August 2002 Volume 83 Number 8 "serving the protectors"

Caring police at Sturt

Dear Editor

Recently, my family and I were the victims of a burglary. I want to commend the police for all of their assistance. Every police officer we have come in contact with, in relation to this matter, has shown genuine concern and empathy.

Since our first call for assistance was answered, we have had frequent updates regarding the progress of the incident. Too many times you hear negativity concerning the police, but I want to say a big thank you to the staff of the Sturt police station.

Your caring attitude, teamwork and professionalism deserve the highest of accolades.
Sincerely
Annie Piert
Trott Park

Course 84 reunion

Dear Andy

SA Police Course 84 held its 40-year reunion lunch on January 13, 2002, at the Buckingham Arms Hotel, Gilberton. Before lunch, members enjoyed a guided tour of the Police Historical Society and Museum at Thebarton barracks by retired senior sergeant, Geoff Rawson, who had dressed in 1850s-style uniform.

The course commenced at Thebarton barracks on Monday January 15, 1962, and finished on May 11, 1962. Regular, well attended reunions have been held every five years since 1972. Commemorative plaques were commissioned for the 25th and 40th anniversaries.

The class was a composite of junior constables, former UK PCs and adult recruits.

At that time, South Australia was experiencing a severe shortage of police personnel and recruiting was in full swing, with a strong push to bring UK-trained officers into the system.

The UK recruits and their families arrived by ship a week after the course had begun. The police bus was waiting at the dock to transport them to temporary accommodation at the Elder Park Hostel. No time to get acclimatized – next day, it was off to join the course. Soon after, semi-permanent accommodation was arranged at the Gepps Cross Migrants Hostel. What a culture shock!

The course ran through a very hot summer, and most of the members found the heat very trying – none more so than the UK arrivals. There were no air-conditioned lecture and lunch rooms in those days.

The course was “volunteered” to dig the drainage trenches at Fort Largs, which was being readied for the first intake of cadets (Course 1). In 30-degree heat, we all stripped down to the waist and dug. Fortunately, the sandy soil made the task a lot easier, but we looked more like a chain gang than budding police constables.

Most of the members are now retired. Senior Sergeant John Murray is the only one remaining in the job.

No trace has been found of former course members, Harvey Winston Fewings and Bryan Leslie Weeks. Any information as to their whereabouts would be most welcome. Any reader of the Police Journal who can supply information is asked to contact Bob Job on 8363 9028 or Holger Kruse on 8266 2004.
Regards
Holger Kruse

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