Covers the life and adventures of John William Billiat, who at 21 years of age, was the youngest member of the John McDouall Stuart expedition which transversed from the south (Adelaide) to the north coast of Australia (near Darwin). John William Billiatt, born in 1842 in Lincolnshire, arrived in Adelaide in 1861 after having landed in Melbourne. He moved to 'Kingsford' near Gawler where he stayed with the King Family. With his cousin Stephen King he joined John McDouall Stuart's successful expedition crossing Australia from South to North and back at Chambers Creek in 1862. He was employed as an assistant cook and at times had to shoot a goose, emu and horse to provide a meal for the party.
Local notes
John William Billiatt, born in 1842 in Lincolnshire, arrived in Adelaide in 1861 after having landed in Melbourne. He moved to 'Kingsford' near Gawler where he stayed with the King Family. With his cousin Stephen King he joined John McDouall Stuart's successful expedition crossing Australia from South to North and back at Chambers Creek in 1862. He was employed as an assistant cook and at times had to shoot a goose, emu and horse to provide a meal for the party.