Thread: The real heroes of Stringybark Creek honoured

Graves of officers killed by the Kelly gang restored

Thursday, 24 October 2013 The graves of three police officers murdered by members of the notorious Kelly gang have been restored and re-dedicated today at a ceremony in Mansfield.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wells joined descendants of Sergeant Michael Kennedy, Constable Michael Scanlan and Constable Thomas Lonigan at Mansfield cemetery.

“More than 135 years since the three officers were killed at the battle of Stringybark Creek, their graves have been restored as a mark of respect,” Mr Wells said.

“They are among 157 police members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their community, and we will never forget.”

The officers were fatally wounded when their campsite at Stringybark Creek was attacked by Dan and Ned Kelly, along with their associates Steve Hart and Joe Byrne, on 26 October 1878.

A monument erected in memory of the officers was unveiled at Mansfield on 22 April 1880.

Ned Kelly faced trial for killing Constable Lonigan, and was hanged on 11 November 1880.

Mr Wells said the graves were among 14 belonging to police officers killed on duty, that were being restored as part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to the Victorian Police Graves Memorial Fund.

The fund is managed by the Police Graves Restoration Committee, which is includes members of the Blue Ribbon Foundation, The Police Association and Victoria Police Historical Society.

“The Coalition Government committed $40,000 to meet the repair costs of the 14 graves of former police officers where their graves have fallen into disrepair,” Mr Wells said.

The dedication of the first restored grave of Constable David McGrath occurred at Coburg Cemetery on Thursday 27 September 2012, as part of Blue Ribbon Day memorial activities.

Mr Wells said the Coalition Government’s work with The Police Association, the Blue Ribbon Foundation and the Police Historical Society was ongoing to ensure the restoration of the remaining police graves.

Graves of officers killed by the Kelly gang restored - Premier of Victoria

Here here.....
My kids raised the "Kelly" question years ago after a bout of "History" discussion at School and I set them straight.