In 1886, a notorious gang of horsemen wreaked havoc on the Overlanders’ Trail that stretched across the Northern Territory into the wild Kimberley region. They stole cattle with audacity, brazenly held up pubs and cattle stations, and drove a herd of stolen horses with unmatched daring. As part of the Halls Creek goldrush, these men became infamous as the Ragged Thirteen. Dubbed by some as the "Tea and Sugar Bushrangers" and by others as "the scum of the four colonies, fugitives from justice," the Ragged Thirteen were more than outlaws. They were brilliant horsemen, masterful bushmen, lovers of bush poetry, and champions of the underdog. In this meticulously researched account, Derek Pugh retraces their 138-year-old trail across the Top End, from Mataranka to Halls Creek, to uncover the extraordinary true story of these legendary figures of Australia’s wild frontier.
Dr. Derek Pugh OAM is an esteemed educator and award-winning author known for his extensive works on Northern Territory history, science, travel, and young adult fiction (see derekpugh.com.au). His most celebrated contributions include a historical series on the settlement of the Northern Territory, the Overland Telegraph Line, and a memoir recounting his experiences living in Maningrida. Derek also served as the presenter in the acclaimed feature documentary "Twenty to the Mile," which explores the Overland Telegraph Line, and he frequently shares his expertise on Northern Territory history through various podcasts. Derek moved to the Northern Territory in 1982, where he worked in land conservation and with Kakadu National Park. He holds five university degrees or postgraduate qualifications, along with an honorary doctorate from Charles Darwin University. Although now "professionally retired," Derek continues to engage in lecturing and writing books and screenplays focused on Territory history.
In addition to his non-fiction work, Derek has authored two novels, including Tammy Damulkurra, which is a prescribed Year 9 reader across the entire nation of Kiribati. Since 2021, Derek has also been a Guest Lecturer with Coral Expeditions, where he continues to share his knowledge and passion for the history of the Northern Territory.
* A forgotten story of Northern Territory Bushrangers who ranged on the Overlanders' Trail from mataranka to halls Creek in 1886, as part of the halls Creek goldrush. None were captured or held to account.
* Derek Pugh followed their 138 year old trail and continued his research into the lives of the Ragged Thirteen after they 'went straight'. Some died early, others became respectable businessmen or station owners. Many have descendants still living in the bush of the Northern Territory and Queensland.
* In this gripping, meticulously researched tale, Derek Pugh uncovers the real story of the Ragged Thirteen, following their 138-year-old trail across the rugged Top End. Their story isn’t just history; it’s an adventure.
Publicity:
* Podcasts, Radio interviews, Historical societies, Social media, potential feature film.
