Spotlight: Francis Marion Bates
The mysterious death of F. M. Bates saw Captain Moonlite dragged once more into the public spotlight and would set him on the path to becoming a bushranger… Continue reading Spotlight: Francis Marion Bates
Tag: Bushranger
Blood and Gin: Morgan at Round Hill Station
Of all of Morgan’s exploits, the raid on Roundhill Station is perhaps the most notorious. Continue reading Blood and Gin: Morgan at Round Hill Station
Spotlight: Captain Thunderbolt by Slim Dusty
When we think of bush ballads and Australian folk songs, there’s really only two voices that jump to mind: John Williamson and Slim Dusty. Here, Slim sings about Captain Thunderbolt painting a colourful portrait of the bandit by contrasting him … Continue reading Spotlight: Captain Thunderbolt by Slim Dusty
Spotlight: Captain Thunderbolt trailer
This 1950s adventure movie, now lost except for the footage in this trailer, is an example of the attempt to revive the bushranger films during the mid-20th century. It seems to essentially transpose our “wild west” characters into the typical … Continue reading Spotlight: Captain Thunderbolt trailer
Captain Thunderbolt: An Overview
Frederick Wordsworth Ward has gone down in Australian history as the quintessential bushranger. Gentlemanly, daring, and a skilled horseman and bushman, he operated under the alias of Captain Thunderbolt until his fabled death in 1870. Continue reading Captain Thunderbolt: An Overview
Spotlight: The capture and death of Fred Lowry as it was reported
His last words were supposedly “Tell ’em I died game.” but how was outlaw Fred Lowry’ s death recorded and reported? Continue reading Spotlight: The capture and death of Fred Lowry as it was reported
Spotlight: Outlawed! Rebels, Revolutionaries and Bushrangers
In 2004, right on the tail end of the last bout of Ned Kelly mania, the National Museum of Australia put together an exhibition looking at outlaws from around the world. Here are some images from that exhibition. Continue reading Spotlight: Outlawed! Rebels, Revolutionaries and Bushrangers
Forgotten Bushrangers: “Cranky Sam” Poo
Surprisingly, the only Chinese bushranger that seems to be of note is Sam Poo, whose career as a highwayman was as short-lived as it was violent. Continue reading Forgotten Bushrangers: “Cranky Sam” Poo
Spotlight: The Ballad of Martin Cash
Come all you sons of Erin’s Isle that love to hear your tuneful notes, remember William Wallace and Montrose of sweet Dundee – The great Napoleon played his part, but by treachery was undone; Nelson, for England’s glory bled and nobly fought by sea – and Wellington, old Erin’s son, who Waterloo so bravely won, when leading on his veteran troops, bold faced his daring foes – but Martin Cash of matchless fame, The bravest man that owns that name, is a valiant son of Erin, where the sprig of shamrock grows. Continue reading Spotlight: The Ballad of Martin Cash
Spotlight: “I Welcome Death as a Friend” – The Last Letter of William Westwood
For his part in leading a prison riot at Norfolk Island that resulted in the death of a prison guard, William Westwood (alias Jackey Jackey) was sentenced to execution by hanging. On the eve of his execution, Westwood dictated a letter to be given to the Protestant Reverend. It is herein reproduced in its entirety. Continue reading Spotlight: “I Welcome Death as a Friend” – The Last Letter of William Westwood