Wonnangatta Unsolved Murders

[Black Diamond]

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 ) 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

http://youtu.be/gdMdQgD58dw

http://youtu.be/hO8E32GAzCo

http://youtu.be/ZvGxFu6su0c

http://youtu.be/SH6rvzcpwP4

[Mace]

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.

[gclan]

Thanks BD! Tim did a great job with the Postcards From the Bush series. Very interesting.

[Mace]

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.

[Black Diamond]

That was some rare footage of Barclays ghost mace 
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

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

[speewa158]

l have heard the run through was done by a Very Drunk 1/2 wit  , & l wasn't there 

[Black Diamond]

l have heard the run through was done by a Very Drunk 1/2 wit  , & l wasn't there 

You had to be there to believe it was great stuff

[GGV8Cruza]

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.

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

[cruza driver]

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.

Thats what I remember 

[GGV8Cruza]

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

Thats what I remember 

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

[Black Diamond]

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   
He cuts some serious wood and if i remember right Tommo doesnt go too bad either 

[champin]

Any one know where I can get in touch with Tim? I wouldn't mind a copy of this video.

[Black Diamond]

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.

[Brett B]

Some real interesting History Johhny
I will have to look into it a bit more 

[champin]

Thanks BD

[Black Diamond]

I might organise a trip down there for a coupla nights when the tracks re open if anyone is interested cheers

[Mongoose]

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!

[Swannie]

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

Swannie

[Brett B]

Alright I'm in if I have tooo

Swannie

Me 2

[raider]

Has anyone read the book " Who killed Jim Barclay ? " by Wallace Malcolm Mortimer. He has an interesting theory based around cattle stealing.

Raider

[Black Diamond]

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?

[Mace]

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.

[Black Diamond]

Thanks Al that's great stuff will grab a copy

[speewa158]

BD  As a dodgy boy  ,  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   .
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  . 

[Black Diamond]

BD  As a dodgy boy  ,  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   .
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  . 

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"