Lightning Strikes
– The Tragic Death of A.H. Chapman.
On October 7, 1907, 21-year-old Alfred Harold
Chapman of Weaver’s Lagoon, was working on the farm of Mr James Latty near
Yorketown.[1]
Chapman was droving stock from a paddock heading back towards the farmhouse
when a storm passed overhead. Lightning erupted, with one bolt striking Chapman
as he rode his horse.
A report into the lightning strike
stated that the lightning entered Chapman through his head, splitting his hat
in two, and blowing its remains over 12 feet away. The lightning traveled down
the side of his head, burning his face, ear and neck, before burning through
patches of skin on his chest and legs. Most of his shirt and other clothing
were found over 12 yards away (approx. 10.5 metres) from his corpse. Chapman
was holding a dead rabbit in his hand, which had been caught by the dog which
accompanied him – the dog remained unharmed.[2]
The saddle on which Chapman was riding had a hole burned through it. There were
lightning marks on the horse’s shoulder, and down its forelegs towards its
hooves. Despite the thunderstorm, no rain fell on the dead man on horse.[3]
'
body was transported back to Adelaide. He was buried at Clarendon Cemetery,
near his family home. He had been at the Yorketown farm only a few weeks. [4]
Researched
and written by Allen Tiller © 2025
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