A spouse's sacrifice

Editorial and photography: Jesse Wray-McCann

The support of police officers’ families has forever been crucial to Victoria Police, but in 1936 Aimee Milne made the ultimate sacrifice when she was killed by bombs intended to murder her detective husband.

The wife of Detective Sergeant Fred Milne, Aimee this year became the first ever non-police officer to receive the prestigious Victoria Police Star, an honour traditionally reserved only for officers who are killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.

Det Sgt Milne was a brilliant detective, known for investigations into some of the most high-profile organised crime figures of 1920s and 1930s Melbourne, including the infamous Squizzy Taylor.

His tenacity in bringing criminals to account meant Det Sgt Milne received his fair share of death threats.

The threats tragically became reality when two improvised explosives were thrown into the main bedroom of his and Aimee’s home in Geelong in the early hours of 13 July 1936.

Fred Milne

The explosion killed Aimee but Det Sgt Milne miraculously survived, along with their two young children.

Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said Aimee’s sacrifice had gone unrecognised for too long.

When the Victoria Police Memorials Committee approached him to posthumously award Aimee with the Victoria Police Star and a special grave dedication, CCP Ashton gladly gave his approval.

“While this is unprecedented, to me this seems very natural, very important and it just seems right,” CCP Ashton said.

“Every achievement that any police officer makes in their career is made off the back of the support of those who love them.

“We talk about Victoria Police being a family, Aimee is always a part of that family.

“This is a unique opportunity to send a message to all those who support their police officers today, that we thank you for your support and sacrifice in doing that.”

Aimee Milne

The Milnes' grandson Rory Milne told those gathered at Aimee’s grave site for the medal presentation that it was difficult to express just how much the honour meant to his family.

“For our family today, this is just so wonderful,” Mr Milne said.

“Acts of extreme violence can occur in such a short time but have an effect on victims for decades afterwards.

“While we stand here in memory of a dreadful crime in 1936, we should also commemorate all the good policing that has prevented, and will prevent, violence in the community.”