Wagga Wagga Local Area Command, is honouring the ‘Hero of Wantabadgery’ Senior Constable Edward Mostyn Webb-Bowen who died in an exchange of gun fire in November 1879.
During an evening in mid November 1879, ‘Captain Moonlite’ and his gang held up Wantabadgery Station and took a number of hostages. After eating and drinking, the gang moved to a nearby pub, The Australian Arms Hotel, and more hostages were taken.
At 4am, officers from Wagga Police arrived and gunfire was exchanged with the gang. Officers retreated and waited for reinforcements from Gundagai. On arrival of Gundagai Police, the officers attended nearby McGlede’s farm and found ‘Captain Moonlite’ and his gang. Shots were exchanged and Senior Constable Webb-Bowen was shot in the neck. On Sunday 23 November 1879, Senior Constable Webb-Bowen, known as Edward Bowen, died as a result of the gunshot wound. Project Bowen, was established in 2013 by the Wagga Wagga Police and the Wantabadgery community to raise awareness and funds to build a monument to remember the fallen officer. Following an archaeological survey, art exhibition, art auction and generous donations from individuals and local businesses, the monument was completed. Bowen’s grave in Gundagai was also restored. The monument now proudly stands adjacent to the Wantabadgey MacDonald Memorial Hall in Jewnee Street, Wantabadgery.
The memorial will be officially opened at 11:00am on 13th September 2015 by the Wagga Wagga Local Area Commander Superintendant Bob Noble. The opening will include a display of modern and historic police vehicles, police command bus, police helicopter, horses and re-enactors. People are encouraged to attend in period 1870’s- 80’s attire.
Opportunities will be provided to speak to police including the; air wing, highway patrol, detectives, women in policing and the dog unit. Interested members of the public are invited to attend and share in this celebration of community service.
