Battle of Parramatta facts for kids

The Battle of Parramatta was an important event during the Australian Frontier Wars. These wars were a series of conflicts between Indigenous Australians and European settlers. This particular battle happened in Sydney in March 1797.

During this time, a strong Aboriginal resistance leader named Pemulwuy led a group of Bidjigal warriors. There were about 100 warriors in his group. They attacked a government farm in a place called Toongabbie. Pemulwuy challenged the soldiers, known as redcoats, to a fight.

What Happened During the Battle?

The settlers and soldiers quickly grabbed their muskets (a type of gun). They chased the Aboriginal warriors through the night. As the sun came up, they found about 100 Aboriginal people just outside Parramatta. The warriors ran away at first.

The settlers then went into Parramatta. About an hour later, a large group of Aboriginal people followed them. This group was led by Pemulwuy.

When the two groups met, Pemulwuy threw a spear at a soldier. This made the government troops and settlers start shooting their guns. Pemulwuy was hit several times and was badly hurt. The Aboriginal warriors threw many spears back, hitting one man in the arm. The European soldiers had much more powerful weapons. Five Aboriginal warriors were killed right away.

What Was the Outcome?

The Bidjigal warriors suffered many losses and had to retreat. The soldiers took Pemulwuy to the hospital in Parramatta. He was in and out of consciousness for several days. Everyone thought he would not survive his injuries.

But Pemulwuy was very strong. Against all expectations, he got better. A few weeks later, he managed to escape from the hospital. He even got away while still wearing his legcuffs.

See also

• Battle of Richmond Hill