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Constable First Class John Mitchell : 12-February-2011
Constable First Class John Mitchell : 12-February-2011

Photographs supplied by Glen Yeomans

The sculpture commemorates Constable Mitchell who was shot while trying to prevent the escape from gaol of bushrangers Angel and Thurston in 1885.

On 12 March 1885, two prisoners in the lockup at Coonamble overpowered an attendant by the name of White who had gone into their cell to clean it. He was knocked to the floor and his revolver taken from him. Hearing the scuffle, Constable Mitchell arose from his bed and ran to the cells.

One of the prisoners, a man called Angel, warned the Constable not to come into the cell, however Mitchell ignored this and lunged at the prisoner. As he did so he was shot in the chest. He died the following day. Both prisoners, Angel and Thurston, made good their escape, however both were later shot to death by Police.

Location

Address:25 Aberford Street (Coonamble Road), Police Station, Coonamble, 2829
State:NSW
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -30.9546
Long: 148.389237
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Sculpture
Monument Theme:People
Sub-Theme:Crime
Actual Event Start Date:12-March-1885
Actual Event End Date:12-March-1885

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Tuesday 12th March, 1996
Front Inscription

Dedicated to the memory of Constable First Class John Mitchell

Born Scotland 1856.

NSW Police Service 27. 9. 1878 to 13. 3. 1885.

Shot whilst on duty near this site on 12. 3. 1885 during the escape from Coonamble Lock-Up by prisoners, Thomas Angel  (Alias Hobson) and William White (Alias Thurston).

Constable Mitchell died from his wounds 13. 3. 1885 and laid to rest in the Old Coonamble Cemetery.

Erected in his honour by the Police and citizens of Coonamble and District

12. 3. 1996.

Source: MA
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au