Harry COGGAN
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Harry Phillip COGGAN

Harry Phillip COGGAN

AKA Harry COGGAN

Late of Forbes, NSW  

May be related to V.A. COGGAN, NSWPF # 3670, who was born on 13 Aug. 1912.  V.A. Coggan was a 1st Class Inspector in 1968 & then a Superintendent.

In May 1954 there was also a DetSgt J. COGGAN stationed at Randwick.  I don’t have his Regd. #.

 

NSW Police Training College – Penrith –  Class # 024

 

New South Wales Police Force

 

Regd. #  5922

 

Rank:  Commenced Training at Penrith Police Training College on Monday  ? ? 1947

Probationary Constable- appointed Monday 24 November 1947 ( aged 21 years, 10 months, 23 days )

Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ? 

Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( NO )

Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? 

Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )

Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 10 October 1966 ( South District )

Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 21 January 1974

Sergeant 1st Class – appointed  13 April 1976

 

Final Rank: = Senior Sergeant – Retirement

 

Stations:  Penrith College, Maitland, Hay, South District ( 1968 ), Temora, Henty, Corowa, Young, Nowra, O.I.C. Forbes ( Retired 1985 )

  

Service: From ? ? 1947 to ? ? 1985 = 38+ years Service

 

[blockquote]

C.M.F.

A.I.F.

World War II

Regiment:                                 Royal Australian Air Force ( R.A.A.F. )

Enlisted:                                    24 March 1944

Service #                                    162197

Rank:                                          Leading Aircraftman

Embarkation:

Next of kin:                                Anastasia COGGAN

Religion:

Single / Married:

Returned to Australia: ?

Date of Discharge:                   28 March 1946

Posting at Discharge:              61 Operational Base Unit

WWII Honours & Gallantry: None for display

POW:                                         No

Occupation upon joining:

War Service In Au:

Active Service outside Au:

Active Service in Au:

[/blockquote]

 

Retirement / Leaving age: = ?

Time in Retirement from Police: ?

 

Awards:  No Find on Australian Honours system

 

 Born: Friday 1 January 1926 in Avondale near Morriset, NSW

Died on: Tuesday 22 February 2022 

Age: 96 years, 1 month, 21 days 

 

Cause?

Event location:   ?

Event date ?

 

Funeral date: Monday 28 February 2022 @ 10.30am followed by Interment in the Lawn Portion of Forges Cemetery.

Funeral location:  St Laurence’s Catholic Church, Forbes, NSW

All Ex Servicemen are invited to attend and Form a Guard of Honour 

( click here to see Cornona19 Virus Pandemic rules – this will be a limited numbers Funeral )

any Future Wake location??? TBA 

any Future Wake date??? TBA 

( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )

Funeral Parlour: Michael Hanley’s Funerals, 42 Farnell St, Forbes, NSW.  02 68521961    hanleyfunerals@hotmail.com

Buried at: Lawn Portion of Forbes Cemetery, The Bogan Way, Forbes, NSW

 

Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?

Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( February 2022 )

Harry COGGAN

 

HARRY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED


 

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal


 

May they forever Rest In Peace

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AustralianPolice.com.au/ 

https://www.facebook.com/NSWFallenPolice/ 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSWFallenPolice/ 

Australian Police YouTube Channel 


Lest we forget: march this Sunday

World War II veteran Harry Coggan, holding the portrait taken for Reflections: honouring our WWII veterans project and now at the Australian War Memorial.
World War II veteran Harry Coggan, holding the portrait taken for Reflections: honouring our WWII veterans project and now at the Australian War Memorial.

The Covid-19 enforced cancellation of community Anzac Day commemorations came as a shock to all of us, but none more so than Harry Coggan.

The World War II veteran has barely missed an Anzac Day march in 75 years, and this Sunday he looks to continue that, although he’ll be transported by car.

The well-known retired local police officer and sportsman is not one to speak much of his service with the Air Force in the war years, but Anzac Day remains an important day.

Harry was an apprentice carpenter in Morisset, near Newcastle, in the war years when the work ran short.

He was only 16 at the time, but managed to follow his boss into the Civil Construction Corps and spent the next two years travelling and working with the service.

As soon as he legitimately turned 18, Harry joined the Air Force. After his training, he began work as an airframe fitter.

The Air Force took him from Victoria to Queensland, then eventually on to Japanese-occupied Tarakan for the Allied landing there in 1945. He then served in Borneo.

The atrocities of war remain unspeakable and Mr Coggan is quiet about his own service, but each year he has marched to honour service men and women of all wars and asks that we continue to do so.

“I didn’t do it for any glory, I don’t glorify it,” he says, it was what the young men of his generation did. Many of his friends joined the defence forces.

Every year he marvels at the number of young people who turn out to Anzac Day commemorations, a photograph with his grandsons at the local cenotaph has pride of place in his room.

“I sincerely hope that the youth of today will keep going, it’s a very important thing,” he said.

Harry went back to his carpentry boss after his return from World War II but there was no longer work for him there. He joined the police force and spent time in Newcastle, Maitland and Hay.

It was in Hay, purchasing a fundraiser badge for the hospital, that he met his wife Noreen, and with her that he moved to Forbes where they raised three children in the community he loves.

Lest we forget: march this Sunday | Forbes Advocate | Forbes, NSW


 

WWII servicemen honoured with medal

 

 

Michael McCormack MP September 18, 2020 It was a privilege to give Harry Coggan his 75th Anniversary medallion in #Forbes on Tuesday. While we can never repay the debt we owe to the almost one million Australians who served, this is a small but meaningful token of our nation’s eternal thanks to our WWII #Veterans.
Michael McCormack MP
September 18, 2020
It was a privilege to give Harry Coggan his 75th Anniversary medallion in #Forbes on Tuesday.
While we can never repay the debt we owe to the almost one million Australians who served, this is a small but meaningful token of our nation’s eternal thanks to our WWII #Veterans.

 

Mayor Phyllis Miller and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack presented Harry Coggan with a special commemorative medallion for his service in World War 2. Photo supplied.
Mayor Phyllis Miller and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack presented Harry Coggan with a special commemorative medallion for his service in World War 2. Photo supplied.

 

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack presented Harry Coggan with a special commemorative medallion for his service. Photo supplied.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack presented Harry Coggan with a special commemorative medallion for his service. Photo supplied.

Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack travelled to Forbes recently to present a special commemorative medallion to World War II veteran Harry Coggan.

Mr McCormack said every living WW II veteran was eligible to apply for a medallion and a certificate, which are being presented by the Federal Government to say “thank you for your service” on the 75th anniversary of the end of the devastating six-year-long conflict.

“Over the past 75 years, time has healed wounds, both physical and emotional, and time has taken many of our World War Two veterans, but it will never take away our eternal gratitude for their service and sacrifices which defended the freedoms we enjoy today,” Mr McCormack said.

 

WWII servicemen honoured with medal | Forbes Advocate | Forbes, NSW


Former Officer in Charge of Forbes station, Harry Coggan, with current Lachlan LAC Inspector Chris Taylor.
Former Officer in Charge of Forbes station, Harry Coggan, with current Lachlan LAC Inspector Chris Taylor.
November 10 2017 – 11:00AM
Forbes Police move into renovated historic Forbes Police Station

Harness up for Anzac Day trots

World War II veteran Harry Coggan recited The Ode at the 2016 Anzac Day harness race meeting. The event is on again on April 25.
World War II veteran Harry Coggan recited The Ode at the 2016 Anzac Day harness race meeting. The event is on again on April 25.

 

Forbes’ traditional Anzac Day harness race meeting – and the Carnival of Cups on the following Sunday – is coming up fast.

Forbes Harness Racing has just appointed a new committee, with Braden Sullivan taking on the presidency. Bob Parsons, who has served four years in the role, did not seek re-election.

Braden, the grandson of club life members Bob and Rosemary Lee, has been described as one of the youngest presidents in the club’s history.

His family forms the backbone of the local harness racing club, says long-time member Bruce Chandler.

Parsons, who remains on the committee, has overseen some major changes in his time as president including the return to TAB racing after a 20-year absence and the introduction of an Anzac service.

“Bob spent many hours overseeing a major upgrade of the track including the surface and configuration changes,” Chandler said.

The club will also miss Sally Spence as canteen coordinator. Her sister Jenny Sullivan will take this on.

“Without doubt the Forbes canteen is one of the best of all harness racing clubs,” Chandler said. “The money that the canteen has raised in (Sally’s) time has gone a long way to keeping the club afloat.”

https://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/story/4564165/harness-up-for-anzac-day-trots/


Presenting: Harry Coggan presented the Noreen Coggan Memorial Trophy to Ann Mackay.
Presenting: Harry Coggan presented the Noreen Coggan Memorial Trophy to Ann Mackay.
January 10 2017 – 7:00AM
Forbes sporting news

World War II veterans Keith Smith and Harry Coggan, who served with the airforce.
World War II veterans Keith Smith and Harry Coggan, who served with the airforce.
April 25 2016 – 12:47PM
GALLERY: Anzac Day service and wreath laying

Harry celebrates a milestone

 

Norm Cook, John Stringer and Linden Byrne (right) wish Harry Coggan a very happy 90th birthday. 0116harry
Norm Cook, John Stringer and Linden Byrne (right) wish Harry Coggan a very happy 90th birthday.

More than 100 family members and friends gathered at Forbes Sports and Recreation Club on new year’s day to celebrate Harry Coggan’s 90th birthday.

Harry is a very well known former NSW Police Senior Sergeant who was attached to the Forbes command when he retired 30 years ago.

At his birthday celebrations, John Bentick made a complimentary speech and thanked Harry on behalf of the Forbes community for his help and dedication to the community over so many years.

Mr Coggan is still a very active 90 year old and a regular at the Sport and Rec Club.

He served as club president for a term whilst he was in his late 80s.

He was certainly not shy when he made his speech, thanking family and friends who had travelled considerable distances for his birthday and giving a brief autobiography.

Born at Avondale near Morriset, he grew up in this area attending primary school at Morriset and later at the Gosford High School.

After leaving school at 15 he started work as a carpenter. At 16 (during the war years) he joined the ‘Civil Construction Core’ taking him from Morriset to Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns.

At 18 Harry joined the Australian Air Force and was posted overseas from Townsville.

Whilst overseas in Borneo he was involved in the Morotal and landing of Taracan campaigns returning to Australia in 1946.

In 1947 Harry joined the NSW Police Force, following training in Sydney he was posted to Maitland then Hay where he met and married his life partner Noreen Croft.

In his speech, Harry spoke lovingly and at length of his wife, who sadly passed away a few years ago.

After their marriage in Hay, the police department transferred Harry and Noreen to Temora where their daughter Theresa was born, then on to Henty where Phillip was born and later to Corowa where Ann-Maree was born.

The police department continued with the transfers and the family managed to avoid Sydney and continue with country policing, working at Young, Nowra and finally at Forbes where Harry retired at the end of 1985.

It is especially pleasing to see Harry so happy during his lengthy retirement.

He remains very active, likes to follow the local football, especially the “pub draws”.

Harry still has his carpentry tools and he has been known to do the odd bit of wood work.

A big thank you has to go his daughter Ann-Maree who organised the celebration, a most enjoyable and pleasant evening held on the new rear deck at the club overlooking the beautiful Forbes Lake.

* Contributed by Linden Byrne

https://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/story/3676635/harry-celebrates-a-milestone/


 

Bronze takes gold in Diggers Cup

Forbes RSL sub-branch representative Harry Coggan with winning driver/trainer Mark Hewitt, Diggers Cup winner Bronze Sign and Sue Nicholls.
Forbes RSL sub-branch representative Harry Coggan with winning driver/trainer Mark Hewitt, Diggers Cup winner Bronze Sign and Sue Nicholls.

The contest was tough on the paceway last Friday for the Forbes Anzac Harness Race meeting, but the Diggers Cup was taken, for the first time, by Grenfell driver Mark Hewitt with Bronze Sign.

Bronze Sign is owned by BS and BD Shields.

The mauve sash and sleeves of Hewitt lead all the way in the $1500 race and crossed the finish line 16.5m by a neck.

Second place was Forbes local Terence Hush on Chief Fairman and third was Nathan Townsend, Alectown, on Three Point Turn NZ.

Forbes Diggers Harness Racing spokesman Bruce Chandler said the racing day had a great atmosphere and the recently resurfaced track held up well.

“We’ve had a good crowd and it’s been a beautiful day,” he said.

“The racing has been strong and the new track has held up really well.”

A good crowd took to the sidelines to support the riders and to commemorate Anzac Day, the Last Post was played and the national anthem sung.

https://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/story/2246965/bronze-takes-gold-in-diggers-cup/


 

The Newcastle and Maitland Catholic Sentinel      1 November 1949

Parish Notes

 

Maitland Catholic Ball.

The Catholic Ball held in Maitland City Hall on September 20th was an outstanding success.  Over 550 people attended the ball, which was organised by a committee with Mrs. A. Enrigth ( President ), Miss E. Allsop ( Treasurer ), and Miss M. McLeod ( Secretary ).

Huge bowls of peach blossoms, Iceland poppies, and trails of wistaria produced a spring atmosphere.  Eighteen debutantes were presented to His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Gleeson, C.SS.R.  A page-boy, Lewis Morris, announced the arrival of the debutantes, and with the flower girls, Denis Watson and Robin Sutherland, preceded Mrs. Enright down the hall.  The debutantes and their partners were:  Pam Rawding ( Ernest Belcher ), Maureen Clemens ( Tony Wells ), Carmel O’Rourke ( Basil Keating ), Joan Boland ( Harry Coggan ), Clare Tobin ( Michael Tobin ), ……….

https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-310977174/view?sectionId=nla.obj-322453632&searchTerm=%22harry+coggan%22&partId=nla.obj-311193384#page/n11/mode/1up


 

Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.

**********

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cal
 23 February 2022


 

 

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One Comment

  1. Dear Cal,

    My name is Tony Buggy. I lived in the town of Corowa and spent many happy hours with Coggan family. I went to school with Theresa and Phillip.
    I found the article about Harry and was saddened that he has left us. I was also overjoyed at the possibility of catching up with some of my oldest childhood friends.
    I will leave it up to them – if they would like to get in touch.
    My details.

    Tony Buggy
    5 Merris Place
    Milperra NSW 2214
    02 9773 6393
    0409 045 692
    tony_buggy@yahoo.com.au

    Cheers CAL.
    Tony.

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