Air force and private planes combed a large area for any sign of survivors or wreckage. None was found, and finally the search was called off. Then a young bushman, Bernard O'Reilly, decided to follow his own hunch about where the plane might be. On 27th February he set off on the bushwalk of his life.
Air force and private planes combed a large area for any sign of survivors or wreckage. None was found, and finally the search was called off. Then a young bushman, Bernard O'Reilly, decided to follow his own hunch about where the plane might be. On 27th February he set off on the bushwalk of his life.
" Bernard knew the mountains better than most. He was not afraid of a little bushwalk..."
"Bernard O'Reilly set out on a perilous journey into the mountains forest as dense as any jungle, armed only with his knowledge, his instinct and much not more than a few onions."
"Bernard had only to read the signs that abounded in that jungle... All of nature conspired to help him keep steady course across the ranges... and the suddenly he saw something which made him jump. Eight miles away by the map, on the third range, "Lamington Plateau', just where it swelled up to join the border range, was a tree-top which was light brown."
Discovery:
... it was a horrible, unclean thing, which held the trapped remains of what once were men-a repulsive thing which he could not go near. "
Westray Story:
..Ah! There is my man just ahead, sitting with his back against a big boulder. 'Hullo!' He shouted. 'Hoy there!' He didn't move.
Bernard goes for help:
It is like a dream now - that wild run - he was quite mad - his heart had been wrung out with horror and with pity - no one who looked upon those poor survivors could help praying as he did. 'that God would let me live long enough to help these men'.
Christmas Creek comes alive:
" Bernard knew the mountains better than most. He was not afraid of a little bushwalk..."
"Bernard O'Reilly set out on a perilous journey into the mountains forest as dense as any jungle, armed only with his knowledge, his instinct and much not more than a few onions."
"Bernard had only to read the signs that abounded in that jungle... All of nature conspired to help him keep steady course across the ranges... and the suddenly he saw something which made him jump. Eight miles away by the map, on the third range, "Lamington Plateau', just where it swelled up to join the border range, was a tree-top which was light brown."
Men and women who live in the Australian bush are quick to rally when there is any danger or when others are in need. The tiny hamlet of Christmas Creek came alive that Sunday night. Stinson Park is where the ambulances waited for the two surviving men to be carried out - it was there that a community gathered to offer help.
More information can be found here: http://www.visitscenicrim.com.au/in-the-beginning/very-famous-locals/bernard-oreilly-family/
We will gather for a barbeque breakfast at 7am on the morning of 19 February, to share a meal before attending the memorial to be held at Stinson Park. I will supply sausages, bacon, egg and bread but please BYO anything else you would like. Please log a will attend for catering, and I would like some volunteers to help cook please. The event will finish at 9am in time for the memorial nearby. Please gather near the BBQ's just in front of the creek at Stinson Park....there is picnic tables but you may like to BYO chair just in case.
There is lots of happenings in Christmas Creek over the weekend to commemorate the anniversary including walks, slides (presented by me and my mother) and dinner. Please see this site for all information on what is planned and to book for walks.
http://www.christmascreek.net.au/copy-of-stinson-80th-anniversary
I highly recommend the walks if you have been thinking about it as they are being led by the Buchanan Family whose knowledge of the area, the crash and the rescue is extensive. The Buchanan brothers were the first people Bernard met when going for help and they led led him on their horses another eight miles to their house and a telephone.
If you would like to make a weekend of it as I am, there is numerous accommodation options - I have a LIMITED number of sites booked at Stinson Park, please let me know if you would like to camp. Alternatively please arrange your own accommodation.
I will keep this page updated as more information comes to hand.