Site NameHornet's Nest, 68 kms east of Lake Bonney, Murray River
Aboriginal Place Name
Language GroupNgintait
Present State/TerritorySA
Colony/State/Territory at the timeSA
Police DistrictAdelaide
Latitude-33.961
Longitude140.887
DateBetween 1 May 1841 and 31 May 1841
Attack TimeDay
VictimsAboriginal People
Victim Descriptions
Victims Killed8
Victims Killed Notes8+ MWC
AttackersColonists
Attacker DescriptionsStockmen/Drover(s), Police
Attackers Killed0
Attackers Killed Notes
Transport
MotiveReprisal
Weapons UsedFirearm(s), Musket(s)
NarrativeIn May 1841, a party of police and stockmen led by Henry Field, attacked an Aboriginal camp in a place known as Hornet's Nest in reprisal for the alleged killing of livestock by Ngintait. It is alleged that eight Ngintait people were killed (Burke et al, 2016, pp135-179).
SourcesBurke et al, 2016, pp 152-179. (Sources PDF)
Corroboration Rating*