The name Ned Kelly evokes many images: he was and continues to be a controversial figure. Although undoubtedly a criminal, thief and murderer Kelly had many sympathisers who saw him as an example of the Australian spirit, an underdog circumstantially swept up in crime and one who challenged the authorities. Disputes with police led to Ned, brother Dan, friends Joe Byrne and Steve Hart taking to the bush and ultimately to the massacre of three policemen at Stringybark Creek.
An uneducated man, Kelly was able to articulate his version of events and justify his actions in his famous Jerilderie letter dictated to an accomplice, despite being busy at the time robbing the Jerilderie bank of 2000 pounds! Although not published until after his death the letter probably contributed to the folk hero status, many aspects of which remain evident today in presentations of Kelly Gang history.
Recently a move was made to present a more nuanced view of the Kelly Gang and the police massacre. The memorial at the site, opened around two years ago, attempts to redress the imbalance and speak for the police service and families of the slain.
The memorial, hidden away in bushland looking much as it did in1878, presents the police story, based on newspaper articles of the day and recollections of the policeman who escaped. It is certainly a harrowing story of death in the bush and the gruesome recovery of the bodies. Two of the policemen were married, the third a respected bachelor. The officer who escaped, Constable McIntyre, found himself negatively impacted personally and professionally for the rest of his life!
Lonigan and Scanlan were the first to die, at their camp. McIntyre managed to escape on horseback, forging a track through the bush which Kennedy followed before being wounded and then killed at close range.
A walking track meanders through the bush to the spot where Sergeant Kennedy's body was discovered. Ned Kelly admitted to killing him during his trial.
The clearing where Sergeant Kennedy, covered by his cloak, was found.
The massacre marked a change in attitude from the public and demands for action led to the siege at Glenrowan, the death of gang members and Ned's capture. Still, 30,000 people signed a petition asking for clemency for Ned. It was not to be: "That's life" said Ned and he was hanged at Melbourne Gaol in 1880. In 2013 Ned was laid to rest at Greta beside his mother in an unmarked grave.
A memorial stands in Mansfield where the police were stationed and buried but at Stringybark Creek itself only memorial trees bore witness for many years. The last of these, selected in the 1930s, had the names Lonigan, Kennedy and Scanlan carved in the trunk.
In the 1980s a metal plate was placed over the name Lonlgan - the only name left visible.
Today their story is told respectfully and simply reflecting the thoughts of family, friends and colleagues. It is a quiet and peaceful place - no ghosts.
Have to read up on all this. Good narrative Lesley, thanks!
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