Winnecke's Depot is located approximately 63 kilometres northeast of Alice Springs and 50 kilometres northwest of Arltunga. Charles Winnecke had in 1878 established a supply depot at that location in 1878, which became known as Winnecke's Depot.

A goldfield was discovered in 1902, and by 1903 it had expanded, with many miners in the area. The only police station in the district was at Arltunga, which consisted of one constable and two Aboriginal trackers. Sub-Inspector John Field wrote a report to Commissioner Madley recommending that an extra constable be sent to Arltunga. Approval was given for two extra constables, one for Altunga and one to set up a police camp at Winnecke's Depot. They also received eight horses. Mounted Constable Edward Napoleon Buonaparte Catchlove, aged 61 was transferred from Flowlers Bay to Winnecke in June 1903.

From 1870 to 1911 the Northern Territory came under the administrative control of South Australia, including policing duties.

By early June, MC Catchlove had set up the police station and living quarters. They comprised of tents, with a rough wooden-framed brush hut being erected some time later. There were no police cells, so prisoners were secured by chain to a post.

MC Catchlove was renowned for his bushcraft skills. He took part in a couple of missing-person searches with his tracker that spanned many kilometres. One search, he and his tracker searched 60 miles to find a man who sadly had died from starvation whilst walking to Winnecke's Depot. He was recognised for his police service and in January 1904 was promoted to Senior Constable.

Catchlove stayed at the Depot for three and a half years, until mining ceased in 1906 and miners left the area. The police station was subsequently closed on 15th August 1906.

Reference - More Than Bricks & Mortar - By John White

The photo is of Winnecke's Depot