|
|
This is not an official site.
The first official State Police badge of
N.S.W:
the New South Wales Police Force "Queen
Victoria Crown" helmet plate.
Circa 1862.
The New South Wales Police Force,"Queen Victoria Crown", roundel
helmet plate was issued soon after the formation of the New South Wales Police Force, by the Police Regulation Act, No.
16, on 1st March,1862. This Act consolidated nearly all of the disperate Police
Forces in the Colony of New South Wales, into one centralised body.
However, this beautifully engraved, custom made, helmet
plate was eventually replaced by a new, military style, QVC helmet plate (see N.S.W. Police Force page); probably due to the fact that it did not follow Royal protocol, by having the crown at highest point
of the badge. * N.S.W.'s first official State
Police badge and Australia's rarest; only two original examples are known to have survived. One is at the Justice
and Police Museum in Sydney and the other in a private collection.
Foreword.
This beautiful, "New South Wales Police"
roundel helmet plate (above) was the first officially designed and custom made, state Police badge of the Australian
Colony's newly formed: New South Wales Police Force.
The Police Regulation Act, No.16 of 1862, finally consolidated the
organisation, control, administration and powers of all Police authority in the Colony of New South Wales, into one centralised
body. A previous attempt at unified control of all
Police in New South Wales, under an Inspector General, had been made in 1850 with Act No.38, but unfortunately this act
was repealed in 1852 with Act No.33; apparently due to some overseas imperial politics of the time. This new act
combined the NSW Metropolitan Police, the Sydney Foot Police, the Mounted Police, Water Police, Mounted Patrols, Gold
Escorts, Native Police, Bench Constables, Night Watchmen and
His Excellency the Governor's Mounted Escort, into one Force; all reporting to an " Inspector General
of Police".
South Australia formed a "Constabulary" in 1838. Victoria began
to consolidate their "Constabulary" in 1853. Queensland centralised their Police forces in 1863. Western Australia enacted the
Police Act of 1892 and Tasmania amalgamated their various Police Forces in 1899. Up until then, various styles and
pieces of generic British military type uniforms, badges and helmet plates, tipstaves and paper warrants had been used
as a means of indentification by these disparate law enforcement bodies of the time; many wore no insignia or uniform at all.
Below is a studio photograph of Senior Sergeant Charles Dalton, wearing the "full
dress" uniform of the New South Wales Police Governor's Escort (Orderlies); a "carte de viste" by Freeman & Co, circa
1880. (An even earlier studio photograph of Dalton in uniform, also taken by Freeman in 1876, appears
on the N.S.W. Police Force page).
Dalton was born in St. Lukes, London, England in 1832 and served with the 8th King's Royal "Irish"
Hussars during the Crimea War; including the Charge of the Light Brigade and the Indian Mutiny. The uniform he is
wearing in this photo, looks similar to that of a Senior Sergeant in the King's 8th, however,
the white, British style, "foreign service" helmet next to him, interestingly bears the first N.S.W. Police helmet plate;
as illustrated above. It is this author's opinion, that Dalton may have fashioned his N.S.W. Police uniform on that
of his old military unit. Commissioned Officer's in the N.S.W. Police Force and other Police Forces in Australia, soon
began to wear and would continue wear subdued, "hussar" style, undress jackets, from the 1880's up until
the 1940's.
Dalton had a very interesting life. After service in India, it seems Dalton may have officially travelled to
Australia on board the P&O mail steamer, S.S. "Northam", as "escort" to the newly appointed NSW Administrator
and soon to be, Governor in Chief of Australia, Lord John Young and his wife, Lady Adelaide (Annabelle Tuite-Dalton)
Young. They arrived in Sydney in 1861 and Dalton, it was reported, fell in love with Australia.
In 1862, and most likely pursuant to new Police Regulation Act of 1862, Dalton was officially discharged from
H.R.H military forces, after 12 years and 70 days service, with the "Good Conduct badge"; possibly whilst still on active
service at the Governor's pleasure. He and his elite, mounted troopers (known as "the Governor's Escort" ) were to
become one of the last of the disparate " law enforcement" bodies in N.S.W, to be officially amalgamated into the newly formed:
New South Wales Police Force. He became officer No. 1342 and was then transferred to the Western District;
stationed in Goulburn. In 1864, seemingly under the advice or at least with the approval of Governor Young, his
duties were transferred back to Sydney, to the old "Police Depot" and specifically to the "Governor's Escort / Orderlies".
The old "Police Depot" is where Police troopers for the "Governor's Escort" (Governor's Orderlies), "Gold Escort",
the "Mint" and the "South East District" were then stationed or accounted for; and where, interestingly, Sydney Central
Rail Station, in George Street, now stands.
After the attempted assassination of the visiting Prince Alfred, whilst he was attending a picnic at Clontarf
on the 12th March, 1868, Dalton was ordered to full-time, duty at Government House, as guard to the "Royal Personage".
He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on the 1st July, 1868 and on the 6th March,
1869, was assigned the title of "Officer In Charge" of the N.S.W. Police "Governor's Escort". He was officially promoted
to "Senior Sergeant" on the 1st June, 1878; although it is believed he was "acting" in that rank from, at least, circa
1876.
Dalton and his family (and four other N.S.W. Police "Mounted Troopers") moved into and occupied
the "Government House Household Cavalry" building and stables ( now known as the "Conservatorium of Music") from
where, over the next 20 years, he commanded this elite troop that would go on to protect the next seven
(7) official Governor's and their families. During those next 20 years, the "upper rooms" of the building, were used by
the Dalton's as their family home and it was from there where most of his ten children, from his marriage
to wife Jessie, were born and raised. Of note: Mrs. Jessie Dalton (nee: Fitz-Simmons), had been employed
on the Governor's staff since at least 1861; and was most likey "Lady In Waiting"
to at least Lady Young. Apparently, she first met Charles Dalton onboard the S.S. "Northam", during her
voyage to Australia, from Great Britain; whilst both part of the entourage of the future Governor and his wife.
The "Government House Household Cavalry Barracks" building is located in
Macquarie Street, Sydney; a beautiful, ornate building specifically designed to house "His Excellency" the Governor's
Escort, et al, by the talented "gentleman convict" architect: Francis Greenway. This building was originally, fully situated inside
"Government House" grounds, but the large ornate entrance gates and small guard house, originally situated across the
top of Hunter Street, were unfortunately moved back in c1960, to accomodate the ramp to the "Cahill Expressway".
This historic,
building is currently being used by Sydney's "Conservatorium of Music".
In 1872, the Dalton's had another daughter, who was named, Antoinette Mary Dalton; my Grandmother was born
at Government House, Sydney, as were six of her other brothers and sisters. (see below)
Dalton became instrumental in the founding of Australia's first official independent
Military Force, the "Sydney Light Horse", because of his access to the then Governor, Lord Loftus. Please see: THE ROYAL N.S.W. LANCERS 1885 -1960. Edited by P.V. Vernon. Available here: http://www.lancers.org.au/
Inspector John Bevin, of the New Zealand Police Force (another 8th Hussar
who "came through" Balaclava; see the "Charger list" (as named above), whilst stationed in Dunedin, had written a
letter of introduction to Charles Dalton, for a Mr. Robert Roland Thompson, who was a former Sergeant of the 4th Dragoon Guards.
It was Dalton's access to then Governor, Lord Loftus, that led to the formation of the first (Volunteer) Australian (Sydney)
Light Horse; and to R.R Thompson becoming it's first adjutant in 1887. Apparently,
the articles for the formation of Australia's first, official Light Horse troop, were written in the Dalton's dining room,
at the now "Conservatorium of Music".
During the excavations for the underground additions for the Conservatorium
of Music site in 2000 (or more appropriately, the Governor's Household Cavalry Barracks site),
many family household and personal items that probably belonged to the Dalton family and issued and marked
Queen Victoria "crowned" items from the N.S.W. Police, (including badges and buttons) were excavated from
this site, and are still there now, on display.
By all reports, Dalton was also an accomplished horse rider and shot and in his early days, had accompanied
Captain Zouch, a fellow N.S.W. Police officer, on his excursions to hunt down bushrangers on the Goulburn plains.
On the 31st October 1889, after more than 25 years with the Governor's escort and the N.S.W. Police Force, Senior
Sergeant Charles Dalton, retired and moved with his family to their new home in Balgowlah.
My Great, Grandfather, Senior Sergeant Charles Dalton died on the 5th February, 1891, after a thrilling,
adventurous and rewarding life.
I am sure there is a unique story behind each and every badge; if only they could talk.
Please enjoy the site.
Mike Neville.
January 21, 2004.
UPDATED: 2004-2010.
The first Australian military troop, the Sydney Light Horse,
made its first "official" public appearance
on the March 3 1885; as honorary escort to Governor Lord Loftus,
to farewell the troops to " the Soudan" (Sudan).
They used "fishing poles" for lancers. Swords and bridles were supplied
courtesy of the NSW POLICE via S/SGT. Dalton;
seen riding on the flank next to the Governor's carriage. Click to enlarge
Travelling down George Street, towards Circular Quay: the first Australian
troop, the volunteer Sydney Light Horse,
made its debut on
the March 3 1885; as escort to Governor Lord Loftus. S/SGT Dalton is seen riding on the flank of the carriage;
next to the Governor.
© Copyright Australian War Memorial. Click
on thumbnail to enlarge.
Click on thumbnail to see detail of the first NSW Police badge (helmet plate).
© Copyright Australian War Memorial, Ozbadge and families.
Senior Sergeant Charles Dalton wearing the uniform of the NSW
Police Governor's Escort;
which is almost identical to that of 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars.
His NSW Police helmet with the first helmet
plate are displayed next to him. Freeman: c1880.
© Copyright Australian War Memorial, Ozbadge and families.
The Dalton family c 1888.
After 25 years with
the NSW Mounted Police at Government House Barracks, Dalton retired and the family moved to Balgowlah.
My Great, Grandfather, Charles Dalton, died in 1891.
Welcome.
Welcome to Ozbadge.com and some very Rare and Historical Australian Police
Badges and Helmet plates. It's a virtual Museum, so enjoy your
tour as we go back in history!
This site is dedicated to the thousands of people "behind the badge" and the the many Law Enforcement Officers around the world who
put their lives on the line every day, in order to protect us and our families and our way of life.
In particular, it
is of course dedicated with thanks to all the dedicated Law Enforcement agent's and officer's of Australia.
Please read the "The User Agreement, Conditions of Use and Disclaimers " below
and then; please enjoy!
This site is continually evolving and submissions of photographs of rare items and
any informational updates and corrections are welcome. Please email photographs
in JPEG format or comments to: ozbadge@aol.com.
There is more to come! Thank you for visiting Ozbadge.com.
Have fun!
Ozbadge and Ozbadge.com:
Australia's Virtual Police Badge Museum.
|
|
|
|
|
Member: Police Insignia Collectors Association of Australia.
Member:
The South Australian Police Historical Society, Inc.
Member: The Western Australia Police Historical Society, Inc.
Member: Northern Territory Police Historical Society and Museum.
Authorised Commemorative Supplier:
Queensland Police Service.
Authorised Commemorative Supplier:
Victoria Police.
Authorised Commemorative Licencee:
NSW Police Force.
Authorised Commemorative Endorsee:
Western Australia Police.
Authorised Historical Insignia Contractor:
Australian Federal Police.
Authorised Historical Badge Supplier:
Northern Territory Police.
CUSTOMER AND USER AGREEMENT, DISCLAIMERS and TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
This is NOT an OFFICIAL site of any kind.
Ozbadge.com is a virtual, online, public museum. It is educational web site; an exhibit of a collection of
images and comment for general public interest, news, historical reference, art, design, research, study,
information, educational purposes, opinion and entertainment and it and its owner/s are in no way associated
with, affiliated with, connected with, sponsored by, employed by or endorsed by any Police or Law Enforcement Department
or Agency; particularly those that are referred to on this site. Except by law.
Ozbadge © is a Police Supporter and Chartible Contributor.
Ozbadge.com and it's owners, contributors and administrators can not, do not and will not guarantee the
accuracy of ANY information contained on this web site. This site is made available to you on an "AS IS" basis and
on the condition/s that we do not accept ANY liability for ANY information or comment contained in or on this web
site, or linked to by this site. The information, opinions and comment expressed on this site are personal opinions only and
are stated on a "to the best of our knowledge at that time" basis and should ONLY be regarded as such; particularly with
regards to dates, rarity and values. Information and comment on this site is provided WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY of any
kind whatsoever. The user of this site assumes the full and entire risk and responsibility as to the accuracy and the use
of this document. History is full of inaccuracies, so is this site, so please email us with any additional information or corrections
to any inaccuracies you may discover and/or updates and we will endeavour to correct them.
Please also remember that badges, accoutrements and uniforms are not legal warrants and that the images on
this site are not neccesarily taken from real items and that all of the "images" on this site, it is believed, are
of obsolete items which have historical value.
Just because a badge, accoutrement, uniform or part thereof is on this site, does not mean
anyone physically owns it or possesses it. Many images have been computer generated, totally created, manipulated
or enhanced from reference. Others have been donated, some anonymously, by collectors or obtained from
museums from around the world; including the Australian National Archives and Australian War Memorial. The numbers on all
the badges are fictitious. Some of the badge designs displayed on this web site may be subject to the Copyright laws of
the Australian Government and/or their respective State Governments and/or agencies or others; including Ozbadge. The Australian Coat of Arms is © Copyright: Commonwealth of Australia 2010.
The "Queen's Crown" or "Saint Edward's Crown" is displayed on insignia strictly by, Royal Warrant of HRH Queen Elizabeth II,
of the United Kingdom: The Royal Household © Copyright 2010.
Also, please check your local laws to determine whether it is legal for you to collect or possess
Police Insignia, if you do, as heavy penalties may apply. Unfortunately, some states and agencies still make it
illegal for anyone, including Police officers, to collect or possess any Police Insignia without authorisation; no matter
how old or obsolete it is.
Please also NOTE that in most countries around the world, it is a SERIOUS OFFENSE TO IMPERSONATE
A POLICE OFFICER or AGENT.
None of the contributors to the site, named or otherwise, have any responsibility or
liability for the site or any say in its content; whatsoever.
NOTHING is for sale, trade or barter from this web site, so please do not even ask.
Any and all product/s and or item/s made by and/or provided by OZBADGE to anyone whatseover
are created, made and provided purely and strictly as artistic representations for collectible framed displays as art
pieces and novelties only and may or may not be, in any way, factually and/or historically correct. If you aquire any
item made or supplied by Ozbadge, anywhere, you also agree, in totality, not to use the item for any unauthorised or illegal
purposes whatsoever and you further agree to indemnify and hold harmless "Ozbadge" for any such actions by you and/or
others. Please check your local laws. Ozbadge, its owners, or any such employees, suppliers, users, and/or its contributors
are not liable to you or anyone else for any loss in connection with any use of this website and/or our products, or associated
web sites or others linked or hyperlinked to or from this website. The term "loss" means any loss or damage, personal injury
or death, however caused (including through negligence), which may have directly or indirectly been suffered.
NOTE:
ANY COMMERCIAL USE OF ANY IMAGE/S AND/OR INFORMATION PUBLISHED BY / OR ON THIS
WEB SITE, IS COPYRIGHT AND EXPRESSLEY PROHIBITED AND STRICTLY SUBJECT TO OUR WRITTEN APPROVAL FOR USE; WHICH MAY
INVOLVE FEE/S AND/OR COMMISSIONS. EMAIL: ozbadge@aol.com
Ozbadge reserves the right not to provide an item, however offered, to anyone; for any reason.
If you do not understand or do not agree to ALL of our disclaimers and ALL of the terms
and conditions of use in totality, please leave the site now, otherwise please proceed and enjoy. Your use of the
"Ozbadge" web site/s and/or/use/or purchase of any Ozbadge product/s constitutes your total acknowledgement, full understanding and
total agreement to all of the disclaimers and all of the (our) terms and conditions of use.
Thank you for visiting Ozbadge.com; Australia's virtual Police badge museum.
This public exhibit, web site and collection of images and accoutrements is pursuant to:
The Commonwealth of Australia Freedom of Information Act 1982. New South
Wales Police Act 1990; as amended, Section 203 (5) (6). The Enhanced US Federal Security Act
of 2000,
Chapter 33, Title 18, Section 3, Sub-section 716(b); also known as US Public
Law 106-547. Michigan State Compiled Laws; Section 750.216a; where applicable, and protected by the US Bill of Rights: Article the third [1st Amendment].
Images, text, products and website where applicable are:
© Copyright: 2004-2010. Ozbadge and Ozbadge.com. All rights reserved.
You must have permission to reproduce anything from or to link to this web site.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
