Stringybark Creek Police MemorialPosted by: 
ThePacman
S 36° 52.471 E 146° 11.895
55H E 428545 N 5918747
This memorial is dedicated to the three policemen killed in a shootout with the Kelly Gang at Stringybark Creek in 1878.
Waymark Code: WMNWBV
Location: Victoria, Australia
Date Posted: 05/11/2015
Views: 5
Stringybark Creek is the scene of the "Police murders by the Kelly Gang".
NED KELLY - A NOTORIOUS ICON
Edward 'Ned' Kelly was an Australian bushranger who became a controversial cultural icon. Public opinion is divided - some see him as a folk hero who fought against an unjust system, while others see him as a murderous criminal.
Born in 1854 of Irish descent in Beveridge, Victoria, he had a dislike for the law from an early age. His father died after being in police custody for a few months. Ned Kelly had been charged with assault and robbery by the age of 14. While farming near Greta the Kelly family was often accused of stealing cattle by neighbours.
THE POLICE MURDERS
After being charged with the attempted murder of policeman Constable Fitzpatrick during a disputed incident at his family's home in Greta in 1878, Ned Kelly ran off into the bush with his brother Dan Kelly and two associates, Joe Byrne and Steve Hart.
Four policemen from Mansfield then rode out into the bush with tents and supplies to search for the Kelly Gang, and unknowingly set up camp near the gang at Stringybark Creek. On the 26th October 1878 two of the policemen were surprised and held up by Ned and his brother Dan. Policeman Michael McIntyre surrendered but Thomas Lonigan was shot and killed. The two other policemen were ambushed and shot when they returned to camp later. By the end of the day Constable Thomas Lonigan, Constable Michael Scanlan and Sergeant Michael Kennedy had been fatally wounded, while Constable Thomas McIntyre had managed to escaped and call for help in Mansfield. The Kelly Gang were then proclaimed as outlaws by the Victorian Government, and became Australia's most wanted criminals with a large reward offered for their capture.
THE KELLY OUTBREAK
The gang then went on the run, engaging in a crime rampage known as The Kelly Outbreak. The Kelly Gang was involved in further bank robberies and crimes, including fatally shooting police informant Aaron Sherritt.
After a failed attempt at ambushing a police train, the Kelly Gang fled to Glenrowan where their last stand with police took place during a violent confrontation on the 28th June 1880. At the Glenrowan siege Ned Kelly, wearing his homemade metal armour suit and helmet, was wounded and arrested. The other three gang members were killed. Ned Kelly was found guilty of Constable Lonigan's murder back at Stringybark Creek in 1878. Since he was already sentenced to death for this murder, a trial for the murder of the other 2 policemen was not deemed necessary. Ned Kelly was executed by hanging at the Old Melbourne Gaol in November 1880. He was 25 years old.
THE POLICE MEMORIAL
A memorial stone has been placed at the Stringybark Creek picnic area in memory of the 3 Mansfield policemen who died in the 1878 shootout. The plaque was unveiled on the site on 26 October 2001 and is dedicated to Sergeant Michael Kennedy, Constable Michael Scanlan and Constable Thomas Lonigan. The 3 policemen were buried in the nearby town of Mansfield.
Website pertaining to the memorial: [Web Link]
List if there are any visiting hours:
24hrs
Entrance fees (if it applies):
0
Type of memorial: Plaque
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