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.

I worked the following stations on 15m SSB:-

1. VK4TM
2. VK6JDW
3. 3D2MP

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5HS
2. VK5PE
3. VK3YV/p (VKFF-0971)
4. VK5JA
5. VK3DJ/P
6. VK5AAF

I worked the following stations on 40m AM:-

1. VK5HS
2. VK5PE

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK2GAS
2. VK5HS
3. VK3CLD
4. VK4TM
5. VK2HDT

References.

1. Newspapers.com. (2025). Sep 25, 1943, page 7 – The Mail at Newspapers.com – Newspapers.com. [online] Available at: https://www.newspapers.com/image/1056108209/?match=1&terms=george%20manhood [Accessed 4 Oct. 2025].
2. ‌Trove. (2025). Family Notices – The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 – 1954) – 3 Apr 1944. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/48791171 [Accessed 4 Oct. 2025].
3. ‌Voice, S. (2023). Tribute paid at graveside ceremony | The SE Voice. [online] The SE Voice. Available at: https://sevoice.com.au/tribute-paid-at-graveside-ceremony/ [Accessed 4 Oct. 2025].
4. ‌Voice, S. (2023). Police commissioner to lead graveside ceremony | The SE Voice. [online] The SE Voice. Available at: https://sevoice.com.au/police-commissioner-to-lead-graveside-ceremony/ [Accessed 4 Oct. 2025].‌

On Wednesday, 24th September 2025, I activated The Knoll Conservation Park VKFF-0937, using the special event call of VI8POL.

The Knoll is located at Crafers West, about 12 km southeast of the city of Adelaide.

Above: Map showing the location of The Knoll Conservation Park. Map c/o Google Maps

My main objective for the day was to operate near the Police Heritage site at Crafers West. It was a bonus that the park was located virtually alongside the memorial, so I decided to activate the park for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.

The Knoll Conservation Park is about 2 hectares (4.9 acres) in size. It is located on the corner of Waverley Ridge Road, Sheaok Road, and Upper Sturt Road.

The park was formerly known as The Knoll National Park Reserve and The Knoll National Pleasure Resort. It commenced as a National Pleasure Resort in 1917. On the 9th day of November 1967, it was proclaimed as The Knoll National Parks Reserve. On the 27th day of April 1972, it was reconstituted as The Knoll Conservation Park.

Above: An aerial view of The Knoll Conservation Park. Image c/o Google Maps.

In an October 1911 issue of The Register newspaper, the following was reported about The Knoll:

“The Knoll is a beautifully situated block of land – on the very top of the Waverly Ridge – about 2,100 ft above sea level, situated right alongside a perfect road, easily accessible from Adelaide and the main roads. It commands one of the finest views in the State to all points of the compass.”

Above: Part of an article from The Register, Sat 7 Oct 1911. Image c/o Trove.

The Police Heritage site is located just to the north of the park on Waverly Ridge Road. Sergeant Cecil William Sparkes, 46, Special Constable Mervyn George Casey, 23 and Special Constable Colin Roy Kroemer, 33, lost their lives while fighting a bushfire in the vicinity of Fosters Gully in January 1951.

On the evening of Thursday, the 18th day of January 1951, a fire commenced at Brownhill Creek. It crossed part of the Belair National Park and travelled towards Crafers on Friday, the 19th day of January. It was reported that by 11.00 a.m., ‘the situation was alarming and calls for help were broadcast.’ (Trove 2025)

By midday, the fire was centred in Fosters Gully, Upper Sturt Estate. Stirling Fire Controlling Officer Mr Stan Hampton and Mr Harry Norris, a team of 20 men, went to the bottom of a gully with knapsack sprays. The men split into two groups, and shortly afterwards, the wind changed, and this caused the smoke and flames to isolate the group of men led by Norris. This included Sparkes, Casey, and Kroemer. (Trove 2025)

In The Advertiser, Saturday 20th January 1951, Norris stated:

“They were trapped in a pall of fire and smoke….the only thing those with me could do was to run through the flames.‘ (Trove 2025)

Three other police officers and several civilians were treated at the Stirling Hospital. The injured police officers were Sergeant Instructor Geoffrey Hearnes, Special Constable Thomas John Sears, and Special Constable Neil Lionel Wauchope.

Above: Sergeant Instructor Hearnes in hospital. Image c/o The Advertiser, Sat 20 Jan 19151.

On Friday, the 26th day of January 195, the SA Police Association launched an appeal for the dependants of the three deceased police officers. It was known as The Police Bushfire Appeal. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ivor Green, the State Secretary of the RSL, Mr F.U. Hall, and the Mayor of Glenelg, Mr. C.H. Fidock were appointed as trustees to the fund. The Governor, His Excellency Sir Willoughby Norrie, and Lady Norrie, were among the first to donate to the appeal. (Trove 2025)

Above: Police Commissioner Ivor Green. Image c/o North Road Cemetery Facebook page

An inquest into the deaths commenced on Friday, the 16th day of February 1951. It was conducted by the City Coroner, Mr T. E. Cleland.

Above: part of an article from The Advertiser, Sat 17 Feb 1951. Image c/o Trove

During the inquest, it was revealed that Sparkes, Casey, and Kroemer, were ‘engulfed in flames’. The investigation conducted by Detective A.R. Calvesbert and the inquest failed to ascertain who was responsible for the lighting of the fire. It was believed that the fire was not intentional, but was likely lit through carelessness.

Above: Funeral notices for the 3 police officers. The Mail, Sat 20 Jan 1951. Image c/o newspapers.com

Cecil William ‘Bill’ Sparkes was born on the 24th day of August 1904, in Karachi, Sindh, India. His parents were William Sparkes and Elizabeth Ethel Sparkes nee Paul. His mother died in 1918, when Cecil was just 14 years old. In 1928, Cecil emigrated to Adelaide. Cecil married Gwyneth. They had one child, Christine. He lived at Brougham Avenue, Kurralta Park (Nla.gov.au, 2025) (Trove 2025)

Above:- Image c/o Police Assoc SA Facebook page.

His funeral was held at Alfred James & Son, Unley Road, on Monday ,22nd January 1951. He is buried at Centennial Park Cemetery (formerly known as Springbank General Cemetery). (Trove 2025)

Above: In Memoriam entries in The Advertiser, Tues 19 Jan 1954. Image c/o Trove

Mervyn George Casey was born on the 27th day of October 1928 at Rose Park, South Australia. His parents were David Patrick Casey and Margaret Casey nee McDonald. During his life, he was known as George. He did not marry. He resided at Koonga Avenue, Prospect. (Trove 2025)

Above: Mervyn George Casey. Image c/o ancestry.com.au

Above: In Memoriam entries in The Advertiser, Tues, 19 Jan 1954. Image c/o Trove

Mervyn is buried at the Dudley Park cemetery, South Australia.

Above: Headstone of Mervyn George Casey. Image c/o ancestry.com.au

Colin Roy Kroemer was born on the 4th day of January 1918 at Unley, South Australia. His parents were Albert Kroemer and Elizabeth Maria Kroemer nee Karutz. Colin’s father was also a former police officer, who served at Glenelg for several years. In 1943, he married Margaret Sheath. Colin resided at Elizabeth Street, Glenelg. (genealogysa.org.au) (Trove 2025)

Above: Colin Roy Kroemer. Image c/o findagrave.com

Colin was the first of the three police officers to be buried. His funeral was held at Glenelg on Monday 22nd January 1951. (Trove 2025)

Above: In Memoriam entries in The Advertiser, Tues 19 Jan 1954. Image c/o Trove

Colin is buried at the North Brighton Cemetery, South Australia. (Trove 2025)

Above: Headstone of Colin Roy Kroemer. Image c/o findagrave.com

My operating spot was on the walking trail leading up to the communications equipment. I ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole supported by a 7 metre telescopic squid pole.

When I first set up, the 40m band was very quiet with no noise, despite me being surrounded by houses. However, on my second round on 40m, the noise floor had increased to strength five. I also had to endure the noise of the traffic on the busy Waverly Ridge Road and someone operating a chainsaw on a property near the park. Despite this, it was a good activation and a great way to honour the 3 police officers who lost their lives.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK2HRX/p (SOTA K2/ SM-052)
2. VK3TUX
3. VK3PF
4. VK3KAI
5. VK2IO
6. VK2GEZ
7. VK5FIVE
8. VK3GV
9. VK2VW
10. VK2HFI
11. VK2AKA
12. VK2BIG
13. VK2EXA
14. VK3ZSC
15. VK3CEO
16. VK3CLD
17. VK3APJ
18. VK3BWS
19. VK2MOE
20. VK1MO
21. VK3FTOM
22. VK3TDK
23. VK3NYC
24. VK3SQ
25. VK3JT
26. VK2BD
27. VK1AD/p (SOTA VK1/ AC-042 & VKFF-0834)
28. VK1NAM/p (SOTA VK1/ AC-042 & VKFF-0834)
29. VK1DA/p (SOTA VK1/ AC-042 & VKFF-0834)
30. VK2DA/p (SOTA VK1/ AC-042 & VKFF-0834)
31. VK5KVA
32. VK2UAJ
33. VK3UAJ
34. VK1AJ
35. VK5EDY
36. VK1MA
37. VK3YE
38. VK5CZ
39. VK5XE
40. VK5WE
41. VK5GY
42. VK5FANA
43. VK5NHG
44. VK5IS
45. VK5UV
46. VK5HS
47. VK5ABE
48. VK

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK2BED
2. VK5HS
3. VK4NH
4. VK4DXA
5. VK2USH

I worked the following stations on 20m FT8:-

1. VK6IQ
2. VK3PF
3. VK1AO
4. VK3KAI
5. VK3UH

I worked the following stations on 40m FT8:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3KAI

References.

1. Nla.gov.au. (2025). Welcome To Zscaler Directory Authentication. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/3181834?searchTerm=cecil%20sparkes%20bushfire [Accessed 4 Oct. 2025].
2. ‌Trove. (2025). The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 – 1954) – 20 Jan 1951 – p1. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/3193282? [Accessed 4 Oct. 2025].
3. ‌Trove. (2025). DRAMATIC STORY OF HOW 3 POLICE DIED – Hills bushfire inquest – News (Adelaide, SA : 1923 – 1954) – 16 Feb 1951. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/130366560/11124385 [Accessed 4 Oct. 2025].
4. Trove. (2025). Fund Started For Hills Fire Victims – The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 – 1954) – 27 Jan 1951. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/45695455?searchTerm=cecil%20sparkes%20bushfire [Accessed 4 Oct. 2025].
5. ‌www.genealogysa.org.au. (n.d.). Genealogy SA | Leading resource for SA family history – Genealogy SA. [online] Available at: https://www.genealogysa.org.au/.‌