On this day
Constable
Sally E URQUHART
YEAR OF DEATH
07 May 2005
JURISDICTION
Queensland
DETAILS OF DEATH
Killed in a plane crash at Lockhart River while en route to Townsville for policing commitments.
In 2001, it was resolved to establish a National Police Memorial in Canberra.
The Memorial pays tribute to Australian Police Officers who have been killed on duty or have died as a result of their duties since the advent of policing in Australia and to recognise the unique nature of police service and the dangers that police face in their daily pursuits.
The $2.4million memorial was jointly funded by the Australian Government (through the Australian Federal Police), State and Territory Police Services and Police Federation of Australia.
The Memorial was completed and dedicated on 29 September 2006 (National Police Remembrance Day). Following the dedication ceremony, a criteria for future inclusion of names on the National Police Memorial was agreed upon together with a National Police Memorial Co-ordination Committee.
On this day
07 May 2005
Queensland
Killed in a plane crash at Lockhart River while en route to Townsville for policing commitments.
On this day
07 May 1987
New South Wales
About 8.10pm on 7 May 1987 Sergeant Cook was returning home to Nelson Bay at the completion of his shift. Whilst driving through Anna Bay the Sergeant lost control of his vehicle which crossed to the incorrect side of the roadway and collided with an oncoming vehicle. He sustained severe head and internal injuries and died a short time later. The Sergeant was born in 1939 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 20 February 1967. At the time of his death he was attached to the Newcastle District Licensing Section.
On this day
07 May 1915
Queensland
Private John Johnston A.I.F. number 1341 15th Australian Infantry Battalion. Killed in action at the Dardanelles Gallipoli on Friday 7 May 1915. He is buried in the Monash Valley Cemetery Anzac Cove Gallipoli Peninsular.
On this day
07 May 1847
South Australia
Wickham and Carter drowned after tumbling out of a bark canoe in which they had tried to cross the River Murray at Wigley Reach. The officers had received orders to travel to Overland Corner where they were to deal with reported disturbances. Hostilities had arisen between Aborigines and whites over drovers moving sheep and cattle through the area from NSW. Wickham and Carter set out from Moorundie on horseback and dressed in full uniform, heavy tunics trousers riding boots sabres and firearms, rode through mallee scrub. Some way into their journey on May 7 they decided to stay overnight at the river-front station of JH Wigley. Despite the clear risk that their canoe would sink or capsize the officers attempted to cross the river. JH Wigley heard a shriek and (a) splash and rushed out to investigate. He found nothing: the two young officers had drowned. Local Aborigines later recovered the mens’ bodies which they laid to rest on the river bank. Later accounts of the tragedy varied. James Allen Jnr suggested the weight of the officers’ accoutrements and heavy military boots had overburdened the poorly built canoe. But witnesses said that Carter, who stood propelling the boat as Wickham sat in the stern, caused it to capsize by leaning slightly forward. Wickham and Carter members of a then only nine-year-old police force with just 65 men had operated from a post at Moorundie just downstream from Blanchetown. Alexander Tolmer a high-profile inspector and later commissioner wrote of his brother-in-law Carter in his memoirs. John, he recorded, was one of the finest and most intellectual young men in the force. The tragic drowning reported in Adelaide newspapers The Register and The South Australian devastated Wickham and Carter’s colleagues. They sent and paid for a detachment to collect their mates’ bodies and return them to Adelaide for a funeral in the West Terrace Cemetery. On July 16 The South Australian reported on the many sorrowing relations comrades and friends who had paid their last respects at an emotional service. The Police Association and the City Watch House Recreation Fund paid to restore the officers’ gravesite in 1947. On Police Foundation Day in 1997 SAPOL unveiled a cairn and commemorative plaque at Banrock Station, three kilometres from the accident scene, to honour the officers and mark the 150th anniversary of their deaths. Riverland police had pushed for and built the structure out of stones from an old Thurk Station (now Banrock Station) chimney.
On this day
07 May 1847
South Australia
Wickham and Carter drowned after tumbling out of a bark canoe in which they had tried to cross the River Murray at Wigley Reach. The officers had received orders to travel to Overland Corner where they were to deal with reported disturbances. Hostilities had arisen between Aborigines and whites over drovers moving sheep and cattle through the area from NSW. Wickham and Carter set out from Moorundie on horseback and dressed in full uniform heavy tunics trousers riding boots sabres and firearms, rode through mallee scrub. Some way into their journey on May 7 they decided to stay overnight at the river-front station of JH Wigley. Despite the clear risk that their canoe would sink or capsize the officers attempted to cross the river. JH Wigley heard a shriek and (a) splash and rushed out to investigate. He found nothing: the two young officers had drowned. Local Aborigines later recovered the men’s bodies which they laid to rest on the river bank. Later accounts of the tragedy varied. James Allen Jnr suggested the weight of the officers’ accoutrements and heavy military boots had overburdened the poorly built canoe. But witnesses said that Carter, who stood propelling the boat as Wickham sat in the stern, caused it to capsize by leaning slightly forward. Wickham and Carter members of a then only nine-year-old police force with just 65 men had operated from a post at Moorundie just downstream from Blanchetown. Alexander Tolmer a high-profile inspector and later commissioner wrote of his brother-in-law Carter in his memoirs. John, he recorded, was one of the finest and most intellectual young men in the force. The tragic drowning reported in Adelaide newspapers The Register and The South Australian devastated Wickham and Carter’s colleagues. They sent and paid for a detachment to collect their mates’ bodies and return them to Adelaide for a funeral in the West Terrace Cemetery. On July 16 The South Australian reported on the many sorrowing relations comrades and friends who had paid their last respects at an emotional service. The Police Association and the City Watch House Recreation Fund paid to restore the officers’ gravesite in 1947. On Police Foundation Day in 1997 SAPOL unveiled a cairn and commemorative plaque at Banrock Station, three kilometres from the accident scene, to honour the officers and mark the 150th anniversary of their deaths. Riverland police had pushed for and built the structure out of stones from an old Thurk Station (now Banrock Station) chimney.
Remembering mates – Wall to Wall Ride is held in September each year. Click here for more information.
Please check with your state/territory police organisation for local information of services to be held on 29 September, or click here for more information.
The National Police Memorial is located in Kings Park on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin adjacent to Queen Elizabeth II Island and the National Carrillion. View in Google maps