Massacre at Bootanell Swamp/Springs Greenough

Date: 3 Jun 1854 – 11 Aug 1854
Place: Bootanell Swamp/Springs Greenough
Event type: massacre
Direct violence: Yes
This incident relates to retaliation for threats of cattle killing and threats on the lives of colonists including the spearing of shepherds. The local Aboriginal group made threats to Lockyer Burgess that they would kill his sheep 'when they wanted.' Deputy Superintendent of police, John Nicol Drummond, with a group of station hands from nearby property holdings conducted a massacre of the Aboriginal people who had allegedly been killing stock from the Bootenall (Greenough) area, with Drummond and his force attacking their refuge at Bootenall swamp/springs. Over the next couple of months follow up raids occurred on the Aboriginal people living on the Irwin, Bowes and Chapman Rivers around Geraldton (Pashley, 2002, pp 53���56).
Notes:
CorroborationRating: **
LanguageGroup: Naaguja, Nanda
Victims: Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander People
VictimsDead: 15

People involved

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Sources

  • Pashley, 2002, pp 53���56.

Event mentions

  • Massacre at Bootanell Swamp/Springs Greenough
    3 Jun 1854 – 11 Aug 1854 — Bootanell Swamp/Springs Greenough — massacre
    This incident relates to retaliation for threats of cattle killing and threats on the lives of colonists including the spearing of shepherds. The local Aboriginal group made threats to Lockyer Burgess that they would kill his sheep 'when they wanted.' Deputy Superintendent of police, John Nicol Drummond, with a group of station hands from nearby property holdings conducted a massacre of the Aboriginal people who had allegedly been killing stock from the Bootenall (Greenough) area, with Drummond and his force attacking their refuge at Bootenall swamp/springs. Over the next couple of months follow up raids occurred on the Aboriginal people living on the Irwin, Bowes and Chapman Rivers around Geraldton (Pashley, 2002, pp 53���56).
    Source: Pashley, 2002, pp 53���56.