On this day
Senior Constable
Christopher BARWISE
YEAR OF DEATH
19 July 2005
JURISDICTION
Queensland
DETAILS OF DEATH
Senior Constable Barwise was killed in a motorcycle incident south of Sarina.
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
19 July 2005
Queensland
Senior Constable Barwise was killed in a motorcycle incident south of Sarina.
On this day
19 July 1915
Queensland
Private Robert Nelson Ritchie A.I.F. number 1568 25th Australian Infantry Battalion. Contracted and died from cerebro-spinal meningitis on Thursday 19 July 1915 on route from Brisbane to Egypt. He was buried at sea the same day. A commemorative plaque is placed in his honour at the Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery Egypt.
On this day
19 July 1902
New South Wales
The Constable was shot by offender Shaw at Redfern whilst attempting to arrest Shaw and another man for passing counterfeit coins. Following an incident involving a storekeeper Constable Guilfoyle had sought the assistance of an off-duty member Constable Maher and after checking several shops the offenders had been in they located them in Shepherd Street. As the two Constables approached the offenders one produced a revolver and shot Constable Maher three times. The offender Shaw then produced a pistol and shot Constable Guilfoyle twice. Constable Maher was to recover from his wounds however Constable Guilfoyle’s wounds proved to be fatal. Shaw later committed suicide after murdering Constable Richard Johnston at St Kilda Victoria on 12 October 1902. The Constable was born in 1859 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 7 November 1885. At the time of his death he was stationed at Redfern.
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 2025, services will be held on Monday 29th September.
Check with your State/Territory police organisation for local information of services to be held, 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