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Author Topic: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders  (Read 8686 times)

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Offline Black Diamond

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Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« on: July 30, 2014, 05:08:53 PM »
Just thought i'd share this great little series i came across.

Those who travel into the Vic High Country and the Wonnangatta Valley would have heard and read about the Unsolved Murders Of James Barclay (Wonnangatta station manager) and John Bamford (employed at the station as a cook and general hand) back in 1917/18
Found This little series on Youtube gives some good background History on what happened in the Valley. The legend says James Barclay's spirit still lives in the High Country and on a Myswag trip a few years ago i believe we got a visit from him  :-[
There are also some good Doc's you can click on the right about some History on High Country Huts.

Mace first told me about the legend of Jim Barclay on That cold night up at Lovick's which made for a nervous night's sleep. Bruce McCormack (or Bert Reynolds ;D) from the Mountain Cattlemen's Assocation was also camping up there that night and told us little more about the History of the unsolved murders.

Some real interesting History and viewing :cheers:

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« Last Edit: July 30, 2014, 08:15:06 PM by Black Diamond »
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Offline Mace

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #1 on: July 30, 2014, 06:54:02 PM »
Brings back great memories of a past swaggers trip.

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=18227.250

In which we camped near Barclays Steps.

I think I know who the real perp was.

 :cheers:

« Last Edit: July 30, 2014, 06:58:07 PM by Mace »
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Offline gclan

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #2 on: July 30, 2014, 06:59:36 PM »
Thanks BD! Tim did a great job with the Postcards From the Bush series. Very interesting.
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Offline Mace

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #3 on: July 30, 2014, 07:09:46 PM »
For the uninformed, Barclays Ghost is heard whenever you hear a dingo yowl in the high country.

The story of his ghost is told on many high country trips, late in the evening, around the campfire. The ideal spot to tell it is near Lovicks hut, just above Barclays steps, but it works well anywhere in the vicinity. All that is needed then is some bright spark to hop out of the darkness like the offender pictured above.

One day I'll write it down, but it's better heard live.

God stuff BD.





« Last Edit: July 30, 2014, 08:21:59 PM by Mace »
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Offline Black Diamond

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #4 on: July 30, 2014, 08:09:21 PM »
That was some rare footage of Barclays ghost mace  :police:
It certainly put a few of us on edge that night that's for sure. Was a very memorable one and your knowledge of the VHC is second to none :cheers:

Quote from: gclan on July 30, 2014, 06:59:36 PM
Thanks BD! Tim did a great job with the Postcards From the Bush series. Very interesting.
Love hearing these stories and History, especially when you travel through these parts and put a bit of perspective to it :cheers:
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Offline speewa158

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #5 on: July 30, 2014, 08:14:44 PM »
l have heard the run through was done by a Very Drunk 1/2 wit  , & l wasn't there  :cup:
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Offline Black Diamond

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #6 on: July 30, 2014, 08:18:56 PM »
Quote from: speewa158 on July 30, 2014, 08:14:44 PM
l have heard the run through was done by a Very Drunk 1/2 wit  , & l wasn't there  :cup:
You had to be there to believe it was great stuff :cheers:
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Offline GGV8Cruza

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #7 on: July 30, 2014, 09:55:22 PM »
Quote from: Mace on July 30, 2014, 06:54:02 PM
Brings back great memories of a past swaggers trip.

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=18227.250

In which we camped near Barclays Steps.

I think I know who the real perp was.

 :cheers:


That was a great night for all that were there. The drive up in the afternoon was great with storms about and the hail on the ground when we arrived. A few people slept with one eye open that night

GG
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Offline cruza driver

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #8 on: July 30, 2014, 10:03:11 PM »
Quote from: GGV8Cruza on July 30, 2014, 09:55:22 PM
That was a great night for all that were there. The drive up in the afternoon was great with storms about and the hail on the ground when we arrived. A few people slept with one eye open that night

GG

Are you sure that wasnt because of the snoring echoing around the hills. 8)

Thats what I remember  ;D
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Offline GGV8Cruza

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #9 on: July 31, 2014, 05:48:12 AM »
Quote from: cruza driver on July 30, 2014, 10:03:11 PM
Are you sure that wasnt because of the snoring echoing around the hills. 8)

Thats what I remember  ;D

Not that I can remember, it may have something to do with the refreshments taken around the campfire. But most probably the ear plugs I had in due to certain night wood cutters in the neighbouring swags

GG
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Offline Black Diamond

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #10 on: July 31, 2014, 08:10:16 AM »
Quote from: GGV8Cruza on July 31, 2014, 05:48:12 AM
Not that I can remember, it may have something to do with the refreshments taken around the campfire. But most probably the ear plugs I had in due to certain night wood cutters in the neighbouring swags

GG
One word - RICH  ;D 
He cuts some serious wood and if i remember right Tommo doesnt go too bad either  :cheers:
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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #11 on: July 31, 2014, 08:00:09 PM »
Any one know where I can get in touch with Tim? I wouldn't mind a copy of this video.
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Offline Black Diamond

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Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #12 on: July 31, 2014, 08:34:31 PM »
Quote from: champin on July 31, 2014, 08:00:09 PM
Any one know where I can get in touch with Tim? I wouldn't mind a copy of this video.
He has a Facebook page. Think the link might be on one of those vids.

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Offline Brett B

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #13 on: July 31, 2014, 08:43:14 PM »
Some real interesting History Johhny
I will have to look into it a bit more  :cheers:
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champin

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #14 on: July 31, 2014, 08:44:25 PM »
Thanks BD
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Offline Black Diamond

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #15 on: July 31, 2014, 08:48:08 PM »
I might organise a trip down there for a coupla nights when the tracks re open if anyone is interested cheers
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Offline Mongoose

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #16 on: July 31, 2014, 08:53:59 PM »
Quote from: Black Diamond on July 31, 2014, 08:48:08 PM
I might organise a trip down there for a coupla nights when the tracks re open if anyone is interested cheers

Pick me, pick me!
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Offline Swannie

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #17 on: July 31, 2014, 08:56:07 PM »
Quote from: Black Diamond on July 31, 2014, 08:48:08 PM
I might organise a trip down there for a coupla nights when the tracks re open if anyone is interested cheers

Alright I'm in if I have tooo ;D

Swannie
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Offline Brett B

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #18 on: July 31, 2014, 09:10:01 PM »
Quote from: swannie on July 31, 2014, 08:56:07 PM
Alright I'm in if I have tooo ;D

Swannie

Me 2
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Offline raider

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #19 on: July 31, 2014, 09:12:42 PM »
Has anyone read the book " Who killed Jim Barclay ? " by Wallace Malcolm Mortimer. He has an interesting theory based around cattle stealing.

Raider
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Offline Black Diamond

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #20 on: July 31, 2014, 09:15:29 PM »
Quote from: raider on July 31, 2014, 09:12:42 PM
Has anyone read the book " Who killed Jim Barclay ? " by Wallace Malcolm Mortimer. He has an interesting theory based around cattle stealing.

Raider
I haven't mate but would love to. Know where I could get my hands on one?

:cheers:
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Offline Mace

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #21 on: July 31, 2014, 09:21:42 PM »
Yes, Wally Mortimers book is a good one.

There is also a  Mansfield Locals book by Leydon and Ray.

http://www.mansfieldonline.com.au/wonnangatta.html

Other info.

http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/313160/22_2172.pdf

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wonnangatta_murders

Let's just say that it's an interesting part of history which can still raise interesting conversation around Mansfield. Most of the families present at the time still have descendants in the area.
« Last Edit: July 31, 2014, 09:30:33 PM by Mace »
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Offline Black Diamond

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #22 on: July 31, 2014, 09:24:55 PM »
Thanks Al that's great stuff will grab a copy :cheers:
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Offline speewa158

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #23 on: July 31, 2014, 10:30:50 PM »
BD  As a dodgy boy  ,  >:D Where were  you between 17 & 18 & can you prove it  ???
 Tax returns , police records , death certificates , personal loans etc  all will be checked out you know   ;D.
 Your story better be a good  one as you have been seen in the area  ,  acting in a strange way  or normally as the case may be  .  ;D ;D ;D
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Offline Black Diamond

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Re: Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders
« Reply #24 on: July 31, 2014, 10:50:55 PM »
Quote from: speewa158 on July 31, 2014, 10:30:50 PM
BD  As a dodgy boy  ,  >:D Where were  you between 17 & 18 & can you prove it  ???
 Tax returns , police records , death certificates , personal loans etc  all will be checked out you know   ;D.
 Your story better be a good  one as you have been seen in the area  ,  acting in a strange way  or normally as the case may be  .  ;D ;D ;D
You should have been there and you would have known but you were not, and in the words of the famous Speewa "Suffer in your Undies" ;D ;D
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