Yesterday, via email, I received the QSL below from Radio Romania International, for my reception of their station on 15150 kHz on 4th August 2025.

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:-

1. VK5HS
2. VK3SQ
3. VK3JT
4. VK2BD
5. VK3UP/M
6. VK5PE
7. VK3STV
8. VK3PWG
9. VK3CLD
10. VK3GB
11. VK5LA
12. VK3PF/P (VKFF-6130)
13. VK3EPL/P (VKFF-6130)
14. VK3AEI
15. VK3SPX
16. VK3ACR
17. VK3FBLT/P (VKFF-0772)

References.

1. ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/.
2. ‌Trove. (2025). INQUEST ON CONSTABLE HYDE. – Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954) – 9 Jan 1909. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/88293215/8508683 [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].
3. ‌Trove. (2025). MEMORIAL TO CONSTABLE HYDE. – The Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922) – 3 Aug 1909. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/209670758?searchTerm=constable%20shot%20%2B%20hyde [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].
4. ‌Trove. (2025). PERILS OF THE POLICE FORCE. – CONSTABLE HYDE SHOT – Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912) – 4 Jan 1909. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/203424361?searchTerm=constable%20shot%20%2B%20hyde [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].
5. ‌Trove. (2025). MURDER OF CONSTABLE HYDE. – Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 – 1931) – 9 Jan 1909. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/164671960?searchTerm=constable%20shot%20%2B%20hyde [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].
6. ‌Trove. (2025). THE MARRYATVTILLE TRAGEDY. FUNERAL OF CONSTABLE HYDE. – Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 – 1931) – 9 Jan 1909. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/164671694?searchTerm=constable%20hyde%20funeral [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].‌
7. Trove. (2025). TOPICS OF THE DAY. – THE MURDERER OF CONSTABLE HYDE. – The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931) – 2 Feb 1909. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5168727?searchTerm=murder%20of%20police%20constable%20south%20australia [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].‌
8. Trove. (2025). The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 – 1929) – 23 Feb 1909 – p5. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/4487043?searchTerm=constable%20hyde%20%2B%20arrest [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].‌
9. Trove. (2025). THE MURDER OF CONSTABLE HYDE. – RUMORED ARREST OF SUSPECT IN SYDNEY. Sydney, Monday. – Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 – 1954) – 30 Mar 1909. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/45066215?searchTerm=constable%20hyde%20%2B%20arrest [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].‌
10. Trove. (2025). The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 – 1929) – 4 Feb 1909 – p4. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/4486874?searchTerm=constable%20hyde%20%2B%20compensation [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].‌

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/.‌

Between Saturday, 13th September 2025, and Monday, 29th September 2025, I operated with the special event call of VI8POL to celebrate the 8th annual National Police Week in Australia.

Police Week is a celebration of Australia’s police. It includes National Police Remembrance Day, where we honour the 832 Australian police officers who have been killed on duty. It is also a time to remember police officers who have lost their lives through illness or other circumstances.

I made a total of 6,934 QSOs on 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, & 80m SSB, AM, FT4, and FT8.

Below is a map showing my QSOs around the world.

• yellow – 80m
• green – 40m
• purple – 20m
• light blue – 15m
• purple – 10m
• dark blue – 6m
• red – 2m

I worked a total of 152 DXCC entities, and have qualified for DXCC.

• Alaska
• Angola
• Antarctica
• Antigua & Barbuda
• Argentina
• Aruba
• Asiatic Russia
• Australia
• Austria
• Azores
• Bahrain
• Balearic Islands
• Bangladesh
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Belize
• Benin
• Bosnia
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Bulgaria
• Cameroon
• Canada
• Canary Islands
• Chile
• China
• Christmas Island
• Colombia
• Corsica
• Costa Rica
• Crete
• Croatia
• Cuba
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Dodecanese
• Dominican Republic
• East Kiribati
• East Malaysia
• Ecuador
• England
• Estonia
• European Russia
• Faroe Islands
• Fed Republic of Germany
• Fiji
• Finland
• France
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• Georgia
• Ghana
• Greece
• Guam
• Guernsey
• Hawaii
• Honduras
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Iceland
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Jersey
• Kaliningrad
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Kyrgyzstan
• Latvia
• Lebanon
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Madeira Islands
• Maldives
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Micronesia
• Mongolia
• Montserrat
• Morocco
• Namibia
• Nauru
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Norfolk Island
• North Macedonia
• Northern Ireland
• Norway
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Palestine
• Panama
• Peru
• Poland
• Portugal
• Puerto Rico
• Qatar Rep of Korea
• Reunion Island
• Rodriquez Island
• Romania
• Rwanda
• Saint Pierre & Miquelon
• Saint Vincent
• Samoa
• San Marino
• Sardinia
• Saudi Arabia
• Scotland
• Serbia
• Seychelles
• Sint Maarten
• Slovak Republic
• Slovenia
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• Spain
• Svalbard
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• Tajikistan
• Thailand
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• United States
• Uruguay
• Uzberkistan
• Vanuatu
• Venezuela
• Wales
• West Kiribati
• West Malaysia

I worked all 50 States in the USA. The last 2 States I logged were North Dakota and Montana. I have qualified for the Worked All States Award.

I worked 38 of the 40 Zones. Just Zones 2 and 34 eluded me, which are quite rare.

I worked all the Continents, and have qualified for the Worked All Continents Award.

The majority of my QSOs were on the 20m band, followed by 15m, and then 10m. There were some excellent openings on 15m on the long path into Europe and the United Kingdom.

The majority of my QSOs were on FT8. However, SSB was very close behind. I had some rather large pileups on 20m SSB & 15m SSB at times, having to resort to operating split frequency.

Below is a map showing my contacts into Europe.

Below is a map showing my QSOs into the USA.

Below is a map showing my QSOs into Japan.

Below is a map showing my contacts around Australia and in to New Zealand.

THANK YOU to everyone who called.

It was an honour to work dozens of serving and retired police officers around the world.

I am still awaiting the arrival of the VI8POL QSL cards. Once they are received, I will start sending out cards to those who have already sent me theirs.

On Sunday, 7th September 2025, the VKFF program offered a special certificate for anyone who activated a VKFF reference on National Threatened Species Day.

Marija and I were very busy that day on grandparent duties, so we did not get out into a park until very late in the afternoon. We activated the Totness Recreation Park VKFF-1754, which is located near Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills, about 25 km southeast of Adelaide.

Above: Map showing the location of the Totness Recreation Park. Map c/o Google Maps.

The Totness Recreation Park was formerly known as the Totness National Parks Reserve. It was declared as a reserve in 1970, and then in 1972 it was re-declared as a recreation park. (Wikipedia 2024)

The reserve is divided into two distinct sections. One on the northern side of the South Eastern Freeway, and one on the southern side of the South Eastern Freeway. The area to the north comprises 9 hectares (22 acres), while the southern section is 32 hectares (79 acres) in size. The total area of the park is 41 hectares (101 acres). The southern section was completely burnt out during the Ash Wednesday bushfires of February 1983. (Wikipedia 2024)

Above: An aerial view of the reserve. Image c/o Google Earth.

The park contains a large dam in the northern section. The dam was constructed in 1884 and was used by the South Australian Railways to refill steam locomotives. Water was pumped from the dam to the Mount Barker Railway Station, about 2.5 km away. This continued until about 1944. The dam in the reserve also served as a water source for the people of Mount Barker. (Wikipedia 2024)

The area which is now the southern section of Totness was originally granted to John Dunn in 1853. Dunn was born in 1802 in Devon, England, and emigrated to South Australia in 1840. He became a flour miller, parliamentarian and a prominent citizen of Mount Barker. (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: John Dunn. Image c/o Wikipedia

The area was named Totness by William Hannaford, who was born in Totness, Devon, England, in 1825. He arrived in South Australia aboard the Emma in 1845. The surrounding area was known as Little Totness. (slsa.sa.gov.au)

Above: William Hannaford. Image c/o MyHeritage.

The area around the dam was leased by the Mount Barker Council and was used for wood and bark harvesting. The bark from Golden Wattle was used in the Mount Barker tannery, while Messmate Stringybark was cut for firewood. (Wikipedia 2024)

The park’s vegetation includes Messmate Stringybark woodland, South Australian Blue Gum/Manna Gum woodland, and River Red Gum woodland. More than 180 native plant species have been recorded in the park. A total of 36 bird species have been recorded in the park, including Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, White-throated Treecreeper, Adelaide Rosella, and Laughing Kookaburra. Native mammals located in the park include Western Grey Kangaroos, Common Ringtail Possums, and Echidnas. (Dept. Env & Heritage 2007)

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5KPR
2. VK5VK
3. VK5WU
4. VK5LA
5. VK5KAW
6. VK2EXA
7. VK3TDX
8. VK2YL
9. VK7PJM
10. VK3ACZ

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5KPR
2. VK5VK
3. VK5WU
4. VK5LA
5. VK5KAW
6. VK2EXA
7. VK3TDX
8. VK2YL
9. VK7PJM
10. VK3ACZ
11. VK4SMA
12. VK3KRL

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK3ALF
2. VK4XO

This was just a quick activation for us, as we had endured a long day and were keen to get home.

References.

1. Department for Environment and Heritage, 2007, Totness Recreation Park Management Plan
2. published.collections.slsa.sa.gov.au. (n.d.). A Compendium of the Place Names of South Australia. [online] Available at: https://published.collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/placenamesofsouthaustralia/.
3. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2024). Totness Recreation Park. Wikipedia.‌
4. Wikipedia Contributors (2025). John Dunn (miller). Wikipedia.‌

Unfortunately, August was a busy month for me, and I did not activate any VKFF parks, nor did I undertake a lot of hunting.

However, I did manage the two certificates below for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) August Activity Month.

Thanks to the organisers and those who headed out to activate.

Yesterday, I received via email the Certificate of Appreciation below from the Voice of Indonesia.

On 2025 National Wattle Day, I headed out to activate the Cox Scrub Conservation Park. As a result of activating a VKFF park on this day, I received a special certificate.

Over the past couple of days, I received the 2 QSL cards below in the mail: Ghana in Africa, and Wake Island.