NEGRO SOLDIER SHOT
AT ALBION, DARLINGHURST
SYDNEY, NSW
AND ANOTHER INCIDENT
AT BOURKE STREET, SURRY HILLS
ON 16 JANUARY 1943
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WWII

On Saturday night 16 January 1943, shots were fired and beer bottles thrown during a brawl at a hotel in Albion, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales, when Allied Provost Corps members tried to arrest a negro soldier who had recently escaped from custody. He ran from a club in Hutchison Street, where he was shot in the thigh by a member of the Provost Corps who had tried to arrest him at the club.

The negro soldier fought his way to the door where he was joined by around 100 of his services companions who were brandishing bottles. Captain Barrons, in charge of the Provost Corps members drew his revolver and fired a warning shot into the air to try to quieten down the wild mob. Bottles were thrown at the Police cars that had carried approximately 60 policemen to the scene.

After the negro had been shot, he was placed in a military waggon. As he was being driven away, Captain Barrons, who had been wounded above his eye, stood on the waggon with his revolver pointed at the threatening crowd.

Later that same night Police Constables Isbester and Eggert were attacked by four negro soldiers whom they had spoken to in Bourke Street, Surry Hills about their conduct toward some girls. Constable Isbester was admitted to St. Vincent's Hospital suffering from concussion. The four men were taken into custody by the Provost Corps.

REFERENCES

"Cairns Post", Monday 18 January 1943

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"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 10 January 2019

This page last updated 14 January 2020