Dr Ludwig BeckerPrint Page

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.

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