Sgt. Rhoderic Lindsay - Swansea Head, NSW, Australia
S 33° 05.258 E 151° 39.751
56H E 375177 N 6338202
At Reids Reserve is a sandstone stela, with a memorial plaque for Sgt Rhoderic Lindsay.
Waymark Code: WMYRK6
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Date Posted: 07/17/2018
Views: 0
A cast bronze plaque with a textured background is inset to a moderately large rectangular stela in Reids Reserve near the entrance to the Swansea Channel. The inscription reads:
In Honour of
Sergeant 1st Class
Rhoderic Francis Lindsay
48 years.
On the 20th February 1984 NSW Police Sergeant Lindsay lost his life while attempting
to rescue a stricken yacht in the Swansea Channel. Off duty at the time he was fishing
with a mate when they responded to a radio call for help. While trying to tow the yacht
off the sand bar, Sergeant Lindsay was swept overboard and tragically died.
Commendations for his outstanding bravery were awarded by
The Governor General of Australia
The Commissioner of Police NSW
The Royal Humane Society NSW
Forever in our hearts.
Sadly missed by family and friends.
This plaque was unveiled on the 20th February 2004 by the Lindsay Family.
From the Australian Police website is the following excerpt:
"On the afternoon of 20 February, 1984 Sergeant Lindsay and Senior Constable Calman were both off duty and fishing in the sergeant’s boat off Swansea. About 6.10pm the yacht Melody radioed for assistance after running aground on the bar at Swansea Channel. Sergeant Lindsay and Senior Constable Calman then set out to assist the stricken vessel. Securing a line to the Melody they attempted to tow the vessel to safety, but as their efforts were hampered by heavy seas the sergeant released the line from the yacht. Constable Calman then noticed that Sergeant Lindsay was missing from his boat and seeing blood in the water, dived into the sea to rescue his friend. Constable Calman, assisted by surf club members, then conveyed the injured sergeant to shore however it was found then that he had died of his injuries.
"It appears that Sergeant Lindsay was either knocked or was washed overboard where he suffered extensive head injuries when struck by his boat’s propeller." [ex-Sgt Lindsay]
Address: Reids Reserve, Lambton Parade, Swansea Head, NSW, 2281, Australia
Visited: 1718, Saturday, 15 July, 2017
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