Battle of Parramatta

The Battle of Parramatta was a battle of the Australian Frontier Wars which occurred in Sydney on March 1797.[2] In the conflict, Aboriginal resistance leader Pemulwuy led a group of Bidjigal warriors, estimated to be at least 100, in an attack on a government farm at Toongabbie, challenging the garrison of redcoats to battle.[3]

Battle of Parramatta
Part of Hawkesbury and Nepean Wars
Date21–22 March 1797
Location
Parramatta, New South Wales
Result British victory, capture of Pemulwuy
Belligerents

 Kingdom of Great Britain

 Aboriginal Australians
Commanders and leaders
Unknown Pemulwuy
Strength
Unknown 100 (est.)[1]
Casualties and losses
13 soldiers killed
1 militia settler wounded		 32 killed (est.)
Pemulwuy captured

Conflict

The settlers and soldiers took up their muskets and chased the Aboriginal warriors through the night. At dawn, they encountered about 100 Aborigines just outside Parramatta, who ran away. The settlers entered Parramatta and, one hour later, according to David Collins, "were followed by a large body of natives, headed by Pe-mul-wy, a riotous and troublesome savage".

When confronted, Pemulwuy threw a spear at a soldier prompting the government troops and settlers to open fire. Pemulwuy was shot seven times and was wounded. The aboriginal warriors threw many spears, hitting one man in the arm. The difference in firepower was evident and five aboriginal warriors were killed instantly.[4]

Outcome

The Bidjigal suffered great losses and were forced to retreat. To show compassion and appreciation, the soldiers took Pemulwuy to the hospital at Parramatta. He went in and out of consciousness for days and his death was thought to be indisputable. Against all odds, Pemulwuy recovered and he escaped a few weeks later with his legcuffs still in place.[5][6]

See also

References
  1. "Pemulwuy: A War of Two Laws Part 2", Message Stick Sunday 16 May 2010, 1:30pm ABC1 Archived 27 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine accessed 3 March 2014
  2. J Henniker Heaton, Australian Dictionary of Dates and Men of the Time, Sydney, 1873
  3. Dale, David (16 February 2008). "WHO WE ARE: The man who nearly changed everything". "The Sun Herald".
  4. Collins, David. An account of the English colony in New South Wales. 2. p. 27.
  5. Al Grassby and Marji Hill, Six Australian Battlefields, North Ryde: Angus &Robertson, 1988:99.
  6. "Pemulwuy".

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