Captain Thunderbolt, born Frederick Ward, was an Australian bushranger infamous for his daring robberies and audacious escapes from authorities during the 19th century in New South Wales. Despite his criminal activity, he gained a reputation as a gentleman bushranger who only robbed the wealthy but never harmed women or the poor. His legend has endured and he has become known as Australia’s Robin Hood. Captain Thunderbolt died in 1870 after being shot and killed during a police chase, but his legacy remains as a legendary figure who defied authority and lived life on his own terms.
The Legend of Captain Thunderbolt: Australia’s Robin Hood
Captain Thunderbolt, also known as Frederick Ward, was an Australian bushranger who operated in New South Wales during the 19th century. He was known for his daring robberies and audacious escapes from the police. The legend of Captain Thunderbolt has lived on and he has become known as Australia’s Robin Hood.
Early Life and Criminal Activity
Frederick Ward was born in Windsor, New South Wales in 1835. He became a stockman and worked on various properties around the state. However, he was prone to getting into trouble with the law and was convicted of horse theft in 1856 and was sent to Cockatoo Island prison.
After serving his sentence, Ward worked as a stockman again but soon turned to a life of crime. He was part of a gang that robbed travelers and coaches on the roads around New South Wales. In 1863, he was caught and sent to prison again, this time for ten years.
The Legend of Captain Thunderbolt
In 1867, after being released from prison, Ward began his infamous career as Captain Thunderbolt. He gathered a small gang of fellow bushrangers and started robbing travelers again. However, he soon gained a reputation as a gentleman bushranger who didn’t harm women or the poor.
Captain Thunderbolt became a folk hero among the ordinary people of New South Wales. He often gave money to the poor and was known to have a certain code of conduct. He would rob the wealthy but never take more than he needed and never harmed anyone.
Audacious Escapes
Captain Thunderbolt was also known for his daring escapes from police custody. In one famous incident, he escaped from a courtroom by jumping over a balcony and onto his horse. He once escaped from a prison cell by digging a hole through the wall with a spoon.
Death
In 1870, Captain Thunderbolt was shot and killed by police after a long chase. His body was put on display at a local hotel and people came from all over to see it. However, his legend lived on and he continued to be regarded as a hero by many.
Conclusion
Captain Thunderbolt remains an enduring figure in Australian folklore. He is remembered as a daring bushranger who robbed the wealthy but was kind to the poor. His audacious escapes and his death at the hands of law enforcement only added to his legend. He remains Australia’s Robin Hood, a legendary figure who defied authority and lived life on his own terms.
FAQs Section:
1. Who was Captain Thunderbolt?
Captain Thunderbolt was a notorious Australian bushranger who operated in New South Wales during the 19th century.
2. Why was he called Australia’s Robin Hood?
Captain Thunderbolt was known for his daring robberies but was also known to be kind to the poor. He only robbed the wealthy and never took more than he needed.
3. Did he really exist?
Yes, Captain Thunderbolt was a real person. His name was Frederick Ward and he was born in Windsor, New South Wales in 1835.
4. Why did he become a bushranger?
Ward had a criminal record for horse theft and turned to a life of crime after being released from prison. He became a bushranger during a time when it was common for people to rob travelers on the roads in New South Wales.
5. How did he die?
Captain Thunderbolt was shot and killed by police in 1870 after a long chase. His body was put on display at a local hotel and people came from all over to see it.
