A Haunting at Belalie North, South Australia.

 

Belalie North is famous as the birthplace of R.M. Williams. It was a town that sprang up when the train line from Peterborough (then Petersburg) to Jamestown was built. It was at the time, the highest train station above sea level in South Australia, which made it hard for steam engines to climb the steep hills. The line was eventually re-routed around Belalie, and the town went into decline.

All that stands today is the ruins of the former general store and the entrance pillars to the town which contain a memorial to local men lost in World War One.[1]

It has long been rumoured that Belalie is haunted. Legend tells of two brothers who fell in love with the same woman. During a heated argument, it is alleged one brother shot and killed the other. Once a year, on the day of the murder, the ghost of the brother, it is said, can be seen standing where he was killed. In a rage, he stands on the road and shouts, ‘I’ll kill you, you bastard!!”

 

 

Researched and written by Allen Tiller ©2024

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[1] ‘Belalie North,’ Australia For Everyone, (2017), https://www.australiaforeveryone.com.au/files/sa-midnorth/peterborough.html

The Ghosts of Stanley Grammar School – Part 3: Peppi the ghost

 The Ghosts of Stanley Grammar School – 

Part 3: Peppi the Ghost.

Stanley Grammar School 1897 [SLSA: B 16781]

There are always local legends about buildings that become derelict in small country towns, the former Stanley Grammar School is no exception. It is claimed that the stairway that allowed boys access to the male dormitory on the first floor, was narrow and very steep.
Legend states that one small boy either fell or was pushed down the staircase, dying from his injuries (there is no record I can find for this). It is alleged this boy, dubbed ‘Peppi’ haunts the old school.

There have been claims by witnesses to Peppi’s haunting of hearing a small boy crying out in pain, sometimes he calls for help, sounding as if he is in great pain. Other witnesses state that the cry for help is more of a plea, than one of pain, like Peppi is lost, or alone, and pleading for someone to help him. One former owner of the building claimed to have heard Peppi but never saw the ghost.
 

According to Geraldine Pearce, in the book, Ghosts and Hauntings of South Australia, by Gordon de L. Marshall, the only witness to sight Peppi is Michelle Dohnt, who, ‘thought she saw the vague outline of a small boy at the dormitory window.’[1]

 

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2024.

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[1] Gordon de L. Marshall, ' WATERVALE: Stanley Grammar School,' Ghosts and Hauntings of South Australia, (2012) p. 288.

The Ghosts of Stanley Grammar School – Part 2: Family History

 The Ghosts of Stanley Grammar School – 

Part 2: Family History

 

Joseph Stear Carlyon Cole, 1895 [SLSA B 12272]

    Joseph Stear Carlyon Cole was born in Exeter, Devon, England in 1832.[1] He emigrated to Penwortham, South Australia in 1857. He taught at the Auburn Public School and worked as a clerk at the local district court; was secretary for the Independent Order of Oddfellows; was a correspondent for the South Australian Register newspaper; and curator for a local cemetery.
 In 1861, Cole was headmaster at the Pulteney Street School in Adelaide. He left to open his own school at Watervale.[2]

Hannah Cole nee Peacock

   Cole married Hannah Peacock in Adelaide, in November 1862. Together they had five daughters and one son; Florence (1863-1936), Ada (1865 – 1890), Jessie (1867 – 1949), Alice (1868 – 1934), Clement, (1871-1931), Mable (1865-1905). Joseph Coles retired in 1904 but remained on the property until his death on 15 October 1916 at the age of 85. He was buried at St Mark’s Cemetery, Penwortham.[3] Hannah died in August 1928.[4] Hannah was buried with Joseph, and their son, Clement, was later buried with his parents. Jessie and Alice Cole are buried together at Penwortham Cemetery.

 

Next week: The Ghosts of Stanley Grammar School – Part 3: Peppi the Ghost.

 

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2024.

---

[1] Jean V. Moyle, 'Cole, Joseph Stear Carlyon (1832–1916)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, ANU, (1981).

[2] Ibid.

[3] 'Family Notices', The Register, (17 October 1916), p. 2.

[4] 'MRS. COLE.', Chronicle, (8 September 1928), p. 22.

The Ghosts of Stanley Grammar School – Part 1: History

 The Ghosts of Stanley Grammar School – 

Part 1: History

 

Old Stanley Grammar School, Watervale c. 1975 [SLSA: B 31688]

The construction of the Stanley Grammar School began in 1863. The school was built by its founder, Joseph Cole. Cole founded his school in 1858, teaching from the Watervale Bible Christian Chapel. A new public school opened in Watervale in 1859 where Cole also taught.|
Cole purchased land between the school and Commercial Street on which he built a four-room private school building. In 1867, the school officially adopted Stanley Grammar School as its name. The school operated as a boarding house for boys, who were schooled there, with girls allowed access to schooling during the day. The school had a 30-acre recreation area that featured a gymnasium.[1]
 In 1871, the school was extended, with a second story, new ground-floor rooms, and further dormitories. Lessons taught included practical mathematics, Logarithms, chemistry, assaying, surveying, linear and perspective drawing, brokerage, bookkeeping, typewriting, drawing theodolite and chain surveying, music, and field subjects.

Miss Susan Roach was an assistant teacher of Mr Cole. In every room was a list of rules and regulations of the school, which were sacrosanct, and woe to those who disobeyed. Coles taught his students to read parliamentary newspapers so that they could be informed about politics when it became their time to vote. He also encouraged his students to uphold moral standards when students went home to their own districts; that a man would be judged by their actions, conduct and manner.[2] Many of his students went on to be important people in South Australia, including; Sir David Gordon, Dr William Torr, Sir John Duncan, Sir Frederick Young, H C Mengeson, J Harmer, Dr W Jethro Brown and Emile Sobels.[3]

Mr A.H.  Wehrmann recalled in The Recorder newspaper in 1949, that two school mottos were hung in the classroom. The first, ‘Let the boy learn so he may be able to teach,’ and the second, ‘Learning is wealth to the poor and an ornament to the rich.’[4]

Stanley Grammar School 1880 [SLSA: B 12274]

The building lay empty for 30 years, Cole’s daughter, Jessie, lived in the family house built next door until her death in 1949. After her passing the family belongings and property were sold at auction.[5]
the building has been utilised by the Girl Guides, by artists, by numerous owners who wanted to restore it, but it fell into disrepair. One potential buyer wanted to demolish it and use the stone in other projects. In the 1980s, it was The Three Roses Restaurant. The building was sold to Adelaide heart surgeon, Dr John Knight, who restored it to its former beauty. The property was sold to Denise and Frank Kluss in 2007, who now offer the site as a deluxe boutique accommodation.

Next week: The Ghosts of Stanley Grammar School – Part 2: Family History

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2024.

---

[1] 'Old Stanley Grammar School at Watervale', Northern Argus, (28 April 1949), p. 1.

[2] 'Early Teaching In Watervale', Chronicle, (29 April 1948), p. 32.

[3] Lantana, ‘History,’ Stanley Grammar Country House, (2023), https://www.oldstanleygrammar.com.au/history/.

[4] 'MR. OSBORNE'S MEMORIES', Recorder, (10 October 1949), p. 3. 

[5] 'Old Stanley Grammar School at Watervale', Northern Argus, (28 April 1949), p. 1.

 The Bent Tree Haunting - Watervale

 

On the Horrocks Highway, between Leasingham and Watervale there once stood a landmark, a bent tree, which marks the spot of a tragic accident.

 Andrew Sands came to Australia on board the passenger ship Epaminondas, arriving at Port Adelaide on 2^nd August 1852. Andrew was a 30-year-old Scottish-born Miner, his wife, Margaret was 28, they had (at the time) three children, David, aged 8, James, aged 4; and 1-year-old Margaret.[1] The couple had one South Australian-born child, Archibald in March 1866.

 

On Tuesday 2^nd February 1869, Andrew Sands was thrown from his horse during a thunderstorm, near the Bent Tree, a local landmark at the time. Sands was found and taken to the Auburn Hotel, where he was attended by Doctor Wall. He was diagnosed with a severe concussion of the brain.
 On 4 February 1869, Andrew Sands died. Sands had a fractured skull, and his brain had swelled, eventually killing him. He was buried the following day 5^th of February 1869, in the Auburn Cemetery, overseen by Reverend Crawford.[2]

Since his untimely death, a local legend states that on moonlit nights, the exact spot where he came off his horse, the ghost of Andrew Sands appears.  Before the time of motor cars, it was claimed that Sand's ghost would try and stop passersby. He walks with his arms out, pleading for a lift. Horses would rear up at the sight of the ghost, bolting, and often throwing their rider to the ground, just as Sands horse had done many years before.

Sand's ghost is not seen as much these days. As cars speed by on the Horrocks Highway, but every now and then, a report of an oddly dressed man, arms outstretched, as if pleading, begging for someone to stop and save him, is seen…

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2024

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[1] Robert Janmaat, ‘Epaminondas’, The Ships List, SA Passenger Lists, 1847-1886, (2008), https://www.theshipslist.com/ships/australia/epaminondas1852.shtml.

[2] 'AUBURN.', Kapunda Herald and Northern Intelligencer, (5 February 1869), p. 3.

 A Ghost Named Clark.

 

Kadina 1933 {SLSA B 8738}

 In August 1880, Kadina on the Yorke Peninsula was haunted by a ghost. The ghost was seen in the evenings. It purposefully scared women and children, jumping out from behind trees, and around corners.

 One evening, Foot Constable Murray of the Kadina police patrolled the streets. He spotted the ghost as it floated through the town and followed it. He approached the ghost, and grabbed it, expecting to pass through it - as you do – but the ghost was solid. He unmasked the Kadina spectre, a man in a white bedsheet, and took him to the police station! FC Murray may have been South Australia’s first ‘ghostbuster!’

Hosiah Clark was charged by Foot Constable Murray with ‘unlawful use of a disguise to frighten women and children.’[1] Clark was deemed idle and disorderly, he was sentenced to pay 15s for his crime and serve fourteen days in the Wallaroo Gaol.[2]

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2024

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[1] 'POLICE COURT—KADINA.', The Wallaroo Times and Mining Journal, (18 August 1880), p. 3.

[2] 'NEWS OF THE MONTH.', The Illustrated Adelaide News, (1 September 1880), p. 1. 

 Port River Sunfish

 In 1903, the Adelaide Observer reported that Mr Seymour Bagot and a small party of young men were fishing in the Port River. (The Observer, in 1908, reported the incident happened at Schnapper Point).[1] Bagot noticed a fish floating lazily on the surface of the water with a fin protruding, he described it as looking ‘like a shark.’
Bagot reported the incident to the journalist stating,

‘I picked up my gun and fired at it twice in quick succession. It immediately dived, and I headed the launch for the shore. For a time, I lost sight of the queer fish, but it found us shortly afterwards and nearly capsized the boat. Our propellor struck it once of twice; and then I shot again, and this time managed to hit it in a vital part. The chase and kill were more exciting than any shark could possibly have given.’[2]

 The fish was 7 feet 2 inches (2.1 meters) in length; 9 feet 2 inches (2.8 meters) in girth, and length round, 18 feet (5.4 meters).  Each of its two fins measured 3 feet 1 inch (0.94 meters). The distance from the top fin to the bottom was 9 feet 6 inches (2.92 meters). The fish weighed 15 cwt (762 kg).[3]

The fish an Ocean Sunfish (also known as a Mola mola) can weigh between 250 to 2000Kg. They can grow to at least 3.3 meters and as large as 4 meters in size. According to the Australian museum, there are five species of Sunfish found in Australian waters; the Hoodwinker Sunfish - Mola tecta, the Giant Sunfish - Mola alexandrini, the Ocean Sunfish - Mola mola, Slender Sunfish - Ranzania laevis, and the Point-tailed Sunfish, Masturus lanceolatus.[4]

The fish was donated to the South Australian Museum. The Register newspaper reported in December 1903 that,

 ‘Very shortly the enormous sunfish captured in the Port River by Mr. Seymour Bagot, will be added to the collection. This example and a mute swan (one of a number given to the Botanical Gardens by the late Queen Victoria) are now receiving the finishing touches.’[5]

The sunfish caught be Seymour Bagot was on display in the South Australian for many years. Although it doesn’t mention Bagot’s Sunfish, this article, written by Dan Monceaux for the Marine Life Society of South Australia Inc., records modern captures of the Sun fish in South Australia: http://mlssa.org.au/2014/08/09/sunfish-sightings-in-south-australia/



Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2024




[1] 'GENERAL NEWS.', Observer, (26 September 1908), p. 35.

[2] 'A SEA MONSTER.', Adelaide Observer, (18 July 1903), p. 24.

[3] 'A SEA MONSTER.', The Capricornian, (25 July 1903), p. 46.

[4] Kerryn Parkinson, Ocean Sunfish, Mola mola (Linnaeus, 1758), Australian Museum, (2021), https://australian.museum/learn/animals/fishes/ocean-sunfish-mola-mola/.

[5] 'ADDITIONS TO THE MUSEUM.', The Register, (22 December 1903), p. 4.

 

Gawler National Trust Heritage Museum

In the past year, I have held 3 presentations at the Gawler Heritage Museum, raising close to $2000 for the museum. Many people still don’t seem to know Gawler has a museum in Murray Street, so I thought I might share a ghost story to see if it generates some interest and gets some people visiting…

This building started as Gawler’s Telegraph Station and was built in 1860. Pre-internet and telephones, A wire signal was installed that allowed a tapped, morse code message to be sent to Gawler from Adelaide or Port Adelaide when the mail arrived.
Eventually, the Post office moved next door and this building became the Gawler School of Mines and the Gawler Adult Education Centre. From 1915 until 1953 it was the Commonwealth Government Electoral Office. In 1966, the building was transferred to the National Trust. It is now Gawler’s National Trust Museum.

Ghosts

The building is allegedly haunted by twin girls who sit on chairs on
the upper level. A witness claimed to have walked into the room and saw the little girls sitting there,
talking to each other. They did not seem to notice the living lady, and vanished before her eyes, as she
stared at them in shock!

Another ghostly occurrence is linked to the old piano upstairs, during a paranormal investigation, the piano was heard to tap out a few notes – perhaps this was a ghost playing a tune…or typing our morse code…

 Cold Case: Darren Jason Shannon

 

On Saturday 9 June 1973, 11-month-old Darren Jason Shannon was abducted by his father. Darren, known as Jason by his mother, was at his grandparents’ house at Blackdown Road Elizabeth West (now Davoren Park) when his father John ‘Barry’ Shannon, a man with a long history of mental illness abducted him. 24 hours later, John Shannon died in a head-on car crash near Roseworthy. Jason was not found in the car, or nearby, and his whereabouts to this day, remain a mystery.

Jason’s mother, Michelle, recollected in the Sunday Mail, in 2016 the day of her son's abduction. She recalled that Barry had come to the house twice that day, which was unusual, but other than that, there was nothing out of the ordinary, not suspicious about his behaviour.
 The couple had split up, and Michelle had moved back to her parents’ home. She had received custody of Jason, but Barry had received visitation rights.[1]

On the evening of the abduction, Barry came to the house. He snatched Jason from the loungeroom, and Michelle's dad, Alfred chased after him. Barry was too quick, escaping into his car and speeding off. The family eventually left Adelaide and returned to England.[2]

Jason Shannon Cold Case - Car Crash Scene (Wolseley 1300 Mk II)

Police investigations concluded that Barry could not have driven far in the two hours between the abduction and car crash. They estimated the farthest he could have travelled was Clare or Port Wakefield from Elizabeth, then back through Roseworthy. They also concluded from examining soil samples in his car and shoes that Barry had not walked in dirt or mud, or been involved in digging. The soil samples confirmed the dirt from his parents’ and former in-law’s homes but nowhere else.

 A grave was interfered with in 2005 at Church of Christ cemetery Kapunda – but no conclusive connection between the two cases has been established.[3] Police believe that Barry either disposed of his son’s body somewhere before the crash or gave him to someone else to raise in secret.[4]

Anyone with information that could assist police investigating the disappearance of baby Jason is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au/  - callers can remain anonymous.

---

[1] Debbie Schipp, ‘Cold case: Four decades on, what happened to baby Jason?’, The Advertiser, (August 2016), https://www.news.com.au/national/crime/cold-case-four-decades-on-what-happened-to-baby-jason/news-story/433177cc2ab7e9c3efafc48c3b005f3d.

[2] Nigel Hunt, ‘Police reveal second theory in unsolved 1973 baby abduction case,’ Sunday Mail, (31 July 2016).

[3] Nigel Hunt, ‘Police reveal second theory in unsolved 1973 baby abduction case,’ Sunday Mail, (31 July 2016).

[4] Case Profile – Darren ‘Jason’ Shannon, Crime Stoppers, (10 June 2022), https://crimestopperssa.com.au/media-releases/case-profile-darren-jason-shannon/

 GREAT FIRE IN RUNDLE-STREET. 1879

For the size of the city Adelaide has been comparatively free from the "fire demon" for a very long time. The hot weather of the past week has however brought with it a larger number of fires than has ever occurred during a like period since the colony has existed.

The subject of our illustration was the largest fire we have ever had here. It began soon after 9 o'clock on the evening of February 5th, and before it was got under (at about 11 o'clock) no fewer than three shops and premises were completely gutted. The names of the persons whose premises were entirely destroyed were L. Veroli (insured), Mr. Barry (not insured), Mr. Haylock (not insured). Besides these the adjoining premises of Messrs. Jamieson, Lyons, and the E.S. & A.C. Bank, were all considerably damaged both by fire and water.
  We believe that fully £10,000 worth of damage was done. The thoroughfare was completely blockaded for several hours by a mass of people, and there could not have been less than 10,000 persons present. A great part of the salvage goods were stolen, whilst the furniture and personal effects were more damaged by being tumbled about the streets than by any other cause.

Mr. Richard Vaughan is the proprietor of the whole of the buildings, but we believe he will not lose anything, being fully insured. At the inquest nothing was elicited to show how the fire originated, and we suppose it will therefore for ever remain a mystery.

Besides the large fire, there has been several others during the past few days, at the King of Hanover stables, at Kent Town, in Hindley-street, and lastly at the Adelaide Photographic Company's in King William-street. Altogether, Adelaide has had enough fires to last a long time, and we sincerely hope it will be a long time ere we have to chronicle so disastrous a fire as is depicted on our front page. It is from a sketch taken on the spot.

 

'Our Illustrations', The Illustrated Adelaide News, (1 February 1879), p. 3., http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224815211

 Loveday – Part 4 – Camp 10

The Loveday Internment Camp complex was the largest construction of its type in Australia, and the only purpose-built World War II internment facility in South Australia. It comprised a garrison barracks and administration building, camps 9, 10 and 14; a piggery and other farming facilities, and included three woodcutting camps at Katarapko, Woolenook Bend and Moorook West.[1] Other Internment facilities were a temporary facility at Keswick Army Barracks in 1939/40. Gladstone Gaol was used for Italian detainees, who worked forestry jobs at Wirrabara and Bundaleer. There was also a temporary internment camp at Sandy Creek that housed Italian detainees who worked on farms in the Adelaide Hills. Before this, the camp had been constructed to house American troops. A section of fence from this camp still exists on Williamstown Road.[2]

Camp 10, accepted detainees from, June 1941 until January 1944, when all detainees were transferred to camp 14. At the end of the war, most of the structures at the camp were sold and relocated, however, the camp 10 cell block remains in situ. The cell block was built originally as a two-cell facility but was later expanded to six cells. Detainees housed here were for crimes inside the camps, such as espionage, physical violence against other inmates, disobedience, and escape attempts. Australian soldiers with the 25/23 Garrison Battalion, due for court-martial hearings also spent time in these buildings. (One, who worked in the mail room, was accused of opening Red Cross packages sent to detainees and stealing their cigarettes.)[3] These three detained Australian soldiers inscribed their names on the cell’s walls.[4]

Camp 10 was officially closed on 9 January 1944. It was then converted to a Detail Issue Depot (DID). DIDs were used for storing and distributing basic supplies to the various camps.[5] The camp was closed in 1946, and individual campsites were sold as properties. In 1947, the piggeries and 43 acres of land were sold to ex-servicemen.[6]

In 1989, The General Headquarters site at Loveday Internment Camp Complex was entered into the South Australian Heritage Register. In 1991, an archaeological survey was conducted at the location. The Loveday Internment Camp Committee is investigating the potential of turning the former cell block into a tourist attraction.[7]

 

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2024

[1] Camp 10 Detention Cell Block – Loveday Internment Camp Complex., Department of Environment and Water, (2020), p. 14.
[2] Ibid., pp. 2-3.
[3] 'Prisoners' Camp Allegations', News, (28 April 1944), p. 3.
[4] Camp 10 Detention Cell Block – Loveday Internment Camp Complex., Department of Environment and Water, (2020), p. 19-20.
[5] The Details Issue Depot, Australian War Memorial, (2023), https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/ART21450.
[6] 'Loveday Camp Closing', The Advertiser, (21 January 1947), p. 2.
[7] Loveday Internment Camp, Berri Barmera Council, (March 2023), https://lovedayinternmentcamp.au/.

Loveday – Part 3: Tunnel

Loveday – Part 3: Tunnel

Barmera, South Australia. 1943-03-11/17. Detention cells of the 10th Australian prisoner of war and internment camp, loveday group. (Australian War Memorial)

Loveday internment camp had many escape attempts, the most notable being a tunnel dug from under a tent near a permitter fence, which came out on the other side of the barbwire fence, hidden by a bush.
The tunnel was deep enough underground that trucks passing over the top on the road did not collapse it. To get around the large amounts of dirt being pulled from the tunnel excavation, prisoners asked for permission to make a mud brick hut, which was granted. Surprisingly, no officers questioned where the dirt was coming from.

Internees used kitchen knives to dig the tunnels, and handkerchiefs to cart the dirt from the tunnel. The dirt that wasn’t used for mud bricks was spread around the camp day and night, without soldiers guarding the camp realising.

On 30 April 1942 three internees reported to a guard that they believed there would be a mass escape that evening. The three men were removed from the camp for their own safety. An inspection of the entirety of Camp 10 revealed the tunnel. It was believed that within a few hours of the report to the guard, the tunnel would have been big enough for the escape of hundreds of detainees. Soldiers filled the tunnel with water and collapsed it to prevent escapes and seal the exit route.[1]

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2024

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[1] Max Scholz, ‘As I Remember: The Loveday Interment Camp,’ (Barmera, 2004), pp. 32-33. ; 'Last Prisoners Have Left Loveday', Murray Pioneer, (23 January 1947), p. 1.

 

'The Soldiers' Farewell. South Australians off to the War. Monday's Parade.'

Farewell parade of the first contingent of South Australian soldiers for the First World War

SLSA [B 30437]

According to a newspaper article entitled .' in The Register, Adelaide (Tuesday, September 11, 1914. Page.9),
"The parade was a triumph of faith, hope and loyalty - faith in the strength of British arms, hope of a speedy peace, and loyalty which can never give enough for King and country. The city was transformed. North Terrace and King William Street presented a picture of seething humanity which will not readily be forgotten. For fully two hours before the parade trains and trams were pouring people into the city. There was no open roadway to be seen from Victoria square to the Adelaide Railway Station. The (parade) route was in a northerly direction from West terrace to North terrace, thence to Pultney street along Rundle, King William, and Grote streets, passing the Queen's statue".

A military band leading South Australian soldiers as they make a farewell march along King William Street, Adelaide before going overseas in World War I; large crowds line the roadside on both sides

SLSA: [PRG 280/1/3/339]

Gawler's Dark History Presentation - 11 May 2024.

Gawler's Dark History Presentation 

- 11 May 2024.

Join Me on Saturday 11th of May for a late afternoon talk about Gawler's Dark History!

I'll be detailing some shocking local murders, suicides, nasty accidents, and maybe a ghost or two! This event is strictly 18+ as some of the details are rather gruesome!

This is a fundraiser event for the Gawler National Trust Museum to help raise some much-needed money for the upkeep of Gawler's historical museum.

I'll also have books available for sale and signing (EFTPOS available).

$15 per person, 11 May 2024 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM.


Tickets are almost sold out so get in while you still can!

Gawler National Trust Museum - 59 Murray Street Gawler, SA 5118


https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/gawlers-dark-history-address-by-award-winning-historian-allen-tiller-tickets-831684349277?

#history #allentiller #gawler #truecrime

Loveday – Part 2: The Murder of Francesco Fantin

 Loveday – Part 2: 

The Murder of Francesco Fantin

Portrait of Francesco G. Fantin 1920 [SLSA: B 75173]

 The Italian antifascist internees in Loveday organised a money-raising event called ‘Sheepskins for Russia’, which was associated with the defence of Stalingrad, Francesco Fantin was heavily involved in this campaign, which provoked the fascists in the camp.
A newspaper arrived in the camp on November 16 1942, dated two days earlier, that referred, by name, to some of the Loveday internees who had helped raise money for Russia. This led to anger within the fascist factions, and during a dinner discussion, it was agreed the fascists should be killed as traitors.[1]

Around 6:30 pm, on the 16^th of November 1942, Giovanni Bruno Casotti, who had arrived at the South Australia camp only two weeks prior from Western Australia, approached Fantin from behind. Fantin was standing at a drinking tap, Casotti struck Fantin from behind with a large piece of wood. Fantin fell, and as he did, Casotti kicked him in the groin and head.
Fantin was carried to his bunk in his tent. Fascist and camp leader, Dr Piscitelli was called to attend. Pisctelli was not willing to treat Fantin, so Fantin was taken to the base hospital where he was attended by Dr Adriano Mugga. Mugga stated that Fantin’s neck was broken, his skull fractured, and several ribs cracked. The military base doctor, Dr. Luke Verco was called to attend. Dr Verco stated that Fantin had a cerebral haemorrhage, caused by the fractured skull, and had Fantin moved to the Barmera Base Hospital, where Fantin would die of his injuries that night at 10:25 pm.[2]

Witness recollections of the event differ between fascist and anti-fascist accounts. The fascists claimed that on the evening of the event, Casotti had met Fantin between Huts 3 and 4, when Fantin called to him. Casotti claimed that Fantin was happy that Italians were dying in the war and that all the fascists were being killed. Casotti then claimed that Fantin had started insulting his family, so he pushed Fantin, with both his hands on Fantin’s chest. As Fantin fell, his head hit the water tap, and this is what caused his injuries.
Casotti’s version of events was supported by most internees in the camp. The majority being fascists.

The anti-fascist version of events included witness accounts from Augusto Pretti, who claimed he saw Casotti strike Fantin with a piece of 3x2x2 wood on the head, then hit him in the ribs with the same piece of timber. Pretti claimed that Casotti then began kicking Fantin.[3]
Domenico Franchici stated that he, and others, say Casotti hit Fantin in the head with the wood, kick him over the heart; on the ribs, and groin and private parts.[4]
Most antifascist internees were too terrified to speak out, as they believed they would meet the same fate.

Casotti was charged with manslaughter, but his case was deferred while more evidence was collected. When the court resumed Crown Prosecutor, Mr Chamberlain claimed that his new evidence would prove Casotti murdered Fantin.[5]
K.H. Kirkman, the Deputy Director of Security in South Australia and Master of the Supreme Court became involved. The correspondence began with the Director of General Security, Brigadier General W.B. Simpson in Canberra. It was decided that the murder charge should not be pursued in the courts as it would bring protests and further complications for the military and the camp.[6]

The trial resumed on March 16 1943, with Casotti found guilty of manslaughter. He was sentenced to two years hard labour at Yatala Labor Prison.[7]

Francesco Fantin became a martyr for the anti-fascist movement in Australia. After his death, Australian anarchists, anti-fascists and communists protested his murder. Joan Finger of the Political Rights Committee campaigned that maladministration at the Loveday camp and a military coverup had occurred. The North Queensland Guardian, a communist newspaper, declared that no antifascist should be in internment camps.[8]

 

A bi-lingual theatre production, written by Teresa Crea, titled ‘Red Like the Devil’, about Fantin’s life and murder, was performed at the Loveday internment camp where Fantin was attacked. The play opened at the Playhouse Theatre in Adelaide on October 29, 1991, and was presented by Doppio Teatro.[9]

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2024


[1] Paul Nursey-Bray, 'Anti-Fascism and Internment: The Case of Francesco Fantin,' Journal of the Historical Society of South Australia, Number 17, (1989), pp. 88-111.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Tommy Lawson, ‘Francesco Fantin, Italian Anarchism and Anti-Fascism in Australia’, lib.com, (2022), https://libcom.org/article/francesco-fantin-italian-anarchism-and-anti-fascism-australia.
[4] Statement made by Mumu Augusto Pretti to Sgt R. De Rosa, A.A. (A.C.T ). C.R.S. A373, Item: Box 21, 10913.
[5] 'FATAL FACTION QUARREL', The Advertiser, (17 March 1943), p. 6.
[6] Nursey-Bray, 'Anti-Fascism and Internment,' Journal of the Historical Society of South Australia, pp. 88-111.
[7] 'TWO YEARS HARD LABOUR FOR INTERNEE', Murray Pioneer, (1 April 1943), p. 1.
[8] Nursey-Bray, 'Anti-Fascism and Internment.' Journal of the Historical Society of South Australia, pp. 88-111.
[9] Gordon Sheldon, 'No title', The Canberra Times, (17 October 1991), p. 13.

Loveday – Part 1: The Murder of Francesco Fantin

 Loveday – Part 1: 

The Murder of Francesco Fantin

 

 

In December 1942, The Sydney Tribune ran the headline ‘ANTI-FACIST MURDERED: Political Terrorism in S.A.’  World War II was raging, and in Australia, Japanese, Germans and Italian people had been segregated into internment camps with many arriving in the South Australian outback camp, Loveday, the largest camp of its kind in Australia.

Loveday was established in 1941, near Bamera, holding over 5000 internees, and 1500 staff comprised from the Australian Military Forces. It also held, at times, Prisoners of War. The camp was established by the Australian government to hold people it labelled ‘enemy aliens,’ typically, these were people from countries that Australia and its allies had declared war against.
 According to the Loveday Lives website, of 15000 internees across the group of camps during its usages, 7000 were in Australia at the outbreak of the war, and 8000 were transported from the United Kingdom and Dutch East Indies through arrangements by their government.[1]

 In June 1941 the 4^th Garrison Battalion arrived at Loveday to begin Guard duty. Later that month the first internees, a group of 458 Italians arrived at the camp from Hay in New South Wales.  In August 1941, the first international internees arrived, sent from Britain after the fall of France. The first Japanese internees arrived from the Northern Territory in January 1942, with Germans and more Italians arriving the same month.
In 1943, the camp reached 5382 internees. The camp closed in 1946 – for more information about the history of the camp and a timeline of significant events please visit: https://lovedaylives.com/

 

One internee at Loveday was Italian, Francesco Fantin. Fantin was born in San Vito di Leguzzano in North Italy in 1901. Fantin was a textile worker in Italy. The rise of Fascism in Italy saw Fantin become an anarchist and political militant. Fantin left Italy in 1927, arriving in Melbourne, before moving to Queensland where his brothers, Luigi and Alfonso had a cane farm at Sawmill Pocket, Edmonton.

In the 1930s, Fantin moved to Victoria, where he became active in the Labour and anti-fascist movements. He became a correspondent for the anti-fascist newspaper La Risoccossa. Fantin was arrested by Australian authorities in 1940 as a fascist. He appealed the decision but lost, and was sent to Loveday Internment Camp 14A at Barmera. Unlike other internment camps, Loveday separated internees by nationality, not political affiliation, which led to a political divide between those detained. Fantin stood with the anti-fascists and became a political leader, which led to constant harassment, abuse, and assault from fascist detainees.[2] Another detainee entered Fantin's tent and beat him senseless. Fantin reported the assault, but the authorities would not get involved.

 In 1942, near sunset, on November 16, Fantin was drinking from a water tap. He was alone when fascist supporter, Giovanni Bruno Casotti, a detainee who had arrived only two weeks prior from Western Australia, assaulted him. There are two versions of events, which I will discuss in part two.

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2024

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[1] ‘History’, Loveday Lives, (2023),  https://lovedaylives.com/history/.

[2] Paul Nursey-Bray, 'Fantin, Francesco Giovanni (Frank) (1901–1942)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/fantin-francesco-giovanni-frank-12912/text23327.