Recent research has uncovered the true identity of the legendary Australian bushranger, Captain Thunderbolt. Born Frederick Wordsworth Ward, he adopted the name Captain Thunderbolt after fleeing from prison. He became a feared and respected bushranger known for his audacity and chivalry. Despite his notorious crimes, he was known for his acts of kindness to fellow bushrangers and the poor, earning him a reputation as the Robin Hood of the Outback. Ward was finally shot and killed in 1870 in a police chase, but his legend lives on in Australian folklore. Recent research has revealed his mixed-race heritage, which may have played a role in shaping his later life as an outlaw.
Uncovering the True Identity of ‘Captain Thunderbolt’, Notorious Bushranger
Captain Thunderbolt is a legendary figure in Australian history, known for his daring and ruthless exploits as a bushranger during the mid-19th century. Despite being one of the most notorious bushrangers of his time, the true identity of Captain Thunderbolt remained shrouded in mystery for over a century. It was not until the late 20th century that historians began to piece together the elusive outlaw’s real name and background. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating story of Captain Thunderbolt, his life of crime, and the secrets that have finally been uncovered.
Who was Captain Thunderbolt?
Captain Thunderbolt, also known as ‘The Gentleman Bushranger’, was a notorious outlaw who terrorized the New South Wales countryside in the mid-19th century. He was known for his dashing good looks, his fast horse, and his expert shooting skills. His real name was Frederick Wordsworth Ward, but he adopted the name ‘Captain Thunderbolt’ after fleeing from prison in 1863. He became one of the most feared and respected bushrangers of his time, with a reputation for being a daring and chivalrous outlaw who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor.
What was Captain Thunderbolt’s life of crime like?
Captain Thunderbolt’s life of crime was a mixture of violence, daring escapes, and romantic exploits. He was first arrested for horse stealing in 1856 and spent time in various prisons before he ultimately escaped from Cockatoo Island in 1863. From then on, he embarked on a spree of robberies and hold-ups that would make him one of the most infamous bushrangers in history. He was known for his boldness and audacity, as well as his habit of holding up coaches and banks in broad daylight. Despite his success as a criminal, he was also known for his kindness to fellow bushrangers and the poor, earning him a reputation as a sort of Robin Hood of the Outback.
How was Captain Thunderbolt finally caught?
Captain Thunderbolt’s criminal career came to an end in 1870, after a prolonged chase by police and volunteers. He was finally shot and killed by Constable Alexander Walker on May 25, 1870, near Uralla in northern New South Wales. His body was paraded through the streets of Armidale before being buried in an unmarked grave, where it remained for over a century.
What has been discovered about Captain Thunderbolt’s true identity?
The true identity of Captain Thunderbolt remained a mystery for over a century, with many rumors and theories circulating about his background and origins. However, recent research and analysis have uncovered more about his life than was previously known. It has been revealed that Captain Thunderbolt was born on 11th February 1835 in Windsor, NSW, Australia, and spent his formative years in the Hunter Valley area of northern NSW. He was the son of a convict, Michael Ward, who had been transported from Ireland in 1827. After his parents died when he was young, Frederick was raised by his stepmother Mary Ann, who was the daughter of an Aboriginal woman and a British sailor. This mixed-race heritage may have played a role in shaping his later life as an outlaw.
Conclusion
Captain Thunderbolt was one of the most notorious and elusive bushrangers in Australian history, but recent research has shed new light on his real identity and background. His life of crime was daring and dangerous, but he was also known for his kindness and generosity. His legacy lives on in Australian folklore and popular culture, as a symbol of the outlaw spirit and pioneering spirit that defined the country’s early history.
