Packhorse Mailman Jim MacDowall
Jim (James) MacDowall was a legendary mailman who did the Laura to Coen run north of Cooktown in Queensland – riding one horse and taking several packhorses.
Lancelot Lewis
Lance, aged twelve, rode one pony and led another with his swag and supplies on the 800km ride from Burra to Warrnambool.
The Nackeroos
2/1st North Australia Observer Unit (NAOU) set up in WW2 in Australia was based on the Boer commandos.
Captain A.E. Callow
Feature photo for this post was sent in by Neville, of his great great grandfather, Captain Andrew Edward Callow. Veterinarian.
Not Forgotten
In recent weeks we have received an influx of precious family photographs, shared for the enjoyment of all, with whatever information is known about the photograph.
Observation Balloons
Observation Balloons. .. slightly off topic but why not… horses in WW1 became familiar with giant observation balloons – these were captive balloons, meaning tied to a stationary object such as a waggon or truck with the winch.
George Sunter, Buffalo Hunter
Please be aware this is an image of an Aboriginal person of the past, who has passed on, which may cause distress to some people. Frank worked for George Sunter, a buffalo hunter, for many years. In 1914 they caught a lot of brumbies Frank knew of at Black Jungle N.T.
Topsy the Famous Performing Pony
Topsy was a famous performing pony – a Timor-Shetland cross, once a very popular cross. She stood 10.3 hands high. Performing through the 1940’s and ’50’s, Topsy was bred by Tom Dennis at Huntington stud, Dunbible, on the Tweed River northern NSW.
Fraser Island/ K’Gari Horses
From the early 1860’s there was a big timber industry on K’Gari, requiring many work horses. Cattle were also run there, 140 taken there in 1901 due to mainland drought (and many sheep too).
Bill the Bastard
Most of us know the story of this gutsy horse, a chestnut stallion, but here’s a bit for those who don’t…