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Thomas Herman Andersen

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Thomas Herman Andersen MVO (1894–1975) was Commissioner of Police for the state of Western Australia from 1951 to 1958.[1]

Thomas Andersen was born on 21 May 1894[2] in Beaconsfield, Western Australia,[3][4] the son of Anton Wilhelm[5][6] (William) Andersen (a farmer,[7]: 261  originally from Denmark[1]) and Elizabeth Rachel née Lewis.[8] He attended St Patrick's Boys' School, after which he moved with his parents to work on a farm at Brookton.[3][4]

In 1913[7]: 261  or 1914,[1] aged 19, he joined the Western Australia Police Force and was subsequently posted to Broome.[3] He was a mounted constable for about seven years,[3] at both country and metropolitan stations, until he was transferred to foot duty after two accidents indicated that he was not suited to horses.[7]: 261  He was subsequently transferred to the metropolitan district office.[3][4]

In 1923 Andersen joined the newly formed liquor inspection branch. He was promoted to sergeant in 1934, then first class sergeant in 1938. Over the next few years he obtain qualifications in accountancy and mercantile law, and in 1945 was promoted to inspector, in charge of the branch, which by then was also responsible for firearms, weights and measures. He was promoted to chief inspector in 1949.[1][3][4][7]: 261–262 

In 1951 he became Commissioner of Police for Western Australia, the first holder of that position to have been born in WA.[3][4]

Andersen was known for his strong Catholic beliefs, strict morality, and opposition to alcohol, banning the consumption of alcohol at police social functions,[7]: 262  and more publicly:

suppressed the use of alcohol at barbecues ... and hammered away on street drinking, the evils of alcohol usage among young folk and Aborigines and betting on licensed premises.[7]: 263–264 

He also thought that gambling was "getting out of control".[7]: 264 

As Commissioner, Andersen oversaw planning for the police presence during Queen Elizabeth's visit to the state as part of her 1954 tour of Australia.[9] He was one of the welcoming committee on the Queen's arrival in Perth,[10][11] and escorted her as she inspected some of the police patrolmen on her final day.[12] He was awarded a Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Class IV (MVO) for his services.[13][14][7]: 266 

In 1954 the Betting Control Board was created to regulate gambling in WA, and Andersen was appointed as chairman.[7]: 269 [15] He maintained his position as Police Commissioner, but from January 1955 the roles of that position were performed by James Murray O'Brien as Acting Commissioner.[1][7]: 269 

Andersen retired from both the police (replaced by O'Brien) and the Betting Control Board in January 1958.[7]: 273 [16]: 13 

Personal life

[edit]

Andersen married Marie Arthémise Le Nay in 1920[17] at the Star of the Sea Church, Cottesloe.[5] They had four children.[2][3]

As well as being a policeman, he was a Fellow of the Federal Institute of Accountants, president of the National Safety Council of WA, and president of the Federation of Police and Citizens' Boys' Clubs in WA.[3][4][18]

Andersen died on 4 June 1975, and was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery.[19]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "WA Police Force Commissioners". Western Australian Police Force. 1 September 2022. Archived from the original on 13 April 2024. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b Headstone at grave of Thomas Herman Andersen and Marie Arthemise Andersen, Karrakatta Cemetery, Gravesite K-RO-LN9-0705
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Mr. T. H. Andersen Chosen as Police Commissioner". The West Australian. 28 February 1951. p. 1.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Personal Items". The Bulletin. 28 March 1951. p. 19. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  5. ^ a b Unpublished family history notes[better source needed]
  6. ^ "Online Index Search Tool". Search death records for "Andersen, Anton Wilhelm". Retrieved 16 September 2024.[original research?]
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Peter Conole (2002). Protect & Serve : A History of Policing in Western Australia. Western Australian Police Service. ISBN 0 9579535 2 6.
  8. ^ "Online Index Search Tool". Search birth records for "Andersen, Thomas Herman". Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  9. ^ "They're at your (Q-Day) Service". The Daily News. 24 February 1954. p. 5.
  10. ^ "A Wonderful Welcome Awaits Queen And Duke". Sunday Times. 21 March 1954. p. 3.
  11. ^ "Arrival at Perth". Western Mail. 18 March 1954. p. 5.
  12. ^ "Fine Farewell Moments For Police, People, Patients". The Daily News. 1 April 1954. p. 10.
  13. ^ "W.A. Officials Get Awards". The West Australian. 1 April 1954. p. 1.
  14. ^ "Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (Imperial) entry for Cmnr Thomas Herman ANDERSEN". Australian Honours Database. Canberra, Australia: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 27 April 1954.
  15. ^ "Police Chief Chairs W.A. Betting Supervisors". The West Australian. 31 December 1954. p. 1.
  16. ^ Report of the Royal Commission on Betting (PDF), Government Printer, 1960, retrieved 16 September 2024
  17. ^ "Online Index Search Tool". Search marriage records for "Andersen, Thomas Herman". Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  18. ^ "Time to Stop Road 'Carnage' in W.A." The West Australian. 17 April 1952. p. 3.
  19. ^ "Summary of Record Information". Metropolitan Cemeteries Board. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
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