Born: 1884 (Mittagong, New South Wales)
Died: 1971
Biography:
Lillian May Armfield ISM KPFSM (3 December 1884 – 26 August 1971) was an Australian nurse and pioneering Sydney female police detective, one of the first women to serve in that role. She was born in Mittagong, New South Wales on 3 December 1884, to George Armfield and Elizabeth Armfield (née Wright).
Armfield’s professional journey began in 1907, when she took up a position as a nurse at the Callan Park Hospital for the Insane in Callan Park, Sydney. However, she soon embarked on a groundbreaking career path by becoming a female police detective in the New South Wales Police Force on 1 July 1915. At the time of her recruitment, Armfield stood at an impressive height of 5 ft 7¾ ins (172 cm) and weighed 12 st. 10 lbs. (81 kg). She had light brown eyes, brown hair, and a fair complexion.
Described by her interviewing-officer as very intelligent, tactful, shrewd, capable, Armfield proved to be an exemplary candidate for the role of a detective. Alongside Maude Marion Rhodes, she became one of the first women to serve as a probationary special constable in the New South Wales Police Force.
Armfield served as a female police detective for over thirty years, primarily working in the localities of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst. Despite the advancements women had made in the field, Armfield faced challenges such as discrimination and unequal treatment compared to her male colleagues. She was not provided with a uniform and was not compensated for overtime or ancillary expenses like her male counterparts. Additionally, she did not receive adequate recompense for injuries sustained in the line of duty and had no superannuation benefit rights at the end of her career.
Throughout her distinguished career, Armfield fearlessly confronted the dark underbelly of Sydney’s criminal underworld, tackling crimes such as murder, rape, and human trafficking. She became a nemesis to notorious female crime leaders such as Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh, who were associated with the razor gang violence of the 1920s. Alongside her police duties, Armfield also worked as a social worker, cautioning young women about the dangers of associating with male criminals and advising them about the potential risks of bullet wounds or razor slashes.
Armfield’s contemporaries in the police force included renowned officers Ray the blizzard Blissett and Frank Farrell. Despite her valor and dedication, Armfield did not receive adequate recognition within her career. She faced slow promotions and achieved the rank of Special Sergeant (Third Class) only in 1923 and Special Sergeant (First Class) in 1943. Nevertheless, she rose to the position of being in charge of all New South Wales policewomen until her retirement. Notably, Armfield was the only policewoman in New South Wales approved to carry a service revolver for the majority of her police career.
In 1946, Armfield finally received official acknowledgment of her life’s work when she was bestowed with the King’s Police and Fire Service Medal. Three years later, in 1949, she was awarded the Imperial Service Medal upon her retirement from the police service at the age of sixty-five.
Lillian May Armfield’s life story is a testament to her dedication and determination in breaking barriers as one of the first female police detectives in Sydney. Her courage in facing the criminal underbelly of the city, her advocacy for female victims, and her unwavering commitment to her role as a police professional make her an exceptional figure in women’s history.
Awards:
– King’s Police and Fire Service Medal (1946)
– Imperial Service Medal (1949)