The Untold Tale of Escape: The Greatest Australian Colonial History

Colonial Australia witnessed numerous extraordinary events, but none are as captivating as the greatest escape story known to the nation. This unparalleled tale of bravery, determination, and resilience took place in the early days of Australia's colonial history, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of its people.

In the late 18th century, when Australia was still a British penal colony, convicts were subjected to harsh conditions and unforgiving punishments. The story I am about to share with you is one that showcases the incredible strength of the human spirit, as a group of prisoners defied all odds and escaped their captors, creating an enduring legend in the process.

Australia's Toughest Prison

Situated on the rugged Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, Port Arthur was known for its formidable security measures and isolation. Convicts transported to this notorious penitentiary were often hardened criminals, deemed the most dangerous to society. The prison boasted impregnable walls, an intricate network of guards, and an unforgiving environment that made escape seem impossible.

The Ship That Never Was: The Greatest Escape Story Of Australian Colonial History

by Adam Courtenay (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2130 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	332 pages

FREE

Among the incarcerated was a group of seven men who would change the course of Australian history forever. Their names were John Dent, Martin Cash, Thomas Bodenham, George Jones, William Campbell, Alexander Pearce, and Thomas Bodenham.

The Birth of an Escape Plan

The seven convicts, bound together by a shared desire for freedom, conspired to orchestrate an audacious escape from the seemingly unconquerable prison walls. They spent months meticulously planning their scheme, taking advantage of any opportunity that presented itself, and using their intelligence to outsmart the prison's watchful eyes.

Their plan involved overpowering the guards, seizing their weapons, and utilizing the element of surprise to their advantage. They knew that timing and coordination were crucial, and they waited for the perfect moment to execute their daring plan.

A Daring Escape

On a dark and stormy night in 1822, the group of convicts launched their audacious bid for freedom. Taking advantage of the inclement weather and the guards' diminished visibility, they overcame the prison's defenses and managed to flee into the wilderness.

Their journey to freedom, however, was far from easy. The dense Tasmanian bushland posed numerous challenges, including harsh terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and scarcity of food and resources. It was a true test of their resilience and determination.

The Unspeakable Act of Survival

As the days turned into weeks, hunger started to consume the escapees. Faced with the desperate need for sustenance, the group resorted to the unthinkable – cannibalism. They hunted and ate fellow escapees to survive, an act that forever etched their story in Australia's colonial history.

Alexander Pearce, one of the escapees, was eventually recaptured. He confessed to the horrific acts committed during their journey, shedding light on the extent of their desperation. This revelation sent shockwaves through the nation, captivating the Australian population and leaving an indelible mark on their collective memory.

The Legacy of the Escape

The escape of the Port Arthur convicts left an enduring mark on Australia's colonial history. It became a symbol of defiance against oppression, showcasing the resilience and courage of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable hardships. The tale has been immortalized in books, documentaries, and folklore, ensuring that the legendary escape remains an integral part of Australian identity.

The greatest escape story of Australian colonial history stands tall as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dared to dream of freedom. The audacity, bravery, and perseverance exhibited by these men have become a source of inspiration for generations to come.

As we reflect on this remarkable tale, let us honor those who defied the odds and etched their names in the annals of Australian history. Their story serves as a reminder of the incredible power that lies within each one of us, waiting to be unleashed when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The Ship That Never Was: The Greatest Escape Story Of Australian Colonial History

by Adam Courtenay (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2130 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	332 pages

FREE

The greatest escape story of Australian colonial history by the son of Australia’s best-loved storyteller

In 1823, cockney sailor and chancer James Porter was convicted of stealing a stack of beaver furs and transported halfway around the world to Van Diemen's Land. After several escape attempts from the notorious penal colony, Porter, who told authorities he was a 'beer-machine maker', was sent to Macquarie Harbour, known in Van Diemen's Land as hell on earth.

Many had tried to escape Macquarie Harbour; few had succeeded. But when Governor George Arthur announced that the place would be closed and its prisoners moved to the new penal station of Port Arthur, Porter, along with a motley crew of other prisoners, pulled off an audacious escape. Wresting control of the ship they'd been building to transport them to their fresh hell, the escapees instead sailed all the way to Chile. What happened next is stranger than fiction, a fitting outcome for this true-life picaresque tale.

The Ship That Never Was is the entertaining and rollicking story of what is surely the greatest escape in Australian colonial history. James Porter, whose memoirs were the inspiration for Marcus Clarke's For the Term of his Natural Life, is an original Australian larrikin whose ingenuity, gift of the gab and refusal to buckle under authority make him an irresistible anti-hero who deserves a place in our history.