I have finished ”, Australia’s Most Unforgettable Prison Escapes. There are some sensational stories of prison escapes within this book from all over Australia.Having been a Prison Officer in New South Wales, led me to read the stories from that state first, before venturing on to the others. I was fascinated by every story in the book.
I was particularly taken by the story titled “WA’s Favourite Bushranger” – Moondyne Joe. Although he probably was not a bushranger in the strict sense of the word, he was definitely a rogue, an outlaw and an escapologist.
His story led me to learn the poem “The ballad of Moondyne Joe”. It is great fun to sit around with family, especially your children and grandchildren, and recite a poem from memory. For your enjoyment I have included the poem.
The Ballad of Moondyne Joe
In the Darling Ranges, many years ago,
There lived a daring outlaw, by the name of ‘Moondyne Joe’
He stole the squatter’s horses, and a sheep or two or three,
The troopers said we’ll catch him, but we know it’s all in vain,
Every time we lock him up he breaks right out again.
‘Cause in he goes, and out he goes, and off again he’ll go,
There’s not a gaol in WA can keep in ‘Moondyne Joe’.
I highly recommend the book “Jailbreak” by Wendy Lewis. It is an interesting, well written and thoroughly researched book, and I give it 4 ¾ stars out of 5.
You can find more details on www.echopbulishing.com.au
Peter T Egge
