James SANGSTER

In 1893, the people of Ipswich were moved by the selfless efforts of Constable James Sangster who lost his life in a gallant rescue attempt.

Early on February 4, the Jackson family awoke to find that the Bremer River had risen several metres during the night and was threatening their home. Mrs Jackson and five of her children set out in a small boat for higher ground. This left her eldest daughter and a farm worker in the house to await its return. However, before the boat reached dry land, it hit an underwater snag and overturned, drowning four of the children.

Sangster arrived at the river bank to see the house lifted up and carried downstream in the raging torrent. Grave fears were held for the two left stranded within the building and several unsuccessful attempts were made to rescue them. Although Sangster could not swim, he decided to try again to save the pair but this attempt ended in tragedy. He was washed downstream into the waters of the Brisbane River, and although managing to cling for several hours to a flimsy sapling, no one could reach him. Onlookers were powerless to help when the sapling finally broke and the young police officer disappeared beneath the waters. By the next morning the river had fallen several metres and the two left stranded in the house were brought safely to shore.

Citizens of Ipswich erected a memorial fountain to commemorate Sangster's devotion to duty which still stands on the Down Street side of Brown's Park in Ipswich.