young woman killed by a thief during a $50,000 gem robbery was an innocent victim, police said today.
“She lay down on the floor and he just went bang”. Detective Sergeant R. Ralph said. “It was a cold-blooded callous thing to do”.
Miss Narelle Grogan, 23, was killed. The murder occurred at the Burraneer home of Sydney opal dealer Mr Jack Anderson last night.
Mr Anderson runs shops at Sydney’s international airport, the Opera House and several interstate airports.
“This will show you I mean business”, the killer said as he fired a bullet into Miss Grogan’s back.
The gunman rejected opals valued at S250 each.
Police believe the killer, a man aged between 35 and 38, knew exactly what he wanted and was prepared to do anything to get more valuable opals in a safe.
He took Australian opals, in diamond settings, valued about $50,000. They could be intended for the overseas market.
Mr Anderson’s address in Lugarno avenue, Burraneer, is common knowledge among opal dealers.
The killer, with a stocking over his head, grabbed Mr Anderson when he went to put out rubbish bins shortly after 10pm.
Beloved Husband of Renee.
Adored Father of Frank and Melinda.
Loving Son of Frank and Melba.
Aged 35 years
Will be sadly missed by all that knew and loved him.
Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Raymond will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lebanon Church, 40 Alice Street, Harris Park, Tuesday 15th October 2019
commencing at 10:30am.
At the conclusion of the Mass, the Cortege will proceed to Rookwood Catholic Cemetery
Publication: The Daily Telegraph
Ray suffered from Cancer and, as a result had one of his legs amputated but still had the courage and motivation to attend ‘the job’.
Unfortunately Ray took a turn for the worst recently and subsequently passed away.
Ray is the father of two young children.
We wish Ray’s children, family and friends all of our deepest condolences.
Now out of pain.
Nothing further is known of this man, his career, life or death at the time of publication.
It is with great sadness that we are letting our AF family know that we tragically lost one of our dearest members on Sunday night in a road accident.
Peter Hazlewood was one of the friendliest and most genuine blokes you would of ever had the privilege of knowing. He was incredibly helpful around the gym, always made everyone feel very welcome with his infectious personality, his genuine interest in others and his unarguable love for a chat. Pete simply just loved people and found such joy in sharing his love and pride for his kids and his excitement and pride for Emily thriving here in the gym too. He loved this place and had such a passion for training. Pete was always smiling and was an enormous source of energy around the club. You always felt him here, he just had that incredible vitality. We, as a gym family, are sending his beloved Emily, who too is our treasured member here at Anytime, along with their 4 beautiful children, so much love and support at this time. No words can describe how we feel for you all. Our hearts go out to you!
We are a small but tight community here at AF Engadine, and if there is anything at all we can do to help, please just reach out and let us know. Pete’s presence here will be severely missed, but we know he will always be looking over us.
Rest In Peace our brother
Much love,
AF Engadine
Xx
Anytime Fitness (Engadine)Thank you all for all your touching comments. I’m sure they will be greatly appreciated by Emily, the kids and other family and friends affected by this tragedy. Pete will never be forgotten here at AF Engadine and we pray that all the family receives all the assistance and support that they need. We are so lucky to have such a tight and awesome community at AF Engadine. We love all of you guys.
Debra ThomasSo so sad my thoughts & prayers go out to Emily & the kids. RIP Peter
Top Fan
Julianne SharanOh Emily…..my heart goes out to you and your children. My deepest sympathies and love to you and please never forget, that the AF family will be there if you need us. My prayers are with you daily
Michael LoboOh My….so sorry to hear this sad news…will keep Emily and the kids in our prayers
Penny GengeSo so sad. Thinking of Emily and the family at this very sad time!
Mick MaroneyOh dear, I’m heartbroken All my love and support to Emily and the kids and sending up prayers to Pete. .
Liz PaineSo sorry to hear this terrible news. Thinking of Emily and her family xxx
Brooke DugganOh that’s such sad news, my thoughts and prayers go out to the gorgeous Emily and her kids
Ally KarkowskiOh my goodness……. so sorry to hear that news….. love and support to Emily and her beautiful children…… life can be so cruel and unexpected
Michelle SpeakmanSuch a terrible tragedy. Our love and support to Emily and her 4 gorgeous kids xx
Paolo WilkinboschNo way! One of the nicest guys in the gym, one of the first to talk to me when I was new in there. RIP
Emily HazThank you to you all at AF for your kind messages and support for myself and our family
Adored father and father-in-law of Debra and John, Jenelle and John. Loving “Pa” to Josh and Meagan, Nikki, P.J., Courty and
great grandchildren Ollie, Lila.
Special mate to “Lauchie”.
A loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle to all his family.
“Gone Fishing”
The family and friends of Roger are kindly invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held at The Penhall Memorial Chapel, 33 William Street, Orange today Friday, October 11, 2019 commencing at 1.30pm.
At the conclusion of the service the cortege will proceed to the Orange Lawn Cemetery.
Claude Richardson attended every annual conference from 1952–1978. From 1952–1973 he was chairman of No 10 Branch (Paddington) and from 1973–1978 chairman of No 7 Branch (Redfern). From 1953–1978 he was a member of the Executive and treasurer from 1972–1978. With others, Claude was instrumental in establishing the Police Club which opened in 1962 and has written of his experience.
As his father before him, he was a staunch unionist with a longstanding commitment to protecting the rights of workers.
He was sworn in on 29 July 1946 and retired on 28 January with the rank of sergeant 1st class.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 4 May 1973 (No.57), page 1599
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919
Municipality of Woollahra: Appointment of Deputy Member of Parking Advisory Committee
HIS Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council and in pursuance of section 270D of the Local Government Act, 1919, has been pleased to approve the appointment of Sergeant 3rd Class James William Byers, Police Department, vice Sergeant 2nd Class Claude Richardson, as deputy member of the Parking Advisory Committee for the Municipality of Woollahra, for a period expiring on 19th February, 1975. (P.A.C. 120, pt 2)
C. B. CUTLER,
Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government. Department of Local Government,
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 7 April 1967 (No.36), page 1102
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919
Municipality of Waverley: Appointment of Members and Deputy Members of Parking Advisory Committee
HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council and in pursuance of section 270d of the Local Government Act, 1919, has been pleased to approve of the appointment, as from 3rd April, 1967, of the following gentlemen as members and deputy members of the Parking Advisory Committee in respect of the Municipality of Waverley:
Members
Frank Edmund Pogson, Esquire, Administrative Assistant, Department of Local Government (Chairman);
Sergeant 1st Class Aubrey Augustine Goodyer, Police Department;
Harold Alban Peach, Esquire, Department of Motor Transport;
Patrick Thomas Seery, Esquire, Department of Government Transport; and
Alderman Ernest Thomas Page, Waverley Municipal Council.
Deputy Members
Sergeant 3rd Class Claude Richardson, Police Department; Frederick Sydney Bezer, Esquire, Department of Government Transport; and Alderman Joseph Einfeld, Waverley Municipal Council. (G. 67-687)
P. H. MORTON, Minister for Local Government. Department of Local Government,
The City Coroner, Mr. F. L. McNamara, was told yesterday that a man had lain for 30 to 45 minutes with a broken hipbone at the corner of Oxford and Moncur Streets, Waverley, while nine or 10 trams passed him.
Mr. McNamara found that the man, Arthur Reginald Townsend, of Nelson Street, Woollahra, had died accidentally at St. Vincent’s Hospital on February 26 from shock following an operation for a fractured femur, accidentally received when he fell from a moving tram on February 24.
He said: “I find it almost impossible to believe that no person saw the unfortunate deceased lying on the ground during the half to three quarters of an hour he must have been there.”
Constable Claude Richardson, of Paddington Police Station, said Townsend had told him he was getting off at Moncur Street and had one foot on the ground when the tram started off and he fell over.
Townsend had added: “The tram didn’t stop and I lay there while about nine or 10 trams went past before anybody came to my assistance.”
Bruce Carter, 6 years, of Suffolk Street, Paddington, was seriously injured yesterday when he fell off the back of a lorry in Glenmore Road, Paddington.
Central District Ambulance took him to St. Vincent’s Hospital, where he was admitted with head injuries.
Constable C. Richardson, of Paddington police is in charge of inquiries.
Hello
My father, a retired Police Officer passed away. Michael Gleeson, his funeral will be held this Friday ( 251019 ) at 2.30pm at Edlen Chapel, Wandobah Road, Gunnedah.
Much loved father and father-in-law of Virginia and Greg, Brent(dec’d), Katrina and Jim.
Loving Pop to his grandchildren and great Grandchildren and a good friend to Noelene’s family.
Loved brother and brother-in-law of Robyn and Mike.
Family and Friends are invited to attend JOHN’s Funeral Service to be held in the North Chapel of Newcastle Memorial Park, Anderson Drive, Beresfield, on FRIDAY 27/9/19 at 10.00am.Published in The Newcastle Herald on Sep. 25, 2019.
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern – 3 August 1981
Probationary Constable – appointed 5 February 1982
Constable 1st Class – appointed 5 February 1987
?
Final Rank = Detective Superintendent – Retired
Stations: Training at Academy, Waverley ( 10 Division ), Rose Bay Dets, Special Branch, Negotiators, City Central ( pre 2000 ), NSW Police 150th Anniversary Director – Major Events & Incidents Group, O.I.C. – Marine Area Command ( Water Police ), Chatswood LAC- Retirement
Service: From4 August 1981to29 September 2012 = 30+ years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 28 May 1990 ( Det Cst )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 24 March 2000 ( Sgt )
Australian Police Medal ( APM ) – granted 15 June 2010 ( Supt )
Terry was in the first ever TV show, on channel Ten at 8.30pm on 8 July 2013, called ‘Wanted’ where criminals were shown to the public as ‘Wanted’ offenders.
Taken from Australian Army – Royal Australian Corps of Military Police (with approval to share) .
Posted by Paul Hayton.
Last night, I lost another great mate, to the scourge of Cancer.
NSW Police (ret) Detective Superintendent and Military Police Special Investigation Branch Major; Terence (Terry) Charles Calov Dalton.
Its been an absolute “life experience” knowing you.
31 years ago, we met and you have never let me down. It’s been an honour calling you a brother, through the craft, the Cops and in our personal lives.
You have left a massive footprint on this crazy world.
Be proud of your achievements, none more significant than your amazing family.
Thank you for your tireless service to the community at large, you’ve allowed many of us to sleep safely at night.
I’m a much better human for knowing you TCC.
Rest in Peace my Brother.
“So Mote it Be.”
Early knocks provided life-long lessons
“I learnt that valuable lesson early on, you’ve got to keep your eye on people” … Terence Dalton. Credit: Jacky Ghossein
RETIRING superintendent Terry Dalton has a word of advice for young police as he prepares to leave the force: “Make sure the crooks don’t win.”
It’s a sentiment the police veteran has followed all 31 years of his career – that, and make sure you duck when someone throws a punch your way.
“I learnt that valuable lesson early on, you’ve got to keep your eye on people,” he told the Herald yesterday.
Superintendent Dalton says he’s lucky he hasn’t been on the receiving end of much more violence since he copped a broken jaw during that incident, in his first weeks as a police officer in Tasmania in 1972.
He joined the Royal Hong Kong Police a few years later and in 1981 he moved back to Australia for a career in the force that earned him the nickname “the Admiral“.
It’s apt for the man who will today lead 700 officers in a march through central Sydney to commemorate 150th anniversary of policing in NSW.
On March 1, 1862, existing independent police units of the colony were amalgamated into the single NSW Police Force.
Superintendent Dalton said sodden conditions will not stop the parade.
“I think tomorrow will be a proud day for the entire NSW Police Force, just to be a part of it,” he said.
But it will be particularly poignant for him, as he leaves the force in September after more than three decades working in the water police, the police negotiators, in child protection and what used to be called “Special Branch” – which protected the world’s dignitaries here in Australia.
Superintendent Dalton was the first officer to Prince Charles’s side when a man brandishing a starter pistol fired two blank shots at the heir to the British throne during an Australia Day awards ceremony at Darling Harbour in 1994.
He has also protected the Queen, former US president George Bush, and former South African President Nelson Mandela.
The 150th Anniversary of Policing will be formally launched with the NSW force’s banner being led by a police marine contingent across Sydney Harbour from Watson’s Bay at 9am, down to Circular Quay.
A “Sea of Blue” marching contingent will then take the banner along George Street to Town Hall, arriving there for a civic reception about 10.45am.
Terence Charles Calov DALTON – 150 years of NSW Policing – 2012
Terence Charles Calov DALTON
Terence Charles Calov DALTON – TasPol member
Terence Charles Calov DALTON with Greg Martin: From Greg: One of the most professional Police Officers I have worked with the best person to lead the NSW Police for the 150th celebration worked with Terry over the years and bumped him in Sydney on a visit from the bush RIP SirTerry DALTON & Sgt Sean Phillips One of the nicest bosses and blokes, I ever had the fortune too have met. RIP Sir
ANZAC Day: 25 April 2010 from: Dianna Mackay RIP Terry. What a fantastic person and friend. We will miss you especially on ANZAC Day Found this photo of Rupert, Terry, Rick Steinborn and Tony Compton ANZAC Day 2010
Terry Dalton – 8 July 2013
Terry Dalton with Wayne Harris. A million dollars worth of cattle gone. Help Wayne harris to solve this mystery. WantedTV 12 Sept 2013
Terry Dalton with Rob Roden ( Blacktown Dets ) at Police Legacy Ball.
With special guest daughter, Katie, on set of WantedTV 23 Sept 2013
Terry Dalton, Special Branch, 1989 with Nelson Mandella ( RIP )
Currently walking Coast 2 Coast walk in U.K. 50 miles down & 130 to go. – 23 May 2014
Just completed the Coast to Coast walk – 2 June 2014 Terry on the left.
Walking Camino Portugal – 1 Oct 2015
At Australian Memorial WWI France – 28 Oct 2015
Mum’ great uncle CWGC Cemetery – Belgium 31 Oct 2015 3125 Lance Cpl F.L. CALOV 56th Bn. Australian Inf. 27th September 1917
Bush Walking Tasmania – 15 April 2016
In Charleville, Qld, for WANTED story on cattle stealing – 5 September 2013
Many other links on Facebook that pay tribute to this man, and others, but the families won’t get to see those tributes because they are Private or Secret Groups unfortunately.
NSW Redfern or Penrith Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ????
Rank: ?
Final Rank = ?
Stations: ?
Service: From? ? 1950to? ? 1956 = 6 years Service
Awards: Medal of the Order of Australia ( OAM ) granted 12 June 2006
For service to the community, particularly through pipe bands & aged care organisations, & to a range of military and law enforcement authorities as an instructor.
Born: Wednesday 9 September 1925
Died on: Thursday 27 June 2019
Age: 93yrs 9mths 18days
Cause: On 24 May 2019 – Ken was in Arcardia, Pittwater Private Hospital after a heart attack
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Thursday 4 July 2019 @ 10.30am
Funeral location: St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Prahran Avenue, Davidson, NSW
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: Ann Wilson Funerals – 02 9971 4224
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
In the 1954 Electoral rolls, Ken is living at 91 Connaught St, Dee Why – along with Dory Mary, who was possibly his wife – and his occupation is recorded as ‘Policeman’.
Norma ( dec ), mentioned in his obituary “may have been” his second wife.
Cal via Kevin Banister.
BLUEY 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.
Date listed: 29/6/2019CURRAN, Kenneth Roy OAM NX202327
1st Commando Company “BLUEY”
Aged 93
Late of Frenchs Forest Passed away peacefully 27 June 2019
Dearly loved husband of Norma (dec).
Adored father of Neville, Graeme, Jenny and their partners.
Devoted Pop of seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Loved by all his family.
In God’s Care
A Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Ken will be held at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Prahran Avenue, Davidson on Thursday, 4 July, 2019 at 10.30am.
Inducted into the A.M.A.H.O.F.(Inc) for 2012
Lifetime Achievement – Army Unarmed Combat
Inducted into the W.K.U.H.O.F. for 2012
Lifetime Achievement – Army Unarmed Combat
Blue Curran on an unarmed combat course in the early 1960’s
Kenneth Roy “Blue” Curran was born on 9th September 1925 in Waverly NSW. He first joined the army during WW II in 1943 at 18 years of age. His service number was NX 202327 he served in Australia and after reaching 19 years of age and therefore being eligible for overseas operational deployment transferred from Infantry to Commandos. He saw service in 2/11 Cavalry Regiment Commando Squadron, he completed his commando training in far North Queensland and later saw service in Moratai, Labuan, British Borneo and Rabaul before the end of the war.
At wars end he returned to civilian life but reenlisted in the military as a Citizen Military Force (CMF) member of the newly raised 1 Commando Company (1 Cmdo Coy) in 1955 at the age of 30. His CMF service number was 2242907.
Blue was an active member of 1 Cmdo for twenty years up until 1975 when he officially retired from military service. However, as a result of Blue’s experience and skills relating to Military Unarmed Combat (MUC) training over the years he has been retained as a consultant from time to time to the military to assist in MUC training well into the new millennia.
As a consultant to the military he had conducted training for commandos, infantry battalions and other unit’s right through to 2000. From 2004 to 2007 he was requested by the Infantry Training Center at Ingleburn to conduct training in bayonet fighting. In addition to his service to the military Blue has also trained the first members of the then newly raised NSW Police Tactical Response Group (TRG) and continued to provide training support as requested. He has trained numerous other law enforcement groups, prison services and members of the Sheriff’s Department. He has also conducted security training for security firms, and personal self defence training for members of the community. He continues to train security officers in self defence and the use of batons and handcuffing techniques.
Physical fitness in MUC training is heavily emphasized by Blue
During his time in the Australian Military Blue was responsible for keeping alive MUC from his initial training in WW II to its resurgence in the mid 1950’s with the raising of 1 Cmdo Coy. He was also instrumental in the continual review and development of the MUC training program ensuring that outdated techniques were dropped from the syllabus and new information added to keep the MUC syllabus relevant to the changing needs of the military. This also comprised the inclusion of skills from civilian martial arts either through serving soldiers with previous experience or through association with martial arts instructors. However, it was always advocated that any changes to the syllabus was relevant to the operational requirements of the military and were not a stylised application of complicated techniques that did not fit military needs or application.
Blue over time would later become the Army’s senior MUC instructor and the person primarily responsible for its propagation to the next generation of MUC instructors in the early to mid 1960’s who in later years would guide MUC within the military. In this role Blue was the last then serving WWII Commando with MUC training and operational experience remaining from the WW II era. Those instructors who later would have their own significant contributions to MUC that would benefit from this knowledge and experience included Major Greg Mawkes, Major John Whipp, and WO1 Denis Gaskell to name a few.
In 1980 Blue was officially acknowledged for his services related to MUC training within the military and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal. In later years he was recognized further by membership to the International Close Quarter Fighting Instructors Association. Ken currently lives with his wife in French’s Forrest Sydney.
Blue supervising training on a MUC course in the 1950’s
Dialogue and Interview with Ken “Blue” Curran OAM, JP
Recorded by Glen Gardiner 1st April 2010, Sydney
I first joined the army in 1943 when I was 18 years old. I went to recruit training in Warwick in Queensland and returned to Sydney where I was posted to a young soldier infantry battalion.
At that time you could not be deployed overseas on operations until you were 19 years of age. So those of us who were under 19 years of age would end up in these young soldier battalions. There were three of these battalions located in Sydney at the time.
Bayonet training is integral to MUC
While posted to Sydney I was involved in the development of beach defences in and around Sydney. I attended my first Military Unarmed Combat (MUC) course in Sydney which was run by an ex professional wrestler named Alf Vockler. He was a Warrant Officer 2nd Class (WO 2) and the only instructor on the course. In those days MUC was virtually unheard of. To the best of my memory he was posted to the military as a Sgt because of his wrestling experience. He may have come from a corps of instructors but I am not certain.
The MUC course was conducted in the French’s Forrest area at Terry hills around the Xmas period of 1943/1944. The course duration was for a period of 2 weeks, the courses official title was Physical Training and Unarmed Combat Course. There were approximately 20 participants on the course from the infantry corps. To my knowledge all passed the training and qualified as an exponent. In those days the army did not run instructors courses that I am aware of and relied on military personnel with previous experience recruited specifically to instruct.
The training consisted mostly of holds and restraints with a heavy focus on wrestling. There was a little bit of disarm techniques related to pistols. Not much was done with rifles or knives even. Counters to open handed attack with the counters mainly being throw downs was also conducted. There was a very heavy amount of work related to physical fitness training.
Later that year after completing the MUC course I was sent to Cowra as a reinforcement when Japanese POW’s made an attempt to escape. After that I returned to Sydney where I turned 19 and was then sent to Canungra. The course at Canungra was jungle training before we were deployment north on operations. After completing training at Canungra I and 3 others volunteered to be transferred from infantry to Commandos. 3 of us were accepted into 2/11 Commando Cavalry Squadron. This unit had formally been a cavalry unit in the Middle East with the 9th Division prior to their return to Australia. From Canungra I was posted to the Atherton Tablelands with 2/11 Commando Sqn (Divisional Commando with 3 Commando units attached to each Division) at Raven hoe where we conducted pre deployment training. We concluded commando training here in 1944. It included infantry training, MUC, explosives training, etc.
I was used to conduct the MUC training as an instructor for the unit as I was the only one in the unit who had done an MUC course that I was aware of. During this period at Raven hoe which was only several months. During this time I trained the personnel in platoon sized groups. I think would have trained 2 platoons in this period. It was difficult to train more or formalize the training as in those days the members of the unit were scattered all over the place conducting various forms of training before deployment. This was all prepatory to us doing invasion training which was later conducted near Cairns if my memory is correct. Members of the unit would conduct training at the Atherton Tableland and then go to Cairns to do training changing from ships to landing craft, cargo nets and practicing beach landings. The troops would then return to the tableland and do other forms of training some of which included MUC depending on availability. We then were deployed in the invasion of Moratai in 1944 (2/11 Cmdo Cav Regt, 24 Bde, 9 Div). After Moratai we boarded steamers and conducted the invasion of Labuan (1944). After the capture of Labuan we were deployed to British Borneo, Papar on the Padus River pushing up the rail link to Jesselton. While we were in Jesselton we received news that the war was over.
Blue and Lionel “Pup” Currell both WWII Cmdo and MUC Instructors
The 2/11 Cmdo Cav Regt was disbanded and I was sent to Rabaul for several months guarding prisoners as well as being involved in infrastructure rebuilding. I then returned to Australia and after a period when I was hospitalised with malaria I was demobed at the School of Artillery at North Head after I had recovered from my bout of malaria.
After the war I completed my apprenticeship as a photo engraver and joined the NSW police force from 1950 to 1956. I then worked for the NSW railway as a fireman on the steam engines for a year. I then returned to my trade. During my working life I did a lot of different jobs.
In 1955 I joined the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) the pre cursor to the Reserves. I did my CMF recruit course at 1 Commando Company at Georges Heights, Mossman. I remained in that unit until 1975. During this period I instructed MUC courses for the unit and other members of the Army. The chief instructor for MUC training at 1 CMDO at this time was WO 2 Lionel Currell (“PUP” Currell).
Standing Blue last right with John Whipp second from left 1970’s
It was during this period that I requalified as a MUC exponent and later qualified as an Instructor. During my time with Commandos I later assumed the position of chief instructor teaching MUC at 1 Commando. WO 2 Lionel Currell was a regular army soldier and a WW II commando veteran. When I joined 1 Cmdo, he was the 1 Cmdo Coy, Company Sergeant Major (CSM). He was posted to the unit from Western Australia where he was involved in a parachute unit. I have no idea where he learnt MUC but he was very proficient, a disciplinarian and I was his assistant instructor. After his 4 year posting to the unit he was reposted and I became the senior instructor for 1 Cmdo Coy. Prior to his leaving I had risen through the ranks and I was promoted to the position of CSM 1 Cmdo Coy, the first CMF member to reach this position. The Officer Commanding (OC) of 1 Cmdo Coy during this time was a regular army officer, Major Grant, a veteran of WWII and Korea who was later promoted to Brigadier and an ex WWII Commando. He is now living in Melbourne I believe.
Blue teaching counters to Bayonet attacks at 1 Cmdo in 2007
During my time with 1 Cmdo I trained many units over the years in MUC. I trained the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) on 4 occasions in Perth as well as their members at 1 Cmdo Coy. The majority of SAS instructors came from 1 and 2 Cmdo with a lot of their first members coming from these units as well. I also gave training to 3rd battalion Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) and the 1/19 battalion CMF Bushman’s Rifles at Ingleburn.
It is hard to remember all the courses I instructed on. A lot of the courses would be conducted at 1 Cmdo Coy. After I retired from the CMF in 1975 I would still be asked to conduct MUC courses for my old unit and others. In 2004 I was called by Major Davis at Singleton to teach bayonet work in trenches. I did this as a volunteer for a period of 3 and half years.
I think while I was at 1 Cmdo I ran approximately 2 courses a year from 1955 to 1975. In addition to this I was also involved in conducting training for police instructing the first course for the NSW police Tactical Response Group (TRG) at 1 Cmdo Coy. In subsequent years I conducted follow up training with the police as well as the NSW prisons department and later the Corrective Services, Australian Protective Services, and Sheriff’s Department. I have also conducted numerous self defence and training courses for commercial security personnel in the security industry. I am currently 84 years young and still conducting self defence and security officer training teaching self defence, batons and handcuffing techniques.
“Blue”, who were the Instructors of MUC and what was their backgrounds when you first started training and then through your subsequent time teaching MUC?
The first MUC instructor I met was WO 2 Alf Vockler who was a professional wrestler. As a young digger this man was god to us. I believe he had joined and was recruited by the military to teach MUC. Later in the 1950’s while at 1 Cmdo Coy I met WO 2 Lionel Currell who was the senior instructor for MUC at 1 Cmdo Coy before being posted from the unit. I am not sure where he learnt MUC but he was quite good at it. I believe Lionel was initially trained possibly by British instructors. I am not aware if he had previous training in martial arts other than MUC. I remember that he was a strong disciplinarian.
Blue taking PT on a MUC course in 1980 when he was 55 years old
To your knowledge “Blue” was MUC also being trained in other non commando units and was it widespread in the Army as well as other services during WWII?
I am not certain about that because during this time you only new about what your particular mob was doing. But thinking about it, it is quite possible that this was the case.
After World War II can you describe the attitude toward MUC training by the military command in commandos and the wider military?
After WWII MUC training disappeared within the Australian military. It did not gain resurgence until the formation of the CMF commandos in 1955.
Senior military commanders had lost touch with MUC and felt that it was a specialist skill and not something that was regularly conducted within the wider Army. It was thought of as being more relevant for Special Forces (SF). However, non SF units would contact 1 Cmdo Coy requesting this form of training.
“Blue”, was there a resurgence of MUC training with the onset of the Korean War and if so who were the instructors and where were the courses conducted and what did the syllabus contain?
I am not sure if MUC was taught for the Korean War but it was 1 and 2 Cmdo Coy which revitalized MUC in the Australian army from the mid 1950’s. In 2 Cmdo Coy the main Instructor was Ted Malone. I also qualified Major Greg Mawkes from the SASR in Swanbourne in the 1960’s. He later became OC of 2 Cmdo Coy and then was responsible for MUC training in the SASR.
John Whipp was another instructor qualified by me in 1962 prior to going to Vietnam. He was in an infantry battalion at the time and did the course at 1 Cmdo here in Sydney. John and Greg would both later play important roles in MUC training within the Australian military.
During this period the syllabus for MUC had changed dramatically to that of WWII. The main emphasis now was on killing techniques. This was developed through seeing what was being done in military circles as well as civilian martial arts and then adapting that information for the various roles required in the military. The courses were continually updated for current techniques of the day with the syllabus still displaying a strong emphasis on physical training, rolls and break falls, pressure points, throws, striking techniques, defence against weapons including firearms, knives, machetes, bayonet fighting, elimination techniques and prisoner control.
Blue instructing on a MUC course at 1 Cmdo Coy in 1980
“Blue”, did you feel that the support for MUC by the military command was cyclic and stop and go during your years of association with MUC training?
Yes support for MUC in the Australian military was very up and down dependent on the individual interest of senior commanders within the army. Some military commanders understood the value others did not and MUC either benefited or not from this situation.
The problem was however, that after a period of non support the Army would need to re-invent the wheel again and had to either find remaining qualified personnel or start again. I think the cycle now is going downhill once again after some support in recent years.
“Blue”, was there a renewal and subsequent wane of interest in MUC in the Vietnam War era?
Prior to going to Vietnam there was interest by personnel to conduct training however, this conflicted with the need for unit commanders to train troops prior to deployment in normal infantry soldier skills and not ones seen as value added such as MUC.
“Blue”, do you feel that MUC in the Australian military developed in different directions as members of the defence force promoted MUC in the Army as well as the other services for different needs, what can you tell us about this?
Yes I did see MUC go in different directions, but I still think that MUC should be under one banner with different corps requirements being managed under one guiding direction. Each one has its own core requirement but needs to be managed so that MUC heads in one direction; to make my point Military Police don’t need to be taught how to kill for example. But they also need to know techniques for an operational focus.
“Blue”, during the period that you have been involved with MUC training in the military have you seen it evolve and if so what are your thoughts about that evolution?
Yes, MUC has evolved and I think for the best as new techniques are added that support the soldiers role for today.
“Blue”, in your opinion do you feel that there is still a place for MUC training in the military in the 21st century and if so what it is?
Yes, without a doubt. MUC is required to enable our Army to stay relevant with other nations and to develop soldierly skills and techniques that are required on operations.
Blue in his mid 80’s still teaching Bayonet fighting skills
“Blue”, what is your opinion concerning the military sourcing civilian martial artists to teach soldiers, do you think it relevant and are these instructors suitable to teach for various operational roles?
I maintain that an instructor needs to have a military background but it is commonsense to take knowledge from wherever we can find it and adapt it for the military role. You must update to stay current. I don’t think civilian instructors though are the complete answer. But certainly take the knowledge and adapt it for the militaryusing military instructors or previous civilian instructors who are in the military.
“Blue”, in your opinion what do you feel would be the way forward for MUC training today for today’s military?
Training needs to be relevant to the needs of the Army, it is unfortunate that currently MUC in today’s military is not as widespread throughout the military as it should be as in other nations. I think that it is difficult for military commanders to recognize the value of MUC and to support MUC. Until this happens MUC will remain as it always has and will be reliant on the support of individual commanders as they come and go. In today’s Army MUC should be integral in training developing skills and confidence.
“Blue”, can you describe what the training was like? How hard? Injury rates etc
Injury rates in the WWII MUC courses were very low and the same applied during my time teaching MUC. High injury rates are a sign of bad instruction. Training was hard, we had to prove a point, and a lot of the techniques were designed for killing. Physical fitness was a big part of training, it was important to teach soldiers to develop the will to still keep going. It still is important.
“Blue” you have lived to a very fortunate age what pearls of wisdom can you impart to the younger generations on conducting self defence/defensive tactics training?
As is, Keep it up and keep it going, it is something that is needed. Use commonsense, make sure there are no injuries and impart knowledge as best you can.
“Blue” what advice would you give people regarding avoiding fights and once in a fight what should they do?
Walk away from it if possible, if you cannot walk away you have to do the best you can. If you are in it you are in it to win. I don’t care if I have to use dirty tactics to win and survive.
“Blue”, what are your views of the Australian soldier from when you were serving and the current Aussie soldier today?
Blue and the Author, former MUC instructor Glen Gardiner
I think today they are far superior to the soldier of the past. The soldier of the past came up through the depression days. He had to learn the ropes the hard way. Today’s young soldiers in my opinion are far better educated and sophisticated and willing to learn. A far better type of lad mentally and physically to previous years. As an example one participant as a private learning MUC was a qualified medical doctor and he had a genuine desire to learn.
