Haunted Adelaide Plains South Australia

 

Haunted Adelaide Plains
South Australia

On dark and stormy nights, a phantom walks Port Wakefield Road, hitchhiking to Adelaide. He wears a long, Australian Air Force jacket, with a RAAF uniform underneath. He hitches a ride, and then vanishes from the car…who is this ghost that has been reported since the 1940s? Is he the only ghost walking Port Wakefield Road, and what other spectres are seen in the area?In Haunted Adelaide Plains: South Australia, award-winning historian and paranormal investigator, Allen Tiller investigates this ghost story, and others from the region; including the ghost of a soldier in Mallala, phantoms in Alma, Balaklava, Dublin, Pinery, and Two Wells… and, an unusual sighting of Princess Diana in Mallala at the time of her death.

Allen Tiller focuses his research on true ghost stories drawn from historical sources, interviews, witness statements and his own paranormal investigations. Allen Tiller is a former volunteer at the Mallala Museum and the Adelaide Plains Historical Committee. His family are pioneers in the region and can be linked to two hauntings on the Adelaide Plains, which Allen discusses in this book.
Haunted Adelaide Plains: South Australia, investigates the paranormal through fact-checked historical information that adds authenticity to some stories and debunks others; valuing evidence-based stories over psychic hearsay and giving an unbiased, factual account of local hauntings on the Adelaide Plains.

Buy it here:

Haunted Adelaide Plains

Cyril Peter Tiller (1916 – 1946)

Cyril Peter Tiller (1916 – 1946) 

 Cyril Peter Tiller (1916 – 1946) was born in Mallala, South Australia. His preference was to use his middle name when introducing himself. Peter was the sixth child and the youngest son of William (1877- 1951) and Sophia Tiller (nee Forby, 1880 – 1964).

 His brothers and sisters were: Ethel May Tiller (1903–1972), Hurtle George Tiller (1905–1975) Edward Mervyn Tiller (1907–1985), Gladys Catherine Tiller (1910–1993), Dora Rowett Tiller (1913 – 1986), and Thelma Irene Tiller (1918–2003).

  In the 1930s, Peter moved to Monash, in the South Australian Riverland where he worked as a nurseryman.[1]  Peter enrolled with the A.I.F. for World War Two at the age of 24 on 8 July 1840. He was working as a labourer in Mallala at the time.
  Peter was discharged from military service on 12 November 1945 at 29 years and 8 months. He served in the Middle East (10 July 1941 – 16 March 1942) and at New Guinea (19 October 1944 – 20 August 1945). Peter achieved the rank of Private in the AIF. His War Badge No: 50965. His Service No. SN SX8696.[2]

  After his return from World War Two, Peter moved to Queensland to work as a nurseryman at Deagon. He met Helen Joyce Kratzmann (1913 – 1978), who had separated from her husband, Colin Jamieson. Kratzmann intended to divorce her husband and marry Peter. Peter and Helen had a son together, Peter George Tiller.

  At 6:58pm on February 28, 1946, Peter was hit by a train at Deagon Train Station, Queensland. Francis Glenwright, a fifteen-year-old, witnessed the train bearing down on Peter, but failed to warn him, as he was terrified of trains. He admitted during an inquest in Peter’s death that he saw Peter walking across the pedestrian crossing but froze with fear when he realised what was about to happen.[3] Glenwright stated that a train was leaving Deagon Station for Brisbane, and another was entering Deagon station from Brisbane. He watched the man enter the pedestrian crossing not realising a second train was bearing down on him. Glenwright closed his eyes when the train was a foot away from hitting Peter. He admitted that he had been hit by a train as a 10-year-old, and despite riding trains, they terrified him.[4]
It was stated during the inquest that the crew of the train were unaware they had struck a person until they were advised later.[5]
 Peter's partner, Helen Kratzmann was interviewed. She stated that Peter seemed to be losing his hearing, and that may have contributed to his not seeing the second train. She stated that Peter had left home that evening to cross the line to the local general store to purchase some butter.
Police Constable R. A. McNaught, of the Sandgate police, had the final word, stating,

Tiller had been carried 142 feet. His death was accidental, and no negligence could be attached to any person. Tiller apparently was watching the train pulling out from Deagon and did not see the train coming from Brisbane. The inquest was closed.[6]

Peter suffered from severe head injuries and a mutilated foot after being hit by the train at Deagon Station on February 28.[7] Peter died at Brisbane Hospital on 2 March 1946.^[8] Peter’s funeral details were listed in the Courier Mail newspaper as follows,

TILLER, Cyril P.— The Funeral of Cyril Peter Tiller (Interstate Gardens), Braun St., Deagon, will leave the Funeral Chapel, Wickham St., Valley, This (Monday) Afternoon, at 2 o'clock, for Lutwyche Cemetery.      K. M. SMITH. B2695.[9]

 

 

Cyril Peter Tiller is my great-uncle. I lived in Queensland in the early 2000s and visited his grave at Lutwyche Cemetery. Peter’s photo is also on display in the Mallala Museum.

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2023

[1] Cyril Peter Tiller, Australian Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980, (1939).

[2] ‘Cyril Peter Tiller.’, National Archives of Australia, (2023), https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=6348467.

[3] 'Too Scared to Warn of Danger', Townsville Daily Bulletin, (10 April 1946), p. 1.

[4] 'Boy Too Scared', Cairns Post, (10 April 1946), p. 5.

[5] 'Too Scared to Give Warning', Morning Bulletin, (10 April 1946), p. 4.

[6] 'Scared-Stiff Boy Unable to Warn', The Telegraph, (9 April 1946), p. 3.

[7] 'Here It Is in Brief', The Courier-Mail, (1 March 1946), p. 3

[8] 'Advertising', The Telegraph, (12 April 1946), p. 8.

[9] 'Family Notices', The Courier-Mail, (4 March 1946), p. 8.

A Shot of Spirits. Ep 21. Mallala Hotel - South Australia

A Shot of Spirits. Ep 21. 

Mallala Hotel - South Australia

The Mallala Hotel is alleged to be haunted by a ghost named George.

The Mallala Hotel was built in 1872 by Peter Farrelly, with his sister, Mrs Kelly being the first licensee. The second licensee was my great-great-grandfather, George Tiller. Another George to operate the hotel was George Reddaway in 1879…

This hotels ghost has been dubbed George, which is the most common name used to dub pub ghosts. George the ghost has been known to slam doors, make lights flicker, and let out the odd groan on occasion

 Mallala Museum - Hidden Secrets

<start transcript>

In 1877, the Mallala Milling Company was floated with a capital investment of ten thousand pounds. A site in the township was chosen and James Martin and Co of Gawler were contracted to build all the machinery and carpentry for the new Mallala Mill.
The foundation stone was laid on 26 July 1878 by Miss M.A. Chivell, who was presented with a silver trowel for her efforts.[1]

The Mill was opened by Mr W. Cavanagh M.P. on Tuesday 18 March 1879.

The completed building was three stories tall, built from hammer-dressed limestone, with brick quoins and cement dressings.  At the rear was a shed that contained a Cornish boiler manufactured at James Martin and Co in Gawler. The boiler drove a horizontal engine of 22 horsepower, with a flywheel weighing three tons.
 The mill consisted of three pairs of French burr stones, each being 3 feet and 8 inches in diameter.[2]

On 31 August 1880, just after 12 noon, the boiler at the Mallala Mill exploded. Mr Armfield, the Mills engineer had just been to check on the boiler and returned to the engine room when the accident happened. The boiler exploded, blowing down half of the boiler-house walls and bursting numerous pipes. The explosion blew the roof of the engine and boiler room houses and shattered the base of the chimney stack. Luckily, no one lost their lives, as most workers had gone to lunch, however, Mr Armfield received some head injuries from flying debris

When the mill closed, the inner workings, the steam engine and grinder were removed and used at the Blyth Mill.[3] Mathew Henry East held the title in 1909, and in 1933, East Brothers and Co took possession

In 1947 the 50-foot-tall chimney, made from over 6000 bricks, that had been built in 1878 was demolished. It had been declared unsafe and a risk to the buildings nearby

The Mallala and Districts Historical committee was formed in 1968, and in 1970, the Adelaide Plains Council bought Mallala Flour Mill to be used as a museum. The museum holds a comprehensive military display of local involvement, farming machinery, an REO Speedwagon Fire Engine, displays of old typewriters, toys, blacksmith forge, and Mr Temby’s penny-farthing, which was ridden in the Adelaide Xmas Pageant by Lance Tiller. The Long Plains Schoolroom has many displays, and recently, in 2021, a new upstairs gallery was opened and dedicated to long term volunteer, the late Margaret Tiller.

The Mallala Museum is considered one of the finest local heritage museums in South Australia. It is open every Sunday afternoon from 2pm until 4:30pm and is run by volunteers. <end transcript>

© 2021 Allen Tiller


[1] 'Laying the Foundation Stone of Mallala Flour Mill', Yorke's Peninsula Advertiser, (6 August 1878), p. 4.

[2] 'Opening of the Mallala Mill.', South Australian Register, (20 March 1879), p. 1.

[3] 1947 'Out Among The People', The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), 15 April, p. 4. , viewed 14 Aug 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30522934

 Peter’s Ghost

 

Peter’s ghost is also alleged to haunt the Owen Road/ Aerodrome Road between four miles between Mallala and Owen. He is seen walking along the side of the road and sometimes hitchhikes.

It is thought the spirit is that of Peter Denis Kierse, a 19-year-old RAAF Leading Aircraftman (LAC), who was killed while on duty obtaining sand for operations at the Mallala Airbase.

According to the Mallala Now and Then website, “They were travelling in the open back of a three-ton tender. While travelling along Owen Road, the truck moved from the left-hand side of the road to the centre and passed over a rise, giving a sharp jolt and causing LAC Kierse to lose balance. He fell from the truck and was fatally injured.”^[1]

 

Have you experienced this haunting? I would love to hear your story. Contact me at eidolon@live.com.au.

© Allen Tiller 2021

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[1] RAAF No. 6 Service Flight Training School Fatalities, Mallala Now and Then, (2021), https://www.mallala.nowandthen.net.au/RAAF_No._6_Service_Flight_Training_School_Fatalities

 Barabba

Barabba was a township that sat between Hamley Bridge and Mallala on the Adelaide Plains. It was settled circa 1860, with Mr Henry Hobhouse Turton considered the first settler in the area.
Originally the section of Barraba where the school and town sits was called Aliceburgh, named for Governor William Jervois' daughter Alice.
This section of the town was settled by the McCabes, Hallion, and Roberts Families.
The Barabba primitive church opened in 1877 with its final service held in 1967.
Barabba post office operated from 1877 until 1971 from the Barabba School.
The church has long since been demolished, and the schoolhouse was destroyed during the Pinery bushfires in 2015.
#Barabba #history #SouthAustralia

Lance Tiller: Credit Union Christmas Pageant

  

 Lance Tiller: Credit Union Christmas Pageant

Across 5 decades, and for 40 consecutive years, my uncle, Lance Tiller, rode his penny farthing bicycle in the historic John Martins Christmas Pageant, now known as the Credit Union Christmas Pageant.

 The Penny Farthing was invented in 1870 in England (also known as the High-wheel). The name Penny Farthing comes from two English coins, used to describe the bikes wheels, due to their size.

My uncles Penny Farthing once belonged to a gentleman at Middle Beach, named Samuel Temby. (as an interesting side-note, my Uncle owned the Middle Beach caravan park for several years during the late 1980’s early 1990’s, and I believe my grandfather’s pool table is still there!)

 Mr Temby’s son began to ride the bike around Middle Beach. Later he moved to Mallala, and the old bike was put in the shed, and mostly forgotten.

In the late 1950’s my uncle purchased the penny farthing from the Tenby’s and learned how to ride the bike. Its seat sat 1.5 metres in the air, and one had to run alongside the bike, and use a small step to jump up into the seat!

 It was in Gawler that Lance applied for a position in the John Martin’s Christmas Pageant. In a story shared with me by my uncle, he claims that the members of the pageant drive out to Gawler, and asked him to ride the penny farthing in traffic up and down the main street of Gawler, to prove he had control of the bicycle.

At my parents in Gawler, circa 1965

 It must’ve worked, as he rode in the pageant for many years afterwards, sometimes dressed as a clown, other times riding alongside the English bus.
 Lance only retied after a pageant in the early 2000’s in which a member of the large crowd, dressed in wolf costume, leaped from the audience and slammed into his bike, causing Lance to fall heavily from the height of the seat – an injury as a sixty something year old man at the time, he has never fully recovered from.

 The Credit Union Christmas Pageant has been one of the highlights of my Uncles life, and his face and eyes light up whenever he speaks of it, so I thought, I would share some of his story with you, before father time catches up with him, and his story is forgotten.

Perhaps, one day, I might take up a position with the Adelaide Credit Union Christmas Pageant, and continue my uncles tradition!

The Mallala Museum bought Uncle Lance’s Penny Farthing bicycle and it is still on display as an exhibit.

Mallala Museum, 2013, Penny Farthing Bicycle, Now and Then Mallala, viewed 5 Nov 2017, http://mallala.nowandthen.net.au/Penny_Farthing_Bicycle

Written by Allen Tiller  © 2017