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Dr Ludwig BeckerPrint Page Print this page

04-September-2013
04-September-2013

Photographs supplied by Colin Judkins

The headstone at the grave site was erected in memory of Dr Ludwig Becker, who with William Purcell and  Charles Stone were members of the ill-fated Burke and Wills Expedition of 1861. The three men were buried together in 1861 and its location is both a memorial to Dr Becker`s life and to the Burke and Wills Expedition.

Initially, three blazed trees marked the spot and these were later protected by a chain fence. In early 1987 a small headstone was erected by the station hands at Bulloo Station and unveiled by Brisbane members of the Queensland Historical Society. The chain fence was replaced with a more sturdy stockrail fence, which protected the headstone but not the three blazed trees, and now only one of the blazed stumps remain.

Dr Ludwig Becker, Charles Stone and William Purcell all died at a waterhole from the effects of scurvy on the Bulloo River where they had set up a Depôt camp. The camp was called Bulla, although the waterhole is now called Koorliatto. Charles Stone died on Monday 22nd April 1861 , William Purcell died the next day, Tuesday 23rd April 1861 and Ludwig Becker died on Monday 29th April 1861. All three were buried together near the waters edge.

Dr Ludwig Becker was an Australian artist, explorer and naturalist born in Darmstadt, Germany. His scientific knowledge and artistic ability qualified him for selection as a member of the Victorian Exploring Expedition in 1860-61, which has since become known as the Burke and Wills expedition. It was organised by the Philosophical Institute of Victoria which in 1860 became the Royal Society of Victoria.

 

Location

Address:near Molesworth Station, Koorliatto Waterhole , Bulloo Downs, 4492
State:QLD
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -28.32089
Long: 143.12375
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Grave
Monument Theme:People
Sub-Theme:Exploration
Link:http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/heritage…

Dedication

Approx. Monument Dedication Date:1987
Front Inscription

LUDWIG BECKER
    1808 - 1861
Artist And Naturalist
Burke And Wills Expedition
Interred 29 - 4 - 1861
            With
William Purcell And Charles Stone
 

Source: MA, QHR
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au