Murdered officer honoured on milestone day

Dignitaries including Lord Mayor, the Honourable Dr Jane Lomax-Smith AM, Minister of Police Stephen Mullighan, Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens APM LEM and Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams APM LEM united with other guests this morning to honour and remember 23-year-old Foot Constable John McLennan Holman, who was tragically murdered at the location on 23 February 1929.

Police Foundation Day is held annually on 28 April to commemorate SAPOL’s founding in 1838, being the oldest centrally organised police service in Australia, and one of the oldest civilian police services in the world.

“Today, we pay tribute to Constable John McLennan Holman who had his life tragically cut short early in his policing career,” Commissioner Stevens said.

“Constable Holman was a promising young officer who was held in the highest esteem by fellow comrades and his dedication to the job sadly eventuated in the loss of his life.

“Since the establishment of South Australia Police in 1838, 62 police officers have been killed in the line of duty. This is a stark reminder of the dangers police face when protecting the community.”

During a historical address, former Deputy Commissioner and Police Historical Society member John White revisited the tragic 1929 incident as part of the memorial service.

“Constable Holman’s death brought about a shock wave across the community,” he said.

“This memorial reminds us of the sacrifice this young officer made in the vicinity of where he was heartbreakingly killed.”

Foot Constable Holman and fellow constables Budgen and Marshall responded unarmed to a report of shots being fired at Grenfell Street. Upon arrival, they reportedly found the area strangely quiet, with a motorcycle and sidecar parked unattended.

Seizing the machine, the constables travelled a short distance when suddenly confronted by two men, one John Stanley McGrath, who suddenly shot Constable Holman after he dismounted and identified as a police officer.

“Both men turned and ran away while, unarmed and wounded, constables Holman and Budgen bravely gave chase. Shot in the abdomen, Constable Holman collapsed while Constable Budgen continued chase, calling for backup from a nearby Constable King,” Mr White told the crowd.

“Following a vicious gunfight involving Constable King, McGrath was shot in the leg and fell. When

Constable Budgen leant over the offender, he heard a click and, fortunately, realised McGrath was out of ammunition.”

Once McGrath and his accomplice were apprehended, Constable Holman was found unconscious and conveyed to the then Adelaide Hospital, where he sadly died from his wounds an hour later.

Constable Holman had only joined the service two years prior in 1927 and was due to be married a week later. McGrath was found guilty of his murder in July 1929 and sentenced to death. This was later commuted to life imprisonment, but he was released after serving only 13 years.

On Monday 25 February 1929 a state funeral was held for the fallen constable, seeing thousands line Adelaide streets in respect and disbelief.

“For their actions on 12 May 1930, Constables Budgen and King were awarded the King’s Police Medal for conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in recognition of the fearless discharge of their duty at the risk of death on February 23, when Constable Holman was fatally shot,” Mr White added.

Minister of Police Stephen Mullighan paid his respects at today’s memorial and acknowledged the work of all police, past and present.

“Today, decades on, we honour the sacrifice of a young officer who died tragically far too soon,” he said.

“The State Government acknowledges the ongoing risk and sacrifice our brave police continue to take on while protecting fellow South Australians. “

Meanwhile, Constable John McLennan Holman is also remembered and honoured on the South Australia Police Roll of Honour and Wall of Remembrance, and the Australian National Police Memorial Wall of Remembrance, Canberra.

Bill Prior, President of the SA Police Historical Society, former Deputy Commissioner and Police Historical Society member John White, Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens, Honourable Dr Jane Lomax-Smith AM and The Hon Stephen Mullighan MP, Minister for Police at today's Police Foundation Day memorial event in Hindmarsh Square.

Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens APM LEM with the unveiled plaque dedicated to Constable John McLennan Holman, who was killed on duty in 1929.

In 2025 we recognise and honour the passing of Constable John McLennan Holman who died as a result of a fatal gunshot, whilst he was in the execution of his duty on 23 February 1929 in Hindmarsh Square Adelaide.

Foot Constable John McLennan Holman and his  gravesite. The gravesite was restored in 1998 with funding from the Police Association of South Australia.

The Register state funeral coverage February 26, 1929.