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Don Fergusson

1912 – 1970

Australian rower and police chief

Rower Chief of policeDetective
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About Don Fergusson

Lived 1912 – 1970 (aged 58). Don Fergusson was an Australian rower, chief of police and detective.

Donald George Fergusson (12 January 1912 – 14 February 1970) was an Australian rower and police detective. He competed in the men's eight event at the 1936 Summer Olympics. Fergusson committed suicide by shooting himself in 1970.

Fergusson rowed for the New South Wales Police club in Sydney. In 1936 the Police Club's eight dominated the Sydney racing season, the New South Wales state titles and won the Henley-on-Yarra event. They were selected in toto as Australia's men's eight to compete at the 1936 Berlin Olympics with their attendance funded by the NSW Police Federation. The Australian eight with Fergusson rowing in the two seat finished fourth in its heat, behind Hungary, Italy and Canada. It failed to qualify through the repechage to the final.

It has been widely rumoured that he was in fact shot by fellow police officer Fred Krahe to cover up police corruption.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Awards
Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct
Also known as
Donald George Fergusson

People in Don Fergusson's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Don Fergusson's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Don Fergusson?

Australian rower and police chief

When was Don Fergusson born?

Don Fergusson was born on 12 January 1912 in Wickham.

When did Don Fergusson die?

Don Fergusson died on 14 February 1970 in Sydney, New South Wales.

What was Don Fergusson's occupation?

Don Fergusson was a rower, chief of police and detective.

What nationality was Don Fergusson?

Don Fergusson was Australian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Don Fergusson

· Wikidata: Q56253423

· DBpedia: Don Fergusson

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Don Fergusson. https://biography.guide/don-fergusson/

MLA: "Don Fergusson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/don-fergusson/.

Chicago: "Don Fergusson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/don-fergusson/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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