In The Performance Of Duty Multi-cache
This cache has been locked, but it is available for viewing.
In The Performance Of Duty
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This cache is placed in commemoration of Constable Charles Jones. I have placed this on the 100th anniversary of his manslaughter in Main St, Bacchus Marsh. A very simple single-stage multi where the importance is in the story, not the hide.
In the last few hours of 1910, Constable Charles Jones and Senior Const. Johnston Barclay were on duty, and actively patrolling the normally quiet streets of Bacchus Marsh. Const. Jones was 49 years old, and a 25 year veteran of the force. Described as having a 'happy-go-lucky' nature, the father of four was a well-liked and respected officer within the district. At about 11.30pm, a group of men started throwing bottles and stones at the Court House Hotel because the licensee had refused to serve them after closing. S/C Barclay dispersed the revellers, but they returned a short time later in a gig. (A light 2-wheeled horse-drawn carriage) The two officers then followed the gig to the rear yard of the Border Inn Hotel (Now known as Flanagans). A struggle ensued, and the main offender was arrested. As the 2 officers escorted him to the police station, S/C Barclay was heavily knocked to the ground, where he was left unconscious by one of the group who had followed the 2 officers. Remember that in those days, the streets were only lit by gas lamps, but unfortunately they had been turned off for the night. The area was also overshadowed by spreading oak trees, so the officers had no real warning of the impending danger. It was described as an 'unusually dark night.' It was then that another assailant threw a beer bottle into the back of Const. Jones head with such force that it fractured his skull. He too fell to the ground unconscious. After the attackers disappeared, the 2 officers were helped back to the police station where Const. Jones regained consciousness, and insisted on spending the night at his home. Later, on New Years Day 1911, he was taken to the Police Hospital where he died 3 days later, on January 4th. A subsequent post-mortem found pieces of his skull had been driven 3/4's of an inch (18mm) into his brain. Two subsequent trials failed to establish who actually threw the bottle, as the offenders turned on each other, and so were found to be unreliable witnesses for the prosecution. To find this cache, you will need to find the final co-ords at the listed co-ords. You will then be required to follow Constable Jones last footsteps on duty, from the rear yard of the Border Inn Hotel to the Police Station, where he was assaulted 'In The Performance Of Duty' I have obtained permission to place this cache on police property from the District Inspector. His only condition was to ask that there are NO UNNECESSARY VISITORS inside the station. Please take a moment to remember all police officers killed and injured while protecting their respective communities.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)