Kelly, Ned

Kelly, Ned (1855-80), Australian outlaw.

Edward Kelly, who was always called Ned, was often in trouble with the Police as a boy. So were his relations and his mother was sent to prison in 1878.

Afterwards, Ned openly became a bushranger (outlaw) and a huge reward of  £8,ooo was offered for him and his gang of three, including his brother Dan.

The gang shot and killed three policemen and afterwards robbed two banks.

They were hunted for two years and the Police finally trapped them in Glenrowan, Victoria. They were all wearing body armour of iron made by a blacksmith and Ned Kelly had an iron helmet as well.

A gun battle followed. Three of the outlaws died, and Ned was captured. He had five serious bullet wounds and twenty-five wounds from shotgun pellets. Ned Kelly was found guilty of murder and hanged for his crimes. Yet people admired him for his bravery.

Today, in Australia, if anyone is known to be brave they say, 'He is as game as Ned Kelly.'

See Ian Jones Ned Kelly a Short Life