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 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.

 The Loxton Beast

In 1908, the Loxton Beast raised its head and caused concern near the Riverland settlement. The Renmark Pioneer reported that people were too scared to leave their homes at night for fear of running into the tiger near Mr Alwege’s property.
 The tiger had been seen near the rear of Alwege’s farm, with reports that horses, cats, and dogs would not stop in the vicinity for fear of being hunted by the beast. A posse of local men was formed to hunt the beast.[1] It is not known if they captured it, but as it was not reported in local newspapers, one can assume they did not!

 In early 1919, Loxton farmer, Arthur McCourt publicly claimed he had been working his farm when he spied what he believed to be a jaguar on his property.[2] A correspondent for the Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record newspaper (Renmark), called for a hunting party to be formed to pursue the jaguar, and ‘to hunt the animal down.’[3]

This was not the first time McCourt, who had previously lived in Tantanoola, home of the infamous Tantanoola Tiger and other thylacine sightings, had gone public with his claims. It is implied in the Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record newspaper, published on 7 March 1919, that McCourt was associated with cattle rustlers who were found guilty of starting rumours around Tantanoola that the beast had returned. These rustlers were captured and sent to prison.[4]

 Whether it was cattle rustlers or a genuine sighting of a jaguar, or a thylacine at Loxton remains undetermined. It is however an interesting story. I would love to hear from Loxton residents if their grandparents ever spoke of the Loxton Beast…

Researched and written by Allen Tiller 2022.

---

[1] 'The Loxton "Tiger."', Renmark Pioneer, (26 June 1908), p. 2., http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109521734.

[2] 'Loxton's Jaguar.', The Mail, (22 February 1919), p. 2., http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63762622.

[3] 'Loxton.', Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record, (7 February 1919), p. 6., http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109227561.

[4] 'The South East.', Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record, (7 March 1919), p. 3., http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109227803

The Barmera Hotel Haunting

The Barmera Hotel Haunting

  Constructed in 1932 as a community hotel, the Barmera Hotel was originally known as “The Lake Bonney Hotel”, named after the large lake that is named after explorer Charles Bonney.


This particular Riverland hotel has a reputation for ghostly goings-on and is alleged to be home to a number of resident spirits.
One ghost has been named “Harold” and is described as wearing a blue checked shirt and blue jeans. Harold has an eye for the ladies, particularly younger female staff workers and likes to follow them around the hotel, touching them inappropriately.
There are also reports of poltergeist type activity, including plumbing that turns on and off without living human interaction, and pokies machines that payout when no one is playing them.

Another spirit has been nicknamed “Janie”. Janie is thought to be a youngish woman who may have once worked at the hotel, or someone who stayed there at some point passed away and has returned. Reports on Janie are few and far between and she seems to be “sensed” more than seen.

The hotel's basement seems to be a hive of spiritual activity, with reports from previous owners and the staff of unusual goings-on, cold spots and odd voices in the rooms below the hotel. It is thought that bodies were stored here for coronial inquests and that this might be the source of the haunting.

Encountered a ghost in the Riverland? Tell us about it over on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheHauntsOfAdelaide/




© Allen Tiller 2016.

Bibliography

Gordon de L Marshall ' Ghosts and Hauntings of South Australia, (2012), p. 153.

 

Barmera Hotel Motel. 2016. Riverland accommodation | Barmera Motel | Barmera accommodation. viewed 12 September 2016, http://www.barmerahotel.com.au/. 

Barmera, South Australia accommodation, attractions & info. 2016. Barmera, South Australia accommodation, attractions & info. viewed 12 September 2016, http://www.murrayriver.com.au/barmera/.

Barmera Visitor Information Centre | Riverland | Lake Bonney | Barmera Markets. 2016. Barmera Visitor Information Centre | Riverland | Lake Bonney | Barmera Markets. viewed 12 September 2016, http://www.barmeratourism.com.au/.

State Library of South Australia, 2017, Barmera Hotel [B 40407] • Photograph, viewed 14 July 2017,  http://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/B+40407

The Haunts of Adelaide Turns 3

THOA turns 3 on Oct 22

A very big thank you to each and every one of you who has read, shared or commented on a Haunts of Adelaide topic over the past three years.

 This week on Thursday the 22nd, the blog hits three years of weekly articles - that's 156 articles about the ghosts, hauntings, UFO sightings, Bushrangers, Crimes, people, politicians and paranormal investigations of Adelaide, and South Australia.

In that time we have seen the blog (very early on I might ad) get added to the National Library of Australia's PANDORA archives, which aims to protect writings the Government of Australia deems important to the history of our nation.

 It has also seen the birth of its first book " The Haunts of Adelaide - History, Mystery and the Paranormal" by Allen Tiller (me ) - which is a collection of 30 stories some previously published on the blog (but with more details added) and some exclusive to the book itself.

Currently as I write this, I am working on the follow up book " The Haunts of Kapunda"...and after that, maybe a follow for Adelaide, or Port Adelaide, or the Copper Coast..maybe the Riverland? Who knows, there are endless possibilities for locations and ghost stories to be discovered, researched and written ab out in our great state!

Again, thank you for your support

Allen Tiller

Riverland UFO Sighting South Australia 2012

Riverland UFO Sighting South Australia 2012

 One night while sitting in my office, I received a phone call from a gentleman who seemed somewhat distressed and a little perplexed. Said Gentleman had been flying a small plane on Monday the 16th of January 2012 on a late-night training exercise in the Riverland of South Australia, whilst in the air, he noticed a strangely lit object acting erratically in the night sky, his co-pilot also noted the object. The pair called Air traffic control and asked if any planes were in the nearby vicinity of their location. They received an emphatic “no!” from the traffic controller, and decided to shadow the object from a distance,
They flew watching the plane from the region in Lake Bonney in Barmera to Peterborough in the lower Flinders Rangers, and only decided to turn back after realising they would soon not be able to return to their landing strip due to fuel.

The Gentleman described the object as:
“A small bright object with many lights, every few minutes would stop, dip onto its side, then spin around like a “Hurdy Gurdy” (merry-go-round). Travelling at approx. 150 knots at one point. The object seemed to keep the same speed as plane and same distance constantly. Radio interference was also present during the sighting, on a warm, clear night.”

Have you had a UFO experience? Tell us your story here on the comments section below or via the facebook page www.facebook.com/thehauntsofadelaide

"Don't Move, or You're Dead!" - The Abduction of Monica Schiller

"Don't Move, or you're Dead!"

The Abduction of Monica Schiller

  Cadell Training Centre is a low-level, minimum-security prison located 180 kilometres north of Adelaide. The Training Centre houses low-level criminals who aren't deemed to be a security risk.
It has long been a practice to allow prisoners out from time to time, for a walk, or to do a spot of fishing on the Murray River. The gaol has always installed trust in its prisoners, but that changed on the 13th of September 1970.

Three men, Terrence Haley, Raymond Gunning, and Andrew Brooks had been released from the centre shortly after 2 pm for a walk. The men decided to abscond. They hatched a plan to escape South Australia and drive to Darwin in the Northern Territory. The men walked about 8 miles through paddocks and scrubland and arrived at the farmhouse of the Schiller family home in Murkbo, on the Upper Murray about 3pm.

At the farmhouse was 21-year-old Monica Schiller, her Father (Adolph) "Artie" her mother, Myrtle, Grandmother, Amanda Zeigler (who was in her late 70's and asleep in an outside cottage), and Monica's boyfriend, Graham Smith.

The prisoners took the family hostage and ransacked their farmhouse for anything they could find to aid them on their journey north. They stole money, food, water, guns, ammunition and some of Monica's dresses. Then they isolated the family in separate rooms, tying them on chairs and binding their hands and feet together. Artie struggled, and in his attempts to escape received two hefty blows to the back of his head.

The three men took Monica outside. Her Grandmother, who had been asleep in the cottage, woke and saw what was going on. She tried to help, only to be given some food and water and locked inside the cottage out of the way.
The three escapees fled the scene at about 5pm in the Schiller family car.
Artie managed to escape his ropes just after the men left, untied his family, and then headed 7 miles into town on foot. Artie went to the Post Office where his Sister-in-law worked the telephone exchange and asked her to call the police.


The three prisoners first headed south to Semaphore, where they stole another car, then headed north again up to the Birdsville track. In Adelaide, Detective Sergeant, Bob “Ugger” Giles and some Adelaide journalists charted a flight to head in the direction the kidnappers had gone. As the plane approached the three escapees, they fired shots at it, hoping to bring it down.
The plane landed well ahead of the men, and Detective Giles, with three officers, seven journalists and two government employees drove back along the track hoping to cut the escapees off. While they were driving, the plane had taken off again and was radioing in the position of the car as it neared the police below.

The officers set up a roadblock, and a gunfight ensued. Two of the men fled from the car before it had even stopped. One of the officers emptied his service revolver of bullets and ran toward one of the escapees, shouting “Don't move or you're dead!” All three escapees were arrested and taken back to Adelaide for trial and sentencing.
Monica was alive but severely traumatised after her 26-hour kidnapping ordeal.
Detective Sgt Giles returned to Adelaide a hero.
Advertiser photographer Ray Titus won a Walkley for his work at the scene.

Escapees Terrence Haley, Raymond Gunning and Andrew Brooks lie on the ground after being arrested. Retired Advertiser photographer Ray Titus won a Walkley for his work at the scene. Source: News Limited

Terrence Haley was jailed for 15 years but escaped again in 1972. He later served eight years in NSW before being extradited back to SA to finish his sentence. He was released in 1986.
Andrew Brooks and Raymond Gunning were jailed for 12 and a half and 11 and a half years respectively.

In 1989 Terrence Haley was shot in the back while at home, lying on his lounge. He was later charged with attempted murder over another shooting that same night in Campbelltown. The charges were replaced with manslaughter and then later, dropped.

Detective Sergeant Bob Giles talks to Monica Schiller after she was rescued. Source: News Limited

Monica would go on to marry her boyfriend, Graham Smith. The couple invited Detective Sergeant Giles to their wedding. As recently as 2006, the couple were still living in the house from which she was abducted.

Det Sgt Giles died in 2005.

© 2014 Allen Tiller