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{{Authority Side}}
== ==
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== Importance of Det Ward ==
I was the police detective based mainly at Beechworth. In that role I chased the '''KellyGang''' all over the place. I was responsible for breaking them with the services of Aaron Sherritt. No other watch party was more successful. In return I received little praise. The authorities chose to break me over trumped up failings. The Royal Commissioners joined in this terrible game. They came to the conclusion that I should even be reduced in rank and condemned for my good work.
Some critise me for the way I treated the Sherritt's and others of the community. I do not say that the means justifies the end, but the '''KellyGang''' '''''' had to be brought to justice for the sake of us all.. '''Links to the KellyGang''' , [[#2|Early Years]] , [[#15/4/1878|Fitzpatrick Incident]] , [[#26/10/1878|Murders at Stringy Bark Creek]] , [[#7/11/1878|Sebastopol Cavalcade]] , [[#10/12/1878|Euroa Robbery]] , [[#10/2/1879|Jerilderie Robbery]] , [[#ASandB|Aaron Sherritt and Mrs Byrne]] , [[#6/7/1879|Hare replaced by Nicolson]] , [[#6|Spring 1879 Early 1880]] , [[#scp|Cave party]] , [[#paasp|Police at Aaron Sherritt's place]] , [[#26/6/1880|Death of Aaron Sherritt]] , [[#28/6/1880|Glenrowan Siege]] , Ned Kelly's Trial , [[#krb|Reward Board]] , [[#9|Royal Commission]] , '''Early service''' , Later service , Family , '''Photograph'''
== Links to the KellyGang ==
'''Early Years''' I joined the police in October [[1864-1873 Events|1869]] and in November I was sent to the North-Eastern district in search of Harry [[Harry Power|Power]] and remained there until November 1875. I was for three years in [[Beechworth|Beechworth]]. During that time [[Ned Kelly|Ned]] and [[Dan Kelly|Dan]] Kelly, the Quinns, and all their relations were in the habit of being at the circuit courts; one of their friends was always before the circuit court at the general sessions. ([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 2|RC3023]])
In 1874 and 1875 I knew Ned Kelly very well. I was stationed then in Wangaratta, and had occasion to speak to him very often there. I was then appointed a detective in 1876.
In [[1874-1877 Events|1876]] SConst [[SConst P Mullane|Mullane]] and I arrested [[Aaron Sherritt|Aaron Sherritt]] and [[Joe Byrne|Joe Byrne]] over some meat. They got 6 months. ([[Royal Commission report 20/7/1881|RC13530]])
'''Fitzpatrick Incident [[15-04-78 Fitzgerald incident|15/04/1878]]''' I was sent after [[Ned Kelly|Ned]] and [[Dan Kelly|Dan]] Kelly following the Fitzpatrick incident in about September. I was at work for about five or six weeks, and the result was reported Mr. Secretan direct who informed Sup [[Sadleir|Sadleir]].([[Royal Commission report day 10 page 1|RC1724]])
[[17/4-4/10/78 Events|25/4/1878]] [[Strahan|Const Strahan]] and I saw Kate Kelly and Maggie Skillian on road.
'When about two miles from [[Winton|Winton]], on the [[Greta|Greta]] road, and about four miles from [[Margaret Skillion|Mrs. Skillian]]'s residence, we found a dray, and two bags of flour and other articles, without a horse, in the middle of the road. We searched round and found Mrs. Skillian and Kate Kelly sitting on a log. They were wet through, having very light clothes on. We went up and spoke to them. They said they were benighted, and could not find their way home-it was too dark. I had a flask with some whisky in it (RC3039)
We continued on to Mrs Kelly's place and watched for the KellyGang.
The following is the text of a report I made before the murders that identified the link with Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]] & Arron [[Aaron Sherritt|Sherritt]].
On the [[17/4-4/10/78 Events|29/8/1878]], I received information in Melbourne. I furnished the report then to Beechworth, and this is a copy of it:- "I have the honor to report, for the information of the officer in charge, I have received information that the above-named offender, Edward [[Ned Kelly|Kelly]], was seen about three weeks ago between the [[Woolshed|Woolshed]] and [[Sebastopol|Sebastopol]], in the Ovens district, by a Mr.-, a blacksmith at the Woolshed; he was riding and carried a gun under his arm, and had a revolver strapped on his saddle. Kelly is well known to -. If Kelly was seen there, he would be most likely making for [[Joe Byrne|Joe Byrne]]'s [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|mother's]] place, as she lives at the Sebastopol. I would respectfully suggest this report be forwarded to Mr. Inspector [[Brooke Smith|Smith]] for careful enquiries. Mr. - is a very respectable man, and will give every information to the police, providing it is kept secret. The person who makes the enquiry would do well to call on of the Woolshed before calling on -, as he may be able to give some information on the subject, has a good many cattle running on the common, between the Woolshed and Sebastopol, and if it was known by Byrne or [[Aaron Sherritt|Sherritt]] that he would give any information relative to Kelly's whereabouts, his cattle would not be safe." ([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 6|RC3109]])
I left Melbourne at 2.30 p.m.n [[17/4-4/10/78 Events|9/9/1878]], I did not go as a detective officer to be known to the world; I went secretly-privately. I had a horse; I sometimes walked and sometimes rode, as I best could disguise myself. I only had a small pocket Webley revolver. I thought the '''KellyGang''' would fight, but I never had the remotest idea they would shoot. I knew Ned Kelly would fight. I had a fight with him once before. I would not leave Melbourne with a small revolver if I thought they would shoot. I knew Ned Kelly would fight.
I was one individual, having nobody with me. I travelled the whole district without any person to assist me. No matter where information was received from, I went myself. For instance, I was once in a false position near where the police were shot, in which I would not like to be again, and I alone could not arrest the four. ([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 12|RC3064]])
I had a secret service man with me, as well as myself ([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 6|RC3113]])
If I found any information my instructions were to immediately communicate with my officer, Mr. '''Secretan''', in town. This was up to the time of the Mansfield Murders. But if I at any time found any information that I could immediately work upon with the aid of the nearest police station, I was to go and get the police, and make an arrest if possible.(RC3058) As I said I started off on the 9th from Benalla and went to [[Glenrowan|Glenrowan]]-Glenrowan to [[Oxley|Oxley]], and made search then until about the [[ev78-10--4Mansfield Murders|15th of October]], when I received information that [[Dan Kelly|Dan Kelly]] was on the [[Fifteen Mile Creek|Fifteen-mile]] Creek, working with a man there. ([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 6|RC3111]])
On that day I wrote a letter to Mr. Secretan, the officer in charge of detectives, suggesting to him that two bodies of police should be sent out to search the [[Fifteen Mile Creek|Fifteen-mile]] Creek, the right-hand branch of the [[King River|King]], and thence on to [[Mansfield|Mansfield]]. I suggested that two bodies of police should both start at the same time, that I would go to Mansfield, and that the secret service man I had, would go to the head of the King; that if my information was correct the Kellys would be started from their haunts, and we were bound to get them. I specially wished this done, as the public were talking that the police were frightened to catch Ned Kelly.([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 6|RC3120]]) .
On the 21st-of October, I received a letter from Mr. Secretan, stating that the Chief Commissioner had sanctioned the suggestion, and that Mr. [[Sadleir|Sadleir]] was instructed, and that a body of police would start about a certain time. Instead of my going to Mansfield, as suggested to me by Mr. Secretan, I went to the head of the [[King River|King]] myself. ([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 7|RC3126]])
My object in going to the head of the King was to be present at about Power's Look-out, as I was of opinion, if my information was correct, that these men, the Kellys, would make for that place. On the 26th October I went and got up on the top of [[Powers Look Out|Power's Look]]-out; from that I went along the Dividing Range in the direction of, and along the Fifteen mile Creek, about ten miles from [[Glenmore Run|Glenmore]], and there was no person with me; I was expecting to meet the police, and I was undecided which side of the ranges I would take to return back, whether the right hand branch of the King or the back of the Fifteen-mile Creek. I turned to the right, into the [[Fifteen Mile Creek|Fifteenmile Creek]], and went back near Glenmore. I met Senior-Constable [[Strahan|Strahan]], Constable [[Shoebridge|Shoebridge]], Constable [[Thom|Thom]], and another, I do not remember his name now. I asked them had they any good news- did they see or hear anything of the KellyGang.([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 7|RC3133]])
See also the [[Jerilderie Letter (3)|Jerilderie Letter]]
'''.''' '''Murders at Stringy Bark Creek in the Wombat Ranges 26/10/1878''' On Sunday the [[ev78-10--4Mansfield Murders|27th]] I went to Jack Daniels' hut, up the [[King River|King]] River, about nine miles higher up than [[Glenmore Run|Glenmore]] ([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 7|RC3134]])
Near Moylen ([[Cookson, 05_09_1911_3|BWC]])
I returned on the same evening, got on the top of Power's Look-out, expecting every moment to see Kennedy. On Tuesday the 29th, when I found he did not come to Glenmore, I left to go to [[Moyhu|Moyhu]], to get my letters. Miss Lewis gave me a note from SConst [[Strahan|Strahan]] that told me about the murders ([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 8|RC3144]])
When I got to Mr. Isard's, I met Consts [[Const Arthur|Arthur]] and [[Thom|Thom]]. They gave me further particulars of the murders of the police. On the following morning, the 30th, I arrived in Wangaratta. I there saw Ass Com Nicolson, and made arrangements to return back to Mount Blowhard to interview some people. I remained there for two or three days. I was hemmed in by the floods; I got up, but could not return owing to the floods. ([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 8|RC 3148]])
On the morning of the 4th I arrived in Oxley and on [[ev78-10--4Mansfield Murders|5/11/1878]] I returned to Wangaratta from Wodonga. I found that four horsemen had crossed the [[Pioneer Brigde hotel|Pioneer Bridge]], on the [[Ovens River|Ovens River]], going in the direction of the [[Warby Ranges|Warby Ranges]]. I proceeded on my journey to [[Oxley|Oxley,]] [[Everton|Everton]] and the [[King River|Upper King]] and met a possible agent. ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 3|RC13840]])
After this I went up onto the [[Murray River at Kellygang|Murray]] with Ass Com Nicolson where the '''KellyGang''' were trapped by the floods. ([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 8|RC3152]])
After the murders the '''[[KellyGang|KellyGang]]''' came and lived closer to the home and were looked after by the Kelly girls. The police decided that the best strategy to use was to cut off the ability of the Kelly sister [[Margaret Skillion|Maggie]] and [[Kate Kelly|Kate]] and other to feed the '''KellyGang'''. Of course the '''KellyGang''' could not understand what we were on about and they turned the story around in things like the Cameron [[KellyGang|Letter]]:
<blockquote>'they used to repeatedly rush into the house revolver in hand upset milk dishes, empty the flour out on the ground, break tins of eggs, and throw the meat out of the cask on to the floor, and dirty and destroy all the provisions, which can be proved and shove the girls in front of them into the rooms like dogs and abuse and insult them. Detective Ward and Constable Hayes took out their revolvers and threatened to shoot the girls and children, while Mrs Skillion was absent, the oldest being with her, the greatest murderers and ruffians would not be guilty of such an action.
</blockquote>
I also saw that the only way to get close to the KellyGang was to buy information from agents. I wrote to Com Standish about this. See text of my letter ([[The True of Bushrangers Chapter 5 page 2|CHC]])
'''.''' '''Sebastopol Cavalcade''' '''7/11/1878''' I was not there ([[Royal Commission report day 22 page 3|RC7999]])
'''Later'''
On the [[ev78-10--4Mansfield Murders|10/11/1878]] I accompanied Ass Com [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] and SConst [[Strahan|Strachan]] to meet another informant in [[Greta|Greta]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 3|RC13840]])
On 15/11/1878 a report came in from Mr Turnbull's, of the [[The Springs|Springs]], that on [[ev78-10--4Mansfield Murders|12-13/11/1878]] four horsemen were seen, believed to be the Kellys. I proceeded there and made enquiries, and found it to be false. ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 3|RC13840]])
I was in Benalla on 17/11/78 ([[The Argus at KellyGang 18/11/1878|Argus18/11/78]])
On [[ev78-10--4Mansfield Murders|24/11/1878]] I went to [[Oxley|Oxley]], and there met an informant from the Black Range, [[King River|Upper King]].(RC13840)
On [[ev78-10--4Mansfield Murders|28/11/1878]] I received information and recovered two of the horses of the police that were shot in the [[Stringy Bark Creek|Stringy Bark Creek]] in the [[Warby Ranges|Warby Ranges]] ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 4|RC13843]]). ([[Kilmore Free Press at KellyGang 5/12/1878|Kilmore5/12/1878]])
'''.''' '''Euroa Robbery 10/12/1878''' Insp [[Brooke Smith|Brooke Smith]] who was incharge at [[Beechworth|Beechworth]] the time was told not to interfere. ([[Royal Commission report day 31 page 2|RC11894]])
On [[ev78-12--2Euroa Robbery|10/12/1878]] I left [[Beechworth|Beechworth]] in the morning by train for Wangaratta, from there to [[Benalla Police Station|Benalla]], and at ten o'clock on that night I received information that the Euroa bank was stuck up. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 12/12/1878|Argus12/12/78]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 12/12/1878 (9)|Argus12/12/78]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 4|RC13843]])
I was incharge of the search party from [[Benalla Police Station|Benalla]], see [[Johnston|other members]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 19 page 2|RC5964]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 2 page 15|RC534]]) ([[Cookson, 05_09_1911_3|BWC]])
I took a statement from [[Stephens|Stephens]] after the robbery ([[The Argus at KellyGang 10/8/1880 (2)|Argus10/8/80]]), and from [[James Gloster|Gloster]] ([[The Argus at KellyGang 10/8/1880 (3)|Argus10/8/80]])
I interviewed the man who alledged that the KellyGang were at [[Gobur|Cabor]] ([[The Argus at KellyGang 16/12/1878 (5)|Argus16/12/78]])
I arrested [[Ben Gould|Ben Gould]] ([[The Argus at KellyGang 16/12/1878 (7)|Argus16/12/78]])
In January or February [[events79-2_4Jerilderie Robbery|1879]] I was in the hospital, suffering from an injury I received at the telegraph office. Aaron [[Aaron Sherritt|Sherritt]] came to me and told me that he was speaking to two of the outlaws, and that they wanted him to go to New South Wales with them. He said if I came with him that we would be able to get them before they crossed the river. I said I was ill, my ribs were fractured and my knee bad, and could not ride, but I would send two good men with him-Detectives [[Brown the detective|Brown]] and [[Eason the detective|Eason]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 4|RC13847]])
'''Jerilderie Robbery 10/2/1879''' I found out that [[Dan Kelly|Kelly]] came to Mrs [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrne]]'s place to see what had happened to the other members of the '''KellyGang''' On Wednesday 12/2/[[events79-2_4Jerilderie Robbery|1879]]. It seems that they had split up after Jerilderie and some of them had missed a meeting. I arranged for Aaron [[Aaron Sherritt|Sherritt]] to meet [[Hare|Hare]] in Beechworth at about 7pm on the night of 15/2/1879 to tell him what had happened. Mr Hare was keen to follow up. A search party was to go out under Const [[Strahan|Strahan]] but they never arrived. Sup Hare was very concerned at the time. We saw a fire lit by the '''KellyGang''' on a far ridge. Arron Sherritt was with us. Sup Hare gives a rather colorful account of creeping around Mrs Byrne's home during the night of 16/2/1879 in his [[Last of the Bushrangers|book]].([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 4|RC1276]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 4|RC13848]])
'''Autum 1879''' '''Party with Aaron Sherritt at Mrs Byrne's'''
Mrs [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrne]] spotted some fish tins and other signs of the police search party and for some reason she got the idea that Aaron [[Aaron Sherritt|Sherritt]] may have been involved with the police. She then terminated the relationship between Aaron and her daughter [[Catherine Byrne, Kate Byrne|Catherine]]. This then led to Aaron stealing a horses back from the Byrne's and that resulted in Mrs Byrne laying an information against Aaron. Aaron eventually got off the charge. He was grateful to me for my help.
In about June 1879 I received information that the [[../../things/K_kellys/K_KellyGang.html|'''KellyGang''']] were at [[Bullocky Creek|Bullocky]] Gully, or at the head of [[Ryan's Creek|Ryan]]'s Creek. About five or six miles from [[Stringy Bark Creek|Stringy Bark]] Creek where the the police were murdered. Constables Mooney, [[Hayes|Hayes]], Whitty, SConst [[Strahan|Strahan]] and I proceeded to there, and made [[Police Search Parties|search]] for three days. we did not find anything.([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 3|RC3042]])
I returned to Melbourne, and on the 9th of September, from information I had received, I was instructed to return to the Kelly country by Mr '''Secretan''', the head of the detective service.([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 3|RC3046]])
'''Hare replaced by Nicolson 6/7/1879''' On [[events 1879-08/ 1879-10|26/8/1879]] I wrote a report about James Wallace and Aaron Sherritt. See Text ([[Royal Commission report day 42 page 11|RC14773]])
[[John Sherritt Jnr|Jack Sherritt]] got a letter to post from a man he had not seen before. He gave it to me to post. ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 21|RC15671]])
On [[events 1879-08/ 1879-10|4/9/1879]] I wrote a further report about James Wallace and Aaron Sherritt. See Text ([[Royal Commission report day 42 page 12|RC14791]])
On [[events 1879-08/ 1879-10|12/9/1879]] I introduced [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] to Jack [[John Sherritt Jnr|Sherritt]]. see ([[Royal Commission report day 44 page 1|RC15216]])
I had to take three or four [[Coursing|greyhounds]] with me anywhere I went, as if for sport. ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 9|RC13882]])
'''.''' '''Spring 1879 - Early 1880''' I had problems with James [[James Wallace|Wallace]] in September over plans to arrange a pardon for [[Joe Byrne|Joe Byrne]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 42 page 6|RC14646]])
Wallace did not like me ([[Royal Commission report day 42 page 3|RC14570]])
James [[James Wallace|Wallace]] told the Royal Commission that Aaron [[Aaron Sherritt|Sherritt]] a [[National Bank|National]] bank note from the [[Euroa|Euroa]] robbery. Wallace changed one of them for Aaron in my presence at Wertheim's in [[Beechworth|Beechworth]]. Apparently Wallace did all he could to indicate that it came from the '''KellyGang''' so that I would react. In his evidence he said "No doubt if Ward did his duty he would report that at once to Mr. [[Nicolson|Nicolson]], being the officer in charge, and that would corroborate my statement that I had seen the notes in Aaron Sherritt's possession."- It was a rather petty attempt to implicate me. ([[Royal Commission report day 42 page 5|RC14630]])
Aaron Sherritt remarked to James [[James Wallace|Wallace]] that he and I were on bad terms and Sherritt was going to Ass Com Nicolson directly. ([[Royal Commission report day 42 page 7|RC14659]])
Apparently Jack [[Hedi|Barry]] told James Wallace that, 'if he was Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]], he would ride into Beechworth and shoot me at the first opportunity.' The story was that I had seduced Byrne's sister [[Catherine Byrne, Kate Byrne|Kate]]. Wallace made his report without any positive proof. This is the type of slander thay I had to cope with from these people. ([[Royal Commission report day 42 page 7|RC14669]])
'''November'''
On about 7/11/1879 [[John Sherritt Jnr|Jack Sherritt]] came and inormed me that he had an appointment to meet [[Joe Byrne|Joe Byrne]] at Sandy Creek. I had not sufficient knowledge myself as an individual to follow up on this report, as I would not dare to dictate to an officer of standing like Mr. [[Nicolson|Nicolson]]. I merely reported this matter. ([[Royal Commission report 10/8/1881|RC15598]]) ([[Royal Commission report 10/8/1881|RC15613]])
In November Mr [[Enoch Downes|Downes]] went out to see [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Mrs Byrne]] in the course of his duty. After the meeting he came to see me. ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 26|RC13491]])
On [[events 1879-11/ 1879-12|13/11/1879]] Ass Com Nicolson refused Baumgarten's applications for more land on advice from Insp Brooke Smith and myself.
The Royal Commission spent a significant part of its report examining Nicolson and my meeting with [[John Sherritt Jnr|Jack Sherritt]] after his encounter with [[Dan Kelly|Dan Kelly]] on [[events 1879-11/ 1879-12|13/11/1879]]. I wrote the circumstances of the interview at the time in my memorandum book and some days afterwards wrote a long letter to the Chief Commissioner ([[2nd Report of the Royal Commission|RC 2nd Report XII]])
When the interview with Jack Sherritt was over I gave him 10 shillings to go off to Julians and create an alibi. ([[Royal Commission report day 44 page 3|RC15266]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 18|RC15574]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 24|RC15751]])
Jack Sherritt gave very little information to me at any time. [[Aaron Sherritt|Aaron Sherritt]] was principally my confidential man, and one of the [[Ann Jane Sherritt|daughters]] and the [[Anne and John Sherritt Snr|mother]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 18|RC15593]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 21|RC15650]])
'''Second Cave Party 12/1879-4/1880'''
In December 1879 Nicolson decided to arrange a party of police to hide in a cave near Mrs [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrnes]] home to watch for the arrival of the '''KellyGang'''. At the end of the cave party I got the [[Anne and John Sherritt Snr|Sherritts]] to tidy up things ([[Royal Commission report 20/7/1881|RC13206]]) See also ([[Royal Commission report day 17 page 17|RC5240]])
I was present when Ass Com [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] established the cave party on [[events 1879-11/ 1879-12|27/12/1879]]. ( See also Const [[Const R Alexander|Alexander]] and [[Royal Commission report day 38 page 5|RC13855]])
I arranged the supplies for the police in the cave with Mr [[Patrick Allen|Allen]]. He would take them out in his cart in the evening and deliver them to Mrs [[Anne and John Sherritt Snr|Sherritt]]'s. I would get the police to write to me for the provisions when they required them. ([[Royal Commission report day 18 page 12|RC5584]])
On [[events 1880-4/ 1880-6|2/4/1880]] I said to Ass Com [[Nicolson|Nicolson]], The men that have been engaged on that cave party have had very severe duty to perform. When you were up the other day you said that when it would be over you would make a favorable entry. ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 6|RC13857]])([[Royal Commission report day 40 page 1|RC14116]])
I sent a telegram to SConst [[SConst P Mullane|Mullane]] 'Call on the special-duty men for separate reports as to the nature of their duty. [[Hagger N|Hagger]] knows what to say.' ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 6|RC13857]])
There was a problem with the reports from the constables. ([[Royal Commission report day 18 page 2|RC5332]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 18 page 23|RC5882]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 20 page 3|RC7537]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 32 page 2|RC12107]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 29|RC13564]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 5|RC13855]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 40 page 2|RC14134]])
I wanted a report from each of the police because they were about to return to their stations, and I had no opportunity to seeing each of them again. ([[Royal Commission report day 40 page 1|RC14104]]) see text of my telegram ([[Royal Commission report day 40 page 4|RC14158]])
The men never said this until the party was broken up. What was the use of my having men there if they knew this, and did not come and tell me until the row commences between the non-commissioned officer and two men? Those constables themselves will tell you that it was SConst [[SConst P Mullane|Mullane]] that did all, and not me; the crossness, and the animus he always displayed towards them.([[Royal Commission report day 40 page 2|RC14138]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 40 page 3|RC14153]])
I produced my own report on this matter. [[Const Faulkiner|Faulkiner]] critised my actions. ([[Royal Commission report day 18 page 7|RC5440]]) See text of the report ([[Royal Commission report day 40 page 2|RC14120]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 40 page 3|RC14144]])
All my good work on this project was not accepted by authorities. The Royal Commission was particularly harsh. They said, "There is reason to believe that, during the existence of the cave, the outlaws frequently visited the Woolshed, and that being so it must be inferred either that the gang were in possession of the secret and carefully avoided Mrs. Byrne's house, or they visited the place, as has been asserted, unseen by the police, who were supposed to be on the watch. The testimony of the constables bears out the supposition that the men's presence in the cave was known for a considerable time before they were removed, and the conduct of Detective Ward favors the conclusion that he deliberately deceived Mr. Nicolson upon that point, by the manipulation of the reports sent in by several of the constables."([[2nd Report of the Royal Commission|RC 2nd Report XII]]) See also ([[Royal Commission report day 9 page 6|RC1618]])
On 25/5/[[events 1880-4/ 1880-6|1880]] Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]] came and saw Mrs Sherritt and threatened to shoot [[Aaron Sherritt|Aaron]] and me. She was very frightened and she came into Beechworth to see me. I arranged for her to see Ass Com [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] ([[Royal Commission day 1 report page 9|RC67]] [[Royal Commission report day 37 page 10|RC13184]])
On [[events 1880-4/ 1880-6|29/5/1880]] Ass Com Nicolson came up we saw Mrs [[Anne and John Sherritt Snr|Sherritt]] Sen. As a result Nicolson arranged for Aaron [[Aaron Sherritt|Sherritt]] to watch Mrs [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrne]]'s place ([[Royal Commission report day 3 page 9|RC799]])
Later Nicolson also got me to see his agent [[Police Agents|Renwick]]. I did not believe him. ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 7|RC13860]]) See also ([[Kilmore Free Press at KellyGang 10/6/1880|Kilmore10/6/18780]])
'''.''' '''Nicolson replaced by Hare 2/6/1880''' Sup [[Hare|Hare]] telegraphed me at Beechworth on the night of the 2/6/1880 and directed me to proceed to Benalla on the following morning. I did so. I met Mr. Hare, and we walked along the road in the direction of Violet Town. We had some conversation there, and it is there he said, "It will take me two or three days to read the papers over."'He said, "I intend having a party of police in Benalla, and to give you two black trackers, that you will be able to act with at any time, immediately you receive information. I will have two in Benalla, and two in Wangaratta. You could go at any time you pleased when you get information, but telegraph to me what direction you are going"([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 4|RC3076]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 7|RC13860]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 23|RC15723]])
I had certain men at Beechworth, but they were employed in a certain position, and their instructions were very clear as to what they were to do if the Kellys came in their way: they were to wait for no officer; they had written instructions to shoot or capture in the best way they could, but not to lose a chance. It was my duty to communicate with the officer, as being head of the working of the Kelly business in that part of the district.([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 5|RC3089]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 5|RC3056]])
'''Police at Aaron Sherritt's place'''
I returned to Beechworth after speeking to Sup [[Hare|Hare]] in Benalla on 3/6/1880, and on that afternoon three men were sent down to [[Aaron Sherritt|Aaron Sherritt]]'s hut to watch. Mr. Hare asked me where could they stay. I said, "In [[Police at Sherritt home|Aaron's hut]]," where we could get a place to put them in the day-time. I said they could stay in Aaron's place in the day-time, that I would see it secure, and leave at night, go down to Mrs. Byrne's and watch all night. He said, "That is all right for the present, but I will be up myself." ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 7|RC13860]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 32 page 3|RC12127]])
My instructions to Const [[Const Armstrong|Armstrong]] were to go to this [[Aaron Sherritt|hut]], to secrete themselves there in the room during the day, and between eight and nine o'clock at night to go down to [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Mrs. Byrne's]] house, and there watch till a little before daylight in the morning; to be back in the hut before daylight, and to keep themselves quiet during the day. I bought calico for the door and blinds for the window, in order to have them not seen. ([[Royal Commission report day 40 page 4|RC14160]])
11 June
'''19June'''
Sup [[Hare|Hare]] and I went out to see the police at Aaron Sherritt's place. Consts [[Const T Dowling|Dowling]] [[Const W Duross|Duross]] gave a different account as to what happened. See also ([[Royal Commission report day 16 page 1|RC4170]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 15 page 11|RC3772]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 8|RC13861]])
Const [[Const Armstrong|Armsrtong]] came in to see me on [[events 1880-4/ 1880-6|22 June]], to report that Paddy [[Patrick Byrne|Byrne]] had rode very close to the police party last night as they watched near Mrs [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrne]]'s home.
'''.''' '''Death of Aaron Sherritt 26/6/1880''' I gave Aaron the suit of clothes he was shot in, coat, and pants, and everything else was mine. ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 23|RC15740]])
Const [[Const Armstrong|Armstrong]] came in and saw me in Beechworth with the news of [[Aaron Sherritt|Aaron]] Sherritt's death ([[Cookson, 05_09_1911_4|BWC]])
I sent off a telegram to tell Com [[Standish|Standish]] about Aaron's murder because I could not raise [[Benalla Police Station|Benalla]]. ([[The Argus|Argus]] 28/6/80) ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 8|RC13861]])
'''Glenrowan Siege [[ev80-06-28Glenrowan|28/6/1880]]''' I was at [[Beechworth|Beechworth]] on the time of the siege waiting for Sup [[Hare|Hare]] and Mr [[O'Connor|O'Connor]] and the trackers to arrive to follow up on the death of Aaron [[Aaron Sherritt|Sherritt]].
Of course I was the whole night in the office and until one the next day, and Sup Hare sent a telegram; he said, "Ward, all is right - we have them safe; muster all hands and take them to Glenrowan." ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 8|RC13862]])
I had a conversation with [[Ned Kelly|Ned Kelly]] after he was captured ([[Cookson, 05_09_1911_4|BWC]])
The next day I came to Glenrowan to see what was what. On making some inquiries discovered five of the horses of the '''KellyGang''' stabled at [[McDonnell's Railway Taven|McDonnell]]'s Railway Hotel, ([[McDonnell's Railway Taven|Argus30/6/80]]) ([[Sydney Morning Herald (33)|SMH30/6/80]])
I got some things from Ned Kelly [[Ovens and Murray Advertiser at KellyGang 24/7/1880 (14)|(OMA24/7/1880]])
'''Ned Kelly's Trial''' I had a conversation with Ned Kelly during his committal ([[The Argus (54)|Argus7/8/80]])
I gave some evidence at the trial. ([[The Age (49)|Age29/10/80]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 29/10/1880|Argus29/10/80]]) ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (82)|JJK]])
'''Kelly Reward Board'''
Following the meetings of the [[Reward|Reward Board]] in December 1880 I recieved a reward of about £100. See also ([[The Argus at KellyGang 16/4/1881 (2)|Argus16/4/81]])
'''Later'''
I gave evidence against Mrs [[Jones' Glenrowan Inn|Jones]] on a charge of harbouring the '''KellyGang'''. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 26/11/1880 (2)|Argus26/11/80]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 9/5/1881|Argus9/5/81]])
'''Royal Commission''' I gave evidence before the Royal Commission on 3/5/1881 ([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 2|RC3020]]), 21/7/1881 ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 4|RC13841]]), 28/7/1881 ([[Royal Commission report day 40 page 1|RC14103]]) and 10/8/1881 ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 18|RC15573]])
See the press reports of my evidence ([[The Argus at KellyGang 4/5/1881|Argus4/5/81]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 22/7/1881|Argus22/7/81]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 29/7/1881|Argus29/7/81]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 10/8/1881 (3)|Argus11/8/81]])
On [[ev81-00---Royal Commission|9/5/1881]] I wrote to Const [[Const Armstrong|Armstrong]] about the evidence to be given by Mrs [[Ellen Sherritt|Sherritt]] Mrs [[Mrs Ellen Barry|Barry]] and an article written by Mr [[The Age (63)|Gale]]. I also spoke about the evidence of others.([[Royal Commission report day 32 page 10|RC12222]])
The [[Royal Commission|Royal Commission]] made the following finding about me
"8. That, in the opinion of the Commission, Detective Ward, while he rendered active and efficient service during the pursuit of the gang, was guilty of misleading his superior officers upon several occasions, more especially in connection with Mr. [[Nicolson|Nicolson]]'s cave party, Mr. [[Hare|Hare]]'s hut party, and the telegram forwarded to Senior-Constable [[SConst P Mullane|Mullane]] by Mr. Nicolson when the latter was superseded on the 2nd of June 1880. The Commission therefore recommend that Detective Ward be censured and reduced one grade."([[Royal Commission second Report (page 2)|RC2nd Report]]) ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (89)|JJK]])
I sent the Chief Secretary my response to the Royal Commission ([[The Argus at KellyGang 16/12/1881|Argus16/12/81]]) See also ([[The Argus at KellyGang 7/1/1882|Argus7/1/82]])
See summary of my views. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 17/12/1881 (2)|Argus17/12/81]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 23/12/1881|Argus23/12/81]])
Cabinet confirmed the decision of the Royal Commission and reduced me to the lowest level. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 3/3/1882|Argus3/3/82]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 4/3/1882|Argus4/3/82]])
'''Early Service''' During the period of the '''KellyGang''' I worked on lots of other cases '''Later''' By 1911 I was a partner in a prosperous private detective agency in Melbourne. ([[Cookson, 05_09_1911_2|BWC]])
== Family ==
'''wife''' ... '''children .... home ..'''
'''What happened to Det Ward's family''' KellyGang
[[Category:People]] [[Category:People starting with U-Z]] [[Category:Ward]] [[Category:Detective Ward]] [[Category:Police]] [[Category:history]]
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