Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

FALLEN IN BLUE
Hasten the Dawn

Constable Garth Elvin ‘Gus’ Atkin 9991
Motorcycle Patrol
Fifteen police motorcyclists died in 33 years [1946-1979], following the introduction of solo motorcycles, on the Melbourne Cup Day of 1946. Performing temporary duty at Mornington, 27 years-of-age, First Constable Maxwell Herbert Koop 9688, at about midnight on New Year’s Eve 1947, was on a motorcycle patrol, when his machine ran off the Pt. Nepean Road, Mt. Martha leaving him severely injured, never regaining consciousness, Max Koop, on 2 January 1948, passed away.
Forming a police motorcycle death bookend for the year 1948, Garth ‘Gus’ Atkin was riding north, along St. Georges Road, North Fitzroy, about 10 p.m., on 22 October 1948, when he collided with the rear of a truck, parked near the Tranmer Street intersection.
Twenty-seven years-of-age, Garth Elvin Atkin, beloved husband of Ada, devoted father of Elvin, loved son of Sarah and the late Hubert Atkin of South Australia, brother of Thora, and Shirley, lies in eternal peace in the Preston cemetery area K, Gave 7461.
Born 15 May 1921 at Kooringa, South Australia, labourer, Garth Elvin Atkin, enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy, commencing on 15 May 1939, his 18th birthday. Serving during 1939-1950, including World War II duty, Garth Atkin, replaced his RAN Number 21831 with Victoria Police registered number 9991.
Victoria Police Veteran, son, Elvin Andreas Atkin [1947-2022], registered number 15160, served the Victorian community with passion, distinction, as well as commitment, for 39.5 years.
Constable Garth Elvin Atkin 9991 rests in eternal peace in the Preston General Cemetery, Bundoora, Victoria, plot Area K, Grave 7461; whilst the cremated ashes of Senior Constable Elvin Andreas Atkin 15160 [Retired] were scattered in open sea.