Rookwood Cemetery Discoveries

 As we approach Police Remembrance Day, let's take the time to reflect on the dangers of enforcing the law and remember those who have died in the line of duty. Today's blog honours the short Police career of a young 22-year-old man who died just as life was starting for him. LIONEL GEORGE GUISE Lionel was the only son of Lionel Guise (Snr) and his wife in 1916, born in Parkes in the central west of NSW. He joined the NSW Police Force on the 22nd of November 1937 and was sworn in on the 21st January 1938. In early 1939 Lionel was as serving out of Newtown Police Station. Lionel George Guise in Police uniform - from photo on find-a-grave.  On the evening of the 26th of February 1939, Lionel, in plain clothes, and another officer, Sergeant Werner, were patrolling the Newtown area when they received notification of a possible break and enter offence occurring in nearby Marion Street. When attending the scene, the Police stopped their vehicle beside a truck which they were...

  I mentioned in last week's blog that this week I would steer clear of a tragedy and include a story of inspiration. This man's name is seen on an old building I pass every time I take the train to Sydney CBD. FRANCIS CRAGO Francis was born in January 1848 in Liskeard, Cornwall, England, the third son of four of William Crago and Elizabeth (nee Tamblyn). His only two sisters had died in infancy prior to his birth. The family were of farming stock and the sons followed their father in that field. All were educated and could read and write. His eldest brother, Petherick, immigrated to Australia with his new wife, Ann in June 1858 just a few months after their marriage. He did so to undertake employment offered by the Government in Yass. Petherick could see the opportunities for his family in this colony which was rapidly expanding due to the gold rush and the industrial revolution and duly sponsored the rest of his family to come to Australia. They arrived in Sydney on boa...

 The past week has been filled with memorials and tributes to the head of the British Monarchy, the only one most of us have known in our lives. Her life was one of service and dedication. Today's blog is about another noble person who served his Country in War and in Peace.  RUSTON GEORGE STEPHENSON Ruston Stephenson was born in Tumbarumba in regional NSW in 1886 to Ruston and Julia. He joined the NSW Police Force in 1912.  On 1st August 1916 when he held the rank of Second Class Constable, at almost 30 years of age and 6ft 2 inches, Ruston enlisted in the AIF and served in France as a member of the 58th Battalion.  Ruston George Stephenson - image from AWM records During his time in the Army Ruston was wounded in action during the second Battle of Bullecourt in May 1917 sustaining a gunshot wound in the right eye and a further injury in July 1918 with a gunshot wound to the right leg, both injuries requiring hospitalisation in France. Stephenson was admitted to hos...