Massacre at Stawell River, Cambridge Creek, North Queensland

Date: 30 Oct 1861
Place: Stawell River, Cambridge Creek, North Queensland
Event type: massacre
Direct violence: Yes
Frederick Walker the leader of a mounted exploration party of about 10 men, including at least three Aboriginal men and 40 horses, in search of the explorers Burke and Wills, wrote in his diary for 30 October 1861: 'The mounted party met about thirty men, painted and loaded with arms, and they charged them at once. Now was shown the benefit of Terry's breech-loaders, for such a continued steady fire was kept up by this small party that the enemy never was able to throw one of their formidable spears. Twelve men were killed, and few, if any escaped unwounded' (Walker, 1863). An excerpt from Walker's diary was published in the Melbourne Argus, 15 April 1862, p 7. Walker's journal is available online. See below.
Notes:
CorroborationRating: *
LanguageGroup: Mbara
Victims: Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander People
VictimsDead: 12

People involved

This data has not yet been gathered. Research work is ongoing. To help, please consider donating or contact us to volunteer or about setting up research projects in your area.

Sources

Event mentions

  • Massacre at Stawell River, Cambridge Creek, North Queensland
    30 Oct 1861 — Stawell River, Cambridge Creek, North Queensland — massacre
    Frederick Walker the leader of a mounted exploration party of about 10 men, including at least three Aboriginal men and 40 horses, in search of the explorers Burke and Wills, wrote in his diary for 30 October 1861: 'The mounted party met about thirty men, painted and loaded with arms, and they charged them at once. Now was shown the benefit of Terry's breech-loaders, for such a continued steady fire was kept up by this small party that the enemy never was able to throw one of their formidable spears. Twelve men were killed, and few, if any escaped unwounded' (Walker, 1863). An excerpt from Walker's diary was published in the Melbourne Argus, 15 April 1862, p 7. Walker's journal is available online. See below.
    Source: Walker, The Argus, 15 April 1862, p 7 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5713349; Bottoms, 2013, p 97; Walker, in 'Frederick Walker's Journal, October 1861', Burke and Wills Web http://www.burkeandwills.net.au/Journals/Walkers_Journal/Walker_October_1861_RGS.htm