Constable First Class John MitchellPrint Page 
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 |
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| State: | NSW |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -30.9546 Long: 148.389237 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Sculpture |
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| 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 |
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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.
