National Police Memorial

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

Senior Sergeant

Thomas SMYTH

YEAR OF DEATH

29 September 1864

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

The Sergeant was camped with three other troopers in a tent near Albury during a search for bushrangers. Two men one of whom the bushranger Daniel Morgan crept up and fired several shots into the tent. One shot hit the Sergeant entering his shoulder and exiting through his back. Despite these wounds the Sergeant was able to return fire forcing the offenders to retreat and escape. Sergeant Smyth was soon treated by a doctor however he died of the effects of the wound within a couple of days. The Sergeant was born in 1830 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 8 February 1858. At the time of his death he was stationed at Albury.

On this day

Trooper

Robert Lovell McDOUGALL

YEAR OF DEATH

29 September 1853

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

It appears that Trooper McDougall met his death in 1853 when returning to Sofala from Wattle Flat where he had been inspecting gold licences with another policeman possibly named Johnson. McDougall and Johnson each set out for Sofala via different routes. As he rode along the road over Whalan’s Hill McDougall’s horse took fright as they travelled down a steep incline and he was thrown to the roadway. He died from his injuries shortly after being taken home. The Trooper was born in 1816 and appears to have enlisted in the Gold Escort on 26 November 1851 at the rank of Trooper. He was stationed at Upper Turon.

Complete Honour Roll

Affiliated events

Remembering mates – Wall to Wall Ride is held in September each year.

Click here for more information.

National Police Remembrance Day is an annually recognised on 29th September.

Please note for 2026, services will be held on Tuesday 29 September.

Check with your State/Territory police organisation for local information of services to be held, or click here for more information.