On Saturday, 11th October 2025, Marija VK5MAZ and I headed out to activate the Scott Conservation Park VKFF-0934 for the 2025 VKFF Team Championship. Unfortunately, we did not get to the park until mid-late afternoon. Marija had been down in the city at Office Works purchasing items for the upcoming VKFF National Get Together, and I was glued to the computer and printer, tidying up issues for the Get Together.
The Scott Conservation Park is located about 75 km south of the city of Adelaide, and about 8km northwest of Currency Creek on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Above: Map showing the location of the Scott Conservation Park. Map c/o Google Maps.
The park is located on the southern side of Gould Road. This is the only public access point to the park.
Above: An aerial view of the park looking south. Image c/o Google Maps
There are two Heritage Agreements on the southern side of the park and one on the northern side.
Above: An aerial view of the Scott CP showing the park’s boundaries. Image c/o Google Earth
The park was established on the 20th day of March 1969, and gazetted as the Scott National Park. It was reconstituted as the Scott Conservation Park on the 27th day of April 1972. (Wikipedia 2025)
The park is about 419 hectares in size. It has two car parking areas for visitors on Gould Road, with signs showing the two walking trails in the park.
The park is home to Western Grey kangaroos, Ringtail Possums, and Western Pygmy Possums. Birds SA have recorded about 148 native birds, including Superb Fairywren, White-throated Treecreeper, Red Wattlebird, and Eastern Rosella. (Birds SA 2016)
Scott Conservation Park’s habitat consists of low Woodland with Brown Stringybark, Cup Gum, Peppermint Box, Heath Tea-tree and Tate’s Grass tree; and Mallee consisting of Pink Gum and Peppermint Box. (Birds SA 2016)
There were numerous native plants in flower during our visit to the park.
There is a creek that flows through the park, and if the short cliffs are any indication, the water must really race through here after heavy rain. During our visit, it was bone dry.
We parked in the western car park and set up alongside one of the walking trails. We had several interested onlookers, and we took the time to stop and explain what we were doing and the amazing hobby of amateur radio. Most were amazed that with low power and a tiny bit of wire, we were able to talk around Australia.
We ran the Yaesu FT-857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole supported by the 7 metre telescopic squid pole.
After about 2 hours on air, Marija and I packed up and went for a one-hour hike in the park.
It was a mild day, and as a result it was a great day for a walk.
Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK5GY/p (VKFF-1757)
VK5CZ/p (VKFF-1757)
VK5XE/p (VKFF-1757)
VK5CS/p (VKFF-1757)
VK5SFA
VK3HJW
VK3GJG
VK5ATL
VK5WU
VK1AO/p (VKFF-2740)
VK2MET/p (VKFF-2740)
VK7MAT/p (VKFF-0322)
VK5DW
VK2IO/p (VKFF-0444)
VK2GEZ/p (VKFF-0444)
VK5NHG
VK3VIN
VK3ZPF/p (VKFF-3683)
VK3BEL
VK3BEB
VK5LRB
VK3SRT/p (VKFF-3683)
VK5EDY
VK2GOM/p (VKFF-2679)
VK3PF
VK3KAI
VK3DCQ
VK3KLI
VK3TDX
VK1CHW/p (VKFF-0858)
VK2LDJ/p (VKFF-0858)
VK3APJ
VK5IS
VK3UP
VK7EE
VK5FB
VK3SRT/p (VKFF-4442)
VK3COE
VK3UK
VK3ZPF/p (VKFF-4442)
VK5HS
VK2VW
VK2HFI
VK2AKA
VK2BUG
VK3VRL
VK3CLD
VK2DBF
VK5QA
VK5LSB
VK2LEE
VK2XGB/p (VKFF-3102)
VK3DJB
VK2OKR/p (VKFF-0196)
VK2BXB/p (VKFF-0196)
VK2AUS/p (VKFF-0196)
VK2AUR/p (VKFF-0196)
VK2AUT/p (VKFF-0196)
VK2YAK/p (VKFF-0196)
VK4YAK/p (VKFF-0196)
VK3SQ
VK2BD
VK3JT
VK2EXA
VK3TDK
VK3NYC
VK5ABN
VK6KBY/5
VK7CH
VK5DOC
VK3KRL
VK5KKT
Marija worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-
VK5KKT
VK5LA
VK5KAW
VK5HS
I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK5GY/p (VKFF-1757)
VK5CZ/p (VKFF-1757)
VK5XE/p (VKFF-1757)
VK5CS/p (VKFF-1757)
VK5SFA
VK3HJW
VK3GJG
VK5ATL
VK5WU
VK1AO/p (VKFF-2740)
VK2MET/p (VKFF-2740)
VK7MAT/p (VKFF-0322)
VK5DW
VK2IO/p (VKFF-0444)
VK2GEZ/p (VKFF-0444)
VK5NHG
VK3VIN
VK3ZPF/p (VKFF-3683)
VK3BEL
VK3BEB
VK5LRB
VK3SRT/p (VKFF-3683)
VK5EDY
VK2GOM/p (VKFF-2679)
VK3PF
VK3KAI
VK3DCQ
VK3KLI
VK3TDX
VK1CHW/p (VKFF-0858)
VK2LDJ/p (VKFF-0858)
VK3APJ
VK5IS
VK3UP
VK7EE
VK5FB
VK3SRT/p (VKFF-4442)
VK3COE
VK3UK
VK3ZPF/p (VKFF-4442)
VK5HS
VK2VW
VK2HFI
VK2AKA
VK2BUG
VK3VRL
VK3CLD
VK2DBF
VK5QA
VK5LSB
VK2LEE
VK2XGB/p (VKFF-3102)
VK3DJB
VK2OKR/p (VKFF-0196)
VK2BXB/p (VKFF-0196)
VK2AUS/p (VKFF-0196)
VK2AUR/p (VKFF-0196)
VK2AUT/p (VKFF-0196)
VK2YAK/p (VKFF-0196)
VK4YAK/p (VKFF-0196)
VK3SQ
VK2BD
VK3JT
VK2EXA
VK3TDK
VK3NYC
VK5ABN
VK6KBY/5
VK7CH
VK5DOC
VK3KRL
VK5KKT
I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-
VK5KKT
VK5LA
VK5KAW
VK5HS
After getting back to the 4WD, we drove back towards home, a short distance away. We stopped off at our local hotel, The Greenman Inn at Ashbourne and enjoyed a very nice meal.
I have finished printing out on my 3D printer the centre piece and wire winders for the linked dipole construction project, which is to be held at the 2025 VKFF National Get Together in Canberra.
Tomorrow I will head down to the city to purchase some SO239 connectors.
I will also travel up to Renmark in the Riverland soon to liaise with Ivan VK5HS for further work on this project. Ivan VK5HS very kindly offered his invaluable assistance.
A few weeks ago I acquired through an online auction, a Trio TS-520D transceiver. These were manufactured from about 1973-1977. It came with the Trio MC-10 microphone.
What was to become the Kenwood Corporation was formed in December 1946 as the Kasuga Radio Co. Ltd in Komagane, Nagano, Japan. In 1960, the company was renamed Trio Corporation. In 1986, the company became the Kenwood Corporation. (Wikipedia 2025)
References.
Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Kenwood Corporation. Wikipedia.
A few weeks ago, I ordered a Uniden Bearcat BCD996XT scanner from the USA. It arrived very promptly. Now to read the extensive operating manual and get it up and running
On Wednesday, the 1st day of October 2025, Marija and I drove up to the Yorke Peninsula Field Days at Paskeville. We took our little grandson, Flynn. Marija needed to attend the Field Days as part of her work in the insurance industry.
While at the Field Days, I caught up with Dave VK5MRD who was manning the Royal Flying Doctor display.
Late in the afternoon, on the way home, I quickly activated the silo at Paskeville for the SIlos On The Air (SiOTA) program.
Paskeville is about 133 km northwest of the city of Adelaide, on the top of the Yorke Peninsula.
Above: Map showing the location of Paskeville. Map c/o Google Maps.
The first Europeans to explore the area were John Hill and Thomas Burr in 1840, who reported that they had found extensive, fertile land in the district. John Green established a sheep station in the district in 1851. By 1862, the Hundred of Kulpara was proclaimed, and surveys of land soon followed. In March 1880, the town of Paskeville was surveyed. It was named after General Edward Hanson Paske, who was the brother-in-law of the incumbent Governor, Sir William Jervois (Wikipedia 2025)
Not much remains at Paskeville. Some of the remaining historic buildings include the former bank and the former courthouse. Paskeville was located on the Balaklava-Moonta railway line. The station at Paskeville thrived in its heyday, with the railway line closing in the 1980s. (Wikipedia 2025)
The Paskeville Primary School opened in 1874 and closed in 2003.
The Paskeville grain silos are located on the southern side of the Copper Coast Highway and the northern side of Railway Terrace.
I operated from the 4WD, running the Icom IC-7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 930 antenna with the 1.5 metre stainless steel whip.
I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK3VIN
VK3PF
VK1AO
VK2MET
VK7PJM
VK3SMW
VK5FANA
VK2MOE
VK4EW
VK2XOR
VK2VW
VK2HFI
VK2AKA
VK2BUG
VK3PWG
VK3VMM
VK5MK
VK2HAK
VK2IO
VK5AAF
VK5LRB
F5PYI
References.
Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Paskeville, South Australia. Wikipedia.
My third and final significant police site for Saturday, 27th September 2025, with the special call of VI8POL, was the gravesite of Constable John McLennan Holman at the West Terrace cemetery. He was shot and killed in the line of duty in 1929.
Before visiting his burial site, I took a walk around Hindmarsh Square in Adelaide, as I had read that a plaque had been unveiled there recently. Sadly, I was unable to locate it.
John McLennan Holman was born on the 15th day of February 1906 at Hilton, South Australia. His parents were Dudley John Holman and Eliza Holman, nee Sutherland. Holman attended the Richmond Public School. Upon leaving school, Holman entered the motor department of Messrs. Harris Scarfe and Co, where he remained until he joined the South Australia Police in 1928. Holman displayed excellent aptitude and was made a plainclothes Constable shortly after joining the police. He was reported to be an enthusiastic member of the Richmond and Keswick United Football Club. He was part of the premiership team in 1928. Holman was also interested in tennis and cricket and was involved in organising matches among police officers. (ancestry 2016) (Trove 2025)
Above: Constable John Holman. Image c/o Trove
At about 11.00 p.m. on Saturday, the 23rd day of February 1929, Plain Clothes Constable Holman, Plain Clothes Constable Ernest Budgen, and Plain Clothes Constable John O’Neill Marshall, from the City Watchhouse, were about to conclude their shift. They received word that men were causing trouble at the eastern end of Grenfell Street.
They attended a house at 199 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, where they seized a motorcycle and sidecar. They were attempting to start the motorcycle when two offenders, John Stanley McGrath 23 years, and Albert James Matthews, stepped onto the road in front of the motorcycle. McGrath produced a .32 semi-automatic pistol and pointed it at the police and said, ‘Get off that bike’. Constable Holman identified themselves as police officers. McGrath then approached Constable Holman, and when a short distance from him, fired four shots in quick succession. (ancestry 2016)
McGrath and Matthews then ran off. Constable John Clement King and Constable Tilka were on bicycle patrol nearby and, upon hearing the shot, arrived on the scene. Constable King was then shot at by McGrath on several occasions. King returned fire and shot McGrath in the leg. (ancestry 2016) (Trove 2025)
Despite being shot in the stomach, Constable Holman also gave chase for about 50 yards before collapsing unconscious on the roadway. Constables Holman and Bugden were not performing night duty, and as a result were not carrying firearms. (Trove 2025)
Above: part of an article from the Observer, Sat 2 Mar 1929. Image c/o Trove
McGrath was interviewed in the hospital and claimed he did not know that the people on his motorcycle were police. (ancestry 2016)
Constable Holman was described by a Divisional Officer as a most courteous officer who had shown every promise of rising in the service and who was liked by everyone. The Commissioner of Police, Brigadier General Leane, stated that he was a promising officer and that he had been held in the highest of esteem by all members of the Police Force. (Trove 2025)
Holman’s funeral was held on Monday, the 25th day of February 1929, with several thousand people attending. The cortege was nearly half a mile long and was led by 29 motor traffic police on motorcycle outfits. This was followed by a reel from the City Fire Brigade and several mounted police. This was followed by a column of dismounted troopers and foot constables, followed by Holman’s comrades from the plain clothes branch and Detectives.
Above: article from The Register, Tue 26 Feb 1929. Image c/o Trove.
The Commissioner of Police, Brigadier-General Leane, was on foot immediately in front of the hearse, along with Inspectors McGrath, Nation, and Horseman. Behind the hearse was a long line of private vehicles and police cars, carrying relatives and friends of Constable HOLMAN. (Trove 2025)
Above: part of the funeral column for Constable Holman. Image c/o Trove.
Constable Holman was the third police officer to lose his life in the execution of their duty in a three-month period.
McGrath and Matthews were also charged with feloniously shooting at George Skinner with the intent to murder him. This occurred at Grenfell Street just prior to the shooting of Constable Holman. Matthews was subsequently acquitted. (Trove 2025)
In March 1929, McGrath was committed for trial on the charge of murdering Constable Holman. John Stanley McGrath was born on the 9th day of May 1905 at Stanley Flat, South Australia. (ancestry 2016)
Above: article from The Western Mail, Fri 29 Mar 1929. Image c/o Trove
The trial commenced in July 1909 in the Criminal Court. Mr Justice Napier presided.
Above: part of an article from The Advertiser, Wed 10 Jul 1929. Image c/o Trove.
In July 1929, McGrath was found guilty of the murder of Constable Holman by the jury in the Criminal Court and was sentenced to death by Justice Napier. The foreman of the jury who announced the guilty verdict also made a strong recommendation to mercy. (Trove 2025)
Justice Napier stated:
“The sentence of the court upon you is that you be taken from hence to the place from whence you came, and from thence to the place of execution, and that you be there handed by the neck until you be dead, and may God have mercy on your soul.” (Trove 2025)
Above: part of an article from the Chronicle, Adelaide, Thu 18 Jul 1929. Image c/o Trove
In August 1929, at a special meeting of the Executive Council, the death sentence imposed on McGrath was commuted to imprisonment for life with hard labour. (Trove 2025)
Above: part of an article from the Chronicle, Thu 1 Aug 1929. Image c/o Trove
On Monday, the 12th day of May 1930, a ceremonial parade took place at the Parade Grounds in Adelaide, where the Governor, Sir Alexander Hore-Ruthven, presented the King’s Medal to Constable King and Constable Budgen, for bravery shown in the execution of their duty. (Trove 2025)
Governor Hore-Ruthven stated:
“We all experienced great pride and admiration when we listened to the recital of the heroic acts of these two men…….They showed great alertness and resource, and I congratulate them on their action. They are a credit to the police of South Australia. The duties of the police are arduous and difficult; not only do they demand the high quality of integrity, tact, and good temper, but also great personal courage.'” (Trove 2025)
After serving about 10 years in prison, McGrath was released from the Yatala Labour Prison on the 10th day of November 1939.
Above: extract from the SA Police Gazette, 15 Nov 1939.
In February 1982, McGrath died and was buried at the Dudley Park cemetery, South Australia. (ancestry 2016)
I operated from the 4WD and ran the Icom IC-7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 9350 antenna with the 1.5 metre stainless steel whip.
I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK5HS
VK7PJM
VK1CHW
VK5MAZ
VK3ACZ
VK5KPR
VK5FB
VK5FC
I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-
VK5MAZ
VK4TFN
I worked the following station on 80m SSB:-
VK5MAZ
References.
ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/.
After leaving Summertown on Saturday, 27th September 2025, I headed to the next police historical site, the Constable Hyde Memorial Gardens at Leabrook in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide.
Constable Hyde was shot and killed in the execution of his duty in 1909. This is a beautiful little park with a lovely memorial, a tribute to Hyde’s bravery and ultimate sacrifice.
William ‘Bill’ Hyde was born on the 21st day of August 1872 at Allendale East, South Australia. His parents were William Hyde and Elizabeth Hyde nee Mangan. He joined the South Australia Police on the 1st day of May 1902. On the 29th day of April 1908, he was posted to the Marryatville Police Station in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide. He had succeeded Foot Constable Albert Edward Ring was murdered at Glenelg in March 1908. (Adelaide Gaol Preservation Society Inc 1999) (ancestry 2016)(Trove 2025)
Above: William Hyde. Image c/o ancestry.com.au
During the evening of Saturday, the 2nd day of January 1909, Constable Hyde was on duty patrolling the streets of Knightsbridge (now called Leabrook). While in Shipsters Road, his attention was drawn to three males who were standing under a pepper tree in the horse gates recess of the Marryatville Hotel, near the tramway offices at the terminus of the Kensington line. The three suspicious men were wearing greatcoats, while most other people were sweltering in the January heat. (Adelaide Gaol Preservation Society Inc 1999) (Trove 2025)
Above: the Marryatville Hotel.
The attire of the three men attracted the attention of Constable Hyde. It also attracted the attention of Mrs J. Purches, the wife of the landlord of the Marryatville Hotel. Mrs Purches had spoken with the men at 9.30 p.m. when she went to get some coppers at the tramway offices. She then approached Constable Hyde and is reported to have said, ‘They look suspicious’ while pointing at the men. Constable Hyde indicated to Mrs Purches that he had his eye on the three men. (Trove 2025)
The three men were also observed by the local dentist, Mr Robert O. Lawes. He observed two men in front of Mr Coreil’s shop, and they were then joined by a third male. He heard ‘bad language’ followed by the remark, ‘You’ve turned up late. Where have you been?’ The three men then walked up Eastry Street (now called Tusmore Avenue). (Trove 2025)
Constable Hyde was unarmed on this particular night. Two Constables were stationed at Marryatville, where one Webley regulation pattern revolver and an old cavalry revolver were supplied for use. Constable Hyde owned his own revolver but left it at the police station. (Trove 2025)
In an attempt to see the faces of the three men, Constable Hyde walked past the men, who then walked off in the direction of Marryatville Road. Constable Hyde followed. A witness, George Thomas Wakeham of Third Street, Knightsbridge, stated that he saw Constable Hyde chasing a man in Eastry Street, and a struggle then ensued between Constable Hyde and the man. Wakeham stated that two other men then appeared, and he saw a pistol flash and heard a gunshot. Wakeham states that one of the men then ‘fired point-blank in the policeman’s face.’ He heard four to five shots and the Constable fell to the ground, with the three men running off. Wakeham went over to Constable Hude and asked if he was seriously hurt. Constable Hyde replied ‘I think I am done for.’ (Trove 2025)
Above: Eastry Street, North Kensington. The star on the right indicates where Constable Hyde was struggling with the first male. The start on the right indicates where shots were fired from. Image c/o Trove.
A member of the public. Mrs Alice Schuetze of Knightsbridge, who had been returning home with her cousin, rendered assistance to Constable Hyde. She had heard shots fired and at first thought it was just boys using a rifle. She then saw two men running on Eastry Street, with one of the males stating, “Take that you bastard.’ She had been a friend of his since childhood.
The three men were seen to run into a large paddock at the rear of Cooper’s brewery. Mr. C.J.S. Shuttleworth from Statenborough Street and his son Leonard had heard the shots. They saw three men running and scaling a fence into a paddock on their property. Leonard then ran to intercept the men. One of the men then said, ‘I’ll stop you, you bastard’ and fired a revolver at Leonard. (Trove 2025)
Constable Drenckhan, the officer in charge of the Marryatville Police Station, heard the shots and ran to assist Constable Hyde. Constable Drenckhan reported that Constable Hyde was groaning and breathing heavily and when asked how he felt, he stated, “All right, only my jaw aches.’ (Trove 2025)
Following the shooting, Constable Hyde was then taken to the nearby Marryatville Police Station on a breadboard secured from the local baker. He was attended to by Doctors Borthwick, Shepherd, and Hayward. He was then taken to the Adelaide Hospital and admitted by Dr Betts. (Trove 2025)
Above: part of an article from the Evening Journal, Adelaide, Mon 4 Jan 1909. Image c/o Trove
On Sunday, he was operated on by Dr. Charles.E. Todd, the honorary surgeon to the Adelaide Hospital, and Dr. Magarey. They were unable to extract the bullet from his head. It was found that Constable Hyde’s skull had been fractured. It was reported that he was in a ‘very low condition’ and that paralysis was setting in on one side of his body. On Monday morning, his condition was reported as ‘equally gloomy’. Sadly, Constable Hyde died later that day in hospital, aged 35 years. (Adelaide Gaol Preservation Society Inc 1999) (Trove 2025)
Following the shooting, an Aboriginal tracker named Mick was deployed. He believed that the males had separated after leaving Mr Shuttleworth’s property, and that two of the males had gone up Statenborough Street towards the hills, while the third male escaped through private property opposite the Shuttleworth property (Trove 2025)
A search was conducted of the area in daylight, and this resulted in a fully loaded six-chambered revolver in the vicinity of the shooting. A felt hat was also recovered, which matched the description supplied by witnesses. In the paddock where the three men fled, two overcoats and a blood-stained felt hat were recovered. Another overcoat was later found near Burnside, which indicated that the men ‘passed through and above Burnside.’ (Trove 2025)
Dr Todd conducted a post-mortem examination of Constable Hyde and this revealed that he had two skin wounds on the back of the left shoulder, and Dr Todd concluded that they might have been made by bullets grazing that part of the body. There was an irregular wound on the right cheek, which penetrated to the interior. Surrounding the wound were a number of marks which Dr Todd concluded were likely caused by powder. Dr Todd traced a track inwards from the opening of the wound on the cheek to the base of the skull. Dr Todd found the bullet embedded at the base of the skull. The bone had been raised up in a splintered fashion against the base of the brain, which had been injured. (Trove 2025)
Above: Dr. Todd. Image c/o State Library SA
An inquest was held into the circumstances of the shooting of Constable Hyde. It was held at the Adelaide Hospital on Tuesday, the 5th day of January 1909, by the City Coroner, Dr W. Ramsay Smith. (Trove 2025)
Above: Dr. W. Ramsay. Image c/o Wikipedia
During the inquest, it was asked by the Coroner, “Are there any instructions issued to constables at your station stating when they ought to be armed?’ The witness replied, “There are no regulations saying when a constable ought to be armed, but it is optional for a constable to take a revolver whenever he likes’. (Trove 2025)
Above: part of an article from The Chronicle, Sat 9 Jan 1909. Image c/o Trove
The Coroner, in his summing up, stated the following:
“..the deceased met his death through a bullet wound inflicted by some person unknown, who was aided and abetted by two others, and the circumstances were such that one might reasonably infer that all three of them were abroad that night for an illegal purpose. That being so, all three of them were responsible for the death of the deceased, and the verdict would therefore be that the deceased was wilfully murdered on January 2 by a certain person or persons unknown.”
It is believed that the three men were in the area to ‘crack’ the tramway offices. (Trove 2025)
Constable Hyde was described by Constable Drenckham as ‘exceedingly well liked in the district and was a capable officer.’ He was unmarried at the time. He had a brother Hezekiah who was also in the police. He was an exceptionally good athlete, and on the afternoon of his death, he had played cricket for the Boskena Cricket Club, where he made the top score of 59 runs (Trove 2025)
The funeral for Constable Hyde was held on Wednesday, the 6th day of January 1909. It was reported that no fewer than 12,000 to 15,000 people witnessed the funeral. Huge crowds lined the route of the long cortege. About 130 police preceded the hearse. The pallbearers were Foot Constable Taylor and Foot Constable Moulden, who were schoolmates of Hyde, and Foot Constable Richardson and Foot Constable Hansberry. The concourse at the grave was estimated at over 6,000 people. (Trove 2025)
Above: part of an article from the Observer, Adelaide, Sat 9 Jan 1909. Image c/o Trove
Following the shooting of Constable Hyde, a memorial committee was formed by local residents. On Wednesday, the 3rd day of August 1909, an oak tree, surrounded by an ornamental tree guard, was placed at the location where he was shot at Eastry Street. (Trove 2025)
The alleged offenders in this incident were never identified. This was despite a £500 reward offered for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for his murder. (Trove 2025)
In February 1909, two men were arrested by Sydney police for the theft of jewellery, and who were implicated in the murder of Constable Hyde. It was ascertained that the men, Peter ‘Percy’ McKay and William Robertson, had travelled from Adelaide just after the murder, and that they brought a light overcoat found near the scene, which has been identified as one resembling a coat previously worn by one of the suspects. However, they were never convicted of the murder. Other arrests also took place in South Australia; however, no person was ever found guilty. In 1974, a male in custody in Western Australia made a ‘deathbed confession’ to the murder of Constable Hyde; however, he was never charged. (Trove 2025)
Above: Article from The Register, Tues 23 Feb 1909. Image c/o Trove
In February 1909, the South Australian Government agreed to pay £500 to the family of the late Constable Hyde.
Above: Article from The Register, Thu 4 Feb 1909. Image c/o Trove
After the activation, I visited the grave of Foot Constable Hyde at the West Terrace Cemetery in Adelaide.
I operated from the 4WD, parked in car park at the memorial gardens. I ran the Icom IC7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 9350 antenna with the 1.5 metre stainless steel whip.
I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK5HS
VK3SQ
VK3JT
VK2BD
VK3UP/M
VK5PE
VK3STV
VK3PWG
VK3CLD
VK3GB
VK5LA
VK3PF/P (VKFF-6130)
VK3EPL/P (VKFF-6130)
VK3AEI
VK3SPX
VK3ACR
VK3FBLT/P (VKFF-0772)
References.
ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/.
On the afternoon of Saturday, the 27th day of September 2025, I decided to head out into the field with the special event call of VI8POL and operate at some significant South Australian police sites. The first was the memorial for Mounted Constable George Manhood at the Summertown cemetery in the Adelaide Hills.
George William Manhood was born on the 11th day of July 1905 in Millicent in the southeast of South Australia. His parents were William ‘Bill’ George Manhood and Emily Alma Manhood nee Werchon. George joined the South Australia Police in 1927 at the age of 21 years. On the 7th day of October 1930, he married Esther Adelina Jones in Adelaide, South Australia. They had three children. Sadly, one of their daughters died at birth in June 1939. (Voice 2023)
George spent six years in the police at Port Pirie, five years at Gawler, and then transferred to Summertown. (newspapers.com 2025)
Above: Mounted Constable George Manhood. Image c/o SA Police Journal
In 1943, at the age of 37 years, George contracted diphtheria. He was admitted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and sadly, passed away on the 2nd day of April 1943. (Trove 2025) (Voice 2023)
Above: Article from The News, Fri 2 Apr 1943. Image c/o newspapers.com
Mounted Constable George Manhood served as the Officer in Charge of the Summertown Police Station from 1938 to his death in 1943. He was so admired by the local community that a memorial committee was established, the purpose of which was to raise funds for the construction of a monument to honour George.
Mounted Constable Manhood worked long hours and instructed local boys in woodwork in his own private time. It was reported that he awoke each day at 6.00 a.m. and worked for an hour making mulga brooches, which were sold to make money for the Red Cross. He also cut firewood for burses at the Uraidla Hospital. He also assisted people in learning to read and write so they could complete documents such as tax returns. He also repaired clocks to raise money at Uraidla’s patriotic carnivals. He also played the bagpipes at local concerts. (newspapers.com 2025) (Voice 2023)
Above:- Article from The Advertiser, Thu 23 Sept 1943. Image c/o Trove
In September 1943, a granite obelisk was unveiled outside the Summerstown Cemetery, opposite the Summerstown Police Station. The memorial was unveiled by the Premier of South Australia, Sir Thomas Playford. The obelisk is believed to be the only one of its kind erected in South Australia for a serving police officer. (Voice 2023)
George is buried at the Millicent Cemetery, South Australia. His body was brought to Millicent and a service was held at St Michael’s Church before his funeral. The funeral service was conducted by the Reverend J.R. Bleby. Four members of the Police Force acted as Pallbearers: Constable J.E.C. Attenborough of Millicent, Constable K.F. McCarthy of Kalangadoo, and Constables Inkley and Liebig of Mount Gambie. Also in attendance was Sergeant J.T. Mahoney of Millicent. His 10-year-old daughter, Shirley, was present at his burial. However, his wife, Esther and 4-year-old daughter Josephine were unable to attend as they had also contracted diphtheria. Fortunately, they survived. (newspapers.com 2025)
Above: Article from The South Eastern Times, Tue 6 Apr 1943. Image c/o newspapers.com
In 2023, a graveside ceremony was held at his grave. An official party was led by Commissioner Grant Stevens. Also in attendance were members of the South Australia Police Historical Society and the South East Family History Group. About a dozen members of the Manhood family were also in attendance. There were also several other official guests, including Council staff and the South East police Superintendent, and members of the South Australia Police Association. (Voice 2023)
The Summertown Police Station building, where George worked, was built in 1908. Today, it is a private residence.
I operated from the 4WD alongside the cemetery, running the Icom IC7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 9350 antenna with the 1.5 metre stainless steel whip.
VK5PAS 