Ray "Gunner" Kelly

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Ray "Gunner" Kelly (born 1906 Broken Hill NSW died 1976) was an Australian police officer from Sydney who became famous during his career owing to his high-profile cases and results. In particular, he often leaked stories to Bill Jenkings of the now-defunct Sydney newspaper The Daily Mirror. He retired in 1966 as the best-known and best-regarded police officer in Sydney. By the time he died in 1976, however, his reputation had been tarnished with corruption allegations.

Kelly acquired his nickname after two incidents early in his career when he drew his service revolver and began firing at suspects. It was his successes as a detective that made his name, however, and his talents were used in situations when particular approaches were warranted.

For example, when the British gangster Billy Hill sailed into Sydney with the intention of starting a new life in Australia, Kelly was detailed to ensure that he didn't land. Hill had a legal right to enter the country, so an unorthodox approach was required. Kelly met Hill in his cabin, identified himself, and told Hill that if he stepped off the boat he would return to Britain a week later, in a coffin. Kelly was deadly serious; Hill stayed on the boat and returned to Britain, and never tried to visit Australia again.