Herbert Henry Herle Thomas was born on the 9th of January 1865 in Plympton St Mary, Devon in England. he arrived in Western Australia in 1892 and soon after his arrival he joined the West Australia Police Force. The following year he married Emma Eliza Goodwyn nee Burchell, (from Norwood South Australia), in Perth on the 18th of 1893 where their first child Herbert was born the same year.
Soon after he was sent to Broome where his next three children, Charles, Frederick and William were born. He was then transferred to Kalgoorlie where h
is fifth child, Beatrice Lydia, was born in 1902. (see her far left in the below photograph).
His stay in Kalgoorlie was short, and the year after Beatrice was born he was sent to Albany. This transfer was as a result of a request from him as the heat in the Goldfields was affecting his health. He was then transferred back to Perth as a Prosecuting Sergeant, in the Police Court, Beaufort Street until 1911. Then to Geraldton and then back to where he started in Broome. where he died during racial riots at the age of 55 from heat Apoplexy. He is buried in the Broome Cemetery.
Herbert ‘Bert’ 1893 Perth
Charles 1895 Broome
Fredrick Thomas 1897 Broome
William 1899 Broome
Beatrice Lydia 1902 Kalgoorlie
Florence May 1903 Albany
Harold Francis 1905 Albany
Dorothy 1907 Perth
Myrtle 1909 Perth
Jessie Charlotte 1912 Geraldton
Herbert H H Thomas – Photo Ancestry.com
On the 20 December 1920, the Japanese and Koepangers conflict erupted again when some 1000 Japanese, armed with clubs, attacked the Koepangers; in the melee that developed, two Japanese men were killed, and three of their opponents received serious injuries. The fighting continued for three days, with numerous injuries on both sides, and the death of a Koepanger man. Inspector Thomas, the officer in charge, swore in a large number of Special Constables to assist the small number of police located at that centre. Thomas himself remained on duty throughout the troubles and it has been stated, behaved with great common sense; he deserved the main credit for averting a bloodbath. Unfortunately, after enduring long periods without sleep, constantly out in the sun and suffering physical exhaustion, he collapsed and died on 22 December, just as most of the troubles had ceased. he is buried in the Broome Cemetery.
Nor-West Echo Broome 25 December 1920, page 8
Deaths – On Wednesday, at 9:30 p.m., Police Inspector Herbert Thomas died rather suddenly at the Continental Hotel. Deceased was 54 years of age and only took up duties as Inspector here a few month, ago, although some 2o years previously he was in the Broome police force. The immediate cause of death was heat apoplexy, but there is not the slightest doubt about it being accelerated by the worry and excitement of the riots. Deceased had not eaten anything since Monday, and, being a lover of peace made every endeavor to have the local trouble overcome by peaceful means, and was much disappointed with the result. The funeral, which was largely attended, took place on Thursday, Rev. Simpson officiating. The pall bearers were all old Broomites. The deceased leaves a wife and family of ten, to whom the townspeople extend their sympathies.
Herbert H H Thomas Funeral Cortege – Photo SLWA
Plaque Broome Cemetery – Photo Find a Grave
Lowering the flag draped coffin of Harold H H Thomas into the grave – Photo SLWA
Moya Sharp
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Have just read the entry about Herbert Frederick Hearle Thomas thanks. He was my Husband (Brian Thomas’) great Grandfather, down from Charles Thomas decendants. I have done his family tree. Very interesting back into Devon.