Colonists capture Wiradjuri warriors

Date: 21 Aug 1839
Place: Wamber Tumber Gap
The colonist reprisal posse surrounded the group of 30 Wiradjuri raiders at Wamber Tumber Gap. As the only high ground on the plains the warriors were probably basing their raids from this strategic position. The colonists seem to have know where they were, as the narrative doesn’t describe a pursuit but says they surrounded the warriors and drove them into a hut. This also suggest they were taken by surprise. The colonists then “ secured Buonaparte, Johnny Murphy, Yoyoe Mickey, Jackey William, andHilly the Ram, and let the others go” (1839, August 31, The Australian, p 2).

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Sources

  • Vox Populi—Vox Dei. (1839, August 31). The Australian (Sydney, NSW : 1824–1848), p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36863077 ; Reuss & Browne, cartographer & Reuss, F. H & Browne, J. L & Degotardi, Johann Nepomuk. (1860). Reuss & Browne's map of New South Wales and part of Queensland shewing the relative positions of the pastoral runs, squattages, districts, counties, towns, reserves &c Retrieved October 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-230694679 ; PASTURAGE LICENSES. (1845, November 18). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 1294. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230690220

Event mentions

  • Colonists capture Wiradjuri warriors
    21 Aug 1839 — Wamber Tumber Gap
    The colonist reprisal posse surrounded the group of 30 Wiradjuri raiders at Wamber Tumber Gap. As the only high ground on the plains the warriors were probably basing their raids from this strategic position. The colonists seem to have know where they were, as the narrative doesn’t describe a pursuit but says they surrounded the warriors and drove them into a hut. This also suggest they were taken by surprise. The colonists then “ secured Buonaparte, Johnny Murphy, Yoyoe Mickey, Jackey William, andHilly the Ram, and let the others go” (1839, August 31, The Australian, p 2).
    Source: Vox Populi—Vox Dei. (1839, August 31). The Australian (Sydney, NSW : 1824–1848), p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36863077 ; Reuss & Browne, cartographer & Reuss, F. H & Browne, J. L & Degotardi, Johann Nepomuk. (1860). Reuss & Browne's map of New South Wales and part of Queensland shewing the relative positions of the pastoral runs, squattages, districts, counties, towns, reserves &c Retrieved October 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-230694679 ; PASTURAGE LICENSES. (1845, November 18). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 1294. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230690220