Police honour Kalgoorlie detectives brutally killed 100 years ago
A public memorial was held to honor Detective Inspector John Walsh and Detective Sergeant Alexander Pitman, who were murdered 100 years ago while pursuing gold thieves in Kalgoorlie. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch and Governor Chris Dawson led tributes, describing the detectives as courageous and incorruptible. The memorial commemorated their sacrifice and included descendants of the fallen officers, emphasizing the lasting impact of their legacy.
- ▪Detective Inspector John Walsh and Detective Sergeant Alexander Pitman were killed in 1926 while apprehending gold thieves.
- ▪Their bodies were discovered at the bottom of a mine shaft, and two men were later convicted and hanged for the murders.
- ▪The memorial service included family members and highlighted the detectives' bravery and the ongoing grief for their families.
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Police honour Kalgoorlie detectives brutally killed 100 years ago as historians search for murder sceneJBy Jarrod LucasABC GoldfieldsTopic:PoliceTue 28 Apr 2026 at 4:29pmTue 28 Apr 2026 at 4:29pmTue 28 Apr 2026 at 4:29pmDetective Inspector John Walsh (left) and Detective Sergeant Alexander Pitman were on the trail of gold thieves when they were murdered. (Supplied: WA Police Historical Society/Facebook)abc.net.au/news/police-honour-detectives-murdered-100-years-ago/106562418Link copiedShareShare articleTwo detectives brutally murdered a century ago in Western Australia's Goldfields have been remembered as "incorruptible" and "courageous" officers who did their duty to the end.
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