On the evening of 9 January 1867, Special Constable John Carroll, Special Constable Patrick Kennagh, Special Constable Eneas McDonnell, and Special Constable John Phegan were shot and killed at Duck Pond in Jinden, about 60km south of Braidwood.

The officers were said to be searching for the notorious Clarke Gang when they were allegedly ambushed; this remains the most significant assault against police in Australia’s history.

Monaro Local Area Commander Superintendent Rod Smith was joined by Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin to unveil the memorial plaque at Duck Pond at last Monday.

Supt Smith said the day is a poignant moment in policing history, pausing to remember our fallen colleagues.

“It’s my privilege to dedicate the memorial plaque this afternoon in tribute to the four police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice on this date 150 years ago,” Supt Smith said.

“This incident shook the NSW Police Force at the time, which was still in the early days of its formation having only been established five years earlier.

“Up until recently in October 2016, the incident also led to the largest reward – £5,000 – for the capture and conviction of suspected criminals,” Supt Smith said.

“To this day, the shooting death of the four Special Constables represents the largest loss of police lives during a single incident in Australia.

“It also expedited the creation of several new police stations in the region which – considering the number of police at the time – was a significant strategy to address crime in the area,” Supt Smith said.

“Today we honour the legacy these officers have left behind, and stand in solidarity with all the men and women of the NSW Police Force who continue to serve the community of NSW.”

Monday’s ceremony also included policemen dressed in classical uniforms.

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council administrator Tim Overall was also present.