21/11/2008 1:13:14 PM
Irish History - Escape From The Empire - The Catalpa

 

 

ESCAPE FROM THE IMPERIAL GULAG – AUSTRALIA 1876 THE CATALPA

 


Text Box: On 17 April 1876, six Irish political prisoners were rescued from Fremantle prison by the American ship Catalpa. The rescue was organised in Ireland and the USA by John Collins of the Fenian Brotherhood (in Ireland called the IRB) and the rescued men, Michael Harrington, Thomas Darragh, James Wilson, Thomas Hassett, Martin Hogan and Robert Cranston, (shown in the lower section of the picture), were members of the secret organisation. Captain George Anthony (shown top right) and five of his crewmen, shown to his right, at top, effected the rescue by whaleboat from Rockingham Beach, in broad daylight. The garrison was distracted and the operation was concealed by the Regatta Day events which filled the sea with boats and yachts. The ship was pursued by the Imperial gunboat Georgette, but hoisted the Stars and Stripes, defied boarding and warned of the international consequences of firing, and escaped when the gunboat ran short of coal. This rescue was one of a number from the Australian gulag. The organisation of this one was remarkable, taking place on three continents and depending for its success on precise timing for the afternoon of the Fremantle Regatta.


 
Terms Of Use | © Canberra Irish Club 2008 | CMS by IASP