Massacre at Mungullalla, Warrego

Date: 1 Nov 1864 – 13 Dec 1864
Place: Mungullalla, Warrego
Event type: massacre
Direct violence: Yes
After four shepherds were killed and sheep taken at Mungullalla station, the Native Police followed tracks but were ambushed at night. They escaped, returned and killed eight or nine Aboriginal people.


'From up the Warrego we have reliable information of four
murders by the blacks - two shepherds belonging to Mr. Grenfell, and two travellers found dead in their blankets on the
Wara. The station's name where the shepherds perished is Mungullalla. From Mr. Bullmore's shepherd were taken by
force a quantity of sheep, which were tracked by the native police, under Captain Lambert, and Mr. Lowe, magistrate. A
surprise at night was contemplated by the blacks, but was frustrated by the vigilance of Mr. Lowe; they had time to mount,
ride off, and return to lay eight or nine of the rascals in the dust. Mr. James Grimes has been driven in from Kennedy's
Creek, close to the Yow Yow, and has taken refuge at Wiseman's, leaving all his property behind. Other outrages have
been committed much further down the river, and it will surprise none here if there are other hostile acts' (The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser Tue 13 Dec 1864, p 3).
Notes:
CorroborationRating: *
LanguageGroup: Gunggari / Mandandandji
Victims: Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander People
VictimsDead: 8

People involved

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Sources

Event mentions

  • Massacre at Mungullalla, Warrego
    1 Nov 1864 – 13 Dec 1864 — Mungullalla, Warrego — massacre
    After four shepherds were killed and sheep taken at Mungullalla station, the Native Police followed tracks but were ambushed at night. They escaped, returned and killed eight or nine Aboriginal people.


    'From up the Warrego we have reliable information of four
    murders by the blacks - two shepherds belonging to Mr. Grenfell, and two travellers found dead in their blankets on the
    Wara. The station's name where the shepherds perished is Mungullalla. From Mr. Bullmore's shepherd were taken by
    force a quantity of sheep, which were tracked by the native police, under Captain Lambert, and Mr. Lowe, magistrate. A
    surprise at night was contemplated by the blacks, but was frustrated by the vigilance of Mr. Lowe; they had time to mount,
    ride off, and return to lay eight or nine of the rascals in the dust. Mr. James Grimes has been driven in from Kennedy's
    Creek, close to the Yow Yow, and has taken refuge at Wiseman's, leaving all his property behind. Other outrages have
    been committed much further down the river, and it will surprise none here if there are other hostile acts' (The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser Tue 13 Dec 1864, p 3).
    Source: The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser Tue 13 Dec 1864, p 3 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/18712906