Police work did not keep all Australian cops bound to their duties
on the home front as wars raged last century. Many officers served
in overseas conflicts; and, of all the honoured Anzacs who paid with
their lives, 22 were SA police.
All but
one – killed as part of an Australian UN police contingent in Cyprus
– died in the two world wars, while on indefinite leave from SAPOL.
Although Australia’s police war dead remain largely unknown to the
public, the annual South Australia Police Anzac Memorial Service has
continued to keep the story of their sacrifice alive.
Staged at Fort Largs and conducted by police chaplain, Rev Chris
Beal, the latest ceremony, on April 18, drew a congregation of about
40. Official guests laid wreaths in front of brass plaques erected
at the foot of the police academy clock tower in honour of the fallen
officers.
Deputy Commissioner John White led the wreath-laying, ahead of Police
Minister Kevin Foley, Shadow Police Minister Robert Brokenshire and
PASA president, Peter Alexander.
Mr Alexander said he
believed it important to honour those who died as not only police
officers but also Australians.
“It’s very important that each generation is reminded of the sacrifice;
and the family and direct descendants get an enormous amount of satisfaction
out of the ceremonies,” he said.
“It’s also important for members to be aware that their police colleagues
have died defending Australia over the years.”
Of the 21 SA police officers who died in the world wars – eight in
WWI and 13 in WWII – 11 served with the AIF and 10 with the RAAF.
SA’s police war dead honoured