Captain Thunderbolt

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Sentenced to hard labour

Fred Ward spent four years of his 10-year sentence on Cockatoo Island. He was released in 1860 for good behaviour to report to the Mudgee District. This freedom was short lived, as in 1861 Ward was charged with receiving a stolen horse. He was sentenced to serve the remainder of his original sentence as well as five years for this offence.

Prisoners on Cockatoo Island worked in a stone quarry and on the construction of huge naval docks. The work was hard and punishment for misbehaviour harder.

The use of solitary cells was common. The cells were tomb-like holes cut from the solid sandstone and closed on top by a huge flagstone. They were a mere 2 metres by 2.8 metres and 4 metres deep.

After being confined to the solitary cells several times and enduring barbaric conditions of the prison for three years, Fred Ward swam to freedom on 11 September 1863.

A reward of 25 pounds was posted for Ward's capture. This was subsequently increased to 100 pounds, 200 pounds and finally 500 pounds in 1870.

Following his escape Fred Ward soon abandoned an attempt at an ordinary life and embarked on his colourful career as Thunderbolt.

Photos:

Top - Ship docks on Cockatoo Island. In the foreground is Sutherland Dock, and in the background the original Fitzroy Dock on which Fred Ward laboured from mid 1856 to 1860.

Bottom - View from the troopers' barracks on Cockatoo Island to the north side of Sydney Harbour.

Further information is available in the book Captain Thunderbolt - Horsebreaker to Bushranger which you can buy from Tocal [details]

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