Massacre at East of Ben Lomond

Date: 1 Sep 1829
Place: East of Ben Lomond
Event type: massacre
Direct violence: Yes
On 1 September 1829 John Batman, the leader of a government roving party, made a dawn attack on an Aboriginal camp, numbering 60 or 70 men, women and children. In his report of the incident to Thomas Anstey the police magistrate at Oatlands, Batman estimated that 15 Aborigines died of wounds, and that he executed two other wounded prisoners. The incident was reported in the Colonial Times (September 18, 1829, p 3). Depositions were made by two of Batman's stockkeepers at the Launceston Police Office on 25 September. This incident does not appear to be a reprisal killing.
Notes:
CorroborationRating: ***
LanguageGroup: Ben Lomond
Victims: Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander People
VictimsDead: 17

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 East of Ben Lomond
    1 Sep 1829 — East of Ben Lomond — massacre
    On 1 September 1829 John Batman, the leader of a government roving party, made a dawn attack on an Aboriginal camp, numbering 60 or 70 men, women and children. In his report of the incident to Thomas Anstey the police magistrate at Oatlands, Batman estimated that 15 Aborigines died of wounds, and that he executed two other wounded prisoners. The incident was reported in the Colonial Times (September 18, 1829, p 3). Depositions were made by two of Batman's stockkeepers at the Launceston Police Office on 25 September. This incident does not appear to be a reprisal killing.
    Source: Campbell 1987, p 31-2; CT, September 18, 1829 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/666596; TAHO CS0 1/330.