THE MURDER SQUAD – SOURCE NOTES/FURTHER READING

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY

As noted in The Murder Squad, compelling and comprehensive accounts of Billy MacKay and The Pyjama Girl can be found in:

Evans, Richard. W.J. MacKay and the NSW Police, 1910–1948: A Dangerous Man

Evans, Richard. The Pyjama Girl Mystery, Scribe, Melbourne, 2004

Richard Evans’ appendix also posits that Moxley was innocent of killing Dorothy Denzil and Frank Wilkinson.

For more on Eric Roland Craig – including a theory that a serial killer operated in Sydney and was possibly responsible for some of the park murders, see:

Bretherton, Tanya. The Killing Streets, Hachette, Sydney, 2020

For a vivid dramatized account of William Moxley’s crimes:

Corris, Peter. Mad Dog, New South, Sydney, 2011.

Other sources consulted and/or referenced:

• Barnao, Tony & Lipson. As Crime Goes By, Ironbark, Sydney, 1992
• Barnao, Tony & Lipson, Norm. Nothing But the Truth: The Life and Times of Jack ‘Ace’ Ayling, Ironbark, Sydney, 1993
• Blaikie, George. Remember Smith’s Weekly?, Rigby, Sydney, 1966
• Brien, Steve. Serving the Force: 75 Years of the Police Association of New South Wales 1921–1996, Focus Publishing, Sydney, 1996
• Campbell, Eric. The Rallying Point: My Story of the New Guard, Melbourne University Press, Carlton, 1965
• Cooksey, Robert. Lang and Socialism: A Study in the Great Depression, Australian National University Press, Canberra, 1971
• Doyle, Peter. Crooks Like Us, Historic Houses Trust, Sydney, 2009
• Doyle, Peter. City of Shadows, Historic Houses Trust, Sydney, 2005
• Ellyard, David & Wraxworthy, Richard. The Proud Arch: The Story of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bay Books, Sydney, 1982
• Palgrave Macmillan, ‪Springer International Publishing, Switzerland, 2022
• Foott, Bethia. Dismissal of a Premier: The Philip Game Papers, Morgan Publications, Sydney, 1968.
• Grover, Monty. Hold Page One, Loch Haven Books, Main Ridge, Victoria, 1993‪
• Irving, Terry & Cahill, Rowan. Radical Sydney, UNSW Press, Sydney, 2010‪
• Kelly, Vince. The Charge is Murder, Rigby, Adelaide, 1965
• Kelly, Vince. The Shadow: The Amazing Exploits of Frank Fahy, Angus and Robertson, Sydney, 1954
• Lalor, Peter. The Bridge, Allen & Unwin, Sydney, 2005
• Lang, J.T. I Remember, Invincible Press, Sydney, 1956
• Lang, J.T. The Great Bust: The Depression of the Thirties, Angus and Robertson, Sydney, 1962
• Lang, J.T. The Turbulent Years, Alpha Books, Sydney, 1970
• Lindsay, Patrick. True Blue: 150 Years of Service and Sacrifice of the NSW Police Force, HarperCollins, Sydney, 2012
• Lowenstein, Wendy. Weevils In The Flour: An Oral Record of the 1930s Depression in Australia, Scribe Publications, Carlton, 1978
• Moore, Andrew. Francis De Groot: Irish Fascist, Australian Legend, The Federation Press, Sydney, 2005
• Nairn, Bede. The ‘Big Fella’: Jack Lang and the Australian Labor Party 1891–1949, Melbourne University Press, Carlton, 1986
• Spearitt, Peter. The Sydney Harbour Bridge: A Life, Allen & Unwin, Sydney, 1982
• Stone, Gerald. 1932: A Hell of a Year, Pan Macmillan, Sydney, 2005
• Turner, Ian. Sydney’s Burning: An Australian Political Conspiracy, Alpha Books, Sydney, 1967
• Writer, Larry. Razor, Pan Macmillan, Sydney, 2001

NEWSPAPER SOURCES

Information for The Murder Squad came from files held by the National Archives of Australia, the New South Wales State Archives Collection, the Public Record Office of Victoria, the Queensland State Archives and the National Film and Sound Archive, while family history information was accessed through Ancestry.com.au.

But the majority of the narrative is based on contemporaneous newspaper reports found at the National Library of Australia’s marvellous Trove database – which is a vital historic and cultural asset we should protect and cherish. If you want to read the original reports, which contain far more detail than I could fit into The Murder Squad, simply type the relevant headline noted below into the search function found at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/search/category/newspapers

PROLOGUE

1                 Cutting off the young woman’s head: ‘Murdered Girl May Be From Newcastle; Woman to See Body’, The Sun, 3 September 1934: 9.

1                 Those floating, spongy fingers were a revolting spectacle in court: ‘Solving of the Murrumbidgee River Mystery’, Daily Advertiser, 28 February 1934: 3.

1                 It’s true she’d been attractive in life: ‘Pyjama Girl: Charred Body In Culvert’, The Sun, 2 September 1934: 1.

2                 The girl was bludgeoned: ‘Pyjama Girl Verdict’, The Sun, 18 January 1938:

CHAPTER ONE

4–5            Death could come at any moment: ‘General News’, The Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser, 16 December 1898: 2; ‘Little Boy Drowned’, Chronicle (Adelaide), 17 December 1898: 18; ‘Sad Fatal Accident’, Southern Argus, 15 December 1898: 3.

4                 Tom McRae learned this as a twelve-year-old lad: Australia, Birth Index, 1788–1922; NSW Police Service Register, Thomas McRae, 9357, NSW State Archives.

4                 most of the town’s population, young and old alike, couldn’t swim: Simpson, Brian; Strathalbyn 1839 – 2006, as referenced in the downloadable pamphlet, Strathalbyn Theatrical-Historical Tour – Down by the Riverside:

Click to access down-by-the-riverside-booklet-2017-lq.pdf

5                 The McRaes were a pioneering family in the district: Tom’s grandfather Duncan had migrated to South Australia in 1840.

5                 Tom, his five siblings: Ancestry.com.au family tree: https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/113725880/person/380114707371/facts McRae would have three other siblings, who were born after Don’s death in 1898.

5                 A week later, a swimming association was formed: ‘The Southern Districts’, The Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser, 23 December 1898: 3.

5                 Tom grew to stand half an inch shy of six feet: NSW Police Service Register, Thomas McRae, 9357, NSW State Archives.

5                 After finishing school, he became a bootmaker: 1909 Electoral Roll, Indi, Yackandandah, lists ‘Thomas Walter McRae’ as bootmaker; as best can be established, there were no other people so named in Australia at this time. Also, SA newspaper references to ‘T.W. McRae’ cease at this time.

5                 Tom was a sporting man: ‘Sporting News’, The Advertiser, 3 November 1906: 12; ‘Langhorne’s Greek Sports’, Southern Argus, 7 March 1907: 3; ‘Hoyleton Institute’, Chronicle,22 August 1908: 13; ‘Sporting News’, The Advertiser,7 May 1908: 9.

5                 On their marriage certificate: Marriage Certificate, 2565/1911, dated 11^th February 1911, registered 28 February 1911, accessed from NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. But there is no record of him having been a soldier at Victoria Barracks at this time.

5–6            McRae… training at the Bourke Street Academy in Redfern: General details sourced from Lindsay, Patrick. True Blue: 150 Years of Service and Sacrifice of the NSW Police Force, HarperCollins, 2012.

6                 McRae was posted to the little village of Cooma: ‘Tragic Death’, The Bombala Times, 24 January 1913: 2; The Manaro Mercury, and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser, 12 May 1913: 3.

6                 police were expected to work unlimited hours: Brien, Steve. Serving the Force: 75 Years of the Police Association of New South Wales 1921–1996, Focus Publishing, 1996.

6                 In 1912 the New South Wales police had just one motorcar: Lindsay, p290.

6                 Communications were also primitive: ‘Cooma Municipal Council’, The Manaro Mercury, and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser, 8 February 1918: 2.

7                 When McRae wasn’t working: ‘Rifle Shooting’, The Manaro Mercury, and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser, 8 May 1914: 2; ‘Presbyterian Bazaar’, The Manaro Mercury, and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser, 10 July 1914: 2; ‘Society’, The Manaro Mercury, and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser, 15 May 1914: 2.

7                 When the Great War broke out in 1914: ‘Police Not To Enlist’, The Daily Telegraph, 12 August 1915: 3.

7                 A particular loss… Ted Larkin: Brien, Steve. Serving the Force: 75 Years of the Police Association of New South Wales 1921–1996, Focus Publishing, 1996.

7                 The inspector general transferred McRae from Cooma to Queanbeyan: ‘Presentation’, The Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer, 2 May 1916: 2.

7                 Tom and Mildred soon settled into their new home: ‘Presbyterian Flower Show’, The Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer, 28 April 1916: 2; ‘Presbyterian Honor Board’, The Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer, 15 August 1916: 2.

7                 An uncanny echo of his own childhood tragedy: ‘Two Little Toddlers Stray Off To The River’, The Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer, 4 July 1916: 2.

8                 Note of frustration: ‘Advertising’, The Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer, 22 December 1916: 3.

8                 McRae’s brother Archie: National Archives of Australia, B244, McRae, JA, Item 1959872.

8–9            McRae was on the case… ‘tackled the job’: ‘Orbost Petty Sessions’, The Bombala Times 19 October 1917: 6; ‘Eden Police Court’, The Twofold Bay Magnet : and South Coast and Southern Monaro Advertiser, 6 August 1917: 3; ‘DISMISSAL OF McRAE ‘TOO SEVERE’’ The Sun, 10 December 1940: 3.

9                 In February 1916, 5000 Australian soldiers: ‘RIOTING’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 February 1916: 9.

9                 The state’s police were also put to political uses: Turner, Ian. Sydney’s Burning: An Australian Political Conspiracy, Alpha Books, Sydney, 1967.

9                 McRae got a taste of city policing: ‘Personal’, The Twofold Bay Magnet : and South Coast and Southern Monaro Advertiser, 12 November 1917: 4.

9                 Wanting to ensure the loyalty of cops: ‘The Police And The Strike’, Tweed Daily, 9 October 1917: 3.

10               In April 1918, the McRaes were uprooted yet again: ‘Appointments’, Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales 31 May 1918: 2560; ‘Personal’, The Twofold Bay Magnet : and South Coast and Southern Monaro Advertiser, 29 April 1918: 4.

10              In July 1919, Burrinjuck: ’Local and Genera’, The Yass Courier, 28 July 1919: 2.

10               In January 1921 a new life for the couple: ‘Government Gazette Appointments and Employment’, Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales, 14 January 1921: 105.

10–11        there had been many changes in Sydney policing: Lindsay, Patrick. True Blue: 150 Years of Service and Sacrifice of the NSW Police Force, HarperCollins, 2012.

11               they lived in a house called Oakleigh: ‘Family Notices’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 March 1923: 13.

11               McRae’s city work was more exciting: Examples: abortion; ‘Verdict Of Murder’, The Sun, 16 February 1921: 9; manslaughter; ‘Manslaughter’, New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime, 1 February 1922: 62.

11               Tom and Mildred named her Joyce. Sadly, she lived just ten days: Joyce McRae, Death Certificate, NSW Births, Deaths And Marriages, 2319/1922.

11               McRae arrested a returned soldier: ‘Manslaughter’, New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime, 30 August 1922: 477.

12               a man was bashed to death in Centennial Park: ‘Park Murder’, The Sun, 9 November 1922: 7; ‘Who Killed Mclennan?’, The Sun, 19 June 1923: 9; NAA: B2455, O’Reilly Sylvester Patrick.

12               Mildred had committed suicide: ‘Death From Gas Poisoning’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 March 1923: 10; ‘Woman Found Dead’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 March 1923: 16; ‘Her Only Child’, Evening News, 9 March 1923: 8.

12               Yet her despair might not only have been about her dead children: ‘Charges Against ‘The Lady In Grey’, Truth, 17 November 1940: 19; ‘McRae Gives Evidence’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 November 1940: 5.

13               By August 1924, McRae was back in action: ‘Suspects Chased By Police’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 August 1924: 10.

13               Robert Audley: ‘Missing Friends’, New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime, 16 December 1925: 662; ‘Has Anyone Seen Him?’, The Labor Daily, 21 April 1926: 1; ‘Home To Father’, Evening News, 22 June 1926: 9; ‘Alleged Stolen Car’, National Advocate, 15 July 1927: 3.

13               In July 1926, McRae was back: ‘Buried Treasure’, The Sun, 28 July 1926: 9; ‘Sydney Constable’s Curiosity Leads to the Downfall of Wharf-Pillaging Gang’, Smith’s Weekly, 28 May 1927: 9.

14               McRae used similar methods when a middle-aged creep: ‘Amazing Plot For Blackmail Alleged’, Truth, 17 February 1929: 13; ‘Amazing Sequel to Man’s Trip with Women’, Truth, 14 April 1929: 15.

14               McRae was promoted to detective-sergeant: ‘Police Promotions’, The Sun, 23 October 1928: 2.

14              In the space of a few weeks in early 1929: ‘Mag Got Me’, The Sun, 4 February 1929: 13; ‘Manslaughter’, NSW Police Gazette, 13 Feb 1929.

CHAPTER TWO

15              Labor premier Jack Lang believed its shadow loomed: Lang, J.T. The Great Bust: The Depression of the Thirties, Angus and Robertson, Sydney, 1962: 114–116.

15              Overnight, 15,000 men: ‘The Lockout On The Coalfields’, The Australian Worker, 20 February 1929: 13.

15              timber workers were locked out: ‘Back To The Longer Working Week!’, The Australian Worker, 2 January 1929: 13.

16              Vera Stirling wouldn’t have elicited much sympathy: NSW State Archives Collection, Gaol Inmates/Prisoners Photos Index 1870–1930; Item No: [3/6005] | Digital ID: IE318786 | Series: NRS2496 | Page No: 43 | Photo No: 249 – this record shows Vera had 18 convictions by the start of 1916.

16–17;

19–23        Details of Vera Stirling case: ‘Mystery Murder in Hyde Park’, The Sun, 22 March 1929: 24;‘Hands Bound’, The Sun, 22 March 1929: 13;‘Dead With Tied Hands’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 March 1929: 16;‘Woman In It?’, The Sun, 23 March 1929: 7;‘Park Tragedy’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 March 1929: 17;‘Old Derelict’s Death Baffles Police’, The Labor Daily, 23 March 1929: 1;‘Lonely Woman Was Victim of Silk Stocking Murderer’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 March 1929: 3;‘Brutal Strangling Hides Amazing Story’, Truth, 24 March 1929: 1;‘Mystery’, Sunday Times, 24 March 1929: 2;‘Park Tragedy’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 March 1929: 11;‘Where Are They?’, Sunday Times; 31 March 1929: 1;‘Hyde Park Tragedy’, The Sydney Morning Herald; 20 April 1929: 18.

17              William Parker Prior: family information from https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/152457019/person/432020434018/facts

17              because he was serving in the Boer War: Prior’s letters home were published in NSW newspapers; examples: ‘Letters From Privates G. Grey And Parker Prior’, The Kiama Independent, and Shoalhaven Advertiser,30 January 1900: 2; ‘Letters From The Front’, The Kiama Reporter and Illawarra Journal, 7 February 1900: 2.

17              Sergeant Walter Childs established the Fingerprint Division: ‘Walter Henry Childs – Law and order in the pioneering days of NSW’, Australian Police website, https://www.australianpolice.com.au/nsw-police-history-index/police-commissioners-of-nsw/walter-henry-childs/

17              In early 1904, a Sydney burglar: ‘Finger-Print Proofs’, Truth, 10 January 1904: 4.

18              Newtown’s streets were among Sydney’s meanest: ‘Assaulting A Constable’, The Daily Telegraph, 28 December 1907: 16.

18              Truth newspaper characterised this particular verdict: ‘Joseph Frazer Charged With Indecent Assault On A Child. The Jury Think Ex-Constable Taylor And Constable Prior Were Guilty Of Perjury’, Truth, 12 February 1911: 3.

18              Prior’s brother Claude had been killed in France: family information from Ancestry.com.au; and NAA, B2455, Item ID8022356.

18              Prior’s forty-year-old wife, Lily, was among the eighteen to die: ‘18 Deaths’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 2 April 1919: 13.; ‘Family Notices’, The Sydney Morning Herald 26 April 1919: 16.

18–19        Roy Prior…suffered a fatal skull fracture: ‘Under A Tram’, The Sun, 19 June 1920: 5; ‘Obituary’, Singleton Argus, 3 July 1920: 4.

19              Prior had risen during his time of grief: ‘Five New Detectives’, The Sun, 11 April 1919: 7.

19              Prior enjoyed further promotions: ‘Promotions’, Government Gazette of NSW, 25 January 1929, Issue No 10.

20              The coroner had only last year been promoted to his position: Mr May’s father had been Gloucester’s first policeman, and had been involved in catching murderers; ‘Reminiscences from Bygone Days’, The Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Observer, 25 October 1929: 9; ‘May Comes To Stay’, Truth, 13 May 1928: 12.

20              Heads bent to notebooks, they stood beside: I owe this evocative image to Peter Doyle’s curation of the evocative Justice & Police Museum ‘City of Shadows’ exhibition, and Peter’s excellent book of the same name.

21              Mount Stokes: ‘Mount Stokes’ Hyde Park, Disappearing’, The Labor Daily, 4 April 1930: 4.

21              With an official media unit decades away: details on the nature of the cop-journalist relationship structure found in: Grover, Monty. Hold Page One, Loch Haven Books, Main Ridge, Victoria, 1993‪; Barnao, Tony & Lipson. As Crime Goes By, Ironbark, Sydney, 1992; Barnao, Tony & Lipson, Norm. Nothing But the Truth: The Life and Times of Jack ‘Ace’ Ayling, Ironbark, Sydney, 1993.

21              The Sun’s police roundsman, Bill Carrick: ‘Death Of Popular Journalist’, The Sun, 9 April 1947: 3.

21              The Sydney Morning Herald’s reporterSelwyn Speight: Selwyn Speight interviewed by Mel Pratt for the Mel Pratt collection [sound recording], 1974, National Library of Australia.

23              Selina Stanley murder: ‘Murder?’, The Sun, 8 May 1929: 14; ‘Woman’s Body Found on Vacant Allotment’, The Daily Telegraph, 8 May 1929: 3; ‘Murdered’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 May 1929: 11; ‘Victim Of Foul Play’, The Labor Daily, 9 May 1929: 6; ‘Murdered In Paddock’, The Daily Telegraph, 9 May 1929: 3; ‘Derelict’s End A Mystery’, The Daily Telegraph, 10 May 1929: 2; ‘Woman’s Death’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 May 1929: 18; ‘Derelict Victim Of Vile Human Monster’, Truth, 12 May 1929: 26; ‘Man Held’, The Sun, 18 May 1929: 3; ‘Verdict Of Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 May 1929: 13.

CHAPTER THREE

25              MacKay background: In addition to newspaper articles cited, I’m indebted to Richard Evans for his authoritative book: Evans, Richard. W.J. MacKay and the NSW Police, 1910–1948: A Dangerous Man, Palgrave Macmillan, ‪Springer International Publishing, Switzerland, 2022, which helped me cut through Big Bill’s mythmaking.

25               MacKay: ‘Mackay: Friend And Enemy Of N.S.W. Crooks’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 December 1945: 12; ‘Constable To Commissioner In 25 Years’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 January 1948: 4.

26              MacKay’s official role was limited: Turner, Ian. Sydney’s Burning: An Australian Political Conspiracy, Alpha Books, Sydney, 1967.

26              in the leftist press he was later blamed: ‘How They Worked The I.W.W Frame-Up’, The Workers’ Weekly, 18 October 1929: 3.

26              MacKay took shorthand notes at IWW speeches: ‘Guilty Or Not Guilty?’, The Australian Worker, 4 April 1918: 5.

26              MacKay read his notes at trial: ‘I. W. W.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 October 1916: 8.

26              IWW case outcomes: Turner, Ian. Sydney’s Burning: An Australian Political Conspiracy, Alpha Books, Sydney, 1967.

27              Inspector General Mitchell cited him as having been instrumental: Evans, Richard. W.J. MacKay and the NSW Police, 1910–1948: A Dangerous Man

27              MacKay had an excellent training… against militant workers: ‘Meet Mackay’, The Workers’ Weekly, 13 September 1929: 1.

27              But MacKay also united workers: Serving The Force, p18; MacKay and Constable Bertram Fortescue were the key men behind the push; which resulted in the association being formed in 1921

27              MacKay’s ascent continued and promotions: Evans, Richard. W.J. MacKay and the NSW Police, 1910–1948: A Dangerous Man

27              Darlinghurst, or ‘Razorhurst’, as it was known: ‘Unenviable Reputation of King’s Cross’, The Sun, 9 May 1928: 13. William Dovey, McRae’s later courtroom nemesis, was credited with coming up with the name ‘Razorhurst’.

27              MacKay endorsed calls for more police and more police powers: Evans, Richard. W.J. MacKay and the NSW Police, 1910–1948: A Dangerous Man

27              A later Daily Telegraph profile: ‘Mackay: Friend And Enemy Of N.S.W. Crooks’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 December 1945: 12.

28              Big Bill was made CIB Chief: ‘New C.I.B. Chief’, Evening News, 20 January 1928: 7; ‘New C.I.B. Chief Is Young Man Of Ability’, The Daily Telegraph, 21 January 1928: 7.

28              Big Bill turned … Frank Fahy into ‘The Shadow’: Kelly, Vince. The Shadow: The Amazing Exploits of Frank Fahy, Angus and Robertson, Sydney, 1954. The exact timing of Fahy’s recruitment as ‘Shadow’ is difficult to pin down; it likely happened around 1921–22.

29              Moxley was born Silas William Moxley: Australia, Birth Index, 1788–1922; page number 18510, Registration number 009587.

29              His father, Walter, was… shot in the stomach: ‘A Bundaberg Tragedy’, The North Queensland Register, 1 September 1902: 22.

29              according to reports of their 1904 divorce: ‘Divorce Case’, The Brisbane Courier, 25 March 1904: 5; ‘Divorce Case’, The Telegraph, 24 March 1904: 2.

29              Moxley… blew little Donald out of this world: ‘Tragedy at Arneliffe’, Evening News, 28 January 1910: 7; ‘Fatalities And Accidents’, The Daily Telegraph, 3 February 1910: 9; ‘Gun Against a Fence’, Evening News, 4 February 1910: 4.

29              Moxley worked as telephone attendant: ‘Moxley Wills Body’; The Daily Telegraph, 12 August 1932: 1.

29              In 1917 he worked as a ‘scab’ tram conductor: Public Service Record, NSW State Archives Collection, NRS-12922-1-[11/16677]-[417]. This shows Moxley lied about his date of birth, claiming it as 13 March 1896, so he’d appear 21.

29              Moxley enlisted in the AIF:AIF Military Record, B2455, Moxley, William; ID 7989301.

30              Ada gave birth to a boy they named Douglas: ‘Sentences’, The Brisbane Courier, 21 May 1921: 13.

30              Moxley… embarking on a new career as a crook: Moxley, William Cyril, INX-84-34119, Gaol Inmates/Prisoners Photos Index 1870–1930, page 190, NSW State Archives.

30              In April 1921, trying his hand in Brisbane: ‘A Daring Deed’, Truth, 22 May 1921: 10; ‘Sensational Robbery’, The Telegraph, 7 May 1921: 9; ‘At The Police Court’, The Telegraph, 7 May 1921: 9; ‘Arrest Made’, Daily Standard, 7 May 1921: 7; ‘Daring Robbery’, The Daily Mail, 17 May 1921: 8; ‘Sentences’, The Brisbane Courier, 21 May 1921: 13.

30              Moxley was soon afterwards arrested: ‘Another Escapee’, The Brisbane Courier, 18 June 1921: 6; ‘Escapee In Court’, The Telegraph, 21 June 1921: 2.

30              Moxley’s luck held in January 1923: ‘House Raided’, The Sun, 22 January 1923: 7.

31              Moxley becoming MacKay’s fizgig: ‘Mackay: Friend And Enemy Of N.S.W. Crooks’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 December 1945: 12.

31              Steal or starve: ‘Steal Or Starve’, Evening News, 10 March 1923: 3; ‘Twenty Charges’, The Sun, 9 March 1923: 8.

31              Moxley was released in July 1925: Moore, William (alias Moxley), INX-84-39941, Gaol Inmates/Prisoners Photos Index 1870–1930, Item No 2/6115, page 211; ‘“Cat” Burglar’, The Sun, 3 November 1925: 10; ‘City Robbery’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 October 1925: 10.

31              Moxley was noted as an ‘expert house and shop breaker’: ‘Government Gazette Notices’, New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime, 4 June 1930: 1.

32              MacKay – the ‘comet of the State Police Force’: ‘The Mirror of Truth’, Truth, 10 February 1929: 12.

32              MacKay wanted to ‘get back into harness’: ‘Mac. The Mystery’, Truth, 14 April 1929: 1.

32              MacKay personally supervised the raid on Trades Hall: ‘Bolt From The Blue For Strike Picket Leaders’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 July 1929: 2; ‘Conspiracy Alleged’, The Australian Worker, 28 August 1929: 18; ‘Who Were The Real Conspirators?’, The Workers’ Weekly, 15 November 1929: 2.

32               Jock Garden. A fellow firebrand Scot: Bede Nairn, ‘Garden, John Smith (Jock) (1882–1968)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/garden-john-smith-jock-6274/text10811, published first in hardcopy 1981.

32              As Ray Blissett, then a constable and later a superintendent: Blissett, nicknamed the ‘Blizzard’, would be credited with using ‘unorthodox methods’ to clean up Glebe in the 1930s; Ray Blissett interviewed by Keith Amos in the New Guard collection, NLA; ‘‘Blizzard’ Of 1930’s Retires’, The Canberra Times, 10 January 1968: 11.

33              A headline in The Workers’ Weekly on 2 August 1929: ‘BLACK AND TANS’, The Workers’ Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1923 – 1939), 2 August 1929: 6.

33               In September 1929, Bavin’s government: ‘The Bill Explained’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 September 1929: 14.

33              MacKay was promoted to first-class inspector: ‘Police Promotions’, The Newcastle Sun, 24 September 1929: 5.

34               Promises to… lock up Rothbury colliery owner and caricature capitalist John ‘The Baron’ Brown: ‘Federal Elections’, Daily Advertiser, 20 September 1929: 2; ‘“Told You So”’, The Sun, 14 August 1929: 12.

34               But Premier Bavin wasn’t willing to wait: ‘Essential Services Could Carry on Till Xmas in Event of General Coal Strike’, The Sun, 19 November 1929: 13.

34               In the early hours of Monday 16 December 1929, some 5000 miners: ‘Picketing’, The Maitland Daily Mercury, 14 December 1929: 2; ‘Rothbury Mine. Workers’ Camp And Police’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 14 December 1929: 17; ‘Army of 5000 Miners Advancing on Rothbury’, The Daily Telegraph, 16 December 1929: 3; ‘Amazing Scene When Police Fire Scattered Charging Mob’, The Newcastle Sun, 16 December 1929: 7; ‘One Miner Killed–Many Injured in Rothbury Riots’, The Sun, 16 December 1929: 1.

34               The police had fired 122 shots: ‘Did Miners Intend to Fire Shots at Weaver?’, The Sun, 13 February 1930: 14.

35               ‘unflinching courage’: ‘Whistle Blows’, The Sun, 17 December 1929: 1;

‘remarkable forbearance’: ‘The Attack’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 17 December 1929: 11; ‘swashbuckling minister’, ‘here comes the murderer!’: ‘Lang Moves Censure On Bavin For Rothbury Massacre’, The Labor Daily, 18 December 1929: 5; ‘Premier’s Statement’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 December 1929: 19.

35              Tens of thousands of unionists: ‘Demonstration’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 December 1929: 15; ‘They Ran’, The Sun, 18 December 1929: 6; ‘Davies, M.L.A., Calls Weaver ‘Murderer!’, The Labor Daily, 18 December 1929: 1.

36               Chaffey said the police were ‘to be commended: ‘“Did Their Job”’, The Sun, 18 December 1929: 6.

36              Labor’s whip labelled Bavin’s regime: ‘“Basher Govt”’, The Labor Daily,18 December 1929: 1.

36              MacKay… departed Sydney to take control the next day: ‘Still More Police For Rothbury’, The Labor Daily, 17 December 1929: 6.

36              Big Bill himself was in the thick of it: ‘Coalfields At High Tension With Grave Rumors’, The Labor Daily, 10 January 1930: 1; ‘Police Assault Miner – Inspector Mackay Again’, The Workers’ Weekly, 17 January 1930: 5.

36              MacKay was given free rein to recruit seventy Sydney officers: ‘Asks What Happened To Mackay’ The Daily Telegraph, 15 June 1938: 5.

36               400 war veterans establishing the Labour Defence Army ‘Returned Soldiers’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 8 January 1930: 15.

37               The flying squad arrived from Cessnock: ‘At Kurri’, The Sun, 15 January 1930: 1; ‘“Cease Bashing!” Plead Sergeants of Police’, The Labor Daily, 16 January 1930: 1.

37               Relief was also used as a weapon: ‘200 Refusals’, The Sun, 16 January 1930: 15; ‘Refused Dole’, The Newcastle Sun, 16 January 1930: 7.

37               When the inquest was held in February: ‘The Verdict. Rothbury Riot.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 February 1930: 11.

38               Miners’ Federation voted to go back work: ‘Agreement’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 May 1930: 11.

38               It listed MacKay’s crimes: ‘Bavin Wants Bloody War!’, The Labor Daily, 17 January 1930: 4.

38              MacKay’s report to Walter Childs: ‘Fighting Crime.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 December 1929: 12.

39               The CIB got new, larger offices at Central Police Station: ‘Police Force.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 March 1930: 11; ‘Police Moves’, The Sun, 19 June 1930: 21; ‘Detective Office’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 August 1930: 12; ‘Detectives’ Moving Day’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 August 1930: 16; ‘Government Gazette Notices’, New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime, 24 December 1929: 913; ‘Check On ‘Crooks’’, The Daily Telegraph, 26 October 1931: 1; ‘Checkmate To Criminals’, The Sun, 12 March 1933: 9.

39               There were a few boxes at first but it wouldn’t be long before there were hundreds: Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1929; Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1930; Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1931; Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1932; Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1933.

39              But MacKay went further for his CIB detectives: ‘Not A Charge On Public’, Evening News, 26 August 1930: 9; ‘Police Cafe Man Writes Book’, Italo-Australian, 6 September 1930: 4; ‘Police Court Waiter Claims To Be Prince Of Italy’, The Daily Telegraph, 17 August 1927: 1.

CHAPTER FOUR

41               McRae was off to Barraba: ‘Barraba Mystery’, The Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser, 26 March 1930: 4; ‘Barraba Inquest’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 April 1930: 16; ‘Was It a Plan to End Man’s Life in Cells?’, Truth, 11 May 1930: 14; ‘Seven Years Gaol’, Daily Examiner, 5 May 1930: 5.

41–42 McRae was next in Berry: ‘Murder Charge’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 31 May 1930: 15; ‘Strychnine In Rum’, National Advocate, 14 June 1930: 7; ‘“Not Shielding Me Hang Him!”’, Truth, 7 September 1930: 1.

43              Late in 1930, he was on the case of elderly wool broker Frank Bell: ‘Mr. F. D. Bell’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 November 1930: 10; ‘Open Verdict’, The Sun, 24 November 1930: 8.

43               William Moxley was finally released in August 1929: ‘Government Gazette Notices’, New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime, 11 September 1929: 649.

43               The carpentry trade Moxley had honed: Moxley’s prison records list his occupation as ‘carpenter’. He’d also make a desk for MacKay, likely during his 1925–29 stretch inside, see: ‘Mackay: Friend And Enemy Of N.S.W. Crooks’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 December 1945: 12.

44               ‘Moxley’s scared stiff just now’: Kelly, Vince. The Shadow: The Amazing Exploits of Frank Fahy, Angus and Robertson, Sydney, 1954.

44               Such snitching paid off: ‘Night Chase’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 October 1930: 10; ‘Exciting Motor Chase’, The Propeller, 3 October 1930: 4.

44–45        Moxley was found shot in the head: ‘Fired To Kill’, Daily Pictorial, 13 October 1930: 2; ‘Shooting Affray’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 October 1930: 14; ‘Shot In Ear’, The Sun, 13 October 1930: 7; ‘Gunmen’s Victim Tells How It Was Done’, Evening News, 13 October 1930: 8; ‘Victim of Auburn Shooting’, The Sun, 13 October 1930: 12.

45              He remained in hospital for eleven days: Corris, Peter. Mad Dog, New South, Sydney, 2011.

45               checked himself out, against doctor’s orders: ‘“Rob Hotel”’, The Sun, 27 October 1930: 11.

45               he would suffer headaches and exhibit a ‘stuttery’ way of speaking: ‘Moxley’s Dramatic Statement In Court’, The Sun, 15 June 1932: 1.

45               MacKay led raids on Redfern houses: ‘Fired To Kill’, Daily Pictorial, 13 October 1930: 2; ‘“Rob Hotel”’, The Sun, 27 October 1930: 11.

46              At the November committal hearing for Devine and Duncan: ‘Shot with Revolver He Mended?’, The Sun, 10 November 1930: 11; ‘Murder Attempt Story’, Evening News, 10 November 1930: 4; ‘Amazing Story’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 November 1930: 7.

46               Devine and Duncan went to trial in December: ‘Central Criminal Court’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 4 December 1930: 5.

47               He came after her: ‘Second Death In Shooting’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 March 1952: 5; ‘Mother Slain In Front Of Her 3 Children’, Truth, 16 March 1952: 3; ‘“Finish” as wife shot’, Brisbane Telegraph, 8 April 1952: 16; ‘“Dinky” Devine Died As He Lived—A Wild Killer’, Sunday Mail, 23 March 1952: 2.

47               In similarly maniacal rampage, Kellow: ‘Wife Shot In Girl’s Arms’, The Daily Telegraph, 29 September 1954: 20; ‘Girl Tells Court How Father Shot Her Mother’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 29 September 1954: 9.

48              In June 1930 the Bank of England’s emissary Sir Otto Niemeyer: ‘Australian Finance’, The Argus, 20 June 1930: 9.

48               Lang’s policies: see the memoirs of J.T. Lang, cited above. Also: ‘Electors Of Lane Cove–Look! Read! Ponder!’, The Labor Daily, 15 July 1930: 5; ‘Lang Repudiates Repudiation’, The Labor Daily, 23 September 1930: 5; ‘All For Labor: Labor For All’, The Labor Daily, 20 October 1930: 5.

48               another curious hint at a forthcoming rapprochement between former enemies: ‘Rothbury Was Mentioned’, Truth, 26 October 1930: 11.

48               In the wake of Labor’s victory: ‘Rothbury Police’, The Workers’ Weekly, 7 November 1930: 6.

CHAPTER FIVE

49               when the coalfields were battlefields: ‘The Crowds Gather’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 January 1930: 15; ‘Violent Maniac’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 5 January 1931: 10.

49               Ernest Andrews was born in 1908: www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/72558871/person

49               Migrated to Australia in November 1928: UK and Ireland, Outwards Passenger Lists, London, November, 1928 – ship Berrima, via www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/72558871/person

49–56        Adam ‘Scotty’ Denholm was also an immigrant: Maxwell, C. Bede. The Cold Nose Of The Law, Halstead Press/Angus And Robertston, Sydney, 1948.

49–56        Details of the double murder: ‘Two Constables Murdered At Bondi Junc.’, Evening News, 3 January 1931: 1; ‘Bondi Murder Scenes — Where Shootings Occurred — Constable Who Wounded Slayer’, Evening News, 3 January 1931: 1; ‘Maniac Kills Two Police at Bondi Junction’, The Sun,3 January 1931: 1; ‘“Camera’s Story” Of Bondi Junction Murder Horror’, Daily Pictorial, 4 January 1931: 1; ‘Killer Dies after Tempest of Bloodlust’, Daily Pictorial, 4 January 1931: 3; ‘Horrible End of Kennedy’, Daily Pictorial, 4 January 1931: 3; ‘Violent Maniac’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 5 January 1931: 10.

51–52        Kennedy’s strange behaviour escalated: ‘Was Killer Crazed by Cowardice Taunt?’, The Sun, 4 January 1931: 1; ‘Horrible End of Kennedy’, Daily Pictorial, 4 January 1931: 3; ‘“I Had To Kill! I Passed Death Sentence On Police!”’, Daily Pictorial, 5 January 1931: 2.

55–56        Funeral and inquest: ‘State Funeral For Two Murdered Constables’, The Labor Daily, 5 January 1931: 1; ‘In Memory of Two Gallant Men… Constables Allen and Andrews’, The Sun, 5 January 1931: 12; ‘Violent Maniac’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 5 January 1931: 10; ‘10,000 Mourn’, The Sun, 5 January 1931: 7; ‘Dead Policemen’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 6 January 1931; ‘Honors Urged For Police Martyrs’, Evening News, 8 January 1931: 8; ‘Honor Them!’, The Sun, 8 January 1931: 13; ‘Thousands Pay Tribute To Dead Police Heroes’, Evening News, 5 January 1931: 8.

CHAPTER SIX

57               the first double murder of police since 1877: NSW Police Force, Roll of Honour, https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/about_us/remembrance_for_fallen_police_officers/remembrance/roll_of_honour

57–58        poisoning that could’ve killed dairy farmer John Rixon:‘Poison In Family’s Porridge?’, The Sun, 17 February 1931: 7; ‘Poisoning Case At Yadboro’, The Daily Telegraph, 19 February 1931: 1; ‘Real Life Drama of the Mountains’, Truth, 22 February 1931: 11.

58               Old Bill went to trial: ‘Poisoning Charge’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 March 1931: 8; ‘“Only Put In Tiny Bit”’, The Daily Telegraph, 28 March 1931: 7; ‘Poison Porridge In Court’, Truth, 29 March 1931: 13; ‘Six Years’, The Sun, 31 March 1931: 9.

59               no evidence had been given about how the poison was distributed: ‘Poisoned Oatmeal’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 May 1931: 8.

59               handcuffed hillbilly Old Bill: ‘His First Train Trip In 53 Years’, The Daily Telegraph, 19 February 1931: 1.

59               At a secret meeting at the Imperial Services Club: Keith Amos, ‘Campbell, Eric (1893–1970)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/campbell-eric-5487/text9331, 1979; Campbell, Eric. The Rallying Point: My Story of the New Guard, Melbourne University Press, Carlton, published first in hard-copy 1965.

59              Old Guard, whose offer of auxiliary policing support: Moore, Andrew. Francis De Groot: Irish Fascist, Australian Legend, The Federation Press, Sydney, 2005: 71–72 identifies de Groot as leading such actions from October 1931.

59               a rally in the Domain: ‘Barricade Talk’, The Daily Telegraph, 30 March 1931: 7.

60               the New Guard was organised on strictly military lines: ‘Trades Council Last Night’, The Labor Daily, 17 April 1931: 5.

61              MacKay acted fast to set the record straight: ‘“New Guards” Boast’ The Labor Daily, 18 April 1931: 6.

61–62        McRae found himself looking at dead woman: ‘Widow Found Sitting On Floor; Dead’, The Labor Daily, 27 April 1931: 1; ‘Mysterious Crime’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 April 1931: 9; ‘Murder Or Grim Suicide?’ The Sun, 27 April 1931: 7; ‘Baffled’ The Sun, 28 April 1931: 8; ‘Murdered Woman’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 April 1931: 9.

62               Inspector Prior was nicknamed: ‘C.I.B. Chief Is “Silent William” To The End’ The Sun, 1 April 1938: 1.

63               thirty-five-year-old Swede named Gustav Reichardt: ‘A Sydney Murder’, Townsville Daily Bulletin, 23 July 1931: 6; ‘Woman’s Violent Death In Surry Hills’, The Evening News, 14 August 1931: 7.

63              fourteen-year-old girl he’d been ‘seeing’: ‘Tricked By Police, Said Swede’, Truth, 13 September 1931: 20.

63              the premier had announced the ‘Lang Plan’: ‘Mr Lang’s Repudiation Stand’, The Herald, 9 February 1931: 1.

64               Salaries should not exceed £500… Herald said the premier: ‘Public Service’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 June 1931: 7; Editorial, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 June 1931: 8.

64              New South Wales’ new governor, Sir Philip Game: W. G. McMinn, ‘Game, Sir Philip Woolcott (1876–1961)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/game-sir-philip-woolcott-6272/text10807, published first in hardcopy 1981.

64               the leftists had dubbed ‘The Eureka Stockade: ‘Police and Reds in Fierce Eviction Fight’, The Sun, 17 June 1931: 1.

64–65        If that was true, the record lasted only two days: ‘Fierce Anti-Eviction Battle at Newtown’, The Sun, 19 June 1931; ‘Desperate Fighting. Communists And Police.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 June 1931: 13.

65               John Stace, would later say that: quoted in:Waller, Helen; Whittington, Vanessa. ‘“The Siege of Union Street”: Working class urban heritage and the politics of remembrance’, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University, Sydney, 2019.

65               It seemed like Rothbury all over again: ‘Stop Press, Lang’s Police Shoot Pickets’, The Workers’ Weekly, 19 June 1931: 1.

65               Prior got the tip he’d been waiting for: ‘A Sydney Murder’, Townsville Daily Bulletin, 23 July 1931: 6; ‘Queensland Arrest For Sydney Murder – Three Months’ Trail’, Truth, 26 July 1931: 1; ‘Woman’s Violent Death In Surry Hills’, The Evening News (Rockhampton), 14 August 1931: 7; ‘Tricked By Police, Said Swede’, Truth, 13 September 1931: 20.

66               the New Guard held its first public rally: ‘The New Guard’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 July 1931: 10.

66               New South Wales public-service salaries went unpaid: ‘No Salaries To-morrow in Public Service’, The Sun, 5 August 1931: 1; ‘Loan Council’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 August 1931: 9.

67               Gustav Reichardt faced Mr May’s inquest into Old Kate’s murder: ‘Murder Charge’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 August 1931: 9; ‘Sensational Police Evidence At Sydney Inquest’, The Newcastle Sun, 10 August 1931: 1.

67–68        At his September murder trial: ‘Tricked By Police, Said Swede’, Truth, 13 September 1931: 20.

68               Prior was lionised: ‘Bottle Clue in Killing of Old Kate?’, Truth, 26 July 1931: 1.

CHAPTER SEVEN

69               passed a law to postpone evictions: ‘Rent Law’, The Sun, 26 June 1931: 8.

69              Two moments in the trial pointed to police acting as a law unto themselves: ‘Jury Disagrees’, The Workers’ Weekly, 18 September 1931: 1.

70               thousand communist supporters gathered outside: ‘1000 REDS’, The Sun, 7 September 1931: 7; ‘Communists’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 8 September 1931: 10.

70               Campbell held another rally at Bondi: ‘New Guard’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 8 September 1931: 9.

70               Campbell ran through his usual dark materials: ‘New Guard’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 17 September 1931: 9.

70               This rally was front-page news: ‘Interest In New Guard’s Policy’, The Sun, 17 September 1931: 1; ‘The Lesson Of The New Guard’, The Sun, 17 September 1931: 12; ‘Enthusiasm At Rally’, The Sun, 17 September 1931: 19.

71               the New Guard went into ‘battle’ in Bondi: ‘New Guard’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 October 1931: 9.

71               Captain Francis de Groot, an Irish-born former British Army officer:

Andrew Moore, ‘De Groot, Francis Edward (Frank) (1888–1969)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/de-groot-francis-edward-frank-12881/text23267, published first in hardcopy 2005; Moore, Andrew. Francis De Groot: Irish Fascist, Australian Legend, The Federation Press, Sydney, 2005: 71–72 identifies de Groot as leading such actions from October 1931.

71               Campbell saw an opportunity: ‘New Guard Is In Action: Manning Ships’, The Sun, 21 October 1931: 1.

71               Mr Campbell has lit a fire: ‘Union Conference Convened’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 October 1931: 10.

71–72        ‘Thank God for the New Guard’: ‘Likes New Guard’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 October 1931: 7.

72               three officers were wounded in a De Groot-led New Guard attack: Moore, Andrew Moore, Irish Fascist: Australian Legend: 71–72.

73              Constable Trevlyn Nowland was found drowned: ‘Policemen Missing’, Barrier Miner, 6 October 1931: 1; ‘Mysterious Drowning Tragedy Near Tamworth’, The Newcastle Sun, 6 October 1931: 1; ‘Bendemeer Mystery’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 November 1931: 9; ‘Still A Mystery’, The Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser, 7 October 1931: 4; ‘Hunt For Mystery Man’, The Daily Telegraph, 7 October 1931: 1; ‘Called Into Darkness— Forever.’, Truth, 11 October 1931: 24.

73–74        Nowland had been bounced around remote postings: ‘Appointments’, Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales, 15 October 1926: 4313; http://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/119885847/person/210182286828/facts

73              the officer had endured the death of his baby: son Lionell was born and died in 1927 – http://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/119885847/person/210182286828/facts

73               his wife’s health had subsequently suffered: ‘Can’t Say How Constable Was Drowned’, Truth, 15 November 1931:16.

CHAPTER EIGHT

75               Bungendore Bones discovery: ‘A Grisly Sight’, The Sun, 20 November 1931: 1; ‘Grisly Relics Of Crime In Lonely Bush’, The Newcastle Sun, 21 November 1931: 3; ‘Human Bones’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 21 November 1931: 13; ‘His Death Pyre – Grim Murder Clues Found Among Ashes’, The Sun, 22 November 1931: 2; ‘His Error’, The Sun, 23 November 1931: 3; ‘No Clues’, The Sun, 24 November 1931: 11; ‘Motor Trail To Horror Scene’, The Sun, 30 November 1931: 7.

75               talented Ngarigo tracker named Alexander Brindle: ‘Hunting a Robber’, The Bombala Times, 16 November 1917: 1; ‘Lost in the Ranges’, The Bombala Times, 4 July 1930: 4.

77               A coronial inquest was opened in Queanbeyean: ‘Long Remand’, The Sun, 1 December 1931: 7; ‘Sherlock Theories’, The Daily Telegraph, 1 December 1931: 1; ‘Blood Clue’, The Sun, 3 December 1931: 8; ‘Clues In Ashes’, The Daily Telegraph, 4 December 1931: 8.

77              He took the bone fragments to Dr Anthony Burkitt: ‘Albury Victim Still Unidentified’, The Advertiser, 15 October 1934: 18.

77              ‘The Bungendore Bones’ was a big story all over Australia: ‘Ghastly Midnight Mystery Blaze’, The Sun, 13 December 1931: 6; ‘Bond! Man Victim’, The Sun, 28 December 1931: 1; ‘England’s Aid In Bungendore Crime’, The Daily Telegraph, 29 December 1931: 5.

78               as 1932 got underway, he and Allmond went back to the Goulburn area: ‘Found Clues’, The Sun, 9 January 1932: 5.

78               McRae… sure the answer lay in the dead man’s history: ‘Suicide Says Report’, The Sun, 11 January 1932: 7.

78               McRae reported his conclusion: ‘“Was Murdered”’, The Sun, 13 January 1932: 10; ‘Is Sure It Was Murder’, The Daily Telegraph, 14 January 1932: 1.

78               When the inquest resumed in Sydney: ‘His Inferiority Complex Probing Bungendore Riddle’, The Sun, 28 January 1932: 17; ‘Bungendore’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 29 January 1932: 12.

79              Glen Innes grazier killed himself: ‘Built His Pyre’, The Sun, 24 April 1932: 2.

79               The family’s determination to get this result: ‘Stigma Of Suicide Removed Now’, The Daily Telegraph, 25 May 1932: 8.

80               Campbell was sullying … charged with using insulting words: ‘Commander Of Boo Guard’s Threat To King’, The Labor Daily, 12 January 1932: 5; ‘New Guard’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 January 1932: 11.

80               the scene was more like that of a Nazi-German Fascist demonstration: ‘The New Guard Followers Of The Leader In Sydney Court Yesterday’, Barrier Miner, 16 January 1932: 1.

80               it was reportedly attended by 5000 supporters: ‘Leader Of Boo Guard Attacks Police’, The Labor Daily, 19 February 1932: 6.

81               forgiven for assuming it was a story about Herr Hitler: ‘More Challenges By New Guard’, The Daily Telegraph, 19 February 1932: 1.

82              MacKay kept constant tabs on the New Guard: ‘Tricked Them’, The Sun, 3 March 1932: 18.

82               But while Lang was scoring minor points against the New Guard: ‘To Impound State Receipts’, The Labor Daily, 19 February 1932: 5.

82              Lang ordered all of these funds: ‘Lang’s Bank Action Declared Unnecessary’, The Sun, 14 March 1932: 1.

82               the petition … demanding the dissolution to state parliament: ‘The New Guard’s Petition’, The Sun, 11 March 1932: 9.

82               In a speech at Manly: ‘New Guard’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 March 1932: 10.

83               the bridge’s roadway lights were turned on: ‘Lights Switched On’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 March 1932: 14.

83               56,000 school students from all over Sydney: ‘Children’s Day’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 17 March 1932: 9.

83               Katherine Sims murder: ‘Cut Woman’s Throat And Ran’, The Sun, 16 March 1932: 13; ‘Hunt For Slayer’, The Sun, 17 March 1932: 15; ‘Human Monster Who Bashed And Killed’, Truth, 12 June 1932: 15; ‘Razor Crime’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 May 1932: 12.

84–85        biggest procession of pageantry Australia has ever seen: ‘The Pageant’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 March 1932: 8; ‘Harbor Swarms With Myriad Craft’, The Sun, 19 March 1932: 4; ‘By Land, Air, And Water’, The Daily Telegraph, 19 March 1932: 6; ‘History Of The Bridge’, The Daily Telegraph, 19 March 1932: 14; ‘Mighty Etching In Steel’ The Sun, 20 March 1932: 1.

85–86        De Groot’s arrest: Many versions of De Groot’s stunt were given. I acknowledge the work done by Andrew Moore in establishing the most likely sequence of events in Irish Fascist: Australian Legend. Newspaper articles/photos consulted included: ‘Startling Act At Saturday’s Ceremony On The Bridge: Ribbon Severed By Mounted Officer’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 21 March 1932: 6; ‘New Guardsman Severs Ribbon’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 21 March 1932: 15; ‘The Old Order Changeth’, The Sun, 19 March 1932: 1; ‘Escorted to Guardroom’, The Sun, 19 March 1932: 7; ‘Arrest Follows Sensation’ The Sun, 19 March 1932: 1; ‘“Enough”’ The Sun, 19 March 1932: 1; ‘Man Who Cut The Bridge Ribbon’, The Sun, 20 March 1932: 1.

86               Scotty Denholm’s presence: personal information, related to me by his son.

85              inspired by a Smith’s Weekly cartoon: I was tipped to this by Andrew Moore’s Irish Fascist: Australian Legend. The actual cartoon can be seen with the caption: ‘Forecast of the Unrehearsed Bridge Incident’ in Smith’s Weekly,19 March 1932: 14.

86–87        ‘one British officer was sufficient’… Campbell visited De Groot in the Reception House: ‘“Enough”’, The Sun, 19 March 1932: 1; ‘New Guardsman Put In Reception House’, Truth, 20 March 1932: 1.

87              Buried amid the bridge coverage: ‘May Be Dead’, The Sun, 18 March 1932: 11; ‘Murder Search’, The Sun, 19 March 1932: 11; ‘Say Killer Of Woman Now Dead’, The Labor Daily, 26 March 1932: 1.

87               ensuring the footage was cut from newsreels: ‘Police Raid Theatres–Ban De Groot Films’, The Daily Telegraph, 24 March 1932: 1; ‘Cuts Made’, The Sun, 23 March 1932: 19.

88               Phar Lap: ‘Phar Lap Wins Great Race In Record Time’, The Sun, 21 March 1932: 1.

88               MacKay… ‘result of my observations’: ‘DISCHARGED’, The Sun , 21 March 1932: 7.

89               ‘Sort out those New Guard bastards’: Stone, Gerald. 1932: A Hell of a Year, Pan Macmillan, Sydney, 2005.

89               William Henry Potter … clear-cut suicide: ‘Body In Park’, The Sun, 26 March 1932: 3; ‘Preferred Death To Dole’ Singleton Argus, 6 April 1932: 3.

89               married divorcee Janet ‘Jean’ Harrison: McRae-Harrison marriage certificate, NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages, 7275/1932

89               Prior … succeeded Mackay as CIB Chief: ‘Big Jobs For New Chief’, The Daily Telegraph, 27 April 1932: 7.

CHAPTER NINE

90               Frank Wilkinson and Dorothy Denzel:‘Young Couple Vanish in Car’, The Sun, 7 April 1932: 15; ‘Miss Denzel’, Glen Innes Examiner ,12 April 1932: 1; ‘Car Murder — Man Held At Bathurst’, The Daily Telegraph, 19 April 1932: 1.

90               Frank drove them towards a quiet spot: ‘Trial Of Moxley’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 14 June 1932: 10.

90               they all drove across the Sydney Harbour Bridge: ‘And They Called This Young Man a Gangster’, Truth, 31 July 1932: 15.

90               de Groot’s trial had opened the past Friday with wild scenes: The Daily Telegraph, 2 April 1932: 10; ‘New South Wales Police Superintendent’s Part In City Riot’, The Daily Telegraph, 2 April 1932: 1.

91               even wilder scenes the night before: ‘Lightning Sends Two Circus Elephants Wild’, The Daily Telegraph, 5 April 1932: 1.

91               They were close to their families: ‘Murder Theory Is Scrapped’, The Labor Daily, 11 April 1932: 5; ‘They Were Great Pals’, The Sun, 11 April 1932: 1.

91               That day a man dropped off a red Alvis sports car at a garage: ‘Clue To Missing Couple’, The Sun, 8 April 1932: 11.

91               who was likely in on the stolen-car racket: Evans, Richard. W.J. MacKay and the NSW Police, 1910–1948: A Dangerous Man.

91               The cops had made chilling discoveries in the car: ‘Grim Story of Tragedy is Unfolded’, The Sun, 3 May 1932: 1.

91               A Liverpool winemaker said that: ‘Moorebank Inquest’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 4 May 1932: 12.

92               identified the same suspect: William Cyril Moxley: ‘Early Arrest Expected In Murder Mystery’, The Sun, 12 April 1932: 1.

93–94        Moxley showed up at the Bankstown house of … Frank Corbett: ‘On Track Of The Wanted Man’, The Daily Telegraph, 14 April 1932: 1; ‘Shots Fired at Suspected Murderer’, The Sun, 14 April 1932: 1.

94               a search volunteer found Dorothy’s shallow grave: ‘Amazing Callousness of Girl-Murderer’, The Sun, 13 April 1932: 1.

93               Lost amid major news stories: ‘Assault’, The Sun, 7 April 1932: 19.

93               That late morning: ‘Identified Suspect’, The Sun, 14 April 1932: 1.

93               Lang instructed his public servants: Lang, J.T. The Big Fella, The University of Melbourne, 1986, p257

94              display of force on Mr Lang’s behalf: ‘City’s Blue Army’, The Sun, 13 April 1932: 13.

94–95        Hundreds of police … 100 plainclothesmen: ‘Shots Fired at Suspected Murderer’, The Sun, 14 April 1932: 1.

95               ‘Put your hands up, Bill’: ‘Murderer’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 April 1932: 9.

95               Moxley had a two-hour head start: ‘Police Search Hampered’, The Sun, 14 April 1932: 13; ‘Shot Fired’, Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, 15 April 1932: 9.

96               Marie didn’t know his identity – or that he was wanted: ‘For Dish – Suspect Called On Woman’, The Sun, 14 April 1932: 13.

96               hundreds or even thousands of unemployed men and boys had joined: ‘Murderer’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 April 1932: 9.

97               ‘Residents of the district are in a state of terror’: ‘Summary’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 April 1932: 1; ‘Terror Reigns’, The Sun, 16 April 1932: 3; ‘Armed Search For Suspect Grim Eagerness Of Hunters’, The Sun, 16 April 1932: 3; ‘Still Searching At Bankstown’, The Daily Telegraph, 16 April 1932: 1; ‘Lynch Law Parties Are On The Trail!’, Truth, 17 April 1932: 9; ‘“Boil Him In Oil”’, The Sun, 15 April 1932: 1.

98               The witness found a shotgun: ‘Fresh Clues In Murder Case’, Truth, 17 April 1932: 8; ‘The Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 April 1932: 9;

‘Car Murder — Man Held At Bathurst’, The Daily Telegraph, 19 April 1932: 1.

98               Smith’s Weekly ran a front-page article: ‘Hunted Criminal Is A Pariah Of The Underworld’, Smith’s Weekly, 23 April 1932: 1.

98               he used an escape route… saw the talkie newsreel about him: ‘Crossed Bridge On Bicycle’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 April 1932: 1.

98–99        Moxley set up beneath a rock: ‘Moxley Taken Near Manly’, The Sun, 21 April 1932: 1; ‘Arrested’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 22 April 1932: 9; ‘Grim Story of Tragedy is Unfolded’, The Sun, 3 May 1932: 1.

99               ‘I did not kill those people’: ‘Grim Story of Tragedy is Unfolded’, The Sun, 3 May 1932: 1.

99               ‘I am sorry I let you down’: ‘Moxley Trial’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 June 1932: 10.

100            While Moxley had dinner, MacKay left the CIB: ‘Moxley’s Dramatic Statement In Court’, The Sun, 15 June 1932: 1.

100            The premier thundered to a crowd of 50,000: ‘City Saw Big March Which Made History’, The Labor Daily, 22 April 1932: 1.

100            He charged his long-time informant William Cyril Moxley: ‘Had A Sound Sleep’, The Sun, 22 April 1932: 9.

100            another creature was creeping towards his sleeping victims: ‘Heads Battered While Asleep’, The Sun, 22 April 1932: 1.

CHAPTER TEN

101            Saywell case: NSW Police, Victor Claude Saywell, Murder File, May 1932. Accessed courtesy of NSW Police Infolink.

101            The Daily Telegraph’s headline read: ‘Tin Hares: Mascot Sells Out!’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 April 1932: 1.

101            Claude and Adeline Saywell … foreheads caved in, blood soaking: ‘Heads Battered While Asleep’, The Sun, 22 April 1932: 1; ‘Attacked In Bed’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 April 1932: 13.

101            Hilda rushed to tell Jack his parents were ‘smothered in blood: ‘Heard Constable Say “Crook Case”’, The Sun, 31 August 1932: 15.

102            Claude’s father Thomas Saywell: ‘Mr Thomas Saywell’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 February 1927: 16; ‘MR. THOMAS SAYWELL DEAD’, The Daily Telegraph, 26 November 1928: 4; https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/69281618/person/46197287205/facts

102            Four years later, on 17 February 1932: ‘“Tony” Hordern Gets The Tin Hare Licence!’, The Daily Telegraph, 18 February 1932: 1; ‘Tin Hare’s Whiz To Kensington’, The Sun, 18 February 1932: 15; ‘Only Two Tin Hare Courses For Sydney?’, The Daily Telegraph, 25 September 1931: 1.

102–103   Saywell shareholding: ‘When Betting Was Made Lawful’, The Sun, 20 June 1932: 9.

103            Jack told police he’d been studying … changed the clock back to the right time: ‘Open Verdict Returned In Saywell Case’, The Labor Daily, 17 September 1932: 5.

103            he took the front door key: ‘“I Did Not Do It” – Says Jack Saywell’ Smith’s Weekly,14 May 1932: 1.

103–104   his dad’s dressing gown … his towel: ‘Mr. Saywell’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 25 April 1932: 5.

104            Jack… asked for a doctor to be sent: ‘Secret of Ghastly Tragedy’, Truth, 4 September 1932: 13. Web. 5.

104            ‘I don’t know what has happened’: ‘Saywell Inquest’, Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga), 2 September 1932: 1.

104            Inspector Jacob Miller … would lead the investigation: ‘Unknown Motive In Hammer Crime’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 April 1932: 1.

105            He believed these hadn’t been made by a shoe but by a size-seven slipper: ‘Saywell’s Rolls Of Notes’, The Daily Telegraph, 25 April 1932: 1.

105            washed clean of fingerprints, it still bore traces of blood: ‘Mr. Saywell’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 25 April 1932: 5.

105            His staunchly Protestant mum and dad: ‘Tender Romance Marches Side By Side With Stark Horror’, Smith’s Weekly, 7 May 1932: 1.

106            When Claude’s brother Bruce had died in 1925: ‘Ruled Out’, The Sun, 25 February 1932: 17; ‘How Ghastly Tragedy Crushed The Millionaire Saywells’, Smith’s Weekly, 30 April 1932: 1.

106            Bruce Saywell: https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/69281618/person/46248249073/facts

105            upper-floor lavatory window … climbed up to get into the house: ‘J. Saywell’s Statement He Revised It’, The Sun, 1 September 1932, 15.

106            Shown the hammer, which his brother had identified: ‘Saywell Inquest’, The Canberra Times, 2 September 1932: 4.

106            his mother had believed his £2 weekly allowance was too much… she finally slammed it on him: ‘J. Saywell’s Statement He Revised It’, The Sun, 1 September 1932: 15.

106            Except, according to the Sydney Morning Herald: ‘Mr. Saywell’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 25 April 1932: 5.

106–107   The Sun updated readers: ‘Saywell Dead: Assault Is Now Brutal Murder’, The Sun, 24 April 1932: 2; ‘Do You Recognise This Hammer?’, The Sun, 26 April 1932: 7; ‘Saywell Hammer Horror’, Truth, 18 September 1932: 1.

107            Sydneysiders witnessed a new type of horror…: ‘Death Plunge From The Bridge’, The Labor Daily, 25 April 1932: 1; ‘2nd Fatal Leap from Bridge’, The Labor Daily, 26 April 1932: 1; ‘Sydney Bridge Has Second Birthday’, The Evening News, 23 March 1934: 5.

107            another sensational and senseless murder. Albert Chaffey: ‘Found Dead On His Farm’, The Sun, 26 April 1932: 7.

108            That night in Sydney there was another murder: ‘Camp Tragedy’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 April 1932: 11; ‘Man Battered To Death At National Park’, The Labor Daily, 27 April 1932: 5.

108            ‘drunken orgy’: ‘Arrest To-Day In Axe Crime’, The Sun, 27 April 1932: 11.

108            As Truth would have it: ‘Grim Similarity In Recent Crimes’, Truth, 1 May 1932: 12.

108            The Sun kept tally: ‘11 Killed’, The Sun, 27 April 1932: 11.

109            McRae … work in connection with the Bungendore mystery: ‘No Clue’, Glen Innes Examiner, 28 April 1932: 4.

109            ‘forensic ballistics’: ‘Crime Detection’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 June 1928: 11.

109            Mackay had studied abroad in 1929. In September 1931, Jim Devine had gone to trial: ‘Did Taxi Slayer Get Wrong Man?’, Truth, 21 June 1931: 1.

110            MacKay, who’d taken the accused’s long statement in private: ‘Innocent Victim Of Gun-Duel Over Diamond?’, Truth, 12 July 1931: 13; ‘Free of Murder Charge’, Truth, 13 September 1931: 8.

110            This case was notable: ‘Innocent Victim Of Gun-Duel Over Diamond?’, Truth, 12 July 1931: 13.

110            Chaffey case used phrases: ‘No Headway’, The Sun, 29 April 1932: 11; ‘Not Slightest Clue’, Tweed Daily, 29 April 1932: 3; ‘Cowardly Killer of Chaffey Cowers in Hiding’, Truth, 1 May 1932: 6.

110            MacKay … ‘quizzical grin on his face’: Lang, J.T. The Turbulent Years, Alpha Books, Sydney, 1970: 162.

110            officers of all ranks marched: ‘1500 Police March’, The Sun, 29 April 1932: 9; ‘Police Parade’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 30 April 1932: 13.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

111            The inquest into the murders of Frank Wilkinson: ‘Coroner to Examine 40 Witnesses’, Truth, 1 May 1932: 1.

111–115   But Truth readers didn’t have to wait: ‘Moxley’s Own Startling Statement’, Truth, 1 May 1932: 1.

115–116   The Sydney Coroner’s Court was besieged: ‘Crowd’s Rush – Hundreds Try To See Moxley’, The Sun, 3 May 1932: 1; ‘Grim Story of Tragedy is Unfolded’, The Sun, 3 May 1932: 1; ‘Moxley’s Statement To Police’, The Sun, 3 May 1932: 13.

116            Moxley had identified the killer as ‘Snowy’ Mumby: ‘Shying Horse’, The Sun, 3 May 1932: 13; ‘“Both Shot Dead From Behind” — Dr. Palmer’, The Daily Telegraph, 4 May 1932: 6.

116–117   On the second day of the inquest: ‘Moxley Guilty, Of Murder, Is Finding’, The Sun, 4 May 1932: 1.

CHAPTER TWELVE

118            Smith’s Weekly’s front page… the grief-stricken sons: ‘How Ghastly Tragedy Crushed the Millionaire Saywells’, Smith’s Weekly, 30 April 1932: 1.

118            Truth leaned into the suspicion: ‘Planned Murder With Devilish Gunning’, Truth, 1 May 1932: 8.

119            Claude Saywell had been worth £110,000: ‘Murdered Solicitor Left £110,000’, The Sun, 8 August 1932: 7.

119            Jack would… recently had to borrow £2: ‘J Saywell’s Statement He Revised It’, The Sun, 1 September 1932: 15.

119            the newspapers worried: ‘Three Killers’, The Sun, 2 May 1932: 8; ‘Unsolved Crimes’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 2; ‘Grim Riddle Of The Murder Wave’, The Sun, 1 May 1932: 35.

120            In the early morning of Thursday 5 May 1932: ‘Dramatic End of Hunt For Murder Suspect’, The Sun, 5 May 1932: 15; ‘Woman’s Death’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 6 May 1932: 9.

121            Newsboys did double-takes: ‘Seven Ft. High’, The Sun, 7 May 1932: 3.

121            Eight men had beaten… Jock Garden: ‘J. S. Garden Night Attack’, The Sun, 6 May 1932: 1; ‘Police Raid New Guard H’quarters’, The Sun, 7 May 1932: 1; ‘Jock Garden Attack Has Queer Sequel’, Truth, 8 May 1932: 12; ‘ ‘Hush’ Policy After New Guard Raid’, The Sun, 8 May 1932: 1; ‘Tells of Fascist Legion of New Guard’. The Sun, 9 May 1932: 1; ‘Astonishing Charge Against Gov’ment’, The Sun, 11 May 1932: 1.

121–122   there was also good, if grim, news out of Glen Innes: ‘Alleged Murder’, Glen Innes Examiner ,7 May 1932: 4; ‘The Late A. V. Chaffey’, Glen Innes Examiner, 12 May 1932: 4.

122–123   the eight Fascist Legion men pleaded guilty: ‘Tells of Fascist Legion of New Guard’, The Sun, 9 May 1932: 1;‘Boo Klux Klan Reign Of Terror’, The Labor Daily, 10 May 1932: 1.

124            Murderers wander at large in Sydney: ‘“No Fascist Legion”’, The Sun, 10 May 1932: 1.

124            Reginald Weaver took up the fight … Lang’s ‘criminal government’: ‘Frame-Up Alleged’, The Daily Telegraph, 12 May 1932: 5; ‘New Guard. Fascist Legion and Attack on Mr. Garden’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 May 1932: 10.

124            the UAP member should be locked up Callan Park asylum: ‘“Paid Agent”’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 May 1932: 10.

125–126   Lang and Lyons’ reactions to New Guard revelations and accusations: ‘NEW GUARD. Federal Royal Commission’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 May 1932: 10; ‘Mr Beasley’s Request’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 May 1932: 10.

125            the federal parliament voted not to go into recess: ‘Mortgage Taxation’, Daily Advertiser, 14 May 1932: 1.

126            Robert Beardsmore was a former AIF officer: see the three-part Forgotten Australia episode, ‘The First Dismissal’, released May 2022.

126–127   twenty newspaper boys went shouting into the streets: ‘How Novel Newspaper Was Distributed’, 7 May 1932, Everyones., v.13, no.637, 1932-05-17: 24

127            as the first sessions of Frankenstein: Advertisement: ‘We Dare You To See It – Frankenstein – Tomorrow May 13th’, The Labor Daily, 12 May 1932: 8.

127            Sir Philip Game sacked Jack Lang: ‘Governor Dismisses Lang Ministry For Issuing Illegal Regulations’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 14 May 1932: 13.

127            Lang went quietly: Lang, J.T. The Turbulent Years, Alpha Books, Sydney, 1970: 208

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

128            Jack Saywell was roaring all over the Eastern Suburbs: ‘J. Saywell’s Driving Licence’, The Sun, 2 June 1932: 15; ‘John Saywell’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 June 1932: 6; ‘Saywell In Court’, The Sun, 13 June 1932: 7.

129–130   he felt compelled to defend himself to Smith’s Weekly: ‘“I Did Not Do It” — Says Jack Saywell’ Smith’s Weekly,14 May 1932: 1.

130            Jack was wrong if he thought his interview would end speculation: ‘Know Saywell Slayer?’, The Sun, 22 May 1932: 2.

131–133   Jack went to Smith’s Weekly again: ‘“No Jury Will Ever Convict”’, Smith’s Weekly, 28 May 1932: 1.

133            The newspaper war of words: ‘Jack Saywell’s Dramatic Outburst’, The Sun, 29 May 1932: 1; ‘Impudent Sunday Newspaper Perversion In the Saywell Case’, Smith’s Weekly,4 June 1932: 3.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

134            Moxley was insane with a bullet in the brain: ‘Amazing Defence Moves Being Made For Moxley Insanity Plea In Answer To Terrible Charge’, Truth, 29 May 1932: 13.

134–136   Alfred Ball: ‘Insanity Plea’, The Sun, 30 May 1932: 8; ‘Ball Not Guilty’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 31 May 1932: 9; ‘Insanity Verdict Saves Killer’, The Daily Telegraph, 31 May 1932: 7; ‘Automatism’, The Sun, 31 May 1932: 9; ‘The Sadness Of Bitter Sweet’, Arrow, 3 June 1932: 5; ‘Might Have Been Mad When He Killed: Now Sane’, Truth, 5 June 1932: 17.

136            sane enough to be returned to society … early 1940s: 1943 electoral roll for Cook electorate, Erskineville, via: Ancestry.com.au

136            Truth commented bitterly: ‘Might Have Been Mad When He Killed: Now Sane’, Truth, 5 June 1932: 17.

136–137   the trial of Thomas Jenkins for murdering Michael Desmond: ‘Not Guilty’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 June 1932: 9; ‘Murder Charge Acquittal’, The Sun, 31 May 1932: 13; ‘Death Follows Wine Orgy’, Truth, 5 June 1932: 26.

137–138   Maurice George O’Hara was next: ‘Committed Callous Murder For Money To Take His Girl Out’, The Daily Telegraph, 3 June 1932: 7; ‘Death Sentence’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 June 1932: 9; ‘Youth Guilty Of Murder In Chaffey Case’, The Labor Daily, 3 June 1932: 7; ‘On Trial’, Glen Innes Examiner, 2 June 1932: 1; ‘From The Dock’, Glen Innes Examiner, 4 June 1932: 2.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

139            throng … gathered outside Sydney’s Central Criminal Court: ‘Crown Denies That Moxley Was Insane’, The Sun, 13 June 1932: 1;‘“Plain Murder Case”’, The Daily Telegraph, 14 June 1932: 5.

140            the New Guardsmen who’d bashed Jock Garden began appeals: ‘Judge Decides Against New Guard’, The Sun, 15 June 1932: 11; ‘Appeals Of The New Guard Are All Dismissed’, The Labor Daily, 17 June 1932: 6; ‘Sentence Reduced’, The Sun, 21 June 1932: 9.

141            The second day of the Moxley trial: ‘Linking Murder Evidence’, The Daily Telegraph, 15 June 1932: 8; ‘Moxley’s Head Was X-rayed Yesterday’, The Sun, 14 June 1932: 1; ‘Moxley Trial’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 June 1932: 12.

142            On the third day of the trial: ‘Moxley’s Dramatic Statement In Court’, The Sun, 15 June 1932: 1; ‘Sacrificed On Altar Of A Murderer’s Lust’, Truth, 19 June 1932: 13.

143–145   ‘I have known Moxley for some years,’ MacKay began in a quiet voice: ‘Moxley’s Dramatic Statement In Court’, The Sun, 15 June 1932: 1; ‘Moxley Trial.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 June 1932: 10.

145–148   Moxley didn’t admit it either… Justice Rogers adjourned proceedings: ‘Moxley’s Dramatic Statement In Court’, The Sun, 15 June 1932: 1.

147            I had no knowledge of it at all: ‘Given A Chance’, The Daily Mail, 21 May 1921: 12.

148–151   Moxley closing arguments, verdict and sentencing: ‘Moxley Sentenced To Death’, The Sun, 16 June 1932: 1;‘Moxley’s Second Death Sentence’, The Daily Telegraph, 17 June 1932: 1;‘Moxley’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 17 June 1932: 10. Web. 7;‘Crime Of The Hands, But Not Of The Mind – Defence’, The Daily Telegraph, 17 June 1932: 8;‘Death Penalty’, The Sun, 16 June 1932: 16; ‘Sentence Of Death Passed On Wm. Moxley’, The Labor Daily, 17 June 1932: 5; ‘Sacrificed On Altar Of A Murderer’s Lust’, Truth, 19 June 1932: 13.

151            The Sun ran a cold-blooded editorial: ‘The Lesson Of The Moxley Trial’, The Sun, 17 June 1932: 8.

151            But Truth outdid itself: ‘Sacrificed On Altar Of A Murderer’s Lust’, Truth, 19 June 1932: 13.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

152            Moxley had no intention of hanging: ‘Moxley In Tears: “I’m Innocent!”’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 June 1932: 7.

152–155   but Smith’s Weekly scored the real scoop: ‘“If They Hang Bill They Hang A Madman!”’ Smith’s Weekly, 18 June 1932: 4; ‘“I Won’t Hang” – Moxley’ Smith’s Weekly, 25 June 1932: 1.

155–156   Moxley appeared in the Court of Criminal Appeals: ‘Moxley Pleads His Cause Before Three Judges’, The Sun, 1 July 1932: 1.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

157            The Sunday Sun had a scoop: ‘Mrs Saywell Speaks Again At Last!’, The Sun, 26 June 1932: 1.

157            Smith’s Weekly devoted its next front page: ‘At The Bedside Of Mrs. Saywell’, Smith’s Weekly, 2 July 1932: 1.

157            Truth weighed in: ‘Those Cruel Catchpenny Canards’, Truth, 3 July 1932: 13

157            This was pretty rich: ‘When Dorothy Denzel Prayed For Death’, Truth, 19 June 1932: 12.

158            On Tuesday 5 July 1932… Dorothy Thorne: ‘Murder Theory In Mystery Case’, The Sun, 6 July 1932: 11; ‘Hunt For A Motive’, The Sun, 7 July 1932: 17.

158            Dorothy said: ‘I have beaten you to it this morning’: ‘Open Verdict In Cremorne Mystery’, The Sun, 27 July 1932: 11;‘“We Were Like Three Happy School Kids” cried Lockyer’, Smith’s Weekly, 30 July 1932: 3.

158            Alfred replied: ‘Good oh – there’s no need for me to get up so early’: ‘Mystery Of Rich Woman’s Death’, Truth, 31 July 1932: 11.

159            Dorothy Cropley was the only daughter of a wealthy Sydney family… there’d be no more children: ‘Waiting On Analyst’, The Sun, 10 July 1932: 2.

159            Alfred Lockyer. Born in England around 1893… in February 1932: ‘Is Mosman Tragedy Another Nine Days Mystery?’, Smith’s Weekly,16 July 1932: 6; ‘Open Verdict In Cremorne Mystery’, The Sun, 27 July 1932: 11; ‘Mosman Tragedy’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 July 1932: 13.

160–161   McRae brought in as lead investigator… Reginald buried his wife: ‘Who Was Killer Of Dorothy Thorne?’, The Daily Telegraph, 7 July 1932: 1.

161            Strychnine could be purchased in bulk from wholesalers: ‘Is Mosman Tragedy Another Nine Days Mystery?’, Smith’s Weekly,16 July 1932: 6.

162            But had Dorothy actually been the target: ‘Was Fatal Powder For Someone Else?’, The Daily Telegraph, 8 July 1932: 1.

163            terrier, which was said to take ‘savage exception’ to strangers: ‘Waiting On Analyst’, The Sun, 10 July 1932: 2.

163            Dorothy’s death was so impenetrable: ‘Seidlitz Powder Death Draught Tragedy’, Truth, 17 July 1932: 13.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

164–165   Cooma murders: ‘Woman & Maid Are Murdered In Cooma Home’, The Labor Daily, 21 July 1932: 5; ‘Hunt For Armed Murderer’, The Sun, 21 July 1932: 13.

165            MacKay toyed with sending Constable Adam ‘Scotty’ Denholm: ‘Woman, Girl; Murdered Near Cooma’, The Daily Telegraph, 21 July 1932: 1.

165            Robert Audley had made headlines: ‘Missing Friends’, New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime, 16 December 1925: 662; ‘Has Anyone Seen Him?’ ,The Labor Daily, 21 April 1926: 1; ‘Home To Father’, Evening News, 22 June 1926: 9; ‘Alleged Stolen Car’, National Advocate, 15 July 1927: 3; ‘Was Wanted’, The Sun, 25 July 1932: 7; ‘Yesterday’s News’, Glen Innes Examiner, 26 July 1932: 3.

166            The Sun chartered a plane to fly a photographer to the crime scene: ‘The Sun Stop-Press’, The Sun, 21 July 1932: 1.

166            McRae had seen many suicides: ‘Killed In Cold Blood—Then Hanged Himself’, Truth, 24 July 1932: 13; ‘Exclusive Pictures By Plane Tell The Graphic Story Of Cooma Murders’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 July 1932: 1, 12.

167            Rumour said the farmhand had been in love: ‘Wooed Murdered Girl’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 July 1932: 5; ‘Slayer’s Red Face’, The Daily Telegraph, 26 July 1932: 8; ‘Cooma Crime’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 July 1932: 9; ‘Murderous Don Juan’s Double Life’, Truth, 31 July 1932: 13.

167            The letter was from Dorothy Denzel’s mother: ‘Shared Sorrow’, The Daily Telegraph, 2 August 1932: 7.

168            he’d seen Dr Gordon Bray at Long Bay: Corris, Peter. Mad Dog, New South Wales, Sydney, 2011.

168–169   Moxley stood in Sydney’s Court of Criminal Appeal: ‘Moxley’s Outburst’, The Sun, 22 July 1932: 9; ‘Moxley Faces Death’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 July 1932: 5; ‘Moxley’s Appeal’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 July 1932: 10; ‘Cringed When Hope Was Dashed’, Truth, 24 July 1932: 13.

169–170   Moxley now wanted to be hanged: ‘Moxley Asks To Be Hanged’, The Daily Telegraph, 29 July 1932: 1.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

171            Adeline Saywell was discharged: ‘Mrs Saywell’, The Sun, 18 July 1932: 9.

172            Tin Hares Royal Commission ‘obfuscation’: ‘Managing Director; Had No Shares’, The Sun, 20 July 1932: 18; ‘Mr Wiles’s Trust Declaration’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 22 July 1932: 10; ‘Share Gift Inquiry’, The West Australian, 9 August 1932: 9.

172–173   front-page screamer: ‘Saywell Murderer is Now Known!’, Smith’s Weekly, 23 July 1932: 1.

173–175   A week later, the newspaper outdid itself: ‘Moxley: Astounding Turn In Events!’, Smith’s Weekly, 30 July 1932: 1.

175–177   Smith’s Weekly’s sensational claims … were slammed from every side: ‘Dead Man’s Name’, The Sun, 28 July 1932: 13; ‘Fellow Workers’, The Sun, 28 July 1932: 13; ‘Son And Mate’, The Sun, 28 July 1932: 13; ‘False Witness Against The Dead’, The Daily Telegraph, 29 July 1932: 6; ‘“Pernicious Falsehoods”’, The Sun, 29 July 1932: 11; ‘Slur On Dead Not True’ The Daily Telegraph, 29 July 1932: 7; ‘Moxley Clears Dead Man’s Name’, Truth, 31 July 1932: 1; ‘Dead Man’s Name Cleared Of Vile. Lying Slander’, The Sun, 31 July 1932: 1; ‘And They Called This Young Man A Gangster’, Truth, 31 July 1932: 15; ‘I. The Ghoul II. Protection’, The Sun, 31 July 1932: 5. Web. 7.

177            Moxley’s fate was considered by the state government: ‘Moxley Will be Hanged: Cabinet Says Sentence to Stand’, The Sun, 3 August 1932: 11.

177–178   the paper doubled down with another incendiary front page: ‘Request For Fullest Inquiry’, Smith’s Weekly, 6 August 1932: 1.

178            revelations by former Sydney cop Harold Roach: ‘Roach’s Sworn Statement’, Smith’s Weekly,6 August 1932: 6.

179            Truth went hardest at its rival: ‘Wilkinson’s Memory Nailed to Cross of Shame’, Truth, 7 August 1932: 13.

179            Smith’s… summoned to see Frank Chaffey: ‘“Falsehoods”’, The Sun, 8 August 1932: 7; ‘SMITH’S CLEARS WILKINSON’, Smith’s Weekly, 13 August 1932: 1.

179            Truth was beside itself with glee: ‘Sequel To Dastardly Attack’, Truth, 14 August 1932: 14.

179–180   Truth was right: Blaikie, George. Remember Smith’s Weekly?, Rigby, Sydney, 1966.

CHAPTER TWENTY

181–182   one about Claude Saywell read: ‘Wires Flashed Warning! Smith’s Has Facts in the Saywell Case. Tin Hare Holders Went in Fear’, Smith’s Weekly, 30 July 1932: 1.

182            Harry Wiles: ‘The Evidence’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 21 July 1932: 9.

182–183   This was certainly intriguing and worthy of a follow-up: ‘Wires Flashed Warning! Smith’s Has Facts in the Saywell Case. Tin Hare Holders Went in Fear’, Smith’s Weekly, 30 July 1932: 1.

183–185   Lockyer said he’d been first questioned: ‘The Man Who Thought of Suicide – Alfred George Lockyer’, Smith’s Weekly, 30 July 1932: 1.

185–187   The coroner … opened the Dorothy Thorne inquest: ‘Open Verdict In Cremorne Mystery’, The Sun, 27 July 1932: 11; ‘Mosman Tragedy’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 July 1932: 13; ‘Mystery Of Rich Woman’s Death’, Truth, 31 July 1932: 11; ‘Inquest Obscures Solution Of Throne Tragedy’, Arrow (Sydney, NSW : 1916 – 1933), 29 July 1932: 24.

188            Reginald also had his wife’s assets as a possible motive: Dorothy Thorne, Will and Probate Documents, Deceased Estates Index 1880-1958, NSW Archives, Pre A 069919 [20/1691]

189            Reginald … was returning to England: ‘Life Shattered By Tragedy, Reg. Thorne Sails’, Truth, 23 December 1934: 11.

189            Alfred … swallowed cyanide and was found dead: ‘Made Two Attempts At Suicide’, The Sun, 20 August 1941: 3; ‘From The Courts’, The Daily Telegraph, 21 August 1941: 7.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

190            Hilda White background: http://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/68972947/person/130177207040/facts.au; ‘Woman Murdered In Centennial Pk.’, The Sun, 27 July 1932: 13.

190–191   Hilda told her mother she was going out … succumbing to strangulation: ‘Woman Murdered In Centennial Pk.’, The Sun, 27 July 1932: 13; ‘Absence Of Clue In Park Killing’, The Daily Telegraph, 28 July 1932: 5; ‘Young Woman Lured To Death Ghastly Park Murder’, Truth, 31 July 1932: 15; ‘Many Men Seen’, The Sun, 28 July 1932: 15; ‘She Liked Movies’, The Sun, 25 August 1932: 14; ‘Brutal Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 July 1932: 9.

191            ‘the girl’s magnetic personality’: ‘Dramatic Police Swoop On Park Murder Suspect’, Truth, 7 August 1932: 1.

191            great favourite with … Permanent Military Forces: ‘Young Woman Lured To Death Ghastly Park Murder’, Truth, 31 July 1932: 15.

191–192   saw Truth run the headline: ‘Carnival of Killing Horrifies Whole State’, Truth (Brisbane), 31 July 1932: 11.

192            24th slaying: ‘Strange Lack Of Motive In Park Murder’, The Labor Daily, 28 July 1932: 5.

192            Moxley scheduled to hang … call for public protest: ‘To Protest Against Hanging’, The Labor Daily, 5 August 1932: 1; ‘Reformers Are Divided’, The Sun, 6 August 1932: 3; ‘Women Vote On Hanging’, The Daily Telegraph, 12 August 1932: 7.

192            Labor Daily remained staunch: ‘An Eye For An Eye’, The Labor Daily, 4 August 1932: 4.

193            the state government offered a £250 reward: ‘A Reward Offered’, The Daily Telegraph, 5 August 1932: 8.

193            Matthew Kennedy remembered seeing Hilda: ‘On Charge Of Murder’, The Sun, 6 August 1932: 5; ‘She Liked Movies’, The Sun, 25 August 1932: 14.

193            Victor Lamerto: NSW State Archive,Gaol Inmates/Prisoners Photos Index 1870–1930; Item No: [3/6119] | Series: NRS2467 | Page No: 305 | Photo No: 22524; ‘Counterfeit Coin Passed’, The Herald, 9 June 1922: 5; Lamerto, 1923, Victoria Police Gazette, AU7103-1923; ‘Quarter Sessions’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 5 August 1925: 10; ‘Crook Money’,The Sun, 9 September 1927, 11.

193            took Victor Lamerto into custody: ‘Dramatic Police Swoop On Park Murder Suspect’, Truth, 7 August 1932: 1.

193            Deserted from his ship … in 1913: ‘She Liked Movies’, The Sun, 25 August 1932: 14.

193            Lamerto appeared in the Central Police Court: ‘Police Evidence Not Revealed’, The Sun, 8 August 1932: 9.

194            Moxley was reportedly resigned to his fate: ‘His Bible’, The Sun, 5 August 1932: 9.

194            His sister, Ivy, had visited once or twice… Linda Fletcher came every day: ‘Moxley’s Days’, The Sun, 7 August 1932: 2; ‘Moxley Wills Body’, The Daily Telegraph, 12 August 1932, 1.

194            Moxley’s most faithful companion was Colonel Pennell: ‘Moxley’s Frantic Bid For Life’, Truth, 14 August 1932: 1;‘Moxley Prays: Reads Bible’, The Sun, 14 August 1932: 2.

194            After he was hanged, he wanted his brain to go to Sydney University:

‘Moxley Wills Body’, The Daily Telegraph, 12 August 1932, 1.

194            ‘notorious circumstances’: ‘Moxley Prays: Reads Bible’, The Sun, 14 August 1932: 2; ‘Moxley Saw Star Through Cell’, The Daily Telegraph, 15 August 1932: 6.

194–195   Colonel Pennell told his congregation: ‘Moxley’, The Sun, 15 August 1932: 9.

195            Moxley asked to see Superintendent MacKay: ‘Beneath The Blue’, The Sun, 21 August 1932: 4; ‘Moxley Is Hanged’, The Sun, 17 August 1932: 9; ‘Moxley Saw Star Through Cell’, The Daily Telegraph, 15 August 1932: 6; ‘Moxley’s Last Days’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 August 1932: 7.

195            Ivy and Linda made their last visit: ‘Moxley’s Last Hours’, The Daily Telegraph, 17 August 1932: 1.

195            There were last-ditch attempts to save Moxley: ‘Moxley’s Last Days’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 August 1932: 7; ‘Effort To Save Moxley’, The Labor Daily, 16 August 1932: 6; ‘Asks Premier To Stop Hanging’, The Sun, 16 August 1932: 11.

195            Your government is going to… murder another man… ‘a ghastly case’: ‘Moxley Will Hang At 8.30 This Morning’, The Labor Daily, 17 August 1932: 1.

196            ‘Colonel Pennell and I have spent a happy night together’: ‘“Death Is Sweet”’, The Daily Telegraph, 18 August 1932: 6.

197            Moxley didn’t say a word: ‘Moxley Is Hanged’, The Sun, 17 August1932: 9.

199            Hysterical Neurosis, Dissociative Type: Mayo Clinic Staff, ‘Dissociative Disorders’, Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dissociative-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20355215, 13 Dec 2022.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

200–201   Victor Lamerto … she looked at Lamerto and said: ‘You’re the gentleman!’ ‘She Liked Movies’, The Sun, 25 August 1932: 14; ‘Murdered Girl Was Sub Normal’, Arrow, 26 August 1932: 5; ‘Park Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 August 1932: 9; ‘Exonerated Of Centennial Park Murder’, The Labor Daily, 26 August 1932: 8.

202            A relieved Lamerto spoke to The Sun: ‘Free Now’, The Sun, 26 August 1932: 11;‘Does Foul Park Killer Hide Behind’, Truth, 28 August 1932: 11.

202            Lamerto’s future held periods without freedom: Gaol Inmates/Prisoners Photos Index 1870-1930; Item No: [3/6119] | Series: NRS2467 | Page No: 305 | Photo No: 22524

202–203   inquest into the death of Claude Saywell: ‘Court Crowded At Saywell Murder Inquest’, The Sun, 31 August 1932: 11; ‘J. Saywell’s Statement He Revised It’, The Sun, 1 September 1932: 15; ‘Saywell Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 September 1932: 9.

204            snubbed his girlfriend: ‘His Parents Objected To Girl Friend’, The Labor Daily, 1 September 1932: 5.

204–207   On the second day of the inquest… May said he’d actually been ready to give his verdict: ‘Saywell Inquest’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 2 September 1932: 9.

207–208   the inquest resumed: ‘Saywell Case – Open Verdict’, The Sun, 16 September 1932: 9; ‘Saywell Inquest’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 17 September 1932: 14; ‘Saywell Hammer Horror’, Truth, 18 September 1932: 1.

208            revive the notion: ‘Mrs. Saywell May Give Name Of Husband’s Murderer!’ Truth, 19 November 1933: 1.

209            Adeline Saywell… needed around the clock care… live until 1953: ‘Victim of Murderous Attack Receives Small Annuity’, Arrow, 7 October 1932: 23; ‘Notice of death and will’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 April 1953: 21.

210            Jack continued to speed… married… Grand Prix: ‘Speeding Car’, Goulburn Evening Penny Post, 19 March 1935: 4; ‘Licence Suspended’, The Daily Telegraph, 25 June 1935: 1; ‘Wed Last Night’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 April 1936: 15; ‘Fastest Car In Australia’, Referee, 6 October 1938: 14.

210            Tom Saywell… died later that night in hospital: ‘Story Of “Wild Drive” Death Of Saywell’, The Daily Telegraph, 15 January 1938: 7.

211–212   Questions lingered about the Tin Hares scandal: ‘Commission’s Findings. Tin Hares and Fruit Machines’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 November 1932: 9.

213:           the state’s murder toll continued to rise: ‘Red Year’, The Sun, 26 December 1932: 4.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

214–215   Bernard Green was walking through Queen’s Park … May Miller, thirty years old: ‘Body Of Nude Woman In Park’, The Sun, 10 December 1932: 5; ‘Social Outcast Battered To Death’, Truth, 11 December 1932: 18; ‘Park Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 December 1932: 9; ‘Frightened And Tried To Hide Her In The Bush’, Truth, 22 January 1933: 13.

215            Iris Marriott was born in August 1902: www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/85802333/person/112337559431/facts

215–216   A disorderly house: ‘Disorderly Conduct’, The Daily News (Perth), 8 May 1905, 9; A “Nice House”’, The Daily News (Perth), 13 March 1906: 11; ‘Man Taken Down’, The Evening Mail (Fremantle), 15 April 1908: 1; ‘SHOCKING STORY’, Truth (Perth), 2 May 1908: 5; ‘WOMEN’S WILES’, Truth (Perth), 18 April 1908: 6.

216            Iris took herself and her newborn baby … Sydney from 1922 or 1923: ‘Park Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 25 January 1933: 12; NSW State Archives, Gaol Inmates/Prisoners Photos Index 1870–1930, Photo No 763, Series NRS2496/Item No [3/6008], Page No 11, Index Number 84

216            In April 1929, on a city street near Hyde Park… served six months: ‘Alleged Ear-Biter Is Well-Built Blonde–Chewed Wood In The Dock’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 April 1929: 7; ‘Man’s Ear Bitten’, The Sun, 6 May 1929: 14.

216            McGroder… break and enter: ‘Quarter Sessions’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 June 1931: 6.

217            memo from Miller stated: NSW Police Department, Memo, from Inspector Miller to Inspector Prior, ‘Murder of Iris Marriott, also known as May Miller…’, 18 December 1932.

217            The Sun latched onto the Hilda White connection: ‘Park Pest Believed Slayer Of Two Women’, The Sun, 11 December 1932: 1.

217            But there was dissent among the detectives: ‘Park Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 December 1932: 9.

217            Drifting from park to park: ‘Derelicts’, The Sun, 13 December 1932: 17.

218            Waverley man found bloodstained clothes: ‘Clothes Found’, The Sun, 15 December 1932: 21.

218–219   George McNamara was walking on a lonely bush road: ‘Girl Naked And Battered’, The Sun, 15 December 1932: 21; ‘Mad Killer’s Victim’, Truth, 18 December 1932: 1.

219            A detective was left with her: ‘Park Outrage’, The Daily Telegraph, 16 December 1932: 1.

219            They found a road-toll ticket from St George’s Bridge: ‘The Grisly Trail Of A Killer’, Truth, 1 January 1933: 1.

219            They bore the name of a shop in Redfern: ‘Girl Dies Without Speaking’, The Sun, 16 December 1932: 9.

220            Bessie … was born in September 1916: New South Wales, Australia, Registers of Coroners’ Inquests, 1821-1937 for Elizabeth Isabel O’Connor; also a March 1927 article says she was then aged ten and a half.

220            Arthur separated from Patience on the grounds of her desertion: ‘In Divorce’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 March 1929: 12.

220–221   tykes plunging from tall towers… her father’s honour system: ‘Midget Divers Who Please The Crowds’, Evening News, 12 March 1927: 2; ‘Perth Fails’, The Sun, 16 November 1928: 9; ‘10′-Per 100’, The Sun, 8 April 1928: 2.

221            Arthur O’Connor’s death: https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/6513465/person/270041606565/facts

221            her mother had given her a shilling: ‘Park Outrage’, The Daily Telegraph, 16 December 1932: 1.

222–223   But there were other clues: ‘First Clue Found’, The Sun, 20 December 1932: 11.

223–224   Truth struck up a relationship with the dead girl’s mother: ‘National Park Horror’, Truth, 18 December 1932: 16.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

225            At dawn … glowing mini-profiles of the lead investigators:

‘Police Make Dramatic Moves’, The Sun, 17 December 1932: 5.

225            Childs called a CIB conference: ‘Grim Conference Of Detectives’, The Sun, 18 December 1932: 1.

226            The Sun’s front page the following day: ‘CIB Decides on Triple-Murder Theory’, The Sun, 18 December 1932: 1.

226            detectives were hunting a monster like the Vampire of Düsseldorf: ‘Sex Nature Awry’, The Daily Telegraph, 20 December 1932: 6.

226            Yet The Sydney Morning Herald had the opposite take: ‘Park Murders’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 December 1932: 9.

227            Will criminal history repeat itself: ‘Is Sex Maniac Abroad In Sydney?’, The Sun, 19 December 1932: 9.

227            Childs recommended … helped towards his ultimate capture: ‘First Clue Found’, The Sun, 20 December 1932: 11.

228            ‘Detectives who move about the city…’: ‘Is Sex Maniac Abroad In Sydney?’, The Sun, 19 December 1932: 9.

228            Childs released a long list of items: ‘Tools New Murder Clue?’, The Sun, 23 December 1932: 7.

228–230   Truth ran a Christmas front page whose headline: ‘Desperate Attempt To Kidnap Girls’, Truth, 25 December 1932: 9.

230            Bessie was getting money from some unknown source: ‘Strong Plea For New Trial’, The Sun, 31 July 1933: 7–8.

230–232   Their best lead came from Thomas Brown: ‘Story Broke Down Under Crown Attack’, The Daily Telegraph, 29 April 1933: 7.

231            ‘jealously guarded’… incredibly detailed portrait: ‘Police Seek Man Of Mystery’, The Sun, 30 December 1932: 7.

231–232   delivered to talkie audiences in another newsreel appearance by Prior: ‘Talkie Helps In Man Hunt’, The Sun, 1 January 1933: 1; ‘Park Murder’, The Daily Telegraph, 31 December 1932: 5.

232            Thomas Brown hadn’t seen anything: ‘Story Broke Down Under Crown Attack’, The Daily Telegraph, 29 April 1933: 7.

232            prominent photo of the actual plate: ‘Tell The Police!’, Truth, 25 December 1932: 9.

232            thirty-six murders during the year – ten more than the average for the past three years: Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1929; Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1930; Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1931; Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1932; Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1933.

232            The Sun characterised the past twelve months: ‘Red Year’, The Sun, 26 December 1932: 4.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

234            the new ABC network: ‘Aust.-Wide Call’, The Sun, 31 December 1932: 7.

234–238   Truth had a sensational front-page: ‘The Grisly Trail Of A Killer’, Truth, 1 January 1933: 1.

238–239   boarding-house keeper in the Wollongong suburb of Corrimal… abject failure: ‘A Clue In Park Murder?’, The Daily Telegraph, 2 January 1933: 1; ‘A Midnight Interview’, The Sun, 2 January 1933: 7; ‘Park Murder Hunt’, The Daily Telegraph, 3 January 1933: 1.

239–240   Traces of this were found… ‘… vainly seeking the killer for weeks’: ‘All Eager To Help Police – Park Murders ­– new Men On Job’, The Sun, 4 January 1933: 9.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

241–242   A year ago…McRae’s new plan, Truth reported, developed with ‘bewildering speed’: ‘Sensational Arrest In Park Horror’, Truth, 8 January 1933: 1; ‘Where Killer Lived’, The Sun, 5 January 1933: 11.

242            If that meant speaking to as many as a thousand men: ‘Park Murders’, The Daily Telegraph, 6 January 1933: 1.

242            McRae was talking to a resident near Cook Road: ‘Moves In Murders’, The Daily Telegraph, 9 January 1933: 1.

242            He had just yesterday moved from a house in nearby: ‘Craig Committed For Trial’, The Sun, 24 January 1933: 11.

243–244   Learning this at Paddington, McRae sent an urgent message to the CIB: ‘Man Held At C.I.B.’, The Daily Telegraph, 7 January 1933: 1; ‘Married Man Stands Charged With “Park” Murder’, The Sun, 8 January 1933: 1; ‘Sensational Arrest In Park Horror’, Truth, 8 January 1933: 1; ‘Frightened And Tried To Hide Her In The Bush’, Truth, 22 January 1933: 13.

244            McRae stepped out of the CIB: ‘Going Home For A Well-Earned Rest’, The Sun, 8 January 1933: 1.

245            Born Eric Roland Joseph: www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/103166490/person/280157514240/facts

245            efficient soldier … athletic bloke … social fellow … a popular partner: ‘Moves In Murders’, The Daily Telegraph, 9 January 1933: 1; ‘Park Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 January 1933: 9.

245            Craig was cautioned for taking an officer’s car: Bretherton, Tanya. The Killing Streets, Hachette, Sydney, 2020.

245            Mary took the babies to live with her people in the country: ‘Absolutely Innocent, Said Craig’, The Daily Telegraph, 31 March 1933: 8.

246–247   Truth … continued its dominance: ‘Sensational Arrest In Park Horror’, Truth, 8 January 1933: 1.

247            On the Monday morning, at Central Police Court: ‘Were Unable To Identify Man’, The Daily Telegraph, 10 January 1933: 7; ‘Hunt Goes On’, The Sun, 9 January 1933: 7.

248            no one identified Craig: ‘Were Unable To Identify Man’, The Daily Telegraph, 10 January 1933: 7.

247–248   ‘Never Let Up’: ‘Never Let Up – Murder Squad Has Busy Life’, The Sun, 11 January 1933: 11.

248            the Murder Squad’s efforts… if Truth‘s next scoop was to be believed: ‘Bessie O’Connor’s Murderer’, Truth, 15 January 1933: 13.

249            the detectives were particularly sore: ‘Police Are Discontented’, The Daily Telegraph, 13 January 1933: 8.

249–256   Eric Roland Craig appeared in the City Coroner’s Court: ‘Craig’s Alleged Confession’, The Sun, 20 January 1933: 9; ‘Frightened And Tried To Hide Her In The Bush’, Truth, 22 January 1933: 13.

255            charged him with the murder of Bessie O’Connor: ‘Bessie O’Connor Tragedy’, The Sun, 21 January 1933: 5; ‘Second Murder Charge Against Craig’, Truth, 22 January 1933: 1; ‘Second Charge Of Murder’, The Sun, 22 January 1933: 3.

256            The detective admitted: ‘I informed him that she had once either bitten …’: ‘Once Gaoled For Biting A Man’s Ear’, Arrow, 27 January 1933: 5.

256            Fiendish murder: ‘Craig Committed For Trial’, The Sun, 24 January 1933: 11.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

255            Mrs Hamilon Watts, who’d participated in a line-up: ‘Second Charge Of Murder’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 January 1933: 1.

257–261   Craig was back in the same court: ‘Big Inquest To-Day’, The Labor Daily, 30 January 1933: 1; ‘Woman Identifies Craig’, The Sun, 30 January 1933: 9; ‘Request at Midnight for Gallon of Petrol’, The Sun, 1 February 1933: 13; ‘Oil Can At Inquest’, The Daily Telegraph, 2 February 1933: 7.

263            Kinkead asked Comans about witness Thomas Brown: ‘Coroner’s Second Verdict Of Murder Against Craig’, The Sun, 2 February 1933: 15.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

265–267   face trial for Iris Marriott’s murder: ‘Craig Sobs In Dock At Trial’, The Sun, 16 March 1933: 15; ‘Awaiting The Verdict’, The Daily Telegraph, 17 March 1933: 9; ‘Craig Is Sentenced To 20 Years’, The Labor Daily, 17 March 1933: 4.

267            ‘perverts’: ‘Awaiting The Verdict’, The Daily Telegraph, 17 March 1933: 9.

267–268   In sentencing, he said: ‘Eric Craig’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 17 March 1933: 10; ‘What Is Future of Killer Craig?’, Truth, 19 March 1933: 1.

268            he could be out in fifteen with good behaviour: ‘Craig’s Fate On Second Murder Count’, The Sun, 17 March 1933: 9.

268            The Crown opened its second bid: ‘New Witness At Craig Trial’, The Sun, 29 March 1933: 13.

269            Don’t you remember that Mr. Kinkead cross-examined you: ‘Eric Craig’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 30 March 1933: 10.

269–270   On the second day of the trial… Mary’s corroborated: ‘“Didn’t Kill Bessie O’Connor”’, The Sun, 30 March 1933: 15.

270            Charles Lawrence took the stand: ‘Craig Still Waiting For Verdict’, The Daily Telegraph, 1 April 1933: 7.

271            Speaking from the dock: ‘“Absolutely Innocent”, Said Craig’, The Daily Telegraph, 31 March 1933: 8.

272            The jury retired at 2.45pm. Just over five hours later: ‘Craig’s Agony Of Suspense’, Truth, 2 April 1933: 1.

272–276   Nearly four weeks later, the sequel got started: ‘Craig’s Denial From Dock’, The Daily Telegraph, 28 April 1933: 10; ‘“Perjury-Third Degree-Trickery!”’, Truth, 30 April 1933: 1.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

278            ‘Eastern … Eastern!’: ‘Murder That Must Be Avenged’, Truth, 21 May 1933: 1.

280            before John Rowland was shot … two separate crimes: ‘Shot Through Lung’, The Labor Daily, 16 May 1933: 5.

279            Rowland’s young wife and their baby son: ‘Man Shot At Bondi’, The Daily Telegraph, 16 May 1933: 1.

279            the Chrysler had been stolen in Eastwood: ‘Clues In Hunt For Bandits’, The Sun, 16 May 1933: 9.

280            The MO section produced a list of known hold-up men: ‘Chicago Methods In Bondi Murder’, The Sun, 21 May 1933: 2.

281            Police used this announcement: ‘Chicago Methods In Bondi Murder’, The Sun, 21 May 1933: 2.

281            Ballistics found it was a very rare nickel make: ‘Coroner Gives Verdict Of Murder’, The Sun, 28 June 1933: 11.

281            Detective-Sergeant Colin Delaney and Detective-Constable Albert Crosbie were given the job: ‘Tracing Fatal Bullet’, The Sun, 7 September 1933: 25.

281            Truth gave the story front-page treatments: ‘Murder That Must Be Avenged’, Truth, 21 May 1933: 1; ‘Murderous Bandits Menace Public’, Truth, 28 May 1933: 1.

282            Prior, McRae, Delaney and Crosbie visited an Eastwood residence: ‘Tracing Fatal Bullet’, The Sun, 7 September 1933: 25.

282            young man named Claude Wallace: ‘“I Found Rowland Was Shot”’, The Sun, 26 June 1933: 7; ‘Shocking Bondi Tragedy’, Truth, 2 July 1933: 13.

282 & 295 Claude Wallace and Eric Newlyn’s criminal activities: ‘Deserting Wives and Families, Service, &c.’ New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime,13 November 1929: 814; ‘For Trial On Eight Charges’, The Daily Telegraph, 14 July 1931: 5; ‘Gave Himself Up’, The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, 20 July 1931: 1; ‘Discretion Better Part Of Valor’, Evening News, 28 October 1929: 8; ‘Looted Lorry’, The Sun, 28 March 1930: 15; ‘Quarter Sessions’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 May 1930: 8; ‘£188 HAUL’, The Sun, 22 September 1930: 3.

282            Newlyn was found fast: ‘Manslaughter, Said Jury’, Truth, 10 September 1933: 13.

283–284   the chase was on … in court, charged with murder: ‘Bondi Murder: Two Held’, The Daily Telegraph, 5 June 1933: 1; ‘“I Found Rowland Was Shot”’, The Sun, 26 June 1933: 8.

283            ‘I shot him on the spur of the moment’: ‘The Statement’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 June 1933: 10; ‘Shocking Bondi Tragedy’, Truth, 2 July 1933: 13.

284–285   The Sun likened the trial to a well-rehearsed performance: ‘Crowd Attends Court For’, The Sun, 6 June 1933: 11; ‘Eric Craig’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 7 June 1933: 12.

285            ‘I’m absolutely tired of it’: ‘Third Murder Trial of Eric Roland Craig’, The Daily Telegraph, 7 June 1933: 11.

285            Bessie had revealed semen in her vagina: Bretherton, Tanya. The Killing Streets, Hachette, Sydney, 2020.

285            Curtis argued that the newspapers… influenced recollections: ‘Crowd Attends Court For’, The Sun, 6 June 1933: 11;‘Third Murder Trial of Eric Roland Craig’, The Daily Telegraph, 7 June 1933: 11.

286            McKean this time tried a new angle: ‘Murder Charge’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 8 June 1933: 10.

286            the final arguments were repeated: ‘Craig Guilty’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 June 1933: 11.

286            Eric Roland Craig was guilty of the murder of Bessie O’Connor: ‘Craig Sentenced To Death For Murder’, The Daily Telegraph, 9 June 1933: 1; ‘Averted Eyes Of Jury Warned Craig Of His Doom’, The Sun, 11 June 1933: 2.

288            Craig appealed … Patience O’Connor revealed what she knew: ‘Decision Reserved On Craig Appeal’, The Sun, 31 July 1933: 7.

289            Craig’s death sentence was commuted: ‘Eric Craig’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 September 1933: 11.

288            The first time was in October 1941 … Craig escaped: ‘Murderer Escapes’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 October 1941: 7; ‘Lifer’s Jail Escape’, The Daily Telegraph, 27 October 1941: 2; ‘Lifer At Large’, National Advocate, 27 October 1941: 2; ‘“I Won’t Give You Any Trouble,” Craig Tells Captors’, The Sun, 27 October 1941: 3.

289            Craig was paroled in 1957: Bretherton, Tanya. The Killing Streets, Hachette, Sydney, 2020.

290            she filed for a divorce: ‘Woman’s Freedom From Man Who Will End His Days In Gaol’ Truth, 27 September 1942: 11.

289            Mary Craig… gave an interview to The Daily Telegraph: ‘Two Women On Craig’s Reprieve’, The Daily Telegraph, 19 September 1933: 1.

290            McRae and Detective Wylie were particular problems: Bretherton, Tanya. The Killing Streets, Hachette, Sydney, 2020

290            Mary remained in written contact with him until March 1942: ‘Wife Divorces Murderer’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 22 September 1942: 3; ‘Woman’s Freedom From Man Who Will End His Days In Gaol’, Truth, 27 September 1942: 11.

290            Mary gassed herself in the kitchen of her Randwick flat: ‘Tragic suicide of killer’s former wife; head in gas stove’, The Sun, 1 August 1950: 3; ‘Killer not told of tragedy’, The Daily Telegraph, 2 August 1950: 6.

290            Also on that page – as though passing the baton: ‘Arrested And Charged In Bondi Murder’, Truth, 11 June 1933: 13.

290            The Sun’s courtroom sketches: ‘“I Found Rowland Was Shot”’, The Sun, 26 June 1933: 7.

291            Bondi witnesses … John Rowland’s dying deposition… ballistics evidence: ‘Coroner Gives Verdict Of Murder’, The Sun, 28 June 1933: 11; ‘Shocking Bondi Tragedy’, Truth, 2 July 1933: 13.

291            far more appealing weapon in the war on crime: ‘With Police Soon On City Beat Duty’, The Sun, 4 July 1933: 11; ‘State’s Pioneer Police Dogs — Royal Arch Ball Debutantes’, The Sun, 4 July 1933: 16; ‘Police Dogs.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 6 July 1933: 11.

292            man who’d gone missing in bush at Dee Why: ‘Tess Proves Her Worth’, The Sun, 23 August 1933: 13;‘Missing Man Tracked In Dark By Alsatian’, The Daily Telegraph, 24 August 1933: 8.

293            In the decades ahead, Scotty and his dogs became stars: ‘World Famous Amazing Rescue Work By Police Dog, Zoe’, Pix Magazine, 7 December 1940: 6; Maxwell, C. Bede. The Cold Nose Of The Law, Halstead Press/Angus And Robertston, Sydney, 1948.

293            Tess’s discovery of the body of six-year-old Marcia Hayes: ‘Child’s Body In Bag.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 December 1937: 7; ‘Grey Headed Man Is Charged With Murder Of Child’, The Sun, 27 December 1937: 1.

293            he drove them to funeral: ‘Man, 65, Charged With Murder’, The Daily Telegraph, 27 December 1937: 1.

293            Alfred Spicer’s May 1938 execution: ‘Met Death Firmly’, The Sun, 26 May 1938: 3.

293            Scotty…. The Cold Nose of the Law…Skippy the Bush Kangaroo: personal information from interview with Denholm’s son; Maxwell, C. Bede. The Cold Nose Of The Law, Halstead Press/Angus And Robertston, Sydney, 1948; ‘Behind The Scenes’, The Australian Women’s Weekly, 13 September 1967: 9; ‘Even A Snake Is A Welcome Houseguest’, The Australian Women’s Weekly, 10 April 1968: 15.

294–295   murder of John Rowland … New South Wales was dumbfounded: ‘Manslaughter, Said Jury’, Truth, 10 September 1933: 13.

CHAPTER THIRTY

297            Human Glove case: NSW Police Murder File, Percival Smith, December–April 1933–34. Accessed courtesy of NSW police Infolink.

297–298   The source was a horrific bundle: ‘Mystery Of River Murder’, The Sun, 26 December 1933: 7.

299            McRae, Crosbie and Ramus… assisted in a three-hour post-mortem: ‘Baffling Mystery’, The Sun, 27 December 1933: 7; ‘Sensational Move Imminent In River Murder Police Progress In Identity Probe Hope For Early Solution’, Truth, 31 December 1933: 13.

299            ‘Detectives have been set an almost impossible task’: ‘Man’s Body’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 December 1933: 7.

299            The Sun’s photographer taking shots: ‘Murrumbidgee Mystery Murder First Pictures In Sydney’, The Sun, 28 December 1933, 14.

299            Crosbie who donned a bathing suit: ‘Human Hand: Sack Mystery Clue’, The Daily Telegraph, 28 December 1933: 1.

300            The discover of the ‘Human Glove’ was a tabloid sensation: ‘Dramatic Moves By Police’, The Sun, 28 December 1933: 7.

300            McRae’s promotion … Crosbie … promoted alongside … McDermott … McKay designated chief… : ‘McRae and Crosbie Promoted’, Truth, 31 December 1933: 13; ‘Dual Personality’, Truth, 20 May 1934: 1; ‘Police Promotions’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 30 December 1933: 6.

300–301   Walkom and the Human Glove evidence process: ‘Following Clues Of the Bloodstained Waggonette’, Truth, 7 January 1934: 15; ‘Science May Solve Riddle Of Death’, Truth, 14 January 1934: 13; ‘Dramatic Moves By Police’, The Sun, 28 December 1933: 7; ‘Wagga Victim Named’, The Sun, 3 January 1934: 7.

301            Percival Smith: Murder File, 1933–1934. Accessed via NSW Police under the GIPA Act.

301            made enquiries … learning Percy: ‘17 Points – Smith’s Prints’, The Sun, 22 February 1934: 16.

301            On McRae’s advice: Murder File; ‘Murrumbidgee River Mystery — Police Release Story’, Daily Advertiser, 4 January 1934: 1.

302            Charles Seymour… ‘Ted’ Morey: ‘Murrumbidgee River Mystery’, Daily Advertiser, 11 May 1934: 5.

302            Tent Town … dismal of all unemployed camps: ‘Woman Charged In Wagga Shooting’, The Sun, 11 May 1934: 9.

302—303  Walsh found Morey at Tent Town … ‘You know, big George McDonald’: ‘River Mystery’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 May 1934: 12; ‘Morey For Trial On Charge Of Murder’, Truth, 4 March 1934: 15.

303            Edward Henry Morey… Born in April 1897: https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/16683593/person/28128256004/facts?_phsrc=gnf1940&_phstart=successSource; NAA, B2455, Morey Edward, Item 7986470.

303            Jessie Thompson…’penniless and homeless’: https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/16683593/person/29108414373/facts; ‘Woman And Child’, The Sun, 29 May 1919: 8; ‘Pitiful Case’, The Sun, 5 June 1919: 2; ‘A Sad Case’, Daily Advertiser, 6 June 1919: 3.

303            ‘I was nearly out of my mind’: ‘Infant’s Death’, The Sun, 23 October 1919: 7.

303            Some of Morey’s offences: ‘Stolen Cars’, Cootamundra Herald, 7 June 1927: 1; ‘Using Cyanide’, Cowra Free Press, 7 June 1927: 3; ‘Opossum Poisoners Charged With Car Stealing’, Cowra Free Press, 10 June 1927: 3; ‘This Week’s Court News’, Cowra Free Press, 7 December 1928: 8; ‘Items Of News’, Daily Advertiser, 9 January 1932: 4; ‘Wagga Police Court’, Daily Advertiser, 12 January 1932: 4; ‘Wagga Police Court’, Daily Advertiser, 14 June 1932: 3.

304–306   Morey made a statement… McRae charged Morey with the murder: Murder File, ‘Coroner Finds Murder In Murrumbidgee River Mystery Inquest’, Wagga Wagga Express, 3 March 1934: 5.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

307            ‘He is not the George McDonald I meant’: ‘Coroner Finds Murder In Murrumbidgee River Mystery Inquest’, Wagga Wagga Express, 3 March 1934: 7.

308            now floating in a jar: ‘“Human Glove”’, The Sun, 22 February 1934: 15.

308–312   The inquest: ‘Murrumbidgee River Mystery’, Daily Advertiser,23 February 1934: 2; ‘Murrumbidgee River Mystery’, Daily Advertiser,24 February 1934: 6; ‘Light on Murrumbidgee River Mystery’, Daily Advertiser,26 February 1934: 5; ‘Unravelling of Murrumbidgee River Mystery’, Daily Advertiser,27 February 1934: 3; ‘Solving of the Murrumbidgee River Mystery’, Daily Advertiser,28 February 1934: 3; ‘Murrumbidgee River Mystery’, Daily Advertiser,1 March 1934: 1; ‘Coroner Finds Murder In Murrumbidgee River Mystery Inquest’, Wagga Wagga Express, 3 March 1934: 7.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

313–314   In the first letter… ‘If things go wrong – well, I’ll stick to you’: ‘Dual Personality’, Truth, 20 May 1934: 1; ‘Wagga Water Trough Drama’, Truth, 20 May 1934: 11; ‘Woman’s Love For Murderer Morey–Amazing Story In Court’, The Sun, 18 May 1934: 9.

314–317   A shot rang out in the darkness on the fringes of Tent Town: ‘Woman’s Love For Murderer Morey – Amazing Story In Court’, The Sun, 18 May 1934: 9; ‘Shooting of Moncrieff Anderson’, Daily Advertiser, 19 May 1934: 6.

317–318   the defence’s arguments took just an hour: ‘Sentenced To Death’, Daily Advertiser, 12 May 1934: 2; ‘Guilty Is Verdict’, The Sun, 11 May 1934: 9; ‘Human Glove Case’, Wagga Wagga Express, 12 May 1934: 6.

318–319   The spectacle of the man will never be forgotten: ‘Murder’, Truth, 13 May 1934: 17.

319            cried for hours. In the adjoining cell: ‘Police Find Missing Money’, The Sun, 12 May 1934: 3.

319            Escorted to Sydney: ‘At Long Bay’, The Sun, 12 May 1934: 3.

319–320   McRae and Ramus wrote a letter to the Executive Council: Percival Smith Murder File

321            In his internal memo summing up the case: Percival Smith Murder File

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

322            Morey was in Long Bay Gaol, preparing an appeal: ‘Appeal In Sentence Of Death’, The Labor Daily, 23 May 1934: 1.

322            Lillian had been just a girl when she married Moncrieff … a small pension: www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/166425094/person/342304788128/facts; Percival Smith Murder Files

322            the inquest into Moncrieff Anderson’s death: ‘Shooting of Moncrieff Anderson’, Daily Advertiser, 19 May 1934: 6.

322            made him prone to drinking: ‘Tense Murder Trial ­– Amazing Statement In Dock’, Truth, 24 June 1934: 12.

322–324   Lillian Anderson’s letters: ‘Woman’s Love For Murderer Morey ­­– Amazing Story In Court’, The Sun, 18 May 1934: 9; ‘Shooting of Moncrieff Anderson’, Daily Advertiser, 19 May 1934: 6; ‘Anderson Shooting’, Wagga Wagga Express, 19 May 1934: 1; ‘Dual Personality’, Truth, 20 May 1934: 1; ‘Wagga Water Trough Drama’, Truth, 20 May 1934: 11.

324            Lillian was erratic, emotionally unstable: ‘Killed Smith’, The Sun, 19 June 1934: 11.

325–326   Joyce, who was sobbing… Lillian spoke from the dock: ‘Cannot Agree On Verdict’, The Labor Daily, 20 June 1934: 5; ‘Tense Murder Trial – Amazing Statement In Dock’, Truth, 24 June 1934: 12;‘Mrs. Anderson’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 July 1934: 7; ‘Wagga Crime’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 June 1934: 13.

327–328   Lillian’s second and third trials: ‘Faces Second Murder Trial’, The Sun, 25 July 1934: 12; ‘It Ends’, The Sun, 26 July 1934: 30; ‘Wagga Crime’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 July 1934: 13; ‘Mrs Anderson – Statement From The Dock – Accuses Husband Of Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 July 1934: 7; ‘Jury Disagrees’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 July 1934: 15; ‘Mrs. Anderson’s Hours of Mental Agony’, Truth, 29 July 1934: 19; ‘20 Years’ Prison’, The Sun, 7 September 1934: 9; ‘Morey Appeal’, Wagga Wagga Express, 15 September 1934: 3; ‘Twenty Years’, Wagga Wagga Express, 8 September 1934: 2; ‘Sentence Stands’, Truth, 4 November 1934: 27.

328            Morey was denied the right to appeal: ‘Edward Morey’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 September 1934: 8.

328            human glove … displayed at the Easter Show: ‘Police free crime relics for Show’, The Daily Telegraph, 2 April 1950: 24.

328            Lillian Anderson, having been released in 1944: ‘Sydney Case Recalls “Human Glove” Murder At Wagga’, Daily Advertiser, 31 January 1948: 4; www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/166425094/person/342304788128/facts

328            Morey was set free at Christmas in 1953: ‘Hospital Christmas for 6 callous slayers’, Truth, 20 December 1953: 15; ‘“Human Glove” murderer sent to T.B. home after 20 years’, Truth, 13 December 1953: 13.

329            Morey … convicted in March 1955: Gilgandra Weekly, 30 March 1955: 4.

329            dying … in November 1977: www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/16683593/person/28128256004/facts

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

331            big story in that evening’s Herald … dubbed her ‘Pyjama Girl’: ‘Charred And Battered Body In Sack’, The Sun, 1 September 1934: 1; ‘Charred Body Of Girl’, The Herald, 1 September 1934: 1; ‘Lovely City Girl’s Body Mutilated and Charred In Petrol-Soaked Sacking’, Truth, 2 September 1934: 1; ‘Pyjama Girl: Charred Body In Culvert’, The Sun, 2 September 1934: 1.

332            theorised that she’d been asleep when battered: ‘Woman’s Body’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 September 1934: 9.

332–333   man who’d driven past … laundry marks: ‘Woman’s Body’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 September 1934: 9; ‘Murdered Girl’s Description’, The Daily Telegraph, 3 September 1934: 1; ‘Clue In Albury Murder’, The Labor Daily, 3 September 1934: 1.

333            ‘Anyone knowing the girl’: ‘Pyjama Girl: Charred Body In Culvert’, The Sun, 2 September 1934: 1.

333            allow the public to see the body: ‘Murdered Girl Still Unidentified’, The Herald, 3 September 1934: 1.

333            packed in 250 pounds of crushed ice: ‘Are Any Daughters Missing?’, The Herald, 12 September 1934: 6.

333            ‘head may be preserved in spirit’: ‘Murdered Girl May Be From Newcastle; Woman to See Body’, The Sun, 3 September 1934: 9.

333            Allmond didn’t think the killer or killers were locals: ‘Albury Crime’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 4 September 1934: 9.

333            The towel appeared to have a laundry mark: ‘Woman’s Body’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 September 1934: 9; ‘Murdered Girl’s Description’, The Daily Telegraph, 3 September 1934: 1; ‘Clue In Albury Murder’, The Labor Daily, 3 September 1934: 1.

334            The Sun’s photographer captured … the detectives: ‘Murdered Girl May Be From Newcastle; Woman to See Body’, The Sun, 3 September 1934: 9; ‘The Culvert of Tragedy… Where Girl’s Body Was Found’, The Sun, 3 September 1934: 16.

334            more lifelike illustration – close to photographic in style: ‘Do You Know This Girl ?’, The Sun, 4 September 1934: 1; ‘Detectives Now On New Murder Clue’, The Sun, 5 September 1934: 13.

334            the results of Dr Wood’s X-ray: ‘“PYJAMA GIRL” INQUEST “SHOT IN HEAD”’, The Herald, 18 January 1938: 1.

334            .25-calibre Webley & Scott automatic pistol: ‘Bedstead Iron As Weapon’, The Daily Telegraph, 5 April 1944: 7.

334            testing every pistol of this make: Evans, Richard. The Pyjama Girl Mystery, Scribe, Melbourne 2004.

334            Detective Ramus and Inspector McIntosh were enlisted in the search: ‘Albury Crime’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 4 September 1934: 9.

335            250 people had seen the body on ice: ‘Detectives Now On New Murder Clue’, The Sun, 5 September 1934: 13.

335            A circular with the case details: New South Wales, Police circular, dated 6 September 1934

335            dentist Francis Jackson did an extensive examination: ‘New Teeth Clue Found In “Pyjama Girl” Murder’, The Herald, 7 September 1934: 5;‘Murdered Girl’s Fine Teeth’, The Argus, 8 September 1934: 21;‘Culvert Horror As World’s Most Perfect Crime!’, Truth, 16 September 1934: 17.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

336            McRae was ordered to Albury: ‘To Albury’, The Sun, 7 September 1934: 9; ‘Suspect Seen: Culvert Murder 70 M.P.H. Dash From Ghastly Pyre’, Truth, 9 September 1934: 1; ‘New Hope At Albury’, The Herald, 8 September 1934: 8.

336            features were beginning to contort: ‘Burnt Body In Culvert’, The Age, 10 September 1934: 10.

336            they could have her embalmed: ‘Culvert Horror As World’s Most Perfect Crime!’, Truth, 16 September 1934: 17.

337            ‘striking resemblance’: ‘Girl Walker With Man’, The Sun, 8 September 1934: 5.

337            ‘the most dastardly crime of a generation’: ‘Suspect Seen: Culvert Murder 70 M.P.H. Dash From Ghastly Pyre’, Truth, 9 September 1934: 1.

338            McRae … went to Melbourne: ‘Clue In Albury Murder’, The Herald, 10 September 1934: 1; ‘Burnt Body In Culvert’, The Age, 10 September 1934: 10; ‘Reward Of £250 Offered In Albury Case’, The Argus, 12 September 1934: 7.

338            UV analysis revealed: ‘Culvert Murder’, Daily Advertiser, 14 September 1934: 4; ‘Girl in Pyjamas Still Unknown’, Truth, 23 January 1938: 26.

339            the design included a dragon embroidered: ‘Pyjamas’, The Sun, 17 September 1934: 7; ‘Was “Beryl Cashmere” The Pyjama Girl? Sydney Woman “Was Her Friend”’, Truth, 23 September 1934: 1; ‘Unknown’, The Sun, 18 September 1934: 9.

339            Charles Kinsela and his son: ‘Check Up’, The Sun, 12 September 1934: 13;‘Body Of Pyjama Girl Embalmed’, The Daily Telegraph, 13 September 1934: 1; ‘Science Yields New Murder Clues’, The Sun, 13 September 1934: 17; ‘Culvert Horror As World’s Most Perfect Crime!’, Truth, 16 September 1934: 17; ‘Science And Girl Mystery’, The Herald, 13 September 1934: 1.

340            Hopes were repeatedly raised and dashed: ‘Man Says He Knows Murder Victim’, The Sun, 16 September 1934: 7; ‘Was ‘”Beryl Cashmere” The Pyjama Girl? Sydney Woman “Was Her Friend”’, Truth, 23 September 1934, 1; ‘Albury Murder’, The Argus, 16 October 1934: 12; ‘Blonde Wasn’t Murdered!’, The Labor Daily, 19 October 1934: 7; ‘Thinks Murdered Girl Is His Wife’, 13 September 1934: 5.

340            border-crossing visitors: ‘Murder Hunt Quickens’, The Herald, 19 September 1934: 5.

340            Wilks began sending requests all across the globe: ‘80 Countries’, The Sun, 13 November 1934: 22; ‘“Pyjama Girl” Inquest “Shot In Head”’, The Herald, 18 January 1938: 1.

341            young Englishwoman last seen in Shanghai: ‘Shanghai Consul Cables Clue To Pyjama Girl’, The Herald, 3 November 1934: 18; ‘“Pyjama Girl”’, The Sun, 3 November 1934: 8; ‘Culvert Murder “Victim” Found!’, Truth, 18 November 1934: 19.

341            the number of letters and missing girl reports continued to rise: ‘Six Identify The Pyjama Girl’, The Daily Telegraph, 2 October 1934: 1.

341            some 1000 people having viewed the preserved body … sent to Sydney: ‘Is Pyjama Crime Perfect?’, The Herald, 10 October 1934: 4; ‘University Helps Police’, The Herald, 11 October 1934: 5; ‘Examining Bones Of Victim’, The Daily Telegraph, 12 October 1934: 1; ‘“Pyjama Girl” Not An Australian?’, The Daily Telegraph, 20 October 1934: 8; ‘Baffled!’, Truth, 21 October 1934: 20; ‘Unusual Ears As Identity Clue’, The Daily Telegraph, 26 October 1934: 5.

341            translated as ‘Hung Ching Kee’: ‘New Pyjama Clue’, Truth, 14 October 1934: 19; ‘Albury Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 October 1934: 12.

341            tracing every woman who failed to vote … September federal election: ‘Culvert Murder Case’, The Argus, 15 October 1934: 17.

341            McRae was recalled to Sydney: ‘Detective Recalled From Albury’, The Herald, 23 November 1934: 9.

342            checking … Newcastle … returning to … Long Bay: ‘New Clue’, The Sun, 1 December 1934: 8; ‘Albury Murder’, The Sun, 5 December 1934: 12.

342            In December, in London, The Dental Magazine and Oral Topics:‘“Pyjama Girl” Inquest “Shot In Head”’, The Herald, 18 January 1938: 1.

342           average of four people a day: ‘Albury Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 7 January 1935: 8; ‘Pyjama Girl Inquiries’, The Herald, 7 January 1935: 5; ‘Culvert Murder Sensation: Clue Found’, Truth, 6 January 1935, 12; ‘Girl From Hospital’, The Daily Telegraph, 8 January 1935: 7; ‘Knew Pyjama Girl, Man Says’, The Daily Telegraph, 9 January 1935: 8; ‘“Pyjama Girl”’, The Sun, 11 January 1935: 9; ‘North Coast Search’, The Daily Telegraph, 11 January 1935: 5; ‘Pyjama Girl Case’, The Daily Telegraph, 12 January 1935: 14; ‘Albury Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 January 1935: 16; ‘Albury Murder Clue’, The Argus, 12 January 1935: 24.

342–343   missing girl reports … had reached £10,000: ‘1000 Girls’, The Sun, 29 January 1935: 8; ‘Seeking Clues To “Pyjama Girl”’, The Sun, 26 October 1935: 3.

343            Emmie Behrendt: ‘The “Pyjama Girl” Mystery’, The Telegraph, 9 June 1936: 2.

342–343   Warneford’s role in Pyjama Girl… and George Kemphe: Evans, Richard. The Pyjama Girl; ‘Mother Appealed To Police’, The Sun, 7 March 1944: 3; ‘“Pyjama Girl” Case Italian Remanded on Murder Charge’, Northern Star, 8 March 1944: 5; ‘Pyjama Girl Rewards’, The Sun, 2 November 1944: 7; ‘No Payout In Pyjama Girl Case’, The Sun, 21 November 1944: 3; ‘Pyjama Girl Conundrum’, Truth, 26 March 1944: 10; ‘Pyjama Girl Case’, Kalgoorlie Miner, 25 March 1944: 2.

344            The body was hooked out of the liquid: ‘Real Life Dramas Of The Courts’, The Daily Telegraph, 20 December 1942: 18; ‘Pyjama Girl Remains A Mystery’, Truth, 20 December 1942: 15.

344–345   Montague Henwood murder: ‘Police Find Clues In Train Mystery’, The Sun, 5 November 1935: 1; ‘Police Fear Commissioner Henwood Was Murdered’, The Daily Telegraph, 5 November 1935: 7; ‘Train Mystery’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 6 November 1935: 13; ‘Killed Him. Then Threw Body From Train’, Truth, 24 November 1935: 14; ‘Youth Sentenced To Death For Murder’, The Sun, 16 December 1935: 9.

345            Protests against Hickey sentence: ‘Resolution To Abolish Capital Sentence’, The Daily Telegraph, 25 April 1936: 2; ‘Hickey Calm Before His Execution’, The Daily Telegraph, 14 May 1936: 1; ‘Debate On Hangings’, The Daily Telegraph, 29 April 1936: 7; ‘Effort To Save Hickey From Gallows’, The Labor Daily, 6 May 1936: 7; ‘Deputation Threatened With Ejection’, The Sun, 11 May 1936: 11; ‘State Parliament’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 May 1936: 12.

345            Norman Stead murder and Massey-Potter arrests: ‘Robbery Motive For Garage Murder’, The Sun, 11 February 1936: 13;‘Tracing Movements Of Murderer’, The Sun, 13 February 1936: 22;‘Two For Trial On Charge Of Murder Shooting Of Stead At Darlinghurst’, The Sun, 27 February 1936: 17;‘“Gun Exploded In Struggle,” Said Accused’, Truth, 1 March 1936: 17; ‘Sentenced To Death For Garage Murder’, Truth, 5 April 1936: 21;‘Massey To Hang ToMorrow’, Truth, 14 June 1936: 1; ‘13 Are Under Death Penalty’, The Labor Daily, 9 May 1936: 5.

346            Hickey was hanged at Long Bay Gaol: ‘How Hickey Died On Gallows’, Truth, 17 May 1936: 13.

346            McRae was only promoted: ‘S.M. Congratulates Promoted Detective’, The Daily Telegraph, 29 April 1937: 23.

346            But this period was less favourable for MacKay: Evans, Richard. The Pyjama Girl Mystery, Scribe, Melbourne, 2004; Evans, Richard. W.J. MacKay and the NSW Police, 1910–1948: A Dangerous Man, Palgrave Macmillan, ‪Springer International Publishing, Switzerland, 2022.

346–348   coronial inquest into the Pyjama Girl: ‘“Pyjama Girl” Inquest “Shot In Head”’, The Herald, 18 January 1938: 1; ‘“Pyjama Girl” Verdict’, The Sun, 18 January 1938: 1; ‘Rewards In Pyjama Girl Case Doubled’, The Daily Telegraph, 24 May 1938: 7.

348            ‘Silent Bill’ … retirement … Katherine shot herself… marry for a third time: ‘New C.I.B. Chief In New South Wales’, The Evening News (Rockhampton), 24 March 1938: 6; ‘New C.I.B. Chief’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 March 1938: 17; ‘Woman Shot Herself’, The Sun, 13 August 1938: 3; https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/152457019/person/432020434018/facts

349            In May 1938 the reward for information: ‘Rewards In Pyjama Girl Case Doubled’, The Daily Telegraph, 24 May 1938: 7.

349            MacKay took it over personally: Evans, Richard. The Pyjama Girl Mystery, Scribe, Melbourne, 2004.

349            Pix magazine feature on Pyjama Girl: ‘World’s Greatest Mystery’, Pix magazine, 29 October 1938: 12.

349            McRae spoke to the Adelaide papers: ‘Sydney Detective Says Case of Pyjama Girl May Yet Be Solved’, News (Adelaide), 10 December 1938: 2.

349–350   Kathner’s Pyjama Girl film: The Pyjama Girl Mystery film can be watched via the National Films and Sound Archive – www.nfsa.gov.au; ‘Pyjama Girl Film’, The Sun, 27 July 1939: 2; ‘“Pyjama Girl” Film’, The Argus, 28 July 1939: 3.

350            reputed as Australia’s worst movie director: Adams, Michael. Showgirls, Teen Wolves And Astro Zombies: My Year-Long Quest To Find And Watch The Worst Film Ever Made, Murdoch Books, Sydney, 2010.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX & THIRTY-SEVEN

351            Freda Agnes Smith … born in September 1915: New South Wales Births Deaths And Marriages ­- 48577/1915

351            Freda Agnes Smith: ‘“Scandal Woman”’, Truth, 24 November 1940: 22.

351             First news of scandal: ‘Homicide Chief In Divorce Case’ The Daily Telegraph, 31 October 1940: 7; ‘Says Detective Was Seducer of Young Wife’, The Sun, 5 November 1940: 5; ‘Detective Cited As Co-Respondent. Alleges Conspiracy by Wife and Husband’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 5 November 1940: 11.

357–358   McRae remained the dogged detective: Examples: ‘Communists, Fascists Banned’, The Sun, 16 June 1940: 5; ‘Gunman Shot’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 15 July 1940: 10; ‘Police Make Gunpoint Capture On House Roof’, The Sun, 21 July 1940: 9.

351–370   The Caesar v Caesar divorce case: this was covered in extraordinary detail, with length daily articles in the Sydney press and weekly summaries in Truth sometimes exceeding 15,000words. I’ve attempted to weave the ‘he said/she said’ details that emerged through testimony and cross-examination into both a ‘he said/she’ said narrative and a concise account of the divorce case proceedings and McRae’s appeal.

351–370 Divorce case articles consulted: ‘Wife Aids Caesar In Divorce Suit’, The Sun, 6 November 1940: 5; ‘Evidence By Wife’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 7 November 1940: 4; ‘Claims Detective Altered Her Outlook On Life’, The Sun , 7 November 1940: 5; ‘“Changed After She Met Det. MacRae”’, The Daily Telegraph , 8 November 1940: 4; ‘Evidence By Wife’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 8 November 1940: 6; ‘“Diabolical Plot”’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 9 November 1940: 15; ‘“Pyjama Girl” Detective And The “Lady In Grey”’, Truth, 10 November 1940: 17; ‘Detective Swears He Never Tried To Kiss Mrs Caesar’, The Sun , 11 November 1940: 5; ‘Mcrae Gives Evidence’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 12 November 1940: 5; ‘Detective Tells Court He Is No Thought-Reader’, The Sun, 12 November 1940: 5; ‘Case For Mcrae’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 November 1940: 6; ‘Evidence For Mcrae’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 14 November 1940: 9; ‘Asked To Join In Crime Scheme Says Mrs Caesar’, The Sun, 14 November 1940: 5; ‘Attack On Wife In Divorce’, The Sun, 15 November 1940: 5; ‘Fraud Plans Described’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 November 1940: 11; ‘Events At C.I.B.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 November 1940: 15; ‘Counsel Attacks Caesar’s Wife’, Truth, 17 November 1940: 22; ‘Charges Against “The Lady In Grey” – Homicide Chief’s Version of Raid on Hotel Bedroom – Stories of Kings Cross Depravity’, Truth, 17 November 1940: 19; ‘Criticism Of Police’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 November 1940: 11; ‘Caesar Gets His Divorce; Judge’s Attack On Police’, The Sun , 20 November 1940: 3; ‘Police Again Criticised’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 20 November 1940: 6; ‘Detective Mcrae Dismissed’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 21 November 1940: 7; ‘Verdict Against Mcrae’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 21 November 1940: 9; ‘Police Up On Carpet’, The Sun , 21 November 1940: 11; ‘Criticism Of Police’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 21 November 1940: 9; ‘Criticism Of Police’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 22 November 1940: 11.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

371            Errata: The editorial was on page 19, not the front-page. Truth was livid… also titillated: ‘Mrs Caesar’s Story’, Truth, 24 November 1940: 1; ‘“Scandal Woman”’, Truth, 24 November 1940: 22; ‘Police Versus The People’, Truth, 24 November 1940: 19.

372–374   McRae appeal and aftermath articles consulted: ‘McRae To Appeal Against Dismissal’, The Sun , 24 November 1940: 10; ‘Jury Awards Caesar £200 Damages’, Truth, 24 November 1940: 23; ‘Police Versus The People’, Truth, 24 November 1940: 19; ‘Dismissal Of Mcrae “Too Severe”’, The Sun , 10 December 1940: 3; ‘Dismissal Of McRae’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 11 December 1940: 13; ‘Police Tip On Visit By Mcrae’, The Sun , 12 December 1940: 3; ‘Caesar’s Denial’, The Daily Telegraph , 12 December 1940: 10; ‘Police Papers In Court’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 13 December 1940: 11; ‘Mcrae Case’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 17 December 1940: 6; ‘Divorce Case Room At C.I.B. Remains A Mystery’, The Sun , 18 December 1940: 5; ‘“Won’t Go To C.I.B.”’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 18 December 1940: 5; ‘Regime Of “Impulsive” Mr Mackay Must End’, Truth, 1 December 1940: 23; ‘“Scandal Woman” Gets Marriage Offer’, Truth, 1 December 1940: 27; ‘How Justice Works Backwards’, Truth, 15 December 1940: 25; ‘Why Mcrae Must Stay Out’, Truth, 22 December 1940: 18; ‘Mrs. Caesar Won’t Go To C.I.B. Again’, Truth, 22 December 1940: 12; ‘Police Board Star Chamber’, Truth, 22 December 1940: 18; ‘Cabinets Back-Handed Rebuke To Police Appeals Board’ Truth, 29 December 1940: 15.

374            His career was over: ‘Emoluments Of Mcrae’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 19 December 1940: 9; ‘Mcrae Case’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 24 December 1940: 5; ‘Dismissal Of Mcrae’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 25 December 1940: 5.

374            ‘What can I do after that?’: ‘Wife Never Lost Faith In McRae’, The Sun , 29 December 1940: 6.

374            Caesar’s divorce from Freda: ‘Caesar Case No Attraction’, Truth, 6 July 1941: 44.

374            overjoyed to have married her ideal man: ‘Freda Caesar Weds “Ideal Man”’, Truth, 6 December 1942: 8.

374            Robert Morehead, who soon enlisted and was deployed: Morehead Robert Ernest, Service Number – N87085, NAA: B884, N87085

374–375   Freda had the ultimate scoop for Truth… ruined McRae’s life: ‘Premier’s Refusal’, Truth, 27 June 1943: 16; ‘McRae Case Allegation’, The Daily Telegraph , 24 June 1943: 4; ‘M.L.A.’s Move In McRae Case’, The Sun , 22 July 1943: 3; ‘Ex-Detective And Divorce Case’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 23 July 1943: 7.

375            McRae would keep fighting: ‘Detective Says He Can Prove His Own Innocence’, Smith’s Weekly, 30 November 1946: 1; ‘Detective Would Prove His Own Innocence’, Smith’s Weekly, 7 December 1946: 3.

375            their messy split began a few months later: ‘Caesar divorce case echo’, The Sun , 2 August 1949: 10; ‘Former Mrs Caesar Divorces Her Second Mate’, Truth, 7 August 1949: 11.

375            Freda died suddenly of heart failure: ‘Lawson, Freda Agnes’, Funeral Notice, Sydney Morning Herald, 8 July 1963: 21; New South Wales Death Transcription 1963/35454 (kindly supplied by Laurie Turtle).

376            Truth … slate Commissioner MacKay and C.I.B. chief Frank Matthews: ‘DIARY OF CRIMES STILL UNSOLVED’ Truth (Sydney, NSW: 1894 – 1954) 21 March 1943: 15.

376­–378   The denouement of The Pyjama Girl mystery has been the focus of an excellent book. As this part of the case occurred outside the scope of The Murder Squad, I dealt with it briefly with comment on McRae’s absence and MacKay’s likely malfeasance in ‘solving’ the case. For a full account of the complexities, see Richard Evans’ The Pyjama Girl Mystery and also his recent W.J. MacKay and the NSW Police, 1910–1948: A Dangerous Man.

For a blow by blow of the 1942–44 developments in the Pyjama Girl case, I was guided by Truth’s weekly lengthy reports:

376            Jeanette Routledge… Anna Philomena Morgan: ‘Pyjama Girl Remains A Mystery’,Truth, 20 December 1942: 15; ‘Big Sensation Hinted In New Pyjama Girl Inquiries’, Truth, 10 January 1943: 15; ‘No Order For New Pyjama Girl Inquest’, Truth, 4 July 1943: 19.

376–378   Antonio Agostini … Linda Agostini … convicted … deported: ‘Evidence On Pyjama Girl’s Identity Conflicts’, Truth, 26 March 1944: 14; ‘Is Linda Agostini Or Anna Philomena Morgan’, Truth, 2 April 1944: 14; ‘Amazing Pyjama Girl Riddle Still Unsolved’, Truth, 9 April 1944: 14; ‘Amazing Battle To Identify “Pyjama Girl”’, Truth, 16 April 1944: 14; ‘Police Blast Benbow’s Theory About “Pyjama Girl’s” Identity’, Truth, 23 April 1944: 16; ‘“Linda Agostini,” Finds Coroner: Amazing Inquest Ends’, Truth, 7 May 1944: 14; ‘MacKay Grilled At Pyjama Trial’, Truth, 25 June 1944: 16; ‘Drama Ends £65,000 Hunt For Pyjama Girl Killer’, Truth, 2 July 1944: 14; ‘Scathing Indictment Of Police In Pyjama Girl Crime Told Names Of Victim And Killer Six Years Ago!’, Truth, 16 July 1944: 16; ‘Pyiama Girl’s Killer Goes Back To Italy’, Truth,22 August 1948: 1.

378            MacKay … ‘dropped dead’: ‘Mr. W. Mackay Dead’, Goulburn Evening Post, 23 January 1948: 5.

378            McRae listed his occupation … as ‘police officer’: NSW Electoral Roll, 1954, Kensington West, Watson.

378            McRae saw his name in Truth again: ‘“Human Glove” murderer sent to T.B. home after 20 years’, Truth, 13 December 1953: 13.

379–381 ‘I Demand Justice’: ‘I Demand Justice’, The Sun-Herald, 15 September 1957: 5.

381            McRae … ‘dropped dead’: ‘Death of Former Detective’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 January 1958: 5.

EPILOGUE

383            ‘Let us keep our troubles to ourselves’: ‘Mackay’s S.P. Inquiry Pathos And Bathos’, Truth, 26 September 1937: 21.

385            Police strength in 1932: Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1932.

385            Errata/update – present police strength: The latest NSW police force strength is 21,634 for 2021–22. The figure quoted in the book is from 2020.

385

THE MURDER SQUAD – SOURCE NOTES/FURTHER READING

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY

As noted in The Murder Squad, compelling and comprehensive accounts of Billy MacKay and The Pyjama Girl can be found in:

Evans, Richard. W.J. MacKay and the NSW Police, 1910–1948: A Dangerous Man

Evans, Richard. The Pyjama Girl Mystery, Scribe, Melbourne, 2004

Richard Evans’ appendix also posits that Moxley was innocent of killing Dorothy Denzil and Frank Wilkinson.

For more on Eric Roland Craig – including a theory that a serial killer operated in Sydney and was possibly responsible for some of the park murders, see:

Bretherton, Tanya. The Killing Streets, Hachette, Sydney, 2020

For a vivid dramatized account of William Moxley’s crimes:

Corris, Peter. Mad Dog, New South, Sydney, 2011.

Other sources consulted and/or referenced:

• Barnao, Tony & Lipson. As Crime Goes By, Ironbark, Sydney, 1992
• Barnao, Tony & Lipson, Norm. Nothing But the Truth: The Life and Times of Jack ‘Ace’ Ayling, Ironbark, Sydney, 1993
• Blaikie, George. Remember Smith’s Weekly?, Rigby, Sydney, 1966
• Brien, Steve. Serving the Force: 75 Years of the Police Association of New South Wales 1921–1996, Focus Publishing, Sydney, 1996
• Campbell, Eric. The Rallying Point: My Story of the New Guard, Melbourne University Press, Carlton, 1965
• Cooksey, Robert. Lang and Socialism: A Study in the Great Depression, Australian National University Press, Canberra, 1971
• Doyle, Peter. Crooks Like Us, Historic Houses Trust, Sydney, 2009
• Doyle, Peter. City of Shadows, Historic Houses Trust, Sydney, 2005
• Ellyard, David & Wraxworthy, Richard. The Proud Arch: The Story of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bay Books, Sydney, 1982
• Palgrave Macmillan, ‪Springer International Publishing, Switzerland, 2022
• Foott, Bethia. Dismissal of a Premier: The Philip Game Papers, Morgan Publications, Sydney, 1968.
• Grover, Monty. Hold Page One, Loch Haven Books, Main Ridge, Victoria, 1993‪
• Irving, Terry & Cahill, Rowan. Radical Sydney, UNSW Press, Sydney, 2010‪
• Kelly, Vince. The Charge is Murder, Rigby, Adelaide, 1965
• Kelly, Vince. The Shadow: The Amazing Exploits of Frank Fahy, Angus and Robertson, Sydney, 1954
• Lalor, Peter. The Bridge, Allen & Unwin, Sydney, 2005
• Lang, J.T. I Remember, Invincible Press, Sydney, 1956
• Lang, J.T. The Great Bust: The Depression of the Thirties, Angus and Robertson, Sydney, 1962
• Lang, J.T. The Turbulent Years, Alpha Books, Sydney, 1970
• Lindsay, Patrick. True Blue: 150 Years of Service and Sacrifice of the NSW Police Force, HarperCollins, Sydney, 2012
• Lowenstein, Wendy. Weevils In The Flour: An Oral Record of the 1930s Depression in Australia, Scribe Publications, Carlton, 1978
• Moore, Andrew. Francis De Groot: Irish Fascist, Australian Legend, The Federation Press, Sydney, 2005
• Nairn, Bede. The ‘Big Fella’: Jack Lang and the Australian Labor Party 1891–1949, Melbourne University Press, Carlton, 1986
• Spearitt, Peter. The Sydney Harbour Bridge: A Life, Allen & Unwin, Sydney, 1982
• Stone, Gerald. 1932: A Hell of a Year, Pan Macmillan, Sydney, 2005
• Turner, Ian. Sydney’s Burning: An Australian Political Conspiracy, Alpha Books, Sydney, 1967
• Writer, Larry. Razor, Pan Macmillan, Sydney, 2001

NEWSPAPER SOURCES

Information for The Murder Squad came from files held by the National Archives of Australia, the New South Wales State Archives Collection, the Public Record Office of Victoria, the Queensland State Archives and the National Film and Sound Archive, while family history information was accessed through Ancestry.com.au.

But the majority of the narrative is based on contemporaneous newspaper reports found at the National Library of Australia’s marvellous Trove database – which is a vital historic and cultural asset we should protect and cherish. If you want to read the original reports, which contain far more detail than I could fit into The Murder Squad, simply type the relevant headline noted below into the search function found at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/search/category/newspapers

PROLOGUE

1                 Cutting off the young woman’s head: ‘Murdered Girl May Be From Newcastle; Woman to See Body’, The Sun, 3 September 1934: 9.

1                 Those floating, spongy fingers were a revolting spectacle in court: ‘Solving of the Murrumbidgee River Mystery’, Daily Advertiser, 28 February 1934: 3.

1                 It’s true she’d been attractive in life: ‘Pyjama Girl: Charred Body In Culvert’, The Sun, 2 September 1934: 1.

2                 The girl was bludgeoned: ‘Pyjama Girl Verdict’, The Sun, 18 January 1938:

CHAPTER ONE

4–5            Death could come at any moment: ‘General News’, The Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser, 16 December 1898: 2; ‘Little Boy Drowned’, Chronicle (Adelaide), 17 December 1898: 18; ‘Sad Fatal Accident’, Southern Argus, 15 December 1898: 3.

4                 Tom McRae learned this as a twelve-year-old lad: Australia, Birth Index, 1788–1922; NSW Police Service Register, Thomas McRae, 9357, NSW State Archives.

4                 most of the town’s population, young and old alike, couldn’t swim: Simpson, Brian; Strathalbyn 1839 – 2006, as referenced in the downloadable pamphlet, Strathalbyn Theatrical-Historical Tour – Down by the Riverside:

Click to access down-by-the-riverside-booklet-2017-lq.pdf

5                 The McRaes were a pioneering family in the district: Tom’s grandfather Duncan had migrated to South Australia in 1840.

5                 Tom, his five siblings: Ancestry.com.au family tree: https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/113725880/person/380114707371/facts McRae would have three other siblings, who were born after Don’s death in 1898.

5                 A week later, a swimming association was formed: ‘The Southern Districts’, The Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser, 23 December 1898: 3.

5                 Tom grew to stand half an inch shy of six feet: NSW Police Service Register, Thomas McRae, 9357, NSW State Archives.

5                 After finishing school, he became a bootmaker: 1909 Electoral Roll, Indi, Yackandandah, lists ‘Thomas Walter McRae’ as bootmaker; as best can be established, there were no other people so named in Australia at this time. Also, SA newspaper references to ‘T.W. McRae’ cease at this time.

5                 Tom was a sporting man: ‘Sporting News’, The Advertiser, 3 November 1906: 12; ‘Langhorne’s Greek Sports’, Southern Argus, 7 March 1907: 3; ‘Hoyleton Institute’, Chronicle,22 August 1908: 13; ‘Sporting News’, The Advertiser,7 May 1908: 9.

5                 On their marriage certificate: Marriage Certificate, 2565/1911, dated 11^th February 1911, registered 28 February 1911, accessed from NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. But there is no record of him having been a soldier at Victoria Barracks at this time.

5–6            McRae… training at the Bourke Street Academy in Redfern: General details sourced from Lindsay, Patrick. True Blue: 150 Years of Service and Sacrifice of the NSW Police Force, HarperCollins, 2012.

6                 McRae was posted to the little village of Cooma: ‘Tragic Death’, The Bombala Times, 24 January 1913: 2; The Manaro Mercury, and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser, 12 May 1913: 3.

6                 police were expected to work unlimited hours: Brien, Steve. Serving the Force: 75 Years of the Police Association of New South Wales 1921–1996, Focus Publishing, 1996.

6                 In 1912 the New South Wales police had just one motorcar: Lindsay, p290.

6                 Communications were also primitive: ‘Cooma Municipal Council’, The Manaro Mercury, and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser, 8 February 1918: 2.

7                 When McRae wasn’t working: ‘Rifle Shooting’, The Manaro Mercury, and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser, 8 May 1914: 2; ‘Presbyterian Bazaar’, The Manaro Mercury, and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser, 10 July 1914: 2; ‘Society’, The Manaro Mercury, and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser, 15 May 1914: 2.

7                 When the Great War broke out in 1914: ‘Police Not To Enlist’, The Daily Telegraph, 12 August 1915: 3.

7                 A particular loss… Ted Larkin: Brien, Steve. Serving the Force: 75 Years of the Police Association of New South Wales 1921–1996, Focus Publishing, 1996.

7                 The inspector general transferred McRae from Cooma to Queanbeyan: ‘Presentation’, The Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer, 2 May 1916: 2.

7                 Tom and Mildred soon settled into their new home: ‘Presbyterian Flower Show’, The Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer, 28 April 1916: 2; ‘Presbyterian Honor Board’, The Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer, 15 August 1916: 2.

7                 An uncanny echo of his own childhood tragedy: ‘Two Little Toddlers Stray Off To The River’, The Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer, 4 July 1916: 2.

8                 Note of frustration: ‘Advertising’, The Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer, 22 December 1916: 3.

8                 McRae’s brother Archie: National Archives of Australia, B244, McRae, JA, Item 1959872.

8–9            McRae was on the case… ‘tackled the job’: ‘Orbost Petty Sessions’, The Bombala Times 19 October 1917: 6; ‘Eden Police Court’, The Twofold Bay Magnet : and South Coast and Southern Monaro Advertiser, 6 August 1917: 3; ‘DISMISSAL OF McRAE ‘TOO SEVERE’’ The Sun, 10 December 1940: 3.

9                 In February 1916, 5000 Australian soldiers: ‘RIOTING’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 February 1916: 9.

9                 The state’s police were also put to political uses: Turner, Ian. Sydney’s Burning: An Australian Political Conspiracy, Alpha Books, Sydney, 1967.

9                 McRae got a taste of city policing: ‘Personal’, The Twofold Bay Magnet : and South Coast and Southern Monaro Advertiser, 12 November 1917: 4.

9                 Wanting to ensure the loyalty of cops: ‘The Police And The Strike’, Tweed Daily, 9 October 1917: 3.

10               In April 1918, the McRaes were uprooted yet again: ‘Appointments’, Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales 31 May 1918: 2560; ‘Personal’, The Twofold Bay Magnet : and South Coast and Southern Monaro Advertiser, 29 April 1918: 4.

10              In July 1919, Burrinjuck: ’Local and Genera’, The Yass Courier, 28 July 1919: 2.

10               In January 1921 a new life for the couple: ‘Government Gazette Appointments and Employment’, Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales, 14 January 1921: 105.

10–11        there had been many changes in Sydney policing: Lindsay, Patrick. True Blue: 150 Years of Service and Sacrifice of the NSW Police Force, HarperCollins, 2012.

11               they lived in a house called Oakleigh: ‘Family Notices’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 March 1923: 13.

11               McRae’s city work was more exciting: Examples: abortion; ‘Verdict Of Murder’, The Sun, 16 February 1921: 9; manslaughter; ‘Manslaughter’, New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime, 1 February 1922: 62.

11               Tom and Mildred named her Joyce. Sadly, she lived just ten days: Joyce McRae, Death Certificate, NSW Births, Deaths And Marriages, 2319/1922.

11               McRae arrested a returned soldier: ‘Manslaughter’, New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime, 30 August 1922: 477.

12               a man was bashed to death in Centennial Park: ‘Park Murder’, The Sun, 9 November 1922: 7; ‘Who Killed Mclennan?’, The Sun, 19 June 1923: 9; NAA: B2455, O’Reilly Sylvester Patrick.

12               Mildred had committed suicide: ‘Death From Gas Poisoning’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 March 1923: 10; ‘Woman Found Dead’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 March 1923: 16; ‘Her Only Child’, Evening News, 9 March 1923: 8.

12               Yet her despair might not only have been about her dead children: ‘Charges Against ‘The Lady In Grey’, Truth, 17 November 1940: 19; ‘McRae Gives Evidence’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 November 1940: 5.

13               By August 1924, McRae was back in action: ‘Suspects Chased By Police’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 August 1924: 10.

13               Robert Audley: ‘Missing Friends’, New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime, 16 December 1925: 662; ‘Has Anyone Seen Him?’, The Labor Daily, 21 April 1926: 1; ‘Home To Father’, Evening News, 22 June 1926: 9; ‘Alleged Stolen Car’, National Advocate, 15 July 1927: 3.

13               In July 1926, McRae was back: ‘Buried Treasure’, The Sun, 28 July 1926: 9; ‘Sydney Constable’s Curiosity Leads to the Downfall of Wharf-Pillaging Gang’, Smith’s Weekly, 28 May 1927: 9.

14               McRae used similar methods when a middle-aged creep: ‘Amazing Plot For Blackmail Alleged’, Truth, 17 February 1929: 13; ‘Amazing Sequel to Man’s Trip with Women’, Truth, 14 April 1929: 15.

14               McRae was promoted to detective-sergeant: ‘Police Promotions’, The Sun, 23 October 1928: 2.

14              In the space of a few weeks in early 1929: ‘Mag Got Me’, The Sun, 4 February 1929: 13; ‘Manslaughter’, NSW Police Gazette, 13 Feb 1929.

CHAPTER TWO

15              Labor premier Jack Lang believed its shadow loomed: Lang, J.T. The Great Bust: The Depression of the Thirties, Angus and Robertson, Sydney, 1962: 114–116.

15              Overnight, 15,000 men: ‘The Lockout On The Coalfields’, The Australian Worker, 20 February 1929: 13.

15              timber workers were locked out: ‘Back To The Longer Working Week!’, The Australian Worker, 2 January 1929: 13.

16              Vera Stirling wouldn’t have elicited much sympathy: NSW State Archives Collection, Gaol Inmates/Prisoners Photos Index 1870–1930; Item No: [3/6005] | Digital ID: IE318786 | Series: NRS2496 | Page No: 43 | Photo No: 249 – this record shows Vera had 18 convictions by the start of 1916.

16–17;

19–23        Details of Vera Stirling case: ‘Mystery Murder in Hyde Park’, The Sun, 22 March 1929: 24;‘Hands Bound’, The Sun, 22 March 1929: 13;‘Dead With Tied Hands’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 March 1929: 16;‘Woman In It?’, The Sun, 23 March 1929: 7;‘Park Tragedy’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 March 1929: 17;‘Old Derelict’s Death Baffles Police’, The Labor Daily, 23 March 1929: 1;‘Lonely Woman Was Victim of Silk Stocking Murderer’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 March 1929: 3;‘Brutal Strangling Hides Amazing Story’, Truth, 24 March 1929: 1;‘Mystery’, Sunday Times, 24 March 1929: 2;‘Park Tragedy’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 March 1929: 11;‘Where Are They?’, Sunday Times; 31 March 1929: 1;‘Hyde Park Tragedy’, The Sydney Morning Herald; 20 April 1929: 18.

17              William Parker Prior: family information from https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/152457019/person/432020434018/facts

17              because he was serving in the Boer War: Prior’s letters home were published in NSW newspapers; examples: ‘Letters From Privates G. Grey And Parker Prior’, The Kiama Independent, and Shoalhaven Advertiser,30 January 1900: 2; ‘Letters From The Front’, The Kiama Reporter and Illawarra Journal, 7 February 1900: 2.

17              Sergeant Walter Childs established the Fingerprint Division: ‘Walter Henry Childs – Law and order in the pioneering days of NSW’, Australian Police website, https://www.australianpolice.com.au/nsw-police-history-index/police-commissioners-of-nsw/walter-henry-childs/

17              In early 1904, a Sydney burglar: ‘Finger-Print Proofs’, Truth, 10 January 1904: 4.

18              Newtown’s streets were among Sydney’s meanest: ‘Assaulting A Constable’, The Daily Telegraph, 28 December 1907: 16.

18              Truth newspaper characterised this particular verdict: ‘Joseph Frazer Charged With Indecent Assault On A Child. The Jury Think Ex-Constable Taylor And Constable Prior Were Guilty Of Perjury’, Truth, 12 February 1911: 3.

18              Prior’s brother Claude had been killed in France: family information from Ancestry.com.au; and NAA, B2455, Item ID8022356.

18              Prior’s forty-year-old wife, Lily, was among the eighteen to die: ‘18 Deaths’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 2 April 1919: 13.; ‘Family Notices’, The Sydney Morning Herald 26 April 1919: 16.

18–19        Roy Prior…suffered a fatal skull fracture: ‘Under A Tram’, The Sun, 19 June 1920: 5; ‘Obituary’, Singleton Argus, 3 July 1920: 4.

19              Prior had risen during his time of grief: ‘Five New Detectives’, The Sun, 11 April 1919: 7.

19              Prior enjoyed further promotions: ‘Promotions’, Government Gazette of NSW, 25 January 1929, Issue No 10.

20              The coroner had only last year been promoted to his position: Mr May’s father had been Gloucester’s first policeman, and had been involved in catching murderers; ‘Reminiscences from Bygone Days’, The Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Observer, 25 October 1929: 9; ‘May Comes To Stay’, Truth, 13 May 1928: 12.

20              Heads bent to notebooks, they stood beside: I owe this evocative image to Peter Doyle’s curation of the evocative Justice & Police Museum ‘City of Shadows’ exhibition, and Peter’s excellent book of the same name.

21              Mount Stokes: ‘Mount Stokes’ Hyde Park, Disappearing’, The Labor Daily, 4 April 1930: 4.

21              With an official media unit decades away: details on the nature of the cop-journalist relationship structure found in: Grover, Monty. Hold Page One, Loch Haven Books, Main Ridge, Victoria, 1993‪; Barnao, Tony & Lipson. As Crime Goes By, Ironbark, Sydney, 1992; Barnao, Tony & Lipson, Norm. Nothing But the Truth: The Life and Times of Jack ‘Ace’ Ayling, Ironbark, Sydney, 1993.

21              The Sun’s police roundsman, Bill Carrick: ‘Death Of Popular Journalist’, The Sun, 9 April 1947: 3.

21              The Sydney Morning Herald’s reporterSelwyn Speight: Selwyn Speight interviewed by Mel Pratt for the Mel Pratt collection [sound recording], 1974, National Library of Australia.

23              Selina Stanley murder: ‘Murder?’, The Sun, 8 May 1929: 14; ‘Woman’s Body Found on Vacant Allotment’, The Daily Telegraph, 8 May 1929: 3; ‘Murdered’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 May 1929: 11; ‘Victim Of Foul Play’, The Labor Daily, 9 May 1929: 6; ‘Murdered In Paddock’, The Daily Telegraph, 9 May 1929: 3; ‘Derelict’s End A Mystery’, The Daily Telegraph, 10 May 1929: 2; ‘Woman’s Death’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 May 1929: 18; ‘Derelict Victim Of Vile Human Monster’, Truth, 12 May 1929: 26; ‘Man Held’, The Sun, 18 May 1929: 3; ‘Verdict Of Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 May 1929: 13.

CHAPTER THREE

25              MacKay background: In addition to newspaper articles cited, I’m indebted to Richard Evans for his authoritative book: Evans, Richard. W.J. MacKay and the NSW Police, 1910–1948: A Dangerous Man, Palgrave Macmillan, ‪Springer International Publishing, Switzerland, 2022, which helped me cut through Big Bill’s mythmaking.

25               MacKay: ‘Mackay: Friend And Enemy Of N.S.W. Crooks’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 December 1945: 12; ‘Constable To Commissioner In 25 Years’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 January 1948: 4.

26              MacKay’s official role was limited: Turner, Ian. Sydney’s Burning: An Australian Political Conspiracy, Alpha Books, Sydney, 1967.

26              in the leftist press he was later blamed: ‘How They Worked The I.W.W Frame-Up’, The Workers’ Weekly, 18 October 1929: 3.

26              MacKay took shorthand notes at IWW speeches: ‘Guilty Or Not Guilty?’, The Australian Worker, 4 April 1918: 5.

26              MacKay read his notes at trial: ‘I. W. W.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 October 1916: 8.

26              IWW case outcomes: Turner, Ian. Sydney’s Burning: An Australian Political Conspiracy, Alpha Books, Sydney, 1967.

27              Inspector General Mitchell cited him as having been instrumental: Evans, Richard. W.J. MacKay and the NSW Police, 1910–1948: A Dangerous Man

27              MacKay had an excellent training… against militant workers: ‘Meet Mackay’, The Workers’ Weekly, 13 September 1929: 1.

27              But MacKay also united workers: Serving The Force, p18; MacKay and Constable Bertram Fortescue were the key men behind the push; which resulted in the association being formed in 1921

27              MacKay’s ascent continued and promotions: Evans, Richard. W.J. MacKay and the NSW Police, 1910–1948: A Dangerous Man

27              Darlinghurst, or ‘Razorhurst’, as it was known: ‘Unenviable Reputation of King’s Cross’, The Sun, 9 May 1928: 13. William Dovey, McRae’s later courtroom nemesis, was credited with coming up with the name ‘Razorhurst’.

27              MacKay endorsed calls for more police and more police powers: Evans, Richard. W.J. MacKay and the NSW Police, 1910–1948: A Dangerous Man

27              A later Daily Telegraph profile: ‘Mackay: Friend And Enemy Of N.S.W. Crooks’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 December 1945: 12.

28              Big Bill was made CIB Chief: ‘New C.I.B. Chief’, Evening News, 20 January 1928: 7; ‘New C.I.B. Chief Is Young Man Of Ability’, The Daily Telegraph, 21 January 1928: 7.

28              Big Bill turned … Frank Fahy into ‘The Shadow’: Kelly, Vince. The Shadow: The Amazing Exploits of Frank Fahy, Angus and Robertson, Sydney, 1954. The exact timing of Fahy’s recruitment as ‘Shadow’ is difficult to pin down; it likely happened around 1921–22.

29              Moxley was born Silas William Moxley: Australia, Birth Index, 1788–1922; page number 18510, Registration number 009587.

29              His father, Walter, was… shot in the stomach: ‘A Bundaberg Tragedy’, The North Queensland Register, 1 September 1902: 22.

29              according to reports of their 1904 divorce: ‘Divorce Case’, The Brisbane Courier, 25 March 1904: 5; ‘Divorce Case’, The Telegraph, 24 March 1904: 2.

29              Moxley… blew little Donald out of this world: ‘Tragedy at Arneliffe’, Evening News, 28 January 1910: 7; ‘Fatalities And Accidents’, The Daily Telegraph, 3 February 1910: 9; ‘Gun Against a Fence’, Evening News, 4 February 1910: 4.

29              Moxley worked as telephone attendant: ‘Moxley Wills Body’; The Daily Telegraph, 12 August 1932: 1.

29              In 1917 he worked as a ‘scab’ tram conductor: Public Service Record, NSW State Archives Collection, NRS-12922-1-[11/16677]-[417]. This shows Moxley lied about his date of birth, claiming it as 13 March 1896, so he’d appear 21.

29              Moxley enlisted in the AIF:AIF Military Record, B2455, Moxley, William; ID 7989301.

30              Ada gave birth to a boy they named Douglas: ‘Sentences’, The Brisbane Courier, 21 May 1921: 13.

30              Moxley… embarking on a new career as a crook: Moxley, William Cyril, INX-84-34119, Gaol Inmates/Prisoners Photos Index 1870–1930, page 190, NSW State Archives.

30              In April 1921, trying his hand in Brisbane: ‘A Daring Deed’, Truth, 22 May 1921: 10; ‘Sensational Robbery’, The Telegraph, 7 May 1921: 9; ‘At The Police Court’, The Telegraph, 7 May 1921: 9; ‘Arrest Made’, Daily Standard, 7 May 1921: 7; ‘Daring Robbery’, The Daily Mail, 17 May 1921: 8; ‘Sentences’, The Brisbane Courier, 21 May 1921: 13.

30              Moxley was soon afterwards arrested: ‘Another Escapee’, The Brisbane Courier, 18 June 1921: 6; ‘Escapee In Court’, The Telegraph, 21 June 1921: 2.

30              Moxley’s luck held in January 1923: ‘House Raided’, The Sun, 22 January 1923: 7.

31              Moxley becoming MacKay’s fizgig: ‘Mackay: Friend And Enemy Of N.S.W. Crooks’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 December 1945: 12.

31              Steal or starve: ‘Steal Or Starve’, Evening News, 10 March 1923: 3; ‘Twenty Charges’, The Sun, 9 March 1923: 8.

31              Moxley was released in July 1925: Moore, William (alias Moxley), INX-84-39941, Gaol Inmates/Prisoners Photos Index 1870–1930, Item No 2/6115, page 211; ‘“Cat” Burglar’, The Sun, 3 November 1925: 10; ‘City Robbery’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 October 1925: 10.

31              Moxley was noted as an ‘expert house and shop breaker’: ‘Government Gazette Notices’, New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime, 4 June 1930: 1.

32              MacKay – the ‘comet of the State Police Force’: ‘The Mirror of Truth’, Truth, 10 February 1929: 12.

32              MacKay wanted to ‘get back into harness’: ‘Mac. The Mystery’, Truth, 14 April 1929: 1.

32              MacKay personally supervised the raid on Trades Hall: ‘Bolt From The Blue For Strike Picket Leaders’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 July 1929: 2; ‘Conspiracy Alleged’, The Australian Worker, 28 August 1929: 18; ‘Who Were The Real Conspirators?’, The Workers’ Weekly, 15 November 1929: 2.

32               Jock Garden. A fellow firebrand Scot: Bede Nairn, ‘Garden, John Smith (Jock) (1882–1968)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/garden-john-smith-jock-6274/text10811, published first in hardcopy 1981.

32              As Ray Blissett, then a constable and later a superintendent: Blissett, nicknamed the ‘Blizzard’, would be credited with using ‘unorthodox methods’ to clean up Glebe in the 1930s; Ray Blissett interviewed by Keith Amos in the New Guard collection, NLA; ‘‘Blizzard’ Of 1930’s Retires’, The Canberra Times, 10 January 1968: 11.

33              A headline in The Workers’ Weekly on 2 August 1929: ‘BLACK AND TANS’, The Workers’ Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1923 – 1939), 2 August 1929: 6.

33               In September 1929, Bavin’s government: ‘The Bill Explained’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 September 1929: 14.

33              MacKay was promoted to first-class inspector: ‘Police Promotions’, The Newcastle Sun, 24 September 1929: 5.

34               Promises to… lock up Rothbury colliery owner and caricature capitalist John ‘The Baron’ Brown: ‘Federal Elections’, Daily Advertiser, 20 September 1929: 2; ‘“Told You So”’, The Sun, 14 August 1929: 12.

34               But Premier Bavin wasn’t willing to wait: ‘Essential Services Could Carry on Till Xmas in Event of General Coal Strike’, The Sun, 19 November 1929: 13.

34               In the early hours of Monday 16 December 1929, some 5000 miners: ‘Picketing’, The Maitland Daily Mercury, 14 December 1929: 2; ‘Rothbury Mine. Workers’ Camp And Police’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 14 December 1929: 17; ‘Army of 5000 Miners Advancing on Rothbury’, The Daily Telegraph, 16 December 1929: 3; ‘Amazing Scene When Police Fire Scattered Charging Mob’, The Newcastle Sun, 16 December 1929: 7; ‘One Miner Killed–Many Injured in Rothbury Riots’, The Sun, 16 December 1929: 1.

34               The police had fired 122 shots: ‘Did Miners Intend to Fire Shots at Weaver?’, The Sun, 13 February 1930: 14.

35               ‘unflinching courage’: ‘Whistle Blows’, The Sun, 17 December 1929: 1;

‘remarkable forbearance’: ‘The Attack’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 17 December 1929: 11; ‘swashbuckling minister’, ‘here comes the murderer!’: ‘Lang Moves Censure On Bavin For Rothbury Massacre’, The Labor Daily, 18 December 1929: 5; ‘Premier’s Statement’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 December 1929: 19.

35              Tens of thousands of unionists: ‘Demonstration’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 December 1929: 15; ‘They Ran’, The Sun, 18 December 1929: 6; ‘Davies, M.L.A., Calls Weaver ‘Murderer!’, The Labor Daily, 18 December 1929: 1.

36               Chaffey said the police were ‘to be commended: ‘“Did Their Job”’, The Sun, 18 December 1929: 6.

36              Labor’s whip labelled Bavin’s regime: ‘“Basher Govt”’, The Labor Daily,18 December 1929: 1.

36              MacKay… departed Sydney to take control the next day: ‘Still More Police For Rothbury’, The Labor Daily, 17 December 1929: 6.

36              Big Bill himself was in the thick of it: ‘Coalfields At High Tension With Grave Rumors’, The Labor Daily, 10 January 1930: 1; ‘Police Assault Miner – Inspector Mackay Again’, The Workers’ Weekly, 17 January 1930: 5.

36              MacKay was given free rein to recruit seventy Sydney officers: ‘Asks What Happened To Mackay’ The Daily Telegraph, 15 June 1938: 5.

36               400 war veterans establishing the Labour Defence Army ‘Returned Soldiers’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 8 January 1930: 15.

37               The flying squad arrived from Cessnock: ‘At Kurri’, The Sun, 15 January 1930: 1; ‘“Cease Bashing!” Plead Sergeants of Police’, The Labor Daily, 16 January 1930: 1.

37               Relief was also used as a weapon: ‘200 Refusals’, The Sun, 16 January 1930: 15; ‘Refused Dole’, The Newcastle Sun, 16 January 1930: 7.

37               When the inquest was held in February: ‘The Verdict. Rothbury Riot.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 February 1930: 11.

38               Miners’ Federation voted to go back work: ‘Agreement’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 May 1930: 11.

38               It listed MacKay’s crimes: ‘Bavin Wants Bloody War!’, The Labor Daily, 17 January 1930: 4.

38              MacKay’s report to Walter Childs: ‘Fighting Crime.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 December 1929: 12.

39               The CIB got new, larger offices at Central Police Station: ‘Police Force.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 March 1930: 11; ‘Police Moves’, The Sun, 19 June 1930: 21; ‘Detective Office’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 August 1930: 12; ‘Detectives’ Moving Day’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 August 1930: 16; ‘Government Gazette Notices’, New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime, 24 December 1929: 913; ‘Check On ‘Crooks’’, The Daily Telegraph, 26 October 1931: 1; ‘Checkmate To Criminals’, The Sun, 12 March 1933: 9.

39               There were a few boxes at first but it wouldn’t be long before there were hundreds: Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1929; Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1930; Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1931; Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1932; Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1933.

39              But MacKay went further for his CIB detectives: ‘Not A Charge On Public’, Evening News, 26 August 1930: 9; ‘Police Cafe Man Writes Book’, Italo-Australian, 6 September 1930: 4; ‘Police Court Waiter Claims To Be Prince Of Italy’, The Daily Telegraph, 17 August 1927: 1.

CHAPTER FOUR

41               McRae was off to Barraba: ‘Barraba Mystery’, The Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser, 26 March 1930: 4; ‘Barraba Inquest’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 April 1930: 16; ‘Was It a Plan to End Man’s Life in Cells?’, Truth, 11 May 1930: 14; ‘Seven Years Gaol’, Daily Examiner, 5 May 1930: 5.

41–42 McRae was next in Berry: ‘Murder Charge’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 31 May 1930: 15; ‘Strychnine In Rum’, National Advocate, 14 June 1930: 7; ‘“Not Shielding Me Hang Him!”’, Truth, 7 September 1930: 1.

43              Late in 1930, he was on the case of elderly wool broker Frank Bell: ‘Mr. F. D. Bell’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 November 1930: 10; ‘Open Verdict’, The Sun, 24 November 1930: 8.

43               William Moxley was finally released in August 1929: ‘Government Gazette Notices’, New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime, 11 September 1929: 649.

43               The carpentry trade Moxley had honed: Moxley’s prison records list his occupation as ‘carpenter’. He’d also make a desk for MacKay, likely during his 1925–29 stretch inside, see: ‘Mackay: Friend And Enemy Of N.S.W. Crooks’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 December 1945: 12.

44               ‘Moxley’s scared stiff just now’: Kelly, Vince. The Shadow: The Amazing Exploits of Frank Fahy, Angus and Robertson, Sydney, 1954.

44               Such snitching paid off: ‘Night Chase’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 October 1930: 10; ‘Exciting Motor Chase’, The Propeller, 3 October 1930: 4.

44–45        Moxley was found shot in the head: ‘Fired To Kill’, Daily Pictorial, 13 October 1930: 2; ‘Shooting Affray’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 October 1930: 14; ‘Shot In Ear’, The Sun, 13 October 1930: 7; ‘Gunmen’s Victim Tells How It Was Done’, Evening News, 13 October 1930: 8; ‘Victim of Auburn Shooting’, The Sun, 13 October 1930: 12.

45              He remained in hospital for eleven days: Corris, Peter. Mad Dog, New South, Sydney, 2011.

45               checked himself out, against doctor’s orders: ‘“Rob Hotel”’, The Sun, 27 October 1930: 11.

45               he would suffer headaches and exhibit a ‘stuttery’ way of speaking: ‘Moxley’s Dramatic Statement In Court’, The Sun, 15 June 1932: 1.

45               MacKay led raids on Redfern houses: ‘Fired To Kill’, Daily Pictorial, 13 October 1930: 2; ‘“Rob Hotel”’, The Sun, 27 October 1930: 11.

46              At the November committal hearing for Devine and Duncan: ‘Shot with Revolver He Mended?’, The Sun, 10 November 1930: 11; ‘Murder Attempt Story’, Evening News, 10 November 1930: 4; ‘Amazing Story’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 November 1930: 7.

46               Devine and Duncan went to trial in December: ‘Central Criminal Court’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 4 December 1930: 5.

47               He came after her: ‘Second Death In Shooting’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 March 1952: 5; ‘Mother Slain In Front Of Her 3 Children’, Truth, 16 March 1952: 3; ‘“Finish” as wife shot’, Brisbane Telegraph, 8 April 1952: 16; ‘“Dinky” Devine Died As He Lived—A Wild Killer’, Sunday Mail, 23 March 1952: 2.

47               In similarly maniacal rampage, Kellow: ‘Wife Shot In Girl’s Arms’, The Daily Telegraph, 29 September 1954: 20; ‘Girl Tells Court How Father Shot Her Mother’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 29 September 1954: 9.

48              In June 1930 the Bank of England’s emissary Sir Otto Niemeyer: ‘Australian Finance’, The Argus, 20 June 1930: 9.

48               Lang’s policies: see the memoirs of J.T. Lang, cited above. Also: ‘Electors Of Lane Cove–Look! Read! Ponder!’, The Labor Daily, 15 July 1930: 5; ‘Lang Repudiates Repudiation’, The Labor Daily, 23 September 1930: 5; ‘All For Labor: Labor For All’, The Labor Daily, 20 October 1930: 5.

48               another curious hint at a forthcoming rapprochement between former enemies: ‘Rothbury Was Mentioned’, Truth, 26 October 1930: 11.

48               In the wake of Labor’s victory: ‘Rothbury Police’, The Workers’ Weekly, 7 November 1930: 6.

CHAPTER FIVE

49               when the coalfields were battlefields: ‘The Crowds Gather’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 January 1930: 15; ‘Violent Maniac’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 5 January 1931: 10.

49               Ernest Andrews was born in 1908: www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/72558871/person

49               Migrated to Australia in November 1928: UK and Ireland, Outwards Passenger Lists, London, November, 1928 – ship Berrima, via www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/72558871/person

49–56        Adam ‘Scotty’ Denholm was also an immigrant: Maxwell, C. Bede. The Cold Nose Of The Law, Halstead Press/Angus And Robertston, Sydney, 1948.

49–56        Details of the double murder: ‘Two Constables Murdered At Bondi Junc.’, Evening News, 3 January 1931: 1; ‘Bondi Murder Scenes — Where Shootings Occurred — Constable Who Wounded Slayer’, Evening News, 3 January 1931: 1; ‘Maniac Kills Two Police at Bondi Junction’, The Sun,3 January 1931: 1; ‘“Camera’s Story” Of Bondi Junction Murder Horror’, Daily Pictorial, 4 January 1931: 1; ‘Killer Dies after Tempest of Bloodlust’, Daily Pictorial, 4 January 1931: 3; ‘Horrible End of Kennedy’, Daily Pictorial, 4 January 1931: 3; ‘Violent Maniac’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 5 January 1931: 10.

51–52        Kennedy’s strange behaviour escalated: ‘Was Killer Crazed by Cowardice Taunt?’, The Sun, 4 January 1931: 1; ‘Horrible End of Kennedy’, Daily Pictorial, 4 January 1931: 3; ‘“I Had To Kill! I Passed Death Sentence On Police!”’, Daily Pictorial, 5 January 1931: 2.

55–56        Funeral and inquest: ‘State Funeral For Two Murdered Constables’, The Labor Daily, 5 January 1931: 1; ‘In Memory of Two Gallant Men… Constables Allen and Andrews’, The Sun, 5 January 1931: 12; ‘Violent Maniac’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 5 January 1931: 10; ‘10,000 Mourn’, The Sun, 5 January 1931: 7; ‘Dead Policemen’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 6 January 1931; ‘Honors Urged For Police Martyrs’, Evening News, 8 January 1931: 8; ‘Honor Them!’, The Sun, 8 January 1931: 13; ‘Thousands Pay Tribute To Dead Police Heroes’, Evening News, 5 January 1931: 8.

CHAPTER SIX

57               the first double murder of police since 1877: NSW Police Force, Roll of Honour, https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/about_us/remembrance_for_fallen_police_officers/remembrance/roll_of_honour

57–58        poisoning that could’ve killed dairy farmer John Rixon:‘Poison In Family’s Porridge?’, The Sun, 17 February 1931: 7; ‘Poisoning Case At Yadboro’, The Daily Telegraph, 19 February 1931: 1; ‘Real Life Drama of the Mountains’, Truth, 22 February 1931: 11.

58               Old Bill went to trial: ‘Poisoning Charge’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 March 1931: 8; ‘“Only Put In Tiny Bit”’, The Daily Telegraph, 28 March 1931: 7; ‘Poison Porridge In Court’, Truth, 29 March 1931: 13; ‘Six Years’, The Sun, 31 March 1931: 9.

59               no evidence had been given about how the poison was distributed: ‘Poisoned Oatmeal’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 May 1931: 8.

59               handcuffed hillbilly Old Bill: ‘His First Train Trip In 53 Years’, The Daily Telegraph, 19 February 1931: 1.

59               At a secret meeting at the Imperial Services Club: Keith Amos, ‘Campbell, Eric (1893–1970)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/campbell-eric-5487/text9331, 1979; Campbell, Eric. The Rallying Point: My Story of the New Guard, Melbourne University Press, Carlton, published first in hard-copy 1965.

59              Old Guard, whose offer of auxiliary policing support: Moore, Andrew. Francis De Groot: Irish Fascist, Australian Legend, The Federation Press, Sydney, 2005: 71–72 identifies de Groot as leading such actions from October 1931.

59               a rally in the Domain: ‘Barricade Talk’, The Daily Telegraph, 30 March 1931: 7.

60               the New Guard was organised on strictly military lines: ‘Trades Council Last Night’, The Labor Daily, 17 April 1931: 5.

61              MacKay acted fast to set the record straight: ‘“New Guards” Boast’ The Labor Daily, 18 April 1931: 6.

61–62        McRae found himself looking at dead woman: ‘Widow Found Sitting On Floor; Dead’, The Labor Daily, 27 April 1931: 1; ‘Mysterious Crime’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 April 1931: 9; ‘Murder Or Grim Suicide?’ The Sun, 27 April 1931: 7; ‘Baffled’ The Sun, 28 April 1931: 8; ‘Murdered Woman’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 April 1931: 9.

62               Inspector Prior was nicknamed: ‘C.I.B. Chief Is “Silent William” To The End’ The Sun, 1 April 1938: 1.

63               thirty-five-year-old Swede named Gustav Reichardt: ‘A Sydney Murder’, Townsville Daily Bulletin, 23 July 1931: 6; ‘Woman’s Violent Death In Surry Hills’, The Evening News, 14 August 1931: 7.

63              fourteen-year-old girl he’d been ‘seeing’: ‘Tricked By Police, Said Swede’, Truth, 13 September 1931: 20.

63              the premier had announced the ‘Lang Plan’: ‘Mr Lang’s Repudiation Stand’, The Herald, 9 February 1931: 1.

64               Salaries should not exceed £500… Herald said the premier: ‘Public Service’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 June 1931: 7; Editorial, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 June 1931: 8.

64              New South Wales’ new governor, Sir Philip Game: W. G. McMinn, ‘Game, Sir Philip Woolcott (1876–1961)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/game-sir-philip-woolcott-6272/text10807, published first in hardcopy 1981.

64               the leftists had dubbed ‘The Eureka Stockade: ‘Police and Reds in Fierce Eviction Fight’, The Sun, 17 June 1931: 1.

64–65        If that was true, the record lasted only two days: ‘Fierce Anti-Eviction Battle at Newtown’, The Sun, 19 June 1931; ‘Desperate Fighting. Communists And Police.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 June 1931: 13.

65               John Stace, would later say that: quoted in:Waller, Helen; Whittington, Vanessa. ‘“The Siege of Union Street”: Working class urban heritage and the politics of remembrance’, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University, Sydney, 2019.

65               It seemed like Rothbury all over again: ‘Stop Press, Lang’s Police Shoot Pickets’, The Workers’ Weekly, 19 June 1931: 1.

65               Prior got the tip he’d been waiting for: ‘A Sydney Murder’, Townsville Daily Bulletin, 23 July 1931: 6; ‘Queensland Arrest For Sydney Murder – Three Months’ Trail’, Truth, 26 July 1931: 1; ‘Woman’s Violent Death In Surry Hills’, The Evening News (Rockhampton), 14 August 1931: 7; ‘Tricked By Police, Said Swede’, Truth, 13 September 1931: 20.

66               the New Guard held its first public rally: ‘The New Guard’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 July 1931: 10.

66               New South Wales public-service salaries went unpaid: ‘No Salaries To-morrow in Public Service’, The Sun, 5 August 1931: 1; ‘Loan Council’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 August 1931: 9.

67               Gustav Reichardt faced Mr May’s inquest into Old Kate’s murder: ‘Murder Charge’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 August 1931: 9; ‘Sensational Police Evidence At Sydney Inquest’, The Newcastle Sun, 10 August 1931: 1.

67–68        At his September murder trial: ‘Tricked By Police, Said Swede’, Truth, 13 September 1931: 20.

68               Prior was lionised: ‘Bottle Clue in Killing of Old Kate?’, Truth, 26 July 1931: 1.

CHAPTER SEVEN

69               passed a law to postpone evictions: ‘Rent Law’, The Sun, 26 June 1931: 8.

69              Two moments in the trial pointed to police acting as a law unto themselves: ‘Jury Disagrees’, The Workers’ Weekly, 18 September 1931: 1.

70               thousand communist supporters gathered outside: ‘1000 REDS’, The Sun, 7 September 1931: 7; ‘Communists’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 8 September 1931: 10.

70               Campbell held another rally at Bondi: ‘New Guard’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 8 September 1931: 9.

70               Campbell ran through his usual dark materials: ‘New Guard’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 17 September 1931: 9.

70               This rally was front-page news: ‘Interest In New Guard’s Policy’, The Sun, 17 September 1931: 1; ‘The Lesson Of The New Guard’, The Sun, 17 September 1931: 12; ‘Enthusiasm At Rally’, The Sun, 17 September 1931: 19.

71               the New Guard went into ‘battle’ in Bondi: ‘New Guard’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 October 1931: 9.

71               Captain Francis de Groot, an Irish-born former British Army officer:

Andrew Moore, ‘De Groot, Francis Edward (Frank) (1888–1969)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/de-groot-francis-edward-frank-12881/text23267, published first in hardcopy 2005; Moore, Andrew. Francis De Groot: Irish Fascist, Australian Legend, The Federation Press, Sydney, 2005: 71–72 identifies de Groot as leading such actions from October 1931.

71               Campbell saw an opportunity: ‘New Guard Is In Action: Manning Ships’, The Sun, 21 October 1931: 1.

71               Mr Campbell has lit a fire: ‘Union Conference Convened’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 October 1931: 10.

71–72        ‘Thank God for the New Guard’: ‘Likes New Guard’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 October 1931: 7.

72               three officers were wounded in a De Groot-led New Guard attack: Moore, Andrew Moore, Irish Fascist: Australian Legend: 71–72.

73              Constable Trevlyn Nowland was found drowned: ‘Policemen Missing’, Barrier Miner, 6 October 1931: 1; ‘Mysterious Drowning Tragedy Near Tamworth’, The Newcastle Sun, 6 October 1931: 1; ‘Bendemeer Mystery’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 November 1931: 9; ‘Still A Mystery’, The Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser, 7 October 1931: 4; ‘Hunt For Mystery Man’, The Daily Telegraph, 7 October 1931: 1; ‘Called Into Darkness— Forever.’, Truth, 11 October 1931: 24.

73–74        Nowland had been bounced around remote postings: ‘Appointments’, Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales, 15 October 1926: 4313; http://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/119885847/person/210182286828/facts

73              the officer had endured the death of his baby: son Lionell was born and died in 1927 – http://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/119885847/person/210182286828/facts

73               his wife’s health had subsequently suffered: ‘Can’t Say How Constable Was Drowned’, Truth, 15 November 1931:16.

CHAPTER EIGHT

75               Bungendore Bones discovery: ‘A Grisly Sight’, The Sun, 20 November 1931: 1; ‘Grisly Relics Of Crime In Lonely Bush’, The Newcastle Sun, 21 November 1931: 3; ‘Human Bones’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 21 November 1931: 13; ‘His Death Pyre – Grim Murder Clues Found Among Ashes’, The Sun, 22 November 1931: 2; ‘His Error’, The Sun, 23 November 1931: 3; ‘No Clues’, The Sun, 24 November 1931: 11; ‘Motor Trail To Horror Scene’, The Sun, 30 November 1931: 7.

75               talented Ngarigo tracker named Alexander Brindle: ‘Hunting a Robber’, The Bombala Times, 16 November 1917: 1; ‘Lost in the Ranges’, The Bombala Times, 4 July 1930: 4.

77               A coronial inquest was opened in Queanbeyean: ‘Long Remand’, The Sun, 1 December 1931: 7; ‘Sherlock Theories’, The Daily Telegraph, 1 December 1931: 1; ‘Blood Clue’, The Sun, 3 December 1931: 8; ‘Clues In Ashes’, The Daily Telegraph, 4 December 1931: 8.

77              He took the bone fragments to Dr Anthony Burkitt: ‘Albury Victim Still Unidentified’, The Advertiser, 15 October 1934: 18.

77              ‘The Bungendore Bones’ was a big story all over Australia: ‘Ghastly Midnight Mystery Blaze’, The Sun, 13 December 1931: 6; ‘Bond! Man Victim’, The Sun, 28 December 1931: 1; ‘England’s Aid In Bungendore Crime’, The Daily Telegraph, 29 December 1931: 5.

78               as 1932 got underway, he and Allmond went back to the Goulburn area: ‘Found Clues’, The Sun, 9 January 1932: 5.

78               McRae… sure the answer lay in the dead man’s history: ‘Suicide Says Report’, The Sun, 11 January 1932: 7.

78               McRae reported his conclusion: ‘“Was Murdered”’, The Sun, 13 January 1932: 10; ‘Is Sure It Was Murder’, The Daily Telegraph, 14 January 1932: 1.

78               When the inquest resumed in Sydney: ‘His Inferiority Complex Probing Bungendore Riddle’, The Sun, 28 January 1932: 17; ‘Bungendore’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 29 January 1932: 12.

79              Glen Innes grazier killed himself: ‘Built His Pyre’, The Sun, 24 April 1932: 2.

79               The family’s determination to get this result: ‘Stigma Of Suicide Removed Now’, The Daily Telegraph, 25 May 1932: 8.

80               Campbell was sullying … charged with using insulting words: ‘Commander Of Boo Guard’s Threat To King’, The Labor Daily, 12 January 1932: 5; ‘New Guard’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 January 1932: 11.

80               the scene was more like that of a Nazi-German Fascist demonstration: ‘The New Guard Followers Of The Leader In Sydney Court Yesterday’, Barrier Miner, 16 January 1932: 1.

80               it was reportedly attended by 5000 supporters: ‘Leader Of Boo Guard Attacks Police’, The Labor Daily, 19 February 1932: 6.

81               forgiven for assuming it was a story about Herr Hitler: ‘More Challenges By New Guard’, The Daily Telegraph, 19 February 1932: 1.

82              MacKay kept constant tabs on the New Guard: ‘Tricked Them’, The Sun, 3 March 1932: 18.

82               But while Lang was scoring minor points against the New Guard: ‘To Impound State Receipts’, The Labor Daily, 19 February 1932: 5.

82              Lang ordered all of these funds: ‘Lang’s Bank Action Declared Unnecessary’, The Sun, 14 March 1932: 1.

82               the petition … demanding the dissolution to state parliament: ‘The New Guard’s Petition’, The Sun, 11 March 1932: 9.

82               In a speech at Manly: ‘New Guard’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 March 1932: 10.

83               the bridge’s roadway lights were turned on: ‘Lights Switched On’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 March 1932: 14.

83               56,000 school students from all over Sydney: ‘Children’s Day’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 17 March 1932: 9.

83               Katherine Sims murder: ‘Cut Woman’s Throat And Ran’, The Sun, 16 March 1932: 13; ‘Hunt For Slayer’, The Sun, 17 March 1932: 15; ‘Human Monster Who Bashed And Killed’, Truth, 12 June 1932: 15; ‘Razor Crime’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 May 1932: 12.

84–85        biggest procession of pageantry Australia has ever seen: ‘The Pageant’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 March 1932: 8; ‘Harbor Swarms With Myriad Craft’, The Sun, 19 March 1932: 4; ‘By Land, Air, And Water’, The Daily Telegraph, 19 March 1932: 6; ‘History Of The Bridge’, The Daily Telegraph, 19 March 1932: 14; ‘Mighty Etching In Steel’ The Sun, 20 March 1932: 1.

85–86        De Groot’s arrest: Many versions of De Groot’s stunt were given. I acknowledge the work done by Andrew Moore in establishing the most likely sequence of events in Irish Fascist: Australian Legend. Newspaper articles/photos consulted included: ‘Startling Act At Saturday’s Ceremony On The Bridge: Ribbon Severed By Mounted Officer’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 21 March 1932: 6; ‘New Guardsman Severs Ribbon’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 21 March 1932: 15; ‘The Old Order Changeth’, The Sun, 19 March 1932: 1; ‘Escorted to Guardroom’, The Sun, 19 March 1932: 7; ‘Arrest Follows Sensation’ The Sun, 19 March 1932: 1; ‘“Enough”’ The Sun, 19 March 1932: 1; ‘Man Who Cut The Bridge Ribbon’, The Sun, 20 March 1932: 1.

86               Scotty Denholm’s presence: personal information, related to me by his son.

85              inspired by a Smith’s Weekly cartoon: I was tipped to this by Andrew Moore’s Irish Fascist: Australian Legend. The actual cartoon can be seen with the caption: ‘Forecast of the Unrehearsed Bridge Incident’ in Smith’s Weekly,19 March 1932: 14.

86–87        ‘one British officer was sufficient’… Campbell visited De Groot in the Reception House: ‘“Enough”’, The Sun, 19 March 1932: 1; ‘New Guardsman Put In Reception House’, Truth, 20 March 1932: 1.

87              Buried amid the bridge coverage: ‘May Be Dead’, The Sun, 18 March 1932: 11; ‘Murder Search’, The Sun, 19 March 1932: 11; ‘Say Killer Of Woman Now Dead’, The Labor Daily, 26 March 1932: 1.

87               ensuring the footage was cut from newsreels: ‘Police Raid Theatres–Ban De Groot Films’, The Daily Telegraph, 24 March 1932: 1; ‘Cuts Made’, The Sun, 23 March 1932: 19.

88               Phar Lap: ‘Phar Lap Wins Great Race In Record Time’, The Sun, 21 March 1932: 1.

88               MacKay… ‘result of my observations’: ‘DISCHARGED’, The Sun , 21 March 1932: 7.

89               ‘Sort out those New Guard bastards’: Stone, Gerald. 1932: A Hell of a Year, Pan Macmillan, Sydney, 2005.

89               William Henry Potter … clear-cut suicide: ‘Body In Park’, The Sun, 26 March 1932: 3; ‘Preferred Death To Dole’ Singleton Argus, 6 April 1932: 3.

89               married divorcee Janet ‘Jean’ Harrison: McRae-Harrison marriage certificate, NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages, 7275/1932

89               Prior … succeeded Mackay as CIB Chief: ‘Big Jobs For New Chief’, The Daily Telegraph, 27 April 1932: 7.

CHAPTER NINE

90               Frank Wilkinson and Dorothy Denzel:‘Young Couple Vanish in Car’, The Sun, 7 April 1932: 15; ‘Miss Denzel’, Glen Innes Examiner ,12 April 1932: 1; ‘Car Murder — Man Held At Bathurst’, The Daily Telegraph, 19 April 1932: 1.

90               Frank drove them towards a quiet spot: ‘Trial Of Moxley’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 14 June 1932: 10.

90               they all drove across the Sydney Harbour Bridge: ‘And They Called This Young Man a Gangster’, Truth, 31 July 1932: 15.

90               de Groot’s trial had opened the past Friday with wild scenes: The Daily Telegraph, 2 April 1932: 10; ‘New South Wales Police Superintendent’s Part In City Riot’, The Daily Telegraph, 2 April 1932: 1.

91               even wilder scenes the night before: ‘Lightning Sends Two Circus Elephants Wild’, The Daily Telegraph, 5 April 1932: 1.

91               They were close to their families: ‘Murder Theory Is Scrapped’, The Labor Daily, 11 April 1932: 5; ‘They Were Great Pals’, The Sun, 11 April 1932: 1.

91               That day a man dropped off a red Alvis sports car at a garage: ‘Clue To Missing Couple’, The Sun, 8 April 1932: 11.

91               who was likely in on the stolen-car racket: Evans, Richard. W.J. MacKay and the NSW Police, 1910–1948: A Dangerous Man.

91               The cops had made chilling discoveries in the car: ‘Grim Story of Tragedy is Unfolded’, The Sun, 3 May 1932: 1.

91               A Liverpool winemaker said that: ‘Moorebank Inquest’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 4 May 1932: 12.

92               identified the same suspect: William Cyril Moxley: ‘Early Arrest Expected In Murder Mystery’, The Sun, 12 April 1932: 1.

93–94        Moxley showed up at the Bankstown house of … Frank Corbett: ‘On Track Of The Wanted Man’, The Daily Telegraph, 14 April 1932: 1; ‘Shots Fired at Suspected Murderer’, The Sun, 14 April 1932: 1.

94               a search volunteer found Dorothy’s shallow grave: ‘Amazing Callousness of Girl-Murderer’, The Sun, 13 April 1932: 1.

93               Lost amid major news stories: ‘Assault’, The Sun, 7 April 1932: 19.

93               That late morning: ‘Identified Suspect’, The Sun, 14 April 1932: 1.

93               Lang instructed his public servants: Lang, J.T. The Big Fella, The University of Melbourne, 1986, p257

94              display of force on Mr Lang’s behalf: ‘City’s Blue Army’, The Sun, 13 April 1932: 13.

94–95        Hundreds of police … 100 plainclothesmen: ‘Shots Fired at Suspected Murderer’, The Sun, 14 April 1932: 1.

95               ‘Put your hands up, Bill’: ‘Murderer’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 April 1932: 9.

95               Moxley had a two-hour head start: ‘Police Search Hampered’, The Sun, 14 April 1932: 13; ‘Shot Fired’, Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, 15 April 1932: 9.

96               Marie didn’t know his identity – or that he was wanted: ‘For Dish – Suspect Called On Woman’, The Sun, 14 April 1932: 13.

96               hundreds or even thousands of unemployed men and boys had joined: ‘Murderer’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 April 1932: 9.

97               ‘Residents of the district are in a state of terror’: ‘Summary’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 April 1932: 1; ‘Terror Reigns’, The Sun, 16 April 1932: 3; ‘Armed Search For Suspect Grim Eagerness Of Hunters’, The Sun, 16 April 1932: 3; ‘Still Searching At Bankstown’, The Daily Telegraph, 16 April 1932: 1; ‘Lynch Law Parties Are On The Trail!’, Truth, 17 April 1932: 9; ‘“Boil Him In Oil”’, The Sun, 15 April 1932: 1.

98               The witness found a shotgun: ‘Fresh Clues In Murder Case’, Truth, 17 April 1932: 8; ‘The Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 April 1932: 9;

‘Car Murder — Man Held At Bathurst’, The Daily Telegraph, 19 April 1932: 1.

98               Smith’s Weekly ran a front-page article: ‘Hunted Criminal Is A Pariah Of The Underworld’, Smith’s Weekly, 23 April 1932: 1.

98               he used an escape route… saw the talkie newsreel about him: ‘Crossed Bridge On Bicycle’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 April 1932: 1.

98–99        Moxley set up beneath a rock: ‘Moxley Taken Near Manly’, The Sun, 21 April 1932: 1; ‘Arrested’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 22 April 1932: 9; ‘Grim Story of Tragedy is Unfolded’, The Sun, 3 May 1932: 1.

99               ‘I did not kill those people’: ‘Grim Story of Tragedy is Unfolded’, The Sun, 3 May 1932: 1.

99               ‘I am sorry I let you down’: ‘Moxley Trial’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 June 1932: 10.

100            While Moxley had dinner, MacKay left the CIB: ‘Moxley’s Dramatic Statement In Court’, The Sun, 15 June 1932: 1.

100            The premier thundered to a crowd of 50,000: ‘City Saw Big March Which Made History’, The Labor Daily, 22 April 1932: 1.

100            He charged his long-time informant William Cyril Moxley: ‘Had A Sound Sleep’, The Sun, 22 April 1932: 9.

100            another creature was creeping towards his sleeping victims: ‘Heads Battered While Asleep’, The Sun, 22 April 1932: 1.

CHAPTER TEN

101            Saywell case: NSW Police, Victor Claude Saywell, Murder File, May 1932. Accessed courtesy of NSW Police Infolink.

101            The Daily Telegraph’s headline read: ‘Tin Hares: Mascot Sells Out!’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 April 1932: 1.

101            Claude and Adeline Saywell … foreheads caved in, blood soaking: ‘Heads Battered While Asleep’, The Sun, 22 April 1932: 1; ‘Attacked In Bed’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 April 1932: 13.

101            Hilda rushed to tell Jack his parents were ‘smothered in blood: ‘Heard Constable Say “Crook Case”’, The Sun, 31 August 1932: 15.

102            Claude’s father Thomas Saywell: ‘Mr Thomas Saywell’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 February 1927: 16; ‘MR. THOMAS SAYWELL DEAD’, The Daily Telegraph, 26 November 1928: 4; https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/69281618/person/46197287205/facts

102            Four years later, on 17 February 1932: ‘“Tony” Hordern Gets The Tin Hare Licence!’, The Daily Telegraph, 18 February 1932: 1; ‘Tin Hare’s Whiz To Kensington’, The Sun, 18 February 1932: 15; ‘Only Two Tin Hare Courses For Sydney?’, The Daily Telegraph, 25 September 1931: 1.

102–103   Saywell shareholding: ‘When Betting Was Made Lawful’, The Sun, 20 June 1932: 9.

103            Jack told police he’d been studying … changed the clock back to the right time: ‘Open Verdict Returned In Saywell Case’, The Labor Daily, 17 September 1932: 5.

103            he took the front door key: ‘“I Did Not Do It” – Says Jack Saywell’ Smith’s Weekly,14 May 1932: 1.

103–104   his dad’s dressing gown … his towel: ‘Mr. Saywell’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 25 April 1932: 5.

104            Jack… asked for a doctor to be sent: ‘Secret of Ghastly Tragedy’, Truth, 4 September 1932: 13. Web. 5.

104            ‘I don’t know what has happened’: ‘Saywell Inquest’, Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga), 2 September 1932: 1.

104            Inspector Jacob Miller … would lead the investigation: ‘Unknown Motive In Hammer Crime’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 April 1932: 1.

105            He believed these hadn’t been made by a shoe but by a size-seven slipper: ‘Saywell’s Rolls Of Notes’, The Daily Telegraph, 25 April 1932: 1.

105            washed clean of fingerprints, it still bore traces of blood: ‘Mr. Saywell’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 25 April 1932: 5.

105            His staunchly Protestant mum and dad: ‘Tender Romance Marches Side By Side With Stark Horror’, Smith’s Weekly, 7 May 1932: 1.

106            When Claude’s brother Bruce had died in 1925: ‘Ruled Out’, The Sun, 25 February 1932: 17; ‘How Ghastly Tragedy Crushed The Millionaire Saywells’, Smith’s Weekly, 30 April 1932: 1.

106            Bruce Saywell: https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/69281618/person/46248249073/facts

105            upper-floor lavatory window … climbed up to get into the house: ‘J. Saywell’s Statement He Revised It’, The Sun, 1 September 1932, 15.

106            Shown the hammer, which his brother had identified: ‘Saywell Inquest’, The Canberra Times, 2 September 1932: 4.

106            his mother had believed his £2 weekly allowance was too much… she finally slammed it on him: ‘J. Saywell’s Statement He Revised It’, The Sun, 1 September 1932: 15.

106            Except, according to the Sydney Morning Herald: ‘Mr. Saywell’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 25 April 1932: 5.

106–107   The Sun updated readers: ‘Saywell Dead: Assault Is Now Brutal Murder’, The Sun, 24 April 1932: 2; ‘Do You Recognise This Hammer?’, The Sun, 26 April 1932: 7; ‘Saywell Hammer Horror’, Truth, 18 September 1932: 1.

107            Sydneysiders witnessed a new type of horror…: ‘Death Plunge From The Bridge’, The Labor Daily, 25 April 1932: 1; ‘2nd Fatal Leap from Bridge’, The Labor Daily, 26 April 1932: 1; ‘Sydney Bridge Has Second Birthday’, The Evening News, 23 March 1934: 5.

107            another sensational and senseless murder. Albert Chaffey: ‘Found Dead On His Farm’, The Sun, 26 April 1932: 7.

108            That night in Sydney there was another murder: ‘Camp Tragedy’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 April 1932: 11; ‘Man Battered To Death At National Park’, The Labor Daily, 27 April 1932: 5.

108            ‘drunken orgy’: ‘Arrest To-Day In Axe Crime’, The Sun, 27 April 1932: 11.

108            As Truth would have it: ‘Grim Similarity In Recent Crimes’, Truth, 1 May 1932: 12.

108            The Sun kept tally: ‘11 Killed’, The Sun, 27 April 1932: 11.

109            McRae … work in connection with the Bungendore mystery: ‘No Clue’, Glen Innes Examiner, 28 April 1932: 4.

109            ‘forensic ballistics’: ‘Crime Detection’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 June 1928: 11.

109            Mackay had studied abroad in 1929. In September 1931, Jim Devine had gone to trial: ‘Did Taxi Slayer Get Wrong Man?’, Truth, 21 June 1931: 1.

110            MacKay, who’d taken the accused’s long statement in private: ‘Innocent Victim Of Gun-Duel Over Diamond?’, Truth, 12 July 1931: 13; ‘Free of Murder Charge’, Truth, 13 September 1931: 8.

110            This case was notable: ‘Innocent Victim Of Gun-Duel Over Diamond?’, Truth, 12 July 1931: 13.

110            Chaffey case used phrases: ‘No Headway’, The Sun, 29 April 1932: 11; ‘Not Slightest Clue’, Tweed Daily, 29 April 1932: 3; ‘Cowardly Killer of Chaffey Cowers in Hiding’, Truth, 1 May 1932: 6.

110            MacKay … ‘quizzical grin on his face’: Lang, J.T. The Turbulent Years, Alpha Books, Sydney, 1970: 162.

110            officers of all ranks marched: ‘1500 Police March’, The Sun, 29 April 1932: 9; ‘Police Parade’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 30 April 1932: 13.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

111            The inquest into the murders of Frank Wilkinson: ‘Coroner to Examine 40 Witnesses’, Truth, 1 May 1932: 1.

111–115   But Truth readers didn’t have to wait: ‘Moxley’s Own Startling Statement’, Truth, 1 May 1932: 1.

115–116   The Sydney Coroner’s Court was besieged: ‘Crowd’s Rush – Hundreds Try To See Moxley’, The Sun, 3 May 1932: 1; ‘Grim Story of Tragedy is Unfolded’, The Sun, 3 May 1932: 1; ‘Moxley’s Statement To Police’, The Sun, 3 May 1932: 13.

116            Moxley had identified the killer as ‘Snowy’ Mumby: ‘Shying Horse’, The Sun, 3 May 1932: 13; ‘“Both Shot Dead From Behind” — Dr. Palmer’, The Daily Telegraph, 4 May 1932: 6.

116–117   On the second day of the inquest: ‘Moxley Guilty, Of Murder, Is Finding’, The Sun, 4 May 1932: 1.

CHAPTER TWELVE

118            Smith’s Weekly’s front page… the grief-stricken sons: ‘How Ghastly Tragedy Crushed the Millionaire Saywells’, Smith’s Weekly, 30 April 1932: 1.

118            Truth leaned into the suspicion: ‘Planned Murder With Devilish Gunning’, Truth, 1 May 1932: 8.

119            Claude Saywell had been worth £110,000: ‘Murdered Solicitor Left £110,000’, The Sun, 8 August 1932: 7.

119            Jack would… recently had to borrow £2: ‘J Saywell’s Statement He Revised It’, The Sun, 1 September 1932: 15.

119            the newspapers worried: ‘Three Killers’, The Sun, 2 May 1932: 8; ‘Unsolved Crimes’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 2; ‘Grim Riddle Of The Murder Wave’, The Sun, 1 May 1932: 35.

120            In the early morning of Thursday 5 May 1932: ‘Dramatic End of Hunt For Murder Suspect’, The Sun, 5 May 1932: 15; ‘Woman’s Death’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 6 May 1932: 9.

121            Newsboys did double-takes: ‘Seven Ft. High’, The Sun, 7 May 1932: 3.

121            Eight men had beaten… Jock Garden: ‘J. S. Garden Night Attack’, The Sun, 6 May 1932: 1; ‘Police Raid New Guard H’quarters’, The Sun, 7 May 1932: 1; ‘Jock Garden Attack Has Queer Sequel’, Truth, 8 May 1932: 12; ‘ ‘Hush’ Policy After New Guard Raid’, The Sun, 8 May 1932: 1; ‘Tells of Fascist Legion of New Guard’. The Sun, 9 May 1932: 1; ‘Astonishing Charge Against Gov’ment’, The Sun, 11 May 1932: 1.

121–122   there was also good, if grim, news out of Glen Innes: ‘Alleged Murder’, Glen Innes Examiner ,7 May 1932: 4; ‘The Late A. V. Chaffey’, Glen Innes Examiner, 12 May 1932: 4.

122–123   the eight Fascist Legion men pleaded guilty: ‘Tells of Fascist Legion of New Guard’, The Sun, 9 May 1932: 1;‘Boo Klux Klan Reign Of Terror’, The Labor Daily, 10 May 1932: 1.

124            Murderers wander at large in Sydney: ‘“No Fascist Legion”’, The Sun, 10 May 1932: 1.

124            Reginald Weaver took up the fight … Lang’s ‘criminal government’: ‘Frame-Up Alleged’, The Daily Telegraph, 12 May 1932: 5; ‘New Guard. Fascist Legion and Attack on Mr. Garden’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 May 1932: 10.

124            the UAP member should be locked up Callan Park asylum: ‘“Paid Agent”’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 May 1932: 10.

125–126   Lang and Lyons’ reactions to New Guard revelations and accusations: ‘NEW GUARD. Federal Royal Commission’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 May 1932: 10; ‘Mr Beasley’s Request’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 May 1932: 10.

125            the federal parliament voted not to go into recess: ‘Mortgage Taxation’, Daily Advertiser, 14 May 1932: 1.

126            Robert Beardsmore was a former AIF officer: see the three-part Forgotten Australia episode, ‘The First Dismissal’, released May 2022.

126–127   twenty newspaper boys went shouting into the streets: ‘How Novel Newspaper Was Distributed’, 7 May 1932, Everyones., v.13, no.637, 1932-05-17: 24

127            as the first sessions of Frankenstein: Advertisement: ‘We Dare You To See It – Frankenstein – Tomorrow May 13th’, The Labor Daily, 12 May 1932: 8.

127            Sir Philip Game sacked Jack Lang: ‘Governor Dismisses Lang Ministry For Issuing Illegal Regulations’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 14 May 1932: 13.

127            Lang went quietly: Lang, J.T. The Turbulent Years, Alpha Books, Sydney, 1970: 208

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

128            Jack Saywell was roaring all over the Eastern Suburbs: ‘J. Saywell’s Driving Licence’, The Sun, 2 June 1932: 15; ‘John Saywell’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 June 1932: 6; ‘Saywell In Court’, The Sun, 13 June 1932: 7.

129–130   he felt compelled to defend himself to Smith’s Weekly: ‘“I Did Not Do It” — Says Jack Saywell’ Smith’s Weekly,14 May 1932: 1.

130            Jack was wrong if he thought his interview would end speculation: ‘Know Saywell Slayer?’, The Sun, 22 May 1932: 2.

131–133   Jack went to Smith’s Weekly again: ‘“No Jury Will Ever Convict”’, Smith’s Weekly, 28 May 1932: 1.

133            The newspaper war of words: ‘Jack Saywell’s Dramatic Outburst’, The Sun, 29 May 1932: 1; ‘Impudent Sunday Newspaper Perversion In the Saywell Case’, Smith’s Weekly,4 June 1932: 3.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

134            Moxley was insane with a bullet in the brain: ‘Amazing Defence Moves Being Made For Moxley Insanity Plea In Answer To Terrible Charge’, Truth, 29 May 1932: 13.

134–136   Alfred Ball: ‘Insanity Plea’, The Sun, 30 May 1932: 8; ‘Ball Not Guilty’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 31 May 1932: 9; ‘Insanity Verdict Saves Killer’, The Daily Telegraph, 31 May 1932: 7; ‘Automatism’, The Sun, 31 May 1932: 9; ‘The Sadness Of Bitter Sweet’, Arrow, 3 June 1932: 5; ‘Might Have Been Mad When He Killed: Now Sane’, Truth, 5 June 1932: 17.

136            sane enough to be returned to society … early 1940s: 1943 electoral roll for Cook electorate, Erskineville, via: Ancestry.com.au

136            Truth commented bitterly: ‘Might Have Been Mad When He Killed: Now Sane’, Truth, 5 June 1932: 17.

136–137   the trial of Thomas Jenkins for murdering Michael Desmond: ‘Not Guilty’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 June 1932: 9; ‘Murder Charge Acquittal’, The Sun, 31 May 1932: 13; ‘Death Follows Wine Orgy’, Truth, 5 June 1932: 26.

137–138   Maurice George O’Hara was next: ‘Committed Callous Murder For Money To Take His Girl Out’, The Daily Telegraph, 3 June 1932: 7; ‘Death Sentence’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 June 1932: 9; ‘Youth Guilty Of Murder In Chaffey Case’, The Labor Daily, 3 June 1932: 7; ‘On Trial’, Glen Innes Examiner, 2 June 1932: 1; ‘From The Dock’, Glen Innes Examiner, 4 June 1932: 2.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

139            throng … gathered outside Sydney’s Central Criminal Court: ‘Crown Denies That Moxley Was Insane’, The Sun, 13 June 1932: 1;‘“Plain Murder Case”’, The Daily Telegraph, 14 June 1932: 5.

140            the New Guardsmen who’d bashed Jock Garden began appeals: ‘Judge Decides Against New Guard’, The Sun, 15 June 1932: 11; ‘Appeals Of The New Guard Are All Dismissed’, The Labor Daily, 17 June 1932: 6; ‘Sentence Reduced’, The Sun, 21 June 1932: 9.

141            The second day of the Moxley trial: ‘Linking Murder Evidence’, The Daily Telegraph, 15 June 1932: 8; ‘Moxley’s Head Was X-rayed Yesterday’, The Sun, 14 June 1932: 1; ‘Moxley Trial’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 June 1932: 12.

142            On the third day of the trial: ‘Moxley’s Dramatic Statement In Court’, The Sun, 15 June 1932: 1; ‘Sacrificed On Altar Of A Murderer’s Lust’, Truth, 19 June 1932: 13.

143–145   ‘I have known Moxley for some years,’ MacKay began in a quiet voice: ‘Moxley’s Dramatic Statement In Court’, The Sun, 15 June 1932: 1; ‘Moxley Trial.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 June 1932: 10.

145–148   Moxley didn’t admit it either… Justice Rogers adjourned proceedings: ‘Moxley’s Dramatic Statement In Court’, The Sun, 15 June 1932: 1.

147            I had no knowledge of it at all: ‘Given A Chance’, The Daily Mail, 21 May 1921: 12.

148–151   Moxley closing arguments, verdict and sentencing: ‘Moxley Sentenced To Death’, The Sun, 16 June 1932: 1;‘Moxley’s Second Death Sentence’, The Daily Telegraph, 17 June 1932: 1;‘Moxley’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 17 June 1932: 10. Web. 7;‘Crime Of The Hands, But Not Of The Mind – Defence’, The Daily Telegraph, 17 June 1932: 8;‘Death Penalty’, The Sun, 16 June 1932: 16; ‘Sentence Of Death Passed On Wm. Moxley’, The Labor Daily, 17 June 1932: 5; ‘Sacrificed On Altar Of A Murderer’s Lust’, Truth, 19 June 1932: 13.

151            The Sun ran a cold-blooded editorial: ‘The Lesson Of The Moxley Trial’, The Sun, 17 June 1932: 8.

151            But Truth outdid itself: ‘Sacrificed On Altar Of A Murderer’s Lust’, Truth, 19 June 1932: 13.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

152            Moxley had no intention of hanging: ‘Moxley In Tears: “I’m Innocent!”’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 June 1932: 7.

152–155   but Smith’s Weekly scored the real scoop: ‘“If They Hang Bill They Hang A Madman!”’ Smith’s Weekly, 18 June 1932: 4; ‘“I Won’t Hang” – Moxley’ Smith’s Weekly, 25 June 1932: 1.

155–156   Moxley appeared in the Court of Criminal Appeals: ‘Moxley Pleads His Cause Before Three Judges’, The Sun, 1 July 1932: 1.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

157            The Sunday Sun had a scoop: ‘Mrs Saywell Speaks Again At Last!’, The Sun, 26 June 1932: 1.

157            Smith’s Weekly devoted its next front page: ‘At The Bedside Of Mrs. Saywell’, Smith’s Weekly, 2 July 1932: 1.

157            Truth weighed in: ‘Those Cruel Catchpenny Canards’, Truth, 3 July 1932: 13

157            This was pretty rich: ‘When Dorothy Denzel Prayed For Death’, Truth, 19 June 1932: 12.

158            On Tuesday 5 July 1932… Dorothy Thorne: ‘Murder Theory In Mystery Case’, The Sun, 6 July 1932: 11; ‘Hunt For A Motive’, The Sun, 7 July 1932: 17.

158            Dorothy said: ‘I have beaten you to it this morning’: ‘Open Verdict In Cremorne Mystery’, The Sun, 27 July 1932: 11;‘“We Were Like Three Happy School Kids” cried Lockyer’, Smith’s Weekly, 30 July 1932: 3.

158            Alfred replied: ‘Good oh – there’s no need for me to get up so early’: ‘Mystery Of Rich Woman’s Death’, Truth, 31 July 1932: 11.

159            Dorothy Cropley was the only daughter of a wealthy Sydney family… there’d be no more children: ‘Waiting On Analyst’, The Sun, 10 July 1932: 2.

159            Alfred Lockyer. Born in England around 1893… in February 1932: ‘Is Mosman Tragedy Another Nine Days Mystery?’, Smith’s Weekly,16 July 1932: 6; ‘Open Verdict In Cremorne Mystery’, The Sun, 27 July 1932: 11; ‘Mosman Tragedy’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 July 1932: 13.

160–161   McRae brought in as lead investigator… Reginald buried his wife: ‘Who Was Killer Of Dorothy Thorne?’, The Daily Telegraph, 7 July 1932: 1.

161            Strychnine could be purchased in bulk from wholesalers: ‘Is Mosman Tragedy Another Nine Days Mystery?’, Smith’s Weekly,16 July 1932: 6.

162            But had Dorothy actually been the target: ‘Was Fatal Powder For Someone Else?’, The Daily Telegraph, 8 July 1932: 1.

163            terrier, which was said to take ‘savage exception’ to strangers: ‘Waiting On Analyst’, The Sun, 10 July 1932: 2.

163            Dorothy’s death was so impenetrable: ‘Seidlitz Powder Death Draught Tragedy’, Truth, 17 July 1932: 13.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

164–165   Cooma murders: ‘Woman & Maid Are Murdered In Cooma Home’, The Labor Daily, 21 July 1932: 5; ‘Hunt For Armed Murderer’, The Sun, 21 July 1932: 13.

165            MacKay toyed with sending Constable Adam ‘Scotty’ Denholm: ‘Woman, Girl; Murdered Near Cooma’, The Daily Telegraph, 21 July 1932: 1.

165            Robert Audley had made headlines: ‘Missing Friends’, New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime, 16 December 1925: 662; ‘Has Anyone Seen Him?’ ,The Labor Daily, 21 April 1926: 1; ‘Home To Father’, Evening News, 22 June 1926: 9; ‘Alleged Stolen Car’, National Advocate, 15 July 1927: 3; ‘Was Wanted’, The Sun, 25 July 1932: 7; ‘Yesterday’s News’, Glen Innes Examiner, 26 July 1932: 3.

166            The Sun chartered a plane to fly a photographer to the crime scene: ‘The Sun Stop-Press’, The Sun, 21 July 1932: 1.

166            McRae had seen many suicides: ‘Killed In Cold Blood—Then Hanged Himself’, Truth, 24 July 1932: 13; ‘Exclusive Pictures By Plane Tell The Graphic Story Of Cooma Murders’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 July 1932: 1, 12.

167            Rumour said the farmhand had been in love: ‘Wooed Murdered Girl’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 July 1932: 5; ‘Slayer’s Red Face’, The Daily Telegraph, 26 July 1932: 8; ‘Cooma Crime’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 July 1932: 9; ‘Murderous Don Juan’s Double Life’, Truth, 31 July 1932: 13.

167            The letter was from Dorothy Denzel’s mother: ‘Shared Sorrow’, The Daily Telegraph, 2 August 1932: 7.

168            he’d seen Dr Gordon Bray at Long Bay: Corris, Peter. Mad Dog, New South Wales, Sydney, 2011.

168–169   Moxley stood in Sydney’s Court of Criminal Appeal: ‘Moxley’s Outburst’, The Sun, 22 July 1932: 9; ‘Moxley Faces Death’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 July 1932: 5; ‘Moxley’s Appeal’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 July 1932: 10; ‘Cringed When Hope Was Dashed’, Truth, 24 July 1932: 13.

169–170   Moxley now wanted to be hanged: ‘Moxley Asks To Be Hanged’, The Daily Telegraph, 29 July 1932: 1.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

171            Adeline Saywell was discharged: ‘Mrs Saywell’, The Sun, 18 July 1932: 9.

172            Tin Hares Royal Commission ‘obfuscation’: ‘Managing Director; Had No Shares’, The Sun, 20 July 1932: 18; ‘Mr Wiles’s Trust Declaration’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 22 July 1932: 10; ‘Share Gift Inquiry’, The West Australian, 9 August 1932: 9.

172–173   front-page screamer: ‘Saywell Murderer is Now Known!’, Smith’s Weekly, 23 July 1932: 1.

173–175   A week later, the newspaper outdid itself: ‘Moxley: Astounding Turn In Events!’, Smith’s Weekly, 30 July 1932: 1.

175–177   Smith’s Weekly’s sensational claims … were slammed from every side: ‘Dead Man’s Name’, The Sun, 28 July 1932: 13; ‘Fellow Workers’, The Sun, 28 July 1932: 13; ‘Son And Mate’, The Sun, 28 July 1932: 13; ‘False Witness Against The Dead’, The Daily Telegraph, 29 July 1932: 6; ‘“Pernicious Falsehoods”’, The Sun, 29 July 1932: 11; ‘Slur On Dead Not True’ The Daily Telegraph, 29 July 1932: 7; ‘Moxley Clears Dead Man’s Name’, Truth, 31 July 1932: 1; ‘Dead Man’s Name Cleared Of Vile. Lying Slander’, The Sun, 31 July 1932: 1; ‘And They Called This Young Man A Gangster’, Truth, 31 July 1932: 15; ‘I. The Ghoul II. Protection’, The Sun, 31 July 1932: 5. Web. 7.

177            Moxley’s fate was considered by the state government: ‘Moxley Will be Hanged: Cabinet Says Sentence to Stand’, The Sun, 3 August 1932: 11.

177–178   the paper doubled down with another incendiary front page: ‘Request For Fullest Inquiry’, Smith’s Weekly, 6 August 1932: 1.

178            revelations by former Sydney cop Harold Roach: ‘Roach’s Sworn Statement’, Smith’s Weekly,6 August 1932: 6.

179            Truth went hardest at its rival: ‘Wilkinson’s Memory Nailed to Cross of Shame’, Truth, 7 August 1932: 13.

179            Smith’s… summoned to see Frank Chaffey: ‘“Falsehoods”’, The Sun, 8 August 1932: 7; ‘SMITH’S CLEARS WILKINSON’, Smith’s Weekly, 13 August 1932: 1.

179            Truth was beside itself with glee: ‘Sequel To Dastardly Attack’, Truth, 14 August 1932: 14.

179–180   Truth was right: Blaikie, George. Remember Smith’s Weekly?, Rigby, Sydney, 1966.

CHAPTER TWENTY

181–182   one about Claude Saywell read: ‘Wires Flashed Warning! Smith’s Has Facts in the Saywell Case. Tin Hare Holders Went in Fear’, Smith’s Weekly, 30 July 1932: 1.

182            Harry Wiles: ‘The Evidence’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 21 July 1932: 9.

182–183   This was certainly intriguing and worthy of a follow-up: ‘Wires Flashed Warning! Smith’s Has Facts in the Saywell Case. Tin Hare Holders Went in Fear’, Smith’s Weekly, 30 July 1932: 1.

183–185   Lockyer said he’d been first questioned: ‘The Man Who Thought of Suicide – Alfred George Lockyer’, Smith’s Weekly, 30 July 1932: 1.

185–187   The coroner … opened the Dorothy Thorne inquest: ‘Open Verdict In Cremorne Mystery’, The Sun, 27 July 1932: 11; ‘Mosman Tragedy’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 July 1932: 13; ‘Mystery Of Rich Woman’s Death’, Truth, 31 July 1932: 11; ‘Inquest Obscures Solution Of Throne Tragedy’, Arrow (Sydney, NSW : 1916 – 1933), 29 July 1932: 24.

188            Reginald also had his wife’s assets as a possible motive: Dorothy Thorne, Will and Probate Documents, Deceased Estates Index 1880-1958, NSW Archives, Pre A 069919 [20/1691]

189            Reginald … was returning to England: ‘Life Shattered By Tragedy, Reg. Thorne Sails’, Truth, 23 December 1934: 11.

189            Alfred … swallowed cyanide and was found dead: ‘Made Two Attempts At Suicide’, The Sun, 20 August 1941: 3; ‘From The Courts’, The Daily Telegraph, 21 August 1941: 7.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

190            Hilda White background: http://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/68972947/person/130177207040/facts.au; ‘Woman Murdered In Centennial Pk.’, The Sun, 27 July 1932: 13.

190–191   Hilda told her mother she was going out … succumbing to strangulation: ‘Woman Murdered In Centennial Pk.’, The Sun, 27 July 1932: 13; ‘Absence Of Clue In Park Killing’, The Daily Telegraph, 28 July 1932: 5; ‘Young Woman Lured To Death Ghastly Park Murder’, Truth, 31 July 1932: 15; ‘Many Men Seen’, The Sun, 28 July 1932: 15; ‘She Liked Movies’, The Sun, 25 August 1932: 14; ‘Brutal Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 July 1932: 9.

191            ‘the girl’s magnetic personality’: ‘Dramatic Police Swoop On Park Murder Suspect’, Truth, 7 August 1932: 1.

191            great favourite with … Permanent Military Forces: ‘Young Woman Lured To Death Ghastly Park Murder’, Truth, 31 July 1932: 15.

191–192   saw Truth run the headline: ‘Carnival of Killing Horrifies Whole State’, Truth (Brisbane), 31 July 1932: 11.

192            24th slaying: ‘Strange Lack Of Motive In Park Murder’, The Labor Daily, 28 July 1932: 5.

192            Moxley scheduled to hang … call for public protest: ‘To Protest Against Hanging’, The Labor Daily, 5 August 1932: 1; ‘Reformers Are Divided’, The Sun, 6 August 1932: 3; ‘Women Vote On Hanging’, The Daily Telegraph, 12 August 1932: 7.

192            Labor Daily remained staunch: ‘An Eye For An Eye’, The Labor Daily, 4 August 1932: 4.

193            the state government offered a £250 reward: ‘A Reward Offered’, The Daily Telegraph, 5 August 1932: 8.

193            Matthew Kennedy remembered seeing Hilda: ‘On Charge Of Murder’, The Sun, 6 August 1932: 5; ‘She Liked Movies’, The Sun, 25 August 1932: 14.

193            Victor Lamerto: NSW State Archive,Gaol Inmates/Prisoners Photos Index 1870–1930; Item No: [3/6119] | Series: NRS2467 | Page No: 305 | Photo No: 22524; ‘Counterfeit Coin Passed’, The Herald, 9 June 1922: 5; Lamerto, 1923, Victoria Police Gazette, AU7103-1923; ‘Quarter Sessions’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 5 August 1925: 10; ‘Crook Money’,The Sun, 9 September 1927, 11.

193            took Victor Lamerto into custody: ‘Dramatic Police Swoop On Park Murder Suspect’, Truth, 7 August 1932: 1.

193            Deserted from his ship … in 1913: ‘She Liked Movies’, The Sun, 25 August 1932: 14.

193            Lamerto appeared in the Central Police Court: ‘Police Evidence Not Revealed’, The Sun, 8 August 1932: 9.

194            Moxley was reportedly resigned to his fate: ‘His Bible’, The Sun, 5 August 1932: 9.

194            His sister, Ivy, had visited once or twice… Linda Fletcher came every day: ‘Moxley’s Days’, The Sun, 7 August 1932: 2; ‘Moxley Wills Body’, The Daily Telegraph, 12 August 1932, 1.

194            Moxley’s most faithful companion was Colonel Pennell: ‘Moxley’s Frantic Bid For Life’, Truth, 14 August 1932: 1;‘Moxley Prays: Reads Bible’, The Sun, 14 August 1932: 2.

194            After he was hanged, he wanted his brain to go to Sydney University:

‘Moxley Wills Body’, The Daily Telegraph, 12 August 1932, 1.

194            ‘notorious circumstances’: ‘Moxley Prays: Reads Bible’, The Sun, 14 August 1932: 2; ‘Moxley Saw Star Through Cell’, The Daily Telegraph, 15 August 1932: 6.

194–195   Colonel Pennell told his congregation: ‘Moxley’, The Sun, 15 August 1932: 9.

195            Moxley asked to see Superintendent MacKay: ‘Beneath The Blue’, The Sun, 21 August 1932: 4; ‘Moxley Is Hanged’, The Sun, 17 August 1932: 9; ‘Moxley Saw Star Through Cell’, The Daily Telegraph, 15 August 1932: 6; ‘Moxley’s Last Days’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 August 1932: 7.

195            Ivy and Linda made their last visit: ‘Moxley’s Last Hours’, The Daily Telegraph, 17 August 1932: 1.

195            There were last-ditch attempts to save Moxley: ‘Moxley’s Last Days’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 August 1932: 7; ‘Effort To Save Moxley’, The Labor Daily, 16 August 1932: 6; ‘Asks Premier To Stop Hanging’, The Sun, 16 August 1932: 11.

195            Your government is going to… murder another man… ‘a ghastly case’: ‘Moxley Will Hang At 8.30 This Morning’, The Labor Daily, 17 August 1932: 1.

196            ‘Colonel Pennell and I have spent a happy night together’: ‘“Death Is Sweet”’, The Daily Telegraph, 18 August 1932: 6.

197            Moxley didn’t say a word: ‘Moxley Is Hanged’, The Sun, 17 August1932: 9.

199            Hysterical Neurosis, Dissociative Type: Mayo Clinic Staff, ‘Dissociative Disorders’, Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dissociative-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20355215, 13 Dec 2022.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

200–201   Victor Lamerto … she looked at Lamerto and said: ‘You’re the gentleman!’ ‘She Liked Movies’, The Sun, 25 August 1932: 14; ‘Murdered Girl Was Sub Normal’, Arrow, 26 August 1932: 5; ‘Park Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 August 1932: 9; ‘Exonerated Of Centennial Park Murder’, The Labor Daily, 26 August 1932: 8.

202            A relieved Lamerto spoke to The Sun: ‘Free Now’, The Sun, 26 August 1932: 11;‘Does Foul Park Killer Hide Behind’, Truth, 28 August 1932: 11.

202            Lamerto’s future held periods without freedom: Gaol Inmates/Prisoners Photos Index 1870-1930; Item No: [3/6119] | Series: NRS2467 | Page No: 305 | Photo No: 22524

202–203   inquest into the death of Claude Saywell: ‘Court Crowded At Saywell Murder Inquest’, The Sun, 31 August 1932: 11; ‘J. Saywell’s Statement He Revised It’, The Sun, 1 September 1932: 15; ‘Saywell Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 September 1932: 9.

204            snubbed his girlfriend: ‘His Parents Objected To Girl Friend’, The Labor Daily, 1 September 1932: 5.

204–207   On the second day of the inquest… May said he’d actually been ready to give his verdict: ‘Saywell Inquest’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 2 September 1932: 9.

207–208   the inquest resumed: ‘Saywell Case – Open Verdict’, The Sun, 16 September 1932: 9; ‘Saywell Inquest’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 17 September 1932: 14; ‘Saywell Hammer Horror’, Truth, 18 September 1932: 1.

208            revive the notion: ‘Mrs. Saywell May Give Name Of Husband’s Murderer!’ Truth, 19 November 1933: 1.

209            Adeline Saywell… needed around the clock care… live until 1953: ‘Victim of Murderous Attack Receives Small Annuity’, Arrow, 7 October 1932: 23; ‘Notice of death and will’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 April 1953: 21.

210            Jack continued to speed… married… Grand Prix: ‘Speeding Car’, Goulburn Evening Penny Post, 19 March 1935: 4; ‘Licence Suspended’, The Daily Telegraph, 25 June 1935: 1; ‘Wed Last Night’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 April 1936: 15; ‘Fastest Car In Australia’, Referee, 6 October 1938: 14.

210            Tom Saywell… died later that night in hospital: ‘Story Of “Wild Drive” Death Of Saywell’, The Daily Telegraph, 15 January 1938: 7.

211–212   Questions lingered about the Tin Hares scandal: ‘Commission’s Findings. Tin Hares and Fruit Machines’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 November 1932: 9.

213:           the state’s murder toll continued to rise: ‘Red Year’, The Sun, 26 December 1932: 4.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

214–215   Bernard Green was walking through Queen’s Park … May Miller, thirty years old: ‘Body Of Nude Woman In Park’, The Sun, 10 December 1932: 5; ‘Social Outcast Battered To Death’, Truth, 11 December 1932: 18; ‘Park Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 December 1932: 9; ‘Frightened And Tried To Hide Her In The Bush’, Truth, 22 January 1933: 13.

215            Iris Marriott was born in August 1902: www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/85802333/person/112337559431/facts

215–216   A disorderly house: ‘Disorderly Conduct’, The Daily News (Perth), 8 May 1905, 9; A “Nice House”’, The Daily News (Perth), 13 March 1906: 11; ‘Man Taken Down’, The Evening Mail (Fremantle), 15 April 1908: 1; ‘SHOCKING STORY’, Truth (Perth), 2 May 1908: 5; ‘WOMEN’S WILES’, Truth (Perth), 18 April 1908: 6.

216            Iris took herself and her newborn baby … Sydney from 1922 or 1923: ‘Park Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 25 January 1933: 12; NSW State Archives, Gaol Inmates/Prisoners Photos Index 1870–1930, Photo No 763, Series NRS2496/Item No [3/6008], Page No 11, Index Number 84

216            In April 1929, on a city street near Hyde Park… served six months: ‘Alleged Ear-Biter Is Well-Built Blonde–Chewed Wood In The Dock’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 April 1929: 7; ‘Man’s Ear Bitten’, The Sun, 6 May 1929: 14.

216            McGroder… break and enter: ‘Quarter Sessions’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 June 1931: 6.

217            memo from Miller stated: NSW Police Department, Memo, from Inspector Miller to Inspector Prior, ‘Murder of Iris Marriott, also known as May Miller…’, 18 December 1932.

217            The Sun latched onto the Hilda White connection: ‘Park Pest Believed Slayer Of Two Women’, The Sun, 11 December 1932: 1.

217            But there was dissent among the detectives: ‘Park Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 December 1932: 9.

217            Drifting from park to park: ‘Derelicts’, The Sun, 13 December 1932: 17.

218            Waverley man found bloodstained clothes: ‘Clothes Found’, The Sun, 15 December 1932: 21.

218–219   George McNamara was walking on a lonely bush road: ‘Girl Naked And Battered’, The Sun, 15 December 1932: 21; ‘Mad Killer’s Victim’, Truth, 18 December 1932: 1.

219            A detective was left with her: ‘Park Outrage’, The Daily Telegraph, 16 December 1932: 1.

219            They found a road-toll ticket from St George’s Bridge: ‘The Grisly Trail Of A Killer’, Truth, 1 January 1933: 1.

219            They bore the name of a shop in Redfern: ‘Girl Dies Without Speaking’, The Sun, 16 December 1932: 9.

220            Bessie … was born in September 1916: New South Wales, Australia, Registers of Coroners’ Inquests, 1821-1937 for Elizabeth Isabel O’Connor; also a March 1927 article says she was then aged ten and a half.

220            Arthur separated from Patience on the grounds of her desertion: ‘In Divorce’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 March 1929: 12.

220–221   tykes plunging from tall towers… her father’s honour system: ‘Midget Divers Who Please The Crowds’, Evening News, 12 March 1927: 2; ‘Perth Fails’, The Sun, 16 November 1928: 9; ‘10′-Per 100’, The Sun, 8 April 1928: 2.

221            Arthur O’Connor’s death: https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/6513465/person/270041606565/facts

221            her mother had given her a shilling: ‘Park Outrage’, The Daily Telegraph, 16 December 1932: 1.

222–223   But there were other clues: ‘First Clue Found’, The Sun, 20 December 1932: 11.

223–224   Truth struck up a relationship with the dead girl’s mother: ‘National Park Horror’, Truth, 18 December 1932: 16.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

225            At dawn … glowing mini-profiles of the lead investigators:

‘Police Make Dramatic Moves’, The Sun, 17 December 1932: 5.

225            Childs called a CIB conference: ‘Grim Conference Of Detectives’, The Sun, 18 December 1932: 1.

226            The Sun’s front page the following day: ‘CIB Decides on Triple-Murder Theory’, The Sun, 18 December 1932: 1.

226            detectives were hunting a monster like the Vampire of Düsseldorf: ‘Sex Nature Awry’, The Daily Telegraph, 20 December 1932: 6.

226            Yet The Sydney Morning Herald had the opposite take: ‘Park Murders’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 December 1932: 9.

227            Will criminal history repeat itself: ‘Is Sex Maniac Abroad In Sydney?’, The Sun, 19 December 1932: 9.

227            Childs recommended … helped towards his ultimate capture: ‘First Clue Found’, The Sun, 20 December 1932: 11.

228            ‘Detectives who move about the city…’: ‘Is Sex Maniac Abroad In Sydney?’, The Sun, 19 December 1932: 9.

228            Childs released a long list of items: ‘Tools New Murder Clue?’, The Sun, 23 December 1932: 7.

228–230   Truth ran a Christmas front page whose headline: ‘Desperate Attempt To Kidnap Girls’, Truth, 25 December 1932: 9.

230            Bessie was getting money from some unknown source: ‘Strong Plea For New Trial’, The Sun, 31 July 1933: 7–8.

230–232   Their best lead came from Thomas Brown: ‘Story Broke Down Under Crown Attack’, The Daily Telegraph, 29 April 1933: 7.

231            ‘jealously guarded’… incredibly detailed portrait: ‘Police Seek Man Of Mystery’, The Sun, 30 December 1932: 7.

231–232   delivered to talkie audiences in another newsreel appearance by Prior: ‘Talkie Helps In Man Hunt’, The Sun, 1 January 1933: 1; ‘Park Murder’, The Daily Telegraph, 31 December 1932: 5.

232            Thomas Brown hadn’t seen anything: ‘Story Broke Down Under Crown Attack’, The Daily Telegraph, 29 April 1933: 7.

232            prominent photo of the actual plate: ‘Tell The Police!’, Truth, 25 December 1932: 9.

232            thirty-six murders during the year – ten more than the average for the past three years: Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1929; Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1930; Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1931; Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1932; Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1933.

232            The Sun characterised the past twelve months: ‘Red Year’, The Sun, 26 December 1932: 4.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

234            the new ABC network: ‘Aust.-Wide Call’, The Sun, 31 December 1932: 7.

234–238   Truth had a sensational front-page: ‘The Grisly Trail Of A Killer’, Truth, 1 January 1933: 1.

238–239   boarding-house keeper in the Wollongong suburb of Corrimal… abject failure: ‘A Clue In Park Murder?’, The Daily Telegraph, 2 January 1933: 1; ‘A Midnight Interview’, The Sun, 2 January 1933: 7; ‘Park Murder Hunt’, The Daily Telegraph, 3 January 1933: 1.

239–240   Traces of this were found… ‘… vainly seeking the killer for weeks’: ‘All Eager To Help Police – Park Murders ­– new Men On Job’, The Sun, 4 January 1933: 9.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

241–242   A year ago…McRae’s new plan, Truth reported, developed with ‘bewildering speed’: ‘Sensational Arrest In Park Horror’, Truth, 8 January 1933: 1; ‘Where Killer Lived’, The Sun, 5 January 1933: 11.

242            If that meant speaking to as many as a thousand men: ‘Park Murders’, The Daily Telegraph, 6 January 1933: 1.

242            McRae was talking to a resident near Cook Road: ‘Moves In Murders’, The Daily Telegraph, 9 January 1933: 1.

242            He had just yesterday moved from a house in nearby: ‘Craig Committed For Trial’, The Sun, 24 January 1933: 11.

243–244   Learning this at Paddington, McRae sent an urgent message to the CIB: ‘Man Held At C.I.B.’, The Daily Telegraph, 7 January 1933: 1; ‘Married Man Stands Charged With “Park” Murder’, The Sun, 8 January 1933: 1; ‘Sensational Arrest In Park Horror’, Truth, 8 January 1933: 1; ‘Frightened And Tried To Hide Her In The Bush’, Truth, 22 January 1933: 13.

244            McRae stepped out of the CIB: ‘Going Home For A Well-Earned Rest’, The Sun, 8 January 1933: 1.

245            Born Eric Roland Joseph: www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/103166490/person/280157514240/facts

245            efficient soldier … athletic bloke … social fellow … a popular partner: ‘Moves In Murders’, The Daily Telegraph, 9 January 1933: 1; ‘Park Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 January 1933: 9.

245            Craig was cautioned for taking an officer’s car: Bretherton, Tanya. The Killing Streets, Hachette, Sydney, 2020.

245            Mary took the babies to live with her people in the country: ‘Absolutely Innocent, Said Craig’, The Daily Telegraph, 31 March 1933: 8.

246–247   Truth … continued its dominance: ‘Sensational Arrest In Park Horror’, Truth, 8 January 1933: 1.

247            On the Monday morning, at Central Police Court: ‘Were Unable To Identify Man’, The Daily Telegraph, 10 January 1933: 7; ‘Hunt Goes On’, The Sun, 9 January 1933: 7.

248            no one identified Craig: ‘Were Unable To Identify Man’, The Daily Telegraph, 10 January 1933: 7.

247–248   ‘Never Let Up’: ‘Never Let Up – Murder Squad Has Busy Life’, The Sun, 11 January 1933: 11.

248            the Murder Squad’s efforts… if Truth‘s next scoop was to be believed: ‘Bessie O’Connor’s Murderer’, Truth, 15 January 1933: 13.

249            the detectives were particularly sore: ‘Police Are Discontented’, The Daily Telegraph, 13 January 1933: 8.

249–256   Eric Roland Craig appeared in the City Coroner’s Court: ‘Craig’s Alleged Confession’, The Sun, 20 January 1933: 9; ‘Frightened And Tried To Hide Her In The Bush’, Truth, 22 January 1933: 13.

255            charged him with the murder of Bessie O’Connor: ‘Bessie O’Connor Tragedy’, The Sun, 21 January 1933: 5; ‘Second Murder Charge Against Craig’, Truth, 22 January 1933: 1; ‘Second Charge Of Murder’, The Sun, 22 January 1933: 3.

256            The detective admitted: ‘I informed him that she had once either bitten …’: ‘Once Gaoled For Biting A Man’s Ear’, Arrow, 27 January 1933: 5.

256            Fiendish murder: ‘Craig Committed For Trial’, The Sun, 24 January 1933: 11.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

255            Mrs Hamilon Watts, who’d participated in a line-up: ‘Second Charge Of Murder’, The Daily Telegraph, 23 January 1933: 1.

257–261   Craig was back in the same court: ‘Big Inquest To-Day’, The Labor Daily, 30 January 1933: 1; ‘Woman Identifies Craig’, The Sun, 30 January 1933: 9; ‘Request at Midnight for Gallon of Petrol’, The Sun, 1 February 1933: 13; ‘Oil Can At Inquest’, The Daily Telegraph, 2 February 1933: 7.

263            Kinkead asked Comans about witness Thomas Brown: ‘Coroner’s Second Verdict Of Murder Against Craig’, The Sun, 2 February 1933: 15.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

265–267   face trial for Iris Marriott’s murder: ‘Craig Sobs In Dock At Trial’, The Sun, 16 March 1933: 15; ‘Awaiting The Verdict’, The Daily Telegraph, 17 March 1933: 9; ‘Craig Is Sentenced To 20 Years’, The Labor Daily, 17 March 1933: 4.

267            ‘perverts’: ‘Awaiting The Verdict’, The Daily Telegraph, 17 March 1933: 9.

267–268   In sentencing, he said: ‘Eric Craig’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 17 March 1933: 10; ‘What Is Future of Killer Craig?’, Truth, 19 March 1933: 1.

268            he could be out in fifteen with good behaviour: ‘Craig’s Fate On Second Murder Count’, The Sun, 17 March 1933: 9.

268            The Crown opened its second bid: ‘New Witness At Craig Trial’, The Sun, 29 March 1933: 13.

269            Don’t you remember that Mr. Kinkead cross-examined you: ‘Eric Craig’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 30 March 1933: 10.

269–270   On the second day of the trial… Mary’s corroborated: ‘“Didn’t Kill Bessie O’Connor”’, The Sun, 30 March 1933: 15.

270            Charles Lawrence took the stand: ‘Craig Still Waiting For Verdict’, The Daily Telegraph, 1 April 1933: 7.

271            Speaking from the dock: ‘“Absolutely Innocent”, Said Craig’, The Daily Telegraph, 31 March 1933: 8.

272            The jury retired at 2.45pm. Just over five hours later: ‘Craig’s Agony Of Suspense’, Truth, 2 April 1933: 1.

272–276   Nearly four weeks later, the sequel got started: ‘Craig’s Denial From Dock’, The Daily Telegraph, 28 April 1933: 10; ‘“Perjury-Third Degree-Trickery!”’, Truth, 30 April 1933: 1.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

278            ‘Eastern … Eastern!’: ‘Murder That Must Be Avenged’, Truth, 21 May 1933: 1.

280            before John Rowland was shot … two separate crimes: ‘Shot Through Lung’, The Labor Daily, 16 May 1933: 5.

279            Rowland’s young wife and their baby son: ‘Man Shot At Bondi’, The Daily Telegraph, 16 May 1933: 1.

279            the Chrysler had been stolen in Eastwood: ‘Clues In Hunt For Bandits’, The Sun, 16 May 1933: 9.

280            The MO section produced a list of known hold-up men: ‘Chicago Methods In Bondi Murder’, The Sun, 21 May 1933: 2.

281            Police used this announcement: ‘Chicago Methods In Bondi Murder’, The Sun, 21 May 1933: 2.

281            Ballistics found it was a very rare nickel make: ‘Coroner Gives Verdict Of Murder’, The Sun, 28 June 1933: 11.

281            Detective-Sergeant Colin Delaney and Detective-Constable Albert Crosbie were given the job: ‘Tracing Fatal Bullet’, The Sun, 7 September 1933: 25.

281            Truth gave the story front-page treatments: ‘Murder That Must Be Avenged’, Truth, 21 May 1933: 1; ‘Murderous Bandits Menace Public’, Truth, 28 May 1933: 1.

282            Prior, McRae, Delaney and Crosbie visited an Eastwood residence: ‘Tracing Fatal Bullet’, The Sun, 7 September 1933: 25.

282            young man named Claude Wallace: ‘“I Found Rowland Was Shot”’, The Sun, 26 June 1933: 7; ‘Shocking Bondi Tragedy’, Truth, 2 July 1933: 13.

282 & 295 Claude Wallace and Eric Newlyn’s criminal activities: ‘Deserting Wives and Families, Service, &c.’ New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime,13 November 1929: 814; ‘For Trial On Eight Charges’, The Daily Telegraph, 14 July 1931: 5; ‘Gave Himself Up’, The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, 20 July 1931: 1; ‘Discretion Better Part Of Valor’, Evening News, 28 October 1929: 8; ‘Looted Lorry’, The Sun, 28 March 1930: 15; ‘Quarter Sessions’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 May 1930: 8; ‘£188 HAUL’, The Sun, 22 September 1930: 3.

282            Newlyn was found fast: ‘Manslaughter, Said Jury’, Truth, 10 September 1933: 13.

283–284   the chase was on … in court, charged with murder: ‘Bondi Murder: Two Held’, The Daily Telegraph, 5 June 1933: 1; ‘“I Found Rowland Was Shot”’, The Sun, 26 June 1933: 8.

283            ‘I shot him on the spur of the moment’: ‘The Statement’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 June 1933: 10; ‘Shocking Bondi Tragedy’, Truth, 2 July 1933: 13.

284–285   The Sun likened the trial to a well-rehearsed performance: ‘Crowd Attends Court For’, The Sun, 6 June 1933: 11; ‘Eric Craig’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 7 June 1933: 12.

285            ‘I’m absolutely tired of it’: ‘Third Murder Trial of Eric Roland Craig’, The Daily Telegraph, 7 June 1933: 11.

285            Bessie had revealed semen in her vagina: Bretherton, Tanya. The Killing Streets, Hachette, Sydney, 2020.

285            Curtis argued that the newspapers… influenced recollections: ‘Crowd Attends Court For’, The Sun, 6 June 1933: 11;‘Third Murder Trial of Eric Roland Craig’, The Daily Telegraph, 7 June 1933: 11.

286            McKean this time tried a new angle: ‘Murder Charge’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 8 June 1933: 10.

286            the final arguments were repeated: ‘Craig Guilty’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 June 1933: 11.

286            Eric Roland Craig was guilty of the murder of Bessie O’Connor: ‘Craig Sentenced To Death For Murder’, The Daily Telegraph, 9 June 1933: 1; ‘Averted Eyes Of Jury Warned Craig Of His Doom’, The Sun, 11 June 1933: 2.

288            Craig appealed … Patience O’Connor revealed what she knew: ‘Decision Reserved On Craig Appeal’, The Sun, 31 July 1933: 7.

289            Craig’s death sentence was commuted: ‘Eric Craig’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 September 1933: 11.

288            The first time was in October 1941 … Craig escaped: ‘Murderer Escapes’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 October 1941: 7; ‘Lifer’s Jail Escape’, The Daily Telegraph, 27 October 1941: 2; ‘Lifer At Large’, National Advocate, 27 October 1941: 2; ‘“I Won’t Give You Any Trouble,” Craig Tells Captors’, The Sun, 27 October 1941: 3.

289            Craig was paroled in 1957: Bretherton, Tanya. The Killing Streets, Hachette, Sydney, 2020.

290            she filed for a divorce: ‘Woman’s Freedom From Man Who Will End His Days In Gaol’ Truth, 27 September 1942: 11.

289            Mary Craig… gave an interview to The Daily Telegraph: ‘Two Women On Craig’s Reprieve’, The Daily Telegraph, 19 September 1933: 1.

290            McRae and Detective Wylie were particular problems: Bretherton, Tanya. The Killing Streets, Hachette, Sydney, 2020

290            Mary remained in written contact with him until March 1942: ‘Wife Divorces Murderer’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 22 September 1942: 3; ‘Woman’s Freedom From Man Who Will End His Days In Gaol’, Truth, 27 September 1942: 11.

290            Mary gassed herself in the kitchen of her Randwick flat: ‘Tragic suicide of killer’s former wife; head in gas stove’, The Sun, 1 August 1950: 3; ‘Killer not told of tragedy’, The Daily Telegraph, 2 August 1950: 6.

290            Also on that page – as though passing the baton: ‘Arrested And Charged In Bondi Murder’, Truth, 11 June 1933: 13.

290            The Sun’s courtroom sketches: ‘“I Found Rowland Was Shot”’, The Sun, 26 June 1933: 7.

291            Bondi witnesses … John Rowland’s dying deposition… ballistics evidence: ‘Coroner Gives Verdict Of Murder’, The Sun, 28 June 1933: 11; ‘Shocking Bondi Tragedy’, Truth, 2 July 1933: 13.

291            far more appealing weapon in the war on crime: ‘With Police Soon On City Beat Duty’, The Sun, 4 July 1933: 11; ‘State’s Pioneer Police Dogs — Royal Arch Ball Debutantes’, The Sun, 4 July 1933: 16; ‘Police Dogs.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 6 July 1933: 11.

292            man who’d gone missing in bush at Dee Why: ‘Tess Proves Her Worth’, The Sun, 23 August 1933: 13;‘Missing Man Tracked In Dark By Alsatian’, The Daily Telegraph, 24 August 1933: 8.

293            In the decades ahead, Scotty and his dogs became stars: ‘World Famous Amazing Rescue Work By Police Dog, Zoe’, Pix Magazine, 7 December 1940: 6; Maxwell, C. Bede. The Cold Nose Of The Law, Halstead Press/Angus And Robertston, Sydney, 1948.

293            Tess’s discovery of the body of six-year-old Marcia Hayes: ‘Child’s Body In Bag.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 December 1937: 7; ‘Grey Headed Man Is Charged With Murder Of Child’, The Sun, 27 December 1937: 1.

293            he drove them to funeral: ‘Man, 65, Charged With Murder’, The Daily Telegraph, 27 December 1937: 1.

293            Alfred Spicer’s May 1938 execution: ‘Met Death Firmly’, The Sun, 26 May 1938: 3.

293            Scotty…. The Cold Nose of the Law…Skippy the Bush Kangaroo: personal information from interview with Denholm’s son; Maxwell, C. Bede. The Cold Nose Of The Law, Halstead Press/Angus And Robertston, Sydney, 1948; ‘Behind The Scenes’, The Australian Women’s Weekly, 13 September 1967: 9; ‘Even A Snake Is A Welcome Houseguest’, The Australian Women’s Weekly, 10 April 1968: 15.

294–295   murder of John Rowland … New South Wales was dumbfounded: ‘Manslaughter, Said Jury’, Truth, 10 September 1933: 13.

CHAPTER THIRTY

297            Human Glove case: NSW Police Murder File, Percival Smith, December–April 1933–34. Accessed courtesy of NSW police Infolink.

297–298   The source was a horrific bundle: ‘Mystery Of River Murder’, The Sun, 26 December 1933: 7.

299            McRae, Crosbie and Ramus… assisted in a three-hour post-mortem: ‘Baffling Mystery’, The Sun, 27 December 1933: 7; ‘Sensational Move Imminent In River Murder Police Progress In Identity Probe Hope For Early Solution’, Truth, 31 December 1933: 13.

299            ‘Detectives have been set an almost impossible task’: ‘Man’s Body’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 December 1933: 7.

299            The Sun’s photographer taking shots: ‘Murrumbidgee Mystery Murder First Pictures In Sydney’, The Sun, 28 December 1933, 14.

299            Crosbie who donned a bathing suit: ‘Human Hand: Sack Mystery Clue’, The Daily Telegraph, 28 December 1933: 1.

300            The discover of the ‘Human Glove’ was a tabloid sensation: ‘Dramatic Moves By Police’, The Sun, 28 December 1933: 7.

300            McRae’s promotion … Crosbie … promoted alongside … McDermott … McKay designated chief… : ‘McRae and Crosbie Promoted’, Truth, 31 December 1933: 13; ‘Dual Personality’, Truth, 20 May 1934: 1; ‘Police Promotions’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 30 December 1933: 6.

300–301   Walkom and the Human Glove evidence process: ‘Following Clues Of the Bloodstained Waggonette’, Truth, 7 January 1934: 15; ‘Science May Solve Riddle Of Death’, Truth, 14 January 1934: 13; ‘Dramatic Moves By Police’, The Sun, 28 December 1933: 7; ‘Wagga Victim Named’, The Sun, 3 January 1934: 7.

301            Percival Smith: Murder File, 1933–1934. Accessed via NSW Police under the GIPA Act.

301            made enquiries … learning Percy: ‘17 Points – Smith’s Prints’, The Sun, 22 February 1934: 16.

301            On McRae’s advice: Murder File; ‘Murrumbidgee River Mystery — Police Release Story’, Daily Advertiser, 4 January 1934: 1.

302            Charles Seymour… ‘Ted’ Morey: ‘Murrumbidgee River Mystery’, Daily Advertiser, 11 May 1934: 5.

302            Tent Town … dismal of all unemployed camps: ‘Woman Charged In Wagga Shooting’, The Sun, 11 May 1934: 9.

302—303  Walsh found Morey at Tent Town … ‘You know, big George McDonald’: ‘River Mystery’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 May 1934: 12; ‘Morey For Trial On Charge Of Murder’, Truth, 4 March 1934: 15.

303            Edward Henry Morey… Born in April 1897: https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/16683593/person/28128256004/facts?_phsrc=gnf1940&_phstart=successSource; NAA, B2455, Morey Edward, Item 7986470.

303            Jessie Thompson…’penniless and homeless’: https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/16683593/person/29108414373/facts; ‘Woman And Child’, The Sun, 29 May 1919: 8; ‘Pitiful Case’, The Sun, 5 June 1919: 2; ‘A Sad Case’, Daily Advertiser, 6 June 1919: 3.

303            ‘I was nearly out of my mind’: ‘Infant’s Death’, The Sun, 23 October 1919: 7.

303            Some of Morey’s offences: ‘Stolen Cars’, Cootamundra Herald, 7 June 1927: 1; ‘Using Cyanide’, Cowra Free Press, 7 June 1927: 3; ‘Opossum Poisoners Charged With Car Stealing’, Cowra Free Press, 10 June 1927: 3; ‘This Week’s Court News’, Cowra Free Press, 7 December 1928: 8; ‘Items Of News’, Daily Advertiser, 9 January 1932: 4; ‘Wagga Police Court’, Daily Advertiser, 12 January 1932: 4; ‘Wagga Police Court’, Daily Advertiser, 14 June 1932: 3.

304–306   Morey made a statement… McRae charged Morey with the murder: Murder File, ‘Coroner Finds Murder In Murrumbidgee River Mystery Inquest’, Wagga Wagga Express, 3 March 1934: 5.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

307            ‘He is not the George McDonald I meant’: ‘Coroner Finds Murder In Murrumbidgee River Mystery Inquest’, Wagga Wagga Express, 3 March 1934: 7.

308            now floating in a jar: ‘“Human Glove”’, The Sun, 22 February 1934: 15.

308–312   The inquest: ‘Murrumbidgee River Mystery’, Daily Advertiser,23 February 1934: 2; ‘Murrumbidgee River Mystery’, Daily Advertiser,24 February 1934: 6; ‘Light on Murrumbidgee River Mystery’, Daily Advertiser,26 February 1934: 5; ‘Unravelling of Murrumbidgee River Mystery’, Daily Advertiser,27 February 1934: 3; ‘Solving of the Murrumbidgee River Mystery’, Daily Advertiser,28 February 1934: 3; ‘Murrumbidgee River Mystery’, Daily Advertiser,1 March 1934: 1; ‘Coroner Finds Murder In Murrumbidgee River Mystery Inquest’, Wagga Wagga Express, 3 March 1934: 7.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

313–314   In the first letter… ‘If things go wrong – well, I’ll stick to you’: ‘Dual Personality’, Truth, 20 May 1934: 1; ‘Wagga Water Trough Drama’, Truth, 20 May 1934: 11; ‘Woman’s Love For Murderer Morey–Amazing Story In Court’, The Sun, 18 May 1934: 9.

314–317   A shot rang out in the darkness on the fringes of Tent Town: ‘Woman’s Love For Murderer Morey – Amazing Story In Court’, The Sun, 18 May 1934: 9; ‘Shooting of Moncrieff Anderson’, Daily Advertiser, 19 May 1934: 6.

317–318   the defence’s arguments took just an hour: ‘Sentenced To Death’, Daily Advertiser, 12 May 1934: 2; ‘Guilty Is Verdict’, The Sun, 11 May 1934: 9; ‘Human Glove Case’, Wagga Wagga Express, 12 May 1934: 6.

318–319   The spectacle of the man will never be forgotten: ‘Murder’, Truth, 13 May 1934: 17.

319            cried for hours. In the adjoining cell: ‘Police Find Missing Money’, The Sun, 12 May 1934: 3.

319            Escorted to Sydney: ‘At Long Bay’, The Sun, 12 May 1934: 3.

319–320   McRae and Ramus wrote a letter to the Executive Council: Percival Smith Murder File

321            In his internal memo summing up the case: Percival Smith Murder File

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

322            Morey was in Long Bay Gaol, preparing an appeal: ‘Appeal In Sentence Of Death’, The Labor Daily, 23 May 1934: 1.

322            Lillian had been just a girl when she married Moncrieff … a small pension: www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/166425094/person/342304788128/facts; Percival Smith Murder Files

322            the inquest into Moncrieff Anderson’s death: ‘Shooting of Moncrieff Anderson’, Daily Advertiser, 19 May 1934: 6.

322            made him prone to drinking: ‘Tense Murder Trial ­– Amazing Statement In Dock’, Truth, 24 June 1934: 12.

322–324   Lillian Anderson’s letters: ‘Woman’s Love For Murderer Morey ­­– Amazing Story In Court’, The Sun, 18 May 1934: 9; ‘Shooting of Moncrieff Anderson’, Daily Advertiser, 19 May 1934: 6; ‘Anderson Shooting’, Wagga Wagga Express, 19 May 1934: 1; ‘Dual Personality’, Truth, 20 May 1934: 1; ‘Wagga Water Trough Drama’, Truth, 20 May 1934: 11.

324            Lillian was erratic, emotionally unstable: ‘Killed Smith’, The Sun, 19 June 1934: 11.

325–326   Joyce, who was sobbing… Lillian spoke from the dock: ‘Cannot Agree On Verdict’, The Labor Daily, 20 June 1934: 5; ‘Tense Murder Trial – Amazing Statement In Dock’, Truth, 24 June 1934: 12;‘Mrs. Anderson’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 July 1934: 7; ‘Wagga Crime’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 June 1934: 13.

327–328   Lillian’s second and third trials: ‘Faces Second Murder Trial’, The Sun, 25 July 1934: 12; ‘It Ends’, The Sun, 26 July 1934: 30; ‘Wagga Crime’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 July 1934: 13; ‘Mrs Anderson – Statement From The Dock – Accuses Husband Of Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 July 1934: 7; ‘Jury Disagrees’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 July 1934: 15; ‘Mrs. Anderson’s Hours of Mental Agony’, Truth, 29 July 1934: 19; ‘20 Years’ Prison’, The Sun, 7 September 1934: 9; ‘Morey Appeal’, Wagga Wagga Express, 15 September 1934: 3; ‘Twenty Years’, Wagga Wagga Express, 8 September 1934: 2; ‘Sentence Stands’, Truth, 4 November 1934: 27.

328            Morey was denied the right to appeal: ‘Edward Morey’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 September 1934: 8.

328            human glove … displayed at the Easter Show: ‘Police free crime relics for Show’, The Daily Telegraph, 2 April 1950: 24.

328            Lillian Anderson, having been released in 1944: ‘Sydney Case Recalls “Human Glove” Murder At Wagga’, Daily Advertiser, 31 January 1948: 4; www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/166425094/person/342304788128/facts

328            Morey was set free at Christmas in 1953: ‘Hospital Christmas for 6 callous slayers’, Truth, 20 December 1953: 15; ‘“Human Glove” murderer sent to T.B. home after 20 years’, Truth, 13 December 1953: 13.

329            Morey … convicted in March 1955: Gilgandra Weekly, 30 March 1955: 4.

329            dying … in November 1977: www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/16683593/person/28128256004/facts

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

331            big story in that evening’s Herald … dubbed her ‘Pyjama Girl’: ‘Charred And Battered Body In Sack’, The Sun, 1 September 1934: 1; ‘Charred Body Of Girl’, The Herald, 1 September 1934: 1; ‘Lovely City Girl’s Body Mutilated and Charred In Petrol-Soaked Sacking’, Truth, 2 September 1934: 1; ‘Pyjama Girl: Charred Body In Culvert’, The Sun, 2 September 1934: 1.

332            theorised that she’d been asleep when battered: ‘Woman’s Body’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 September 1934: 9.

332–333   man who’d driven past … laundry marks: ‘Woman’s Body’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 September 1934: 9; ‘Murdered Girl’s Description’, The Daily Telegraph, 3 September 1934: 1; ‘Clue In Albury Murder’, The Labor Daily, 3 September 1934: 1.

333            ‘Anyone knowing the girl’: ‘Pyjama Girl: Charred Body In Culvert’, The Sun, 2 September 1934: 1.

333            allow the public to see the body: ‘Murdered Girl Still Unidentified’, The Herald, 3 September 1934: 1.

333            packed in 250 pounds of crushed ice: ‘Are Any Daughters Missing?’, The Herald, 12 September 1934: 6.

333            ‘head may be preserved in spirit’: ‘Murdered Girl May Be From Newcastle; Woman to See Body’, The Sun, 3 September 1934: 9.

333            Allmond didn’t think the killer or killers were locals: ‘Albury Crime’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 4 September 1934: 9.

333            The towel appeared to have a laundry mark: ‘Woman’s Body’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 September 1934: 9; ‘Murdered Girl’s Description’, The Daily Telegraph, 3 September 1934: 1; ‘Clue In Albury Murder’, The Labor Daily, 3 September 1934: 1.

334            The Sun’s photographer captured … the detectives: ‘Murdered Girl May Be From Newcastle; Woman to See Body’, The Sun, 3 September 1934: 9; ‘The Culvert of Tragedy… Where Girl’s Body Was Found’, The Sun, 3 September 1934: 16.

334            more lifelike illustration – close to photographic in style: ‘Do You Know This Girl ?’, The Sun, 4 September 1934: 1; ‘Detectives Now On New Murder Clue’, The Sun, 5 September 1934: 13.

334            the results of Dr Wood’s X-ray: ‘“PYJAMA GIRL” INQUEST “SHOT IN HEAD”’, The Herald, 18 January 1938: 1.

334            .25-calibre Webley & Scott automatic pistol: ‘Bedstead Iron As Weapon’, The Daily Telegraph, 5 April 1944: 7.

334            testing every pistol of this make: Evans, Richard. The Pyjama Girl Mystery, Scribe, Melbourne 2004.

334            Detective Ramus and Inspector McIntosh were enlisted in the search: ‘Albury Crime’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 4 September 1934: 9.

335            250 people had seen the body on ice: ‘Detectives Now On New Murder Clue’, The Sun, 5 September 1934: 13.

335            A circular with the case details: New South Wales, Police circular, dated 6 September 1934

335            dentist Francis Jackson did an extensive examination: ‘New Teeth Clue Found In “Pyjama Girl” Murder’, The Herald, 7 September 1934: 5;‘Murdered Girl’s Fine Teeth’, The Argus, 8 September 1934: 21;‘Culvert Horror As World’s Most Perfect Crime!’, Truth, 16 September 1934: 17.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

336            McRae was ordered to Albury: ‘To Albury’, The Sun, 7 September 1934: 9; ‘Suspect Seen: Culvert Murder 70 M.P.H. Dash From Ghastly Pyre’, Truth, 9 September 1934: 1; ‘New Hope At Albury’, The Herald, 8 September 1934: 8.

336            features were beginning to contort: ‘Burnt Body In Culvert’, The Age, 10 September 1934: 10.

336            they could have her embalmed: ‘Culvert Horror As World’s Most Perfect Crime!’, Truth, 16 September 1934: 17.

337            ‘striking resemblance’: ‘Girl Walker With Man’, The Sun, 8 September 1934: 5.

337            ‘the most dastardly crime of a generation’: ‘Suspect Seen: Culvert Murder 70 M.P.H. Dash From Ghastly Pyre’, Truth, 9 September 1934: 1.

338            McRae … went to Melbourne: ‘Clue In Albury Murder’, The Herald, 10 September 1934: 1; ‘Burnt Body In Culvert’, The Age, 10 September 1934: 10; ‘Reward Of £250 Offered In Albury Case’, The Argus, 12 September 1934: 7.

338            UV analysis revealed: ‘Culvert Murder’, Daily Advertiser, 14 September 1934: 4; ‘Girl in Pyjamas Still Unknown’, Truth, 23 January 1938: 26.

339            the design included a dragon embroidered: ‘Pyjamas’, The Sun, 17 September 1934: 7; ‘Was “Beryl Cashmere” The Pyjama Girl? Sydney Woman “Was Her Friend”’, Truth, 23 September 1934: 1; ‘Unknown’, The Sun, 18 September 1934: 9.

339            Charles Kinsela and his son: ‘Check Up’, The Sun, 12 September 1934: 13;‘Body Of Pyjama Girl Embalmed’, The Daily Telegraph, 13 September 1934: 1; ‘Science Yields New Murder Clues’, The Sun, 13 September 1934: 17; ‘Culvert Horror As World’s Most Perfect Crime!’, Truth, 16 September 1934: 17; ‘Science And Girl Mystery’, The Herald, 13 September 1934: 1.

340            Hopes were repeatedly raised and dashed: ‘Man Says He Knows Murder Victim’, The Sun, 16 September 1934: 7; ‘Was ‘”Beryl Cashmere” The Pyjama Girl? Sydney Woman “Was Her Friend”’, Truth, 23 September 1934, 1; ‘Albury Murder’, The Argus, 16 October 1934: 12; ‘Blonde Wasn’t Murdered!’, The Labor Daily, 19 October 1934: 7; ‘Thinks Murdered Girl Is His Wife’, 13 September 1934: 5.

340            border-crossing visitors: ‘Murder Hunt Quickens’, The Herald, 19 September 1934: 5.

340            Wilks began sending requests all across the globe: ‘80 Countries’, The Sun, 13 November 1934: 22; ‘“Pyjama Girl” Inquest “Shot In Head”’, The Herald, 18 January 1938: 1.

341            young Englishwoman last seen in Shanghai: ‘Shanghai Consul Cables Clue To Pyjama Girl’, The Herald, 3 November 1934: 18; ‘“Pyjama Girl”’, The Sun, 3 November 1934: 8; ‘Culvert Murder “Victim” Found!’, Truth, 18 November 1934: 19.

341            the number of letters and missing girl reports continued to rise: ‘Six Identify The Pyjama Girl’, The Daily Telegraph, 2 October 1934: 1.

341            some 1000 people having viewed the preserved body … sent to Sydney: ‘Is Pyjama Crime Perfect?’, The Herald, 10 October 1934: 4; ‘University Helps Police’, The Herald, 11 October 1934: 5; ‘Examining Bones Of Victim’, The Daily Telegraph, 12 October 1934: 1; ‘“Pyjama Girl” Not An Australian?’, The Daily Telegraph, 20 October 1934: 8; ‘Baffled!’, Truth, 21 October 1934: 20; ‘Unusual Ears As Identity Clue’, The Daily Telegraph, 26 October 1934: 5.

341            translated as ‘Hung Ching Kee’: ‘New Pyjama Clue’, Truth, 14 October 1934: 19; ‘Albury Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 October 1934: 12.

341            tracing every woman who failed to vote … September federal election: ‘Culvert Murder Case’, The Argus, 15 October 1934: 17.

341            McRae was recalled to Sydney: ‘Detective Recalled From Albury’, The Herald, 23 November 1934: 9.

342            checking … Newcastle … returning to … Long Bay: ‘New Clue’, The Sun, 1 December 1934: 8; ‘Albury Murder’, The Sun, 5 December 1934: 12.

342            In December, in London, The Dental Magazine and Oral Topics:‘“Pyjama Girl” Inquest “Shot In Head”’, The Herald, 18 January 1938: 1.

342           average of four people a day: ‘Albury Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 7 January 1935: 8; ‘Pyjama Girl Inquiries’, The Herald, 7 January 1935: 5; ‘Culvert Murder Sensation: Clue Found’, Truth, 6 January 1935, 12; ‘Girl From Hospital’, The Daily Telegraph, 8 January 1935: 7; ‘Knew Pyjama Girl, Man Says’, The Daily Telegraph, 9 January 1935: 8; ‘“Pyjama Girl”’, The Sun, 11 January 1935: 9; ‘North Coast Search’, The Daily Telegraph, 11 January 1935: 5; ‘Pyjama Girl Case’, The Daily Telegraph, 12 January 1935: 14; ‘Albury Murder’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 January 1935: 16; ‘Albury Murder Clue’, The Argus, 12 January 1935: 24.

342–343   missing girl reports … had reached £10,000: ‘1000 Girls’, The Sun, 29 January 1935: 8; ‘Seeking Clues To “Pyjama Girl”’, The Sun, 26 October 1935: 3.

343            Emmie Behrendt: ‘The “Pyjama Girl” Mystery’, The Telegraph, 9 June 1936: 2.

342–343   Warneford’s role in Pyjama Girl… and George Kemphe: Evans, Richard. The Pyjama Girl; ‘Mother Appealed To Police’, The Sun, 7 March 1944: 3; ‘“Pyjama Girl” Case Italian Remanded on Murder Charge’, Northern Star, 8 March 1944: 5; ‘Pyjama Girl Rewards’, The Sun, 2 November 1944: 7; ‘No Payout In Pyjama Girl Case’, The Sun, 21 November 1944: 3; ‘Pyjama Girl Conundrum’, Truth, 26 March 1944: 10; ‘Pyjama Girl Case’, Kalgoorlie Miner, 25 March 1944: 2.

344            The body was hooked out of the liquid: ‘Real Life Dramas Of The Courts’, The Daily Telegraph, 20 December 1942: 18; ‘Pyjama Girl Remains A Mystery’, Truth, 20 December 1942: 15.

344–345   Montague Henwood murder: ‘Police Find Clues In Train Mystery’, The Sun, 5 November 1935: 1; ‘Police Fear Commissioner Henwood Was Murdered’, The Daily Telegraph, 5 November 1935: 7; ‘Train Mystery’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 6 November 1935: 13; ‘Killed Him. Then Threw Body From Train’, Truth, 24 November 1935: 14; ‘Youth Sentenced To Death For Murder’, The Sun, 16 December 1935: 9.

345            Protests against Hickey sentence: ‘Resolution To Abolish Capital Sentence’, The Daily Telegraph, 25 April 1936: 2; ‘Hickey Calm Before His Execution’, The Daily Telegraph, 14 May 1936: 1; ‘Debate On Hangings’, The Daily Telegraph, 29 April 1936: 7; ‘Effort To Save Hickey From Gallows’, The Labor Daily, 6 May 1936: 7; ‘Deputation Threatened With Ejection’, The Sun, 11 May 1936: 11; ‘State Parliament’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 May 1936: 12.

345            Norman Stead murder and Massey-Potter arrests: ‘Robbery Motive For Garage Murder’, The Sun, 11 February 1936: 13;‘Tracing Movements Of Murderer’, The Sun, 13 February 1936: 22;‘Two For Trial On Charge Of Murder Shooting Of Stead At Darlinghurst’, The Sun, 27 February 1936: 17;‘“Gun Exploded In Struggle,” Said Accused’, Truth, 1 March 1936: 17; ‘Sentenced To Death For Garage Murder’, Truth, 5 April 1936: 21;‘Massey To Hang ToMorrow’, Truth, 14 June 1936: 1; ‘13 Are Under Death Penalty’, The Labor Daily, 9 May 1936: 5.

346            Hickey was hanged at Long Bay Gaol: ‘How Hickey Died On Gallows’, Truth, 17 May 1936: 13.

346            McRae was only promoted: ‘S.M. Congratulates Promoted Detective’, The Daily Telegraph, 29 April 1937: 23.

346            But this period was less favourable for MacKay: Evans, Richard. The Pyjama Girl Mystery, Scribe, Melbourne, 2004; Evans, Richard. W.J. MacKay and the NSW Police, 1910–1948: A Dangerous Man, Palgrave Macmillan, ‪Springer International Publishing, Switzerland, 2022.

346–348   coronial inquest into the Pyjama Girl: ‘“Pyjama Girl” Inquest “Shot In Head”’, The Herald, 18 January 1938: 1; ‘“Pyjama Girl” Verdict’, The Sun, 18 January 1938: 1; ‘Rewards In Pyjama Girl Case Doubled’, The Daily Telegraph, 24 May 1938: 7.

348            ‘Silent Bill’ … retirement … Katherine shot herself… marry for a third time: ‘New C.I.B. Chief In New South Wales’, The Evening News (Rockhampton), 24 March 1938: 6; ‘New C.I.B. Chief’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 March 1938: 17; ‘Woman Shot Herself’, The Sun, 13 August 1938: 3; https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/152457019/person/432020434018/facts

349            In May 1938 the reward for information: ‘Rewards In Pyjama Girl Case Doubled’, The Daily Telegraph, 24 May 1938: 7.

349            MacKay took it over personally: Evans, Richard. The Pyjama Girl Mystery, Scribe, Melbourne, 2004.

349            Pix magazine feature on Pyjama Girl: ‘World’s Greatest Mystery’, Pix magazine, 29 October 1938: 12.

349            McRae spoke to the Adelaide papers: ‘Sydney Detective Says Case of Pyjama Girl May Yet Be Solved’, News (Adelaide), 10 December 1938: 2.

349–350   Kathner’s Pyjama Girl film: The Pyjama Girl Mystery film can be watched via the National Films and Sound Archive – www.nfsa.gov.au; ‘Pyjama Girl Film’, The Sun, 27 July 1939: 2; ‘“Pyjama Girl” Film’, The Argus, 28 July 1939: 3.

350            reputed as Australia’s worst movie director: Adams, Michael. Showgirls, Teen Wolves And Astro Zombies: My Year-Long Quest To Find And Watch The Worst Film Ever Made, Murdoch Books, Sydney, 2010.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX & THIRTY-SEVEN

351            Freda Agnes Smith … born in September 1915: New South Wales Births Deaths And Marriages ­- 48577/1915

351            Freda Agnes Smith: ‘“Scandal Woman”’, Truth, 24 November 1940: 22.

351             First news of scandal: ‘Homicide Chief In Divorce Case’ The Daily Telegraph, 31 October 1940: 7; ‘Says Detective Was Seducer of Young Wife’, The Sun, 5 November 1940: 5; ‘Detective Cited As Co-Respondent. Alleges Conspiracy by Wife and Husband’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 5 November 1940: 11.

357–358   McRae remained the dogged detective: Examples: ‘Communists, Fascists Banned’, The Sun, 16 June 1940: 5; ‘Gunman Shot’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 15 July 1940: 10; ‘Police Make Gunpoint Capture On House Roof’, The Sun, 21 July 1940: 9.

351–370   The Caesar v Caesar divorce case: this was covered in extraordinary detail, with length daily articles in the Sydney press and weekly summaries in Truth sometimes exceeding 15,000words. I’ve attempted to weave the ‘he said/she said’ details that emerged through testimony and cross-examination into both a ‘he said/she’ said narrative and a concise account of the divorce case proceedings and McRae’s appeal.

351–370 Divorce case articles consulted: ‘Wife Aids Caesar In Divorce Suit’, The Sun, 6 November 1940: 5; ‘Evidence By Wife’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 7 November 1940: 4; ‘Claims Detective Altered Her Outlook On Life’, The Sun , 7 November 1940: 5; ‘“Changed After She Met Det. MacRae”’, The Daily Telegraph , 8 November 1940: 4; ‘Evidence By Wife’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 8 November 1940: 6; ‘“Diabolical Plot”’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 9 November 1940: 15; ‘“Pyjama Girl” Detective And The “Lady In Grey”’, Truth, 10 November 1940: 17; ‘Detective Swears He Never Tried To Kiss Mrs Caesar’, The Sun , 11 November 1940: 5; ‘Mcrae Gives Evidence’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 12 November 1940: 5; ‘Detective Tells Court He Is No Thought-Reader’, The Sun, 12 November 1940: 5; ‘Case For Mcrae’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 November 1940: 6; ‘Evidence For Mcrae’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 14 November 1940: 9; ‘Asked To Join In Crime Scheme Says Mrs Caesar’, The Sun, 14 November 1940: 5; ‘Attack On Wife In Divorce’, The Sun, 15 November 1940: 5; ‘Fraud Plans Described’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 November 1940: 11; ‘Events At C.I.B.’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 November 1940: 15; ‘Counsel Attacks Caesar’s Wife’, Truth, 17 November 1940: 22; ‘Charges Against “The Lady In Grey” – Homicide Chief’s Version of Raid on Hotel Bedroom – Stories of Kings Cross Depravity’, Truth, 17 November 1940: 19; ‘Criticism Of Police’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 November 1940: 11; ‘Caesar Gets His Divorce; Judge’s Attack On Police’, The Sun , 20 November 1940: 3; ‘Police Again Criticised’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 20 November 1940: 6; ‘Detective Mcrae Dismissed’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 21 November 1940: 7; ‘Verdict Against Mcrae’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 21 November 1940: 9; ‘Police Up On Carpet’, The Sun , 21 November 1940: 11; ‘Criticism Of Police’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 21 November 1940: 9; ‘Criticism Of Police’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 22 November 1940: 11.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

371            Errata: The editorial was on page 19, not the front-page. Truth was livid… also titillated: ‘Mrs Caesar’s Story’, Truth, 24 November 1940: 1; ‘“Scandal Woman”’, Truth, 24 November 1940: 22; ‘Police Versus The People’, Truth, 24 November 1940: 19.

372–374   McRae appeal and aftermath articles consulted: ‘McRae To Appeal Against Dismissal’, The Sun , 24 November 1940: 10; ‘Jury Awards Caesar £200 Damages’, Truth, 24 November 1940: 23; ‘Police Versus The People’, Truth, 24 November 1940: 19; ‘Dismissal Of Mcrae “Too Severe”’, The Sun , 10 December 1940: 3; ‘Dismissal Of McRae’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 11 December 1940: 13; ‘Police Tip On Visit By Mcrae’, The Sun , 12 December 1940: 3; ‘Caesar’s Denial’, The Daily Telegraph , 12 December 1940: 10; ‘Police Papers In Court’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 13 December 1940: 11; ‘Mcrae Case’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 17 December 1940: 6; ‘Divorce Case Room At C.I.B. Remains A Mystery’, The Sun , 18 December 1940: 5; ‘“Won’t Go To C.I.B.”’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 18 December 1940: 5; ‘Regime Of “Impulsive” Mr Mackay Must End’, Truth, 1 December 1940: 23; ‘“Scandal Woman” Gets Marriage Offer’, Truth, 1 December 1940: 27; ‘How Justice Works Backwards’, Truth, 15 December 1940: 25; ‘Why Mcrae Must Stay Out’, Truth, 22 December 1940: 18; ‘Mrs. Caesar Won’t Go To C.I.B. Again’, Truth, 22 December 1940: 12; ‘Police Board Star Chamber’, Truth, 22 December 1940: 18; ‘Cabinets Back-Handed Rebuke To Police Appeals Board’ Truth, 29 December 1940: 15.

374            His career was over: ‘Emoluments Of Mcrae’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 19 December 1940: 9; ‘Mcrae Case’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 24 December 1940: 5; ‘Dismissal Of Mcrae’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 25 December 1940: 5.

374            ‘What can I do after that?’: ‘Wife Never Lost Faith In McRae’, The Sun , 29 December 1940: 6.

374            Caesar’s divorce from Freda: ‘Caesar Case No Attraction’, Truth, 6 July 1941: 44.

374            overjoyed to have married her ideal man: ‘Freda Caesar Weds “Ideal Man”’, Truth, 6 December 1942: 8.

374            Robert Morehead, who soon enlisted and was deployed: Morehead Robert Ernest, Service Number – N87085, NAA: B884, N87085

374–375   Freda had the ultimate scoop for Truth… ruined McRae’s life: ‘Premier’s Refusal’, Truth, 27 June 1943: 16; ‘McRae Case Allegation’, The Daily Telegraph , 24 June 1943: 4; ‘M.L.A.’s Move In McRae Case’, The Sun , 22 July 1943: 3; ‘Ex-Detective And Divorce Case’, The Sydney Morning Herald , 23 July 1943: 7.

375            McRae would keep fighting: ‘Detective Says He Can Prove His Own Innocence’, Smith’s Weekly, 30 November 1946: 1; ‘Detective Would Prove His Own Innocence’, Smith’s Weekly, 7 December 1946: 3.

375            their messy split began a few months later: ‘Caesar divorce case echo’, The Sun , 2 August 1949: 10; ‘Former Mrs Caesar Divorces Her Second Mate’, Truth, 7 August 1949: 11.

375            Freda died suddenly of heart failure: ‘Lawson, Freda Agnes’, Funeral Notice, Sydney Morning Herald, 8 July 1963: 21; New South Wales Death Transcription 1963/35454 (kindly supplied by Laurie Turtle).

376            Truth … slate Commissioner MacKay and C.I.B. chief Frank Matthews: ‘DIARY OF CRIMES STILL UNSOLVED’ Truth (Sydney, NSW: 1894 – 1954) 21 March 1943: 15.

376­–378   The denouement of The Pyjama Girl mystery has been the focus of an excellent book. As this part of the case occurred outside the scope of The Murder Squad, I dealt with it briefly with comment on McRae’s absence and MacKay’s likely malfeasance in ‘solving’ the case. For a full account of the complexities, see Richard Evans’ The Pyjama Girl Mystery and also his recent W.J. MacKay and the NSW Police, 1910–1948: A Dangerous Man.

For a blow by blow of the 1942–44 developments in the Pyjama Girl case, I was guided by Truth’s weekly lengthy reports:

376            Jeanette Routledge… Anna Philomena Morgan: ‘Pyjama Girl Remains A Mystery’,Truth, 20 December 1942: 15; ‘Big Sensation Hinted In New Pyjama Girl Inquiries’, Truth, 10 January 1943: 15; ‘No Order For New Pyjama Girl Inquest’, Truth, 4 July 1943: 19.

376–378   Antonio Agostini … Linda Agostini … convicted … deported: ‘Evidence On Pyjama Girl’s Identity Conflicts’, Truth, 26 March 1944: 14; ‘Is Linda Agostini Or Anna Philomena Morgan’, Truth, 2 April 1944: 14; ‘Amazing Pyjama Girl Riddle Still Unsolved’, Truth, 9 April 1944: 14; ‘Amazing Battle To Identify “Pyjama Girl”’, Truth, 16 April 1944: 14; ‘Police Blast Benbow’s Theory About “Pyjama Girl’s” Identity’, Truth, 23 April 1944: 16; ‘“Linda Agostini,” Finds Coroner: Amazing Inquest Ends’, Truth, 7 May 1944: 14; ‘MacKay Grilled At Pyjama Trial’, Truth, 25 June 1944: 16; ‘Drama Ends £65,000 Hunt For Pyjama Girl Killer’, Truth, 2 July 1944: 14; ‘Scathing Indictment Of Police In Pyjama Girl Crime Told Names Of Victim And Killer Six Years Ago!’, Truth, 16 July 1944: 16; ‘Pyiama Girl’s Killer Goes Back To Italy’, Truth,22 August 1948: 1.

378            MacKay … ‘dropped dead’: ‘Mr. W. Mackay Dead’, Goulburn Evening Post, 23 January 1948: 5.

378            McRae listed his occupation … as ‘police officer’: NSW Electoral Roll, 1954, Kensington West, Watson.

378            McRae saw his name in Truth again: ‘“Human Glove” murderer sent to T.B. home after 20 years’, Truth, 13 December 1953: 13.

379–381 ‘I Demand Justice’: ‘I Demand Justice’, The Sun-Herald, 15 September 1957: 5.

381            McRae … ‘dropped dead’: ‘Death of Former Detective’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 January 1958: 5.

EPILOGUE

383            ‘Let us keep our troubles to ourselves’: ‘Mackay’s S.P. Inquiry Pathos And Bathos’, Truth, 26 September 1937: 21.

385            Police strength in 1932: Legislative Assembly New South Wales – Police Department – Annual Report for the Year 1932.

385            Errata/update – present police strength: The latest NSW police force strength is 21,634 for 2021–22. The figure quoted in the book is from 2020.

385            2015–2019 murder rate: Homicide Incidents, Victims and Offenders, 1 July 2019–30 June 2020. AIC NHMP 2019–2020, Table 2A, NSW figures 1989–2020. Also: Bricknell, Samantha. Homicide in Australia 2017–18, AIC Reports, Statistical Report 23, Australian Institute of Criminology, Australian Government; Holmes, Jessie & Fitzgerald, Jackie. Trends in NSW Police clear up rates, Crime and Justice Statistics, Bureau Brief, Issue paper no.129, 2017, NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research; NSW Recorded Crime Statistics January 2018–December 2022, NSW Police Force.

            2015–2019 murder rate: Homicide Incidents, Victims and Offenders, 1 July 2019–30 June 2020. AIC NHMP 2019–2020, Table 2A, NSW figures 1989–2020. Also: Bricknell, Samantha. Homicide in Australia 2017–18, AIC Reports, Statistical Report 23, Australian Institute of Criminology, Australian Government; Holmes, Jessie & Fitzgerald, Jackie. Trends in NSW Police clear up rates, Crime and Justice Statistics, Bureau Brief, Issue paper no.129, 2017, NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research; NSW Recorded Crime Statistics January 2018–December 2022, NSW Police Force.